Coming to the end of our trip to Italy, mum and I were in desperate need of some relaxation in the sun. Sorrento was just the place to go! This is somewhere you could either easily spend the week or just take a day trip to. It is often regarded as a gateway to the Amalfi coast with easy access to Naples, Positano and Capri to name only a few. Yet this sleepy cliffside town also offers beautiful views across the bay, locally produced limocello and fantastic shopping opportunities in the characterful side streets.
Getting there…
We were staying in Naples and ended up taking the ferry across to Sorrento for the day. It takes less than an hour and is a cheap and easy way to get to the town. There was more than enough time to take in all the main sights of the sleepy coastal town and to sit and admire the scenery.
What to do?
From the ferry port we headed up a well signposted steep set of stairs and followed the road around. This bought us into Piazza Sant’Antonino. I was completely blown away immediately. This vibrant, colourful piazza left a fantastic first impression on us. Arriving first thing in the morning meant there were no large crowds to detract from the natural beauty of the town. From here we managed to see all the main sights, as well as some lesser known hidden gems with time to spare!
Basilica di Sant’Antonino
The oldest church in Sorrento, if you are going to visit any of the religious buildings in town I would strongly suggest it be this one. Named for the patron saint of the town it sits on the Piazza Sant’Antonino. Although it boasts a fairly simple arhcitecture on the outside the inside of the church will blow you away. Unusual things to look out for include two whale bones in the lobby and a crypt underneath the altar containing the remains of Sant’Antonino.
Piazza Tasso
Piazza Tasso is the main square of the town. It is the perfect place for people watching and gives easy access to the rest of the main sights in town, however the restaurants adjoining the square tend to be more pricey than others in town. The square also has a viewpoint to look down towards the port below and a statue of the patron saint to admire.
Vallone dei Mulini
Otherwise known as the Valley of the Mills this hidden gem is too easy to miss. A large gorge lies just beyond Piazza Tasso and at the foot of it is the skeleton of a mill. This mill once served the areas in the 1800s. It has since been abandoned and has been partially reclaimed by nature, making it all the more beautiful.
Duomo
Sorrento Cathedral is another architectural marvel. Much like Basilica di Sant’Antonino it is simpler in design on the outside than it is on the inside. It is home to beautiful frescoes, stunning marble and a gorgeous bell tower dating back to the 11th century. The best place to view the bell tower is in the street opposite. It makes for a beautiful photograph.
Shopping
A large portion of the streets in Sorrento are pedestrianised. The side streets opposite Sorrento Cathedral are full of cute restuarants, cafes and shops. Old style street lamps and flags decorate the cobbled streets and market stalls full of fantastic food and souvenirs. It is easy enough to just get lost in the atmosphere as you wander through.
Chiostro di San Francesco
This lovely little church is one of the best hidden gems in Sorrento. It contains the most beautiful set of cloisters that are a popular spot for weddings and musical concerts. If you take the time to explore further and head upstairs you will find a photography and art exhibition, as well as a swing overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius.
Villa Communale Park
Just outside of Chiostro di Francesco is a lovely little park that overlooks the Bay of Naples. It is another great spot to look out at the view of the surrounding cliffs, the restaurants on the beach below and Mt Vesuvius in the distance. You can sit on a bench and look out upon the surroundings for hours!
I Giardini di Cataldo
Sorrento is well known for its limoncello, so where better to get some than a lemon grove in the middle of town?! You can wander around for free and can even have gelato and limoncello based drinks underneath the lemon grove. The smells and vibrant colours are fantastic. You can buy limoncello products made from the lemons from the shop on site! It is a proper hidden gem not to be missed.
Cocktails on the Sea
Whether you choose to go to the Marina Grande or one of the beaches at the foot of the cliffs you will be rewarded with fantastic views, fantastic food and incredible cocktails. If you choose one of the restaurants below the main part of town you will be able to swim in their lidos and utilise their beaches. Sorrento is not blessed with beaches and this is a great alternative and normally is less crowded. Mum and I chose to eat at Leonellis Beach and it provided all of the above!
Day Trips
As I mentioned previously, Sorrento is a fantastic base to allow you access to the Amalfi Coast. Boats from the port go to a variety of places including Naples, Capri and Positano. Tour operators also run regular trips to Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii. There is no shortage of things to see and do along the coastline and Sorrento is the perfect place to take advantage of it all.
Gelato
There are many, many different gelaterias in town. It can be very hard to pick one but many of the locals recommended Gelateria Davide to us. I can easily see why! It was brilliant! If you enjoy your gelato this is my recommended place to get it from.
Overall I would have to say that mum and I absolutely fell in love with Sorrento. It is charming and beautiful and full of character and hidden gems. I absolutely can not wait to return and explore the rest of the Amalfi coast!
Have you visited Sorrento yet? Let me know in the comments below!
