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.
Top Tourist Attractions In Sorrento
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.
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?
It was founded by the Greeks in 7th century BC and is possibly where the legend of the Sirens came from, where they would sing to sailors and lure them to crash their ships into the rocks off the coast of Sorrento. Due to its natural beauty, tourism has played a significant part throughout this Italian region's history. In ancient Roman times, Emperor Augustus built a number of villas on the island of Capri. After the fall of the Roman empire, the Sorrento region was ruled by various kingdoms including the Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese, and the Kingdom of Naples. Sorrento was also part of the Grand Tour, where it was a custom tradition and an educational rite of passage for young upper class men to take a trip through Europe, particularly Italy between the 17th and 19th century. Many literary greats visited Sorrento, such as Lord Byron, Keats, Goethe and Walter Scott. During WW2, the allied forces landed in the Sorrento region and helped to liberate southern Italy. After the war, more hotels, restaurants and other facilities were built to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
I have walking difficulties, is a holiday in Sorrento suitable?
Our guided tours to Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast will involve periods of walking and standing, at times on uneven or cobbled surfaces. There will be steep inclines or steps to negotiate at certain locations and early morning starts for some excursions. A reasonable degree of health and mobility is required. For all our tours we have an activity level guide to help you decide which holiday suits you best. For specific advice regarding our Sorrento Coast tours and to discuss any special needs, please contact us directly and we will be happy to assist you.
Is Sorrento a good holiday destination for over 50s?
If you’re looking for a wonderful holiday experience in the south of Italy, Sorrento is the perfect place. Facing the legendary Bay of Naples and with a backdrop of green hills covered in olive trees, lemon orchards and vines, the town and villages of this scenic peninsula are buzzing with pavement cafes and pizzerias where you can plunge into the Mediterranean lifestyle. Our Sorrento Coast holidays provide the ideal base for taking excursions in Italy; you’ll visit the idyllic island of Capri, Pompeii’s ancient ruins and the dazzling Amalfi Coast.
Reviews, Travel Tips & Advice To Inspire Your Next Holiday Destination
Useful Links
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into Italy please see: www.dfa.ie
- Official Italian Tourism Board: www.italia.it
