A picturesque coastal town in the Campania region of southern Italy, Sorrento is perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its bustling marinas. Overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is also nearby the infamous Mount Vesuvius — known for its eruption that destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii — and serves as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Initially inhabited by the Oscans in the 6th century BCE, Sorrento eventually became a Greek colony. Later, it flourished as a resort town for the Roman elite. Luxurious villas were constructed along the coastline; their ruins can still be visited today by modern passerby. Sorrento is also known for its exceptionally friendly locals and a relaxed seaside aesthetic. Tourists often report feeling at home in Sorrento, which means that you can too! Travel with Gray Line Worldwide today to get access to the best attractions and landmarks in the Sorrento area.
Tour Expert, Gray Line Sorrento
As the main square of Sorrento, Piazza Tasso is named after the famous 16th-century poet Torquato Tasso, who was born in the town. On a normal day, the piazza is a hive of activity with several historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops serving as meeting places for locals and tourists alike. Part of the original medieval town layout, the square underwent significant changes in the 19th century as Sorrento modernized and became known for its tourist industry. Visit the Baroque Church of Santa Maria del Carmine on the right size of the piazza and check out the elegant 19th-century buildings on the edges of the square. For a more romantic experience, book a horse-drawn carriage ride through Sorrento that begins and ends at the Piazza Tasso.
The Museo Correale di Terranova is a renowned museum located in Sorrento that is celebrated for its rich art collection, historical artifacts, and jaw-dropping location overlooking the Gulf of Naples. It is often referred to as the “most beautiful provincial museum in Italy” because of its stunning views. Established in 1924 by the Correale family, the museum is housed in an 18th-century villa that once served as the dynasty’s summer residence. Upon the death of the last great Correale family patrons, the villa and its storied contents were gifted to the city of Sorrento with the stipulation that the space should be transformed into a museum that promoted the cultural heritage of the region. Discover the many still life and landscape paintings on display along with the exquisite 18th-century clocks and furniture.
Along the Amalfi Coast lies another highly recognized historical treasure house: the buried ancient city of Pompeii. A Roman city located near modern-day Naples, Pompeii was founded around the 7th or 6th century BCE by the Oscans, an Italic people. Over time, it became a thriving Roman city due to its strategic location near the Bay of Naples and fertile volcanic soil. On August 24, 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically and literally buried Pompeii under 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash and pumice. The disaster froze the city in time with residents tragically captured in their final moments before death. Nowadays, Pompeii is an open-air museum available for exploration. Walk along the city’s original cobblestone streets with grooves made by Roman chariots and step inside the remains of bakeries, the Roman equivalent of fast food establishments, and even brothels. The surviving amphitheater once held up to 20,000 spectators and hosted gladiatorial games along with other public events.
The Path of the Gods is one of the most famous hiking trails in Italy. Running alongside the Amalfi Coast, the trail runs between the towns of Bomerano and Nocelle and offers unparalleled views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Originally a mule path used by locals in ancient times, the trail connects what once were remote communities along the Amalfi Coast. According to legend, the gods used this path to descend from Mount Olympus to save Ulysses from the sirens who lived on the nearby Li Galli islands. Stretching for about 4.8 miles, the entire trail takes approximately 2.5 to 4 hours to complete. The path is rich in Mediterranean vegetation, including wildflowers, aromatic herbs, and olive trees. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient stone houses, shepherds’ huts, and remnants of the trail’s historical use as a mule path.
As one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, Mount Vesuvius is highly visible from Sorrento. It’s best known for its catastrophic eruption in 79 AD that destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. With several eruptions since then — the latest was in 1944 — Mount Vesuvius is still considered an active volcano. The landmark’s history is deeply entwined with local myth and the region’s geology. Due to its rich, fertile soil, the landscape around Mount Vesuvius has been a historically popular spot for agricultural production, particularly wine grapes and produce. Guests can travel to the mountain's summit along the Gran Cono Trail. The path itself starts at an elevation of 3,280 feet and stops at the crater rim after about 30 to 45 minutes of moderate hiking. As expected, the top of Mount Vesuvius offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, Sorrentine Peninsula, and surrounding countryside.
