Sorrento Travel Guide

Ever since ancient times the Sorrento Coast has been a dream holiday destination, offering an array of incredible sights, scenery, cuisine and a pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Located in the region of Campania, overlooking the scenic Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, the Sorrento Peninsula has a unique landscape of hills and valleys adorned with scented lemon orchards and silvery olive groves, with dramatic cliff tops giving way to picturesque fishing villages.

Sorrento town's historic quarter has a wonderful choice of shops, restaurants and cafes. Further highlights include the peaceful cloisters of San Francesco, the Duomo (cathedral), the Correale Museum and atmospheric Marina Grande, the original fishing village at sea level. Sorrento also has a proud tradition of producing handcrafted ‘intarsio', or marquetry. There are several showrooms and shops in the town, where you can buy souvenirs of inlaid woodwork items like pretty music boxes.

Staying in Sorrento also provides the perfect base to visit some of southern Italy's most famous sights, such as the spectacular Amalfi Coast with its sapphire waters and pastel coloured villages, the romantic island of Capri and the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

We've outlined some essential tips and recommendations below to ensure your holiday to Sorrento will be unforgettable.


Time Zone & Currency

Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency in Italy is the Euro. 

Weather In Sorrento

The climate is generally pleasant; warm and sunny in spring and autumn and hot and dry in summer.

Reading For Your Trip To Sorrento

Positano by John Steinbeck

The House in Amalfi by Elizabeth Adler

The Story of San Michele by Axel Munthe

Best time to go to Sorrento

 

Between March and November you can experience sunshine and a pleasant warm climate. The hottest months are in July and August, peak tourist season, where temperatures reach 30°C or more.

Book your Sorrento holiday

 

Top Tourist Attractions In Sorrento

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The Amalfi Coast

Along the Sorrento Peninsular is a spectacular coastline approximately 50 kilometres. Travelling along the Amalfi Coast by car or boat offers breathtaking scenery and picturesque villages like Positano. 

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Capri

The chic island of Capri is famous for its landscapes, rugged cliffs, lush greenery, boutique shops, grand hotels and the clear blue sea that surrounds it. It has been a popular holiday destination for thousands of years, from Roman Emperors to Hollywood stars! 

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Mount Vesuvius

One of the few active volcanoes left in Europe, Mount Vesuvius offers great hiking trails and spectacular views. Infamous for destroying the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD, it is now a national park and a walker’s paradise. 

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Pompeii

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Roman city was buried and largely preserved under ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Even today archaeologists are still finding new artefacts which provide more insight into the people that lived in Pompeii.  

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Sorrento Town

Set on a spectacular headland, Sorrento boasts wonderful views across the Bay of Naples to Capri and Ischia. The town’s historic quarter radiates from Via San Cesareo, where there’s excellent shopping and a host of restaurants and pavement cafés.


9 things to do on a Sorrento holiday

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sorrento, a region that offers a wealth of spectacular attractions, including the Amalfi coastline, Pompeii and Capri.

Find out more

Food and drink in Sorrento

 

Pizza was invented in Naples, and for 300 years its people have cherished their Margherita (tomato, buffalo mozzarella, olive oil & basil) and Marinara (tomato, olive oil, garlic & oregano). Pasta or risotto with fresh seafood are also popular and delicious. The Campania region produces excellent wines, including the fruity white Greco di Tufo and the lighter Fiano di Avellino, while red wine lovers will enjoy a glass of Taurasi. A chilled glass of Limoncello, made from juicy local lemons, is a great way to end a meal!

Sorrento Travel Guide FAQs

Can you give a brief history of Sorrento?

Is Sorrento a good holiday destination for over 50s?

I have walking difficulties, is a holiday in Sorrento suitable?

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Useful Links

  • For up-to-date information regarding entry into Italy please see: www.dfa.ie
  • Official Italian Tourism Board: www.italia.it
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