Sorrento holidays put you in the heart of the beautiful Neapolitan Riviera, with its low valleys, high mountains and hillsides, dotted with groves of colourful fruit. Perched on a cliff along a beautiful stretch of blue coastline, say ciao to one of Italy’s most exclusive holiday resorts. Here, you can delve deep into Italian culture as you explore medieval relics in timeless museums, before getting lost among the market-filled streets in its Old Town. But for heritage in the form of age-old recipes, you must sample Campanian cuisine! And if the key to your heart is through your belly, then the region’s most popular comfort food, gnocchi alla Sorrentina (a baked dish of little Italian dumplings in a tomato sauce) should be your go-to.
Still need convincing? Holidays to Sorrento will see you sipping limoncello at Piazza Tasso’s snazziest cocktail spots. That’s when you’re not making your way through 30 different flavours of gelato at Gelateria Davide, of course! Or exploring the Baroque Church and Cloisters of San Francesco. Plus, when you fancy a day trip you’ve got the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Capri all at your fingertips.
Things to do
Away from the lemon-lined cobbles and pizzerias is a serious art scene. The Museum Correale is full of Neopolitan crafts, European ceramics and an incredible collection of paintings themed around the Posillipo district, all housed in an 18th-century villa. Meanwhile, the SyArt Gallery represents new and upcoming artists with a contemporary flair. When you want your history fix, a guided walking tour of Sorrento’s Old Town will place you amidst the spectacularly ancient Valley of the Mills and the San Francesco Cloister.
Head a little further along the Amalfi Coast and you’ll discover the exclusive resort of Positano. Wander through steep streets of elegant boutiques and romantic restaurants. See the town's Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, a 13th-century church with an impressive 1920s dome. Or take a ferry to the striking Greek ruins of Paestum.
And if you want to tick off multiple resorts in one go, boat excursions to Positano, Ravello, Praiano, Atrani, Minori and Maiori are just some of the highlights. Head further afield to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which will take at least a full day to explore, but is certainly worth the time and effort.
Plus, did you know there are three waterparks in the region? Green Island is perfect for thrill-seeking families with its kamikaze drops and black cannon chutes. Those travelling with younger tots should make a beeline for Aquafarm. Kids below 105cm tall go free - do we need to say more? Meanwhile, Valle dell’Orso lies in the heart of the Vesuvius National Park with a wave pool, relaxation zones and anaconda shaped slide.
Beaches
Sorrento’s beaches are made up of small coves with wooden bathing platforms built over the sea, perfect for daredevil divers. Marina Piccola Beach, in particular, is a stretch of volcanic sand backed by a variety of beach clubs mixing up classic Negroni cocktails and providing a VIP sunbathing experience. Head off the beaten track to Regina Giovanna, a beauty spot where the ancient Roman ruins of Villa Pollio Felice still stand. But most importantly, there’s a turquoise-tinted lagoon daring you to take a dip. Families will appreciate the shallow water at the coastal hotspot, Puolo. And for camera-worthy vistas, the bay of Loreto sits at the tip of Sorrento’s peninsula overlooking the island of Capri.
History and culture
It was the Greeks who first founded Sorrento in the 6th century BC - it then became a part of the Roman Empire in the 4th century BC. Today, Sorrento is a popular holiday resort etched into the cliffside with a maze of cobbled streets, traditional buildings and striking rocky landscapes.
Down its narrow alleyways are quaint cafes, pasta-filled restaurants and shops that sell locally crafted goods such as jewellery, leather shoes and clothes, satisfying those curious about the culture. And don’t be surprised to see decorated murals, bell towers and remains of 16th-century defence walls, orginally built to protect the region from pirates.
Nightlife
Sorrento’s evening entertainment revolves around eating and socialising, so you won't find many nightclubs in the area. There are, however, lots of great bars and restaurants open late when you fancy an evening tipple. Think cosy cocktail spots serving up Aperol Spritz, live bands, cabaret and dance performances. The Filou Club is one of them. Set between the ancient walls of Via Santa Maria della Pietà, it hosts a busy line-up of pianists, singers and DJs.
When you do want to turn the partying up a notch (by a notch, we mean dancing until 3am), head over to Piazza Tasso and follow the sound of chart remixes and techno tunes at Fauno Notte Club.
Places To Stay
See Hotels in Sorrento.