As one of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in the region (which is saying something in a nation veritably teeming with them), the Church and Cloister of San Francesco is a place of immense beauty, tranquility, and cultural importance. The church itself dates back to the 14th century, though its origins are tied to earlier religious traditions in Sorrento. Dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, the Baroque and Gothic-style complex is still an active place of worship. The cloister frequently hosts classical music concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural events while the garden looks out over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Marina Grande and Marina Piccola are two harbors in Sorrento that border the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. As the oldest of the harbors, Marina Grande has a history dating back to Greek and Roman times. It served as Sorrento’s primary port for centuries, hence its designation as the “Big Marina,” a title that speaks to its importance as the village’s hub for trading and fishing. Unlike Marina Grande — which retains the feel of a traditional fishing village from antiquity — Marina Piccola is a more modern addition intended to serve as Sorrento’s contemporary commercial and tourist port. A bustling hub for ferries and hydrofoils connecting Sorrento to nearby destinations like Capri, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast, Marina Piccola is also home to ticket offices, cafes, and shops catering to international visitors.
Also known as the Baths of Queen Giovanna, Villa Pollio Felice is a fascinating historical and archaeological site near Sorrento. This ancient Roman villa perched on a stunning promontory overlooking the Gulf of Naples and offered views of the surrounding landscape. In the 1st century BCE, this seaside villa was built for a wealthy Roman aristocrat (likely a member of the Pollio family) as a retreat for relaxation and leisure. With opulent architecture, thermal baths, and private access to the sea, Villa Pollio Felice stood as a symbol for wealth and power of the owner. The site later became associated with Queen Giovanna II of Naples who allegedly used the villa as a private residence and bathed in the natural outdoor pool. On a more sinister note, the queen supposedly lured her lovers to the villa and disposed of them in the sea. The ruins of the home are scattered across the hillside, and the natural seawater pool in question connected to the ocean by a narrow archway cut into the rock.
Along with many places in Italy, Sorrento is celebrated for its cuisine. In particular, the town’s vibrant street food scene offers a delicious way to experience the local culture and tastes that figure into Sorrento’s past. Local markets like the Corso Italia or Piazza Tasso sell fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and baked goods made fresh everyday. Try some local specialties like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Some recognizable street food vendors include Pizza al Portafoglio — which offers a folded, handheld pizza intended for eating on the go — and Cuoppo di Mare, an offering of fried seafood, including calamari, shrimp, and anchovies. Of course, you can’t call it a day unless you’ve sampled Sorrento’s creamy, artisanal gelato.
The Grotta dello Smeraldo — or Emerald Grotto — is a sea cave located near the towns of Conca dei Marini and Sorrento. Formed over thousands of years by erosion to the limestone cliffs, the grotto was discovered in 1932 by a fisherman named Luigi Buonocore. Captivated by the enchanting colors, Buonocore was struck by the way sunlight filtered through the water and reflected off the cave’s walls. Plan a boat tour through the grotto and see the mesmerizing emerald waters for yourself. Alongside the stunning rock shapes, you’ll see human art installations like the small Virgin Mary altar. Enjoy this relaxing and reinvigorating end to your Sorrento trip.
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This is a great way to experience the Amalfi Coast! Seeing the Amalfi Coast was high on my bucket list. I had heard best way is to experience it from both land and sea and this tour did that! Very convenient to meet in the main square of Sorrento and get on a mini bus. We were dr...
We loved Pompeii and this was the perfect way to see it. Staying in Sorrento, we walked 10 minutes from our airbnb to the meeting point and we were promptly checked in, on the bus and on the way. We had a two hour tour which was enough time and then back on the bus and back. It w...