Sorrento Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Sorrento Things to Do

Sorrento, located on Italy’s magnificent Amalfi Coast, has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. From the impressive ancient architecture, to the sumptuous food and drink, a visit to Sorrento will captivate all of your senses and should be on your short-list.

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Local Architecture and Landmarks

Similar to most ancient cities in the region, Sorrento is centered around a central square, located in the middle of the city; this is where the action happens. Known as Piazza Tasso, this square is bustling with activity from early morning into the evening. The Piazza is a favorite meeting place of locals and tourists alike, and is surrounded by several lively restaurants and bars. Featured in the square, unsurprisingly, is statue of its namesake, Torquato Tasso, the Renaissance poet. From the square you can access the Basilica, many restaurants, and the main shopping road. The regional train system is also located in this area.

The marninas, Piccolo and Grande, are also quite popular destinations, and provide access to the sea and relaxing beaches. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing day filled with sunshine, delicious refreshments, and some very interesting people watching.

Food & Drink

Italian food needs no introduction, and the abundance of seafood available in Sorrento makes this a favorite destination for foodies of all types. The restaurants in Sorrento range from cozy, long-standing neighbor establishments, to sumptuous gourmet restaurants with an international clientele. When in Sorrento, a Limoncello is a must; this refreshing liqueur will be homemade, with each family holding their own unique recipes, often passed down through generations.

Day Trips

From Sorrento, many tourists like to explore the majestic surrounding areas. Two of the most popular destinations are Capri and Pompeii. Capri is an incredible island and if you are already in the area is one that you cannot miss. This small island is an absolute treasure of natural beauty and is a popular spot for hikers and beachgoers alike. Be sure to take the funicular all the way to the top to get an amazing view of this gorgeous island and its stunning surroundings.

Exploring the ruins of Pompeii is surely a mystical experience. The ancient ruins are a window to the past and reveal quite a lot of everyday life in Pompeii prior to the volcano’s eruption. Be sure to join a guided tour, as there is a wealth of information that these guides possess that will deeply enrich your visit. Pompeii is accessible by bus and the excursion will take about a half day and as such is a perfect activity for a light day. Please note that this is a walking activity and portions of the tour can require rigorous physical exertion. There is a visitor center available to those that would rather avoid the hot sun.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Why You May Not Be Allowed to Visit Italy’s Cinque Terre This Year
• Your Ultimate Guide to the Amalfi Coast
• Rick Steves: Italy’s Alluring Amalfi Coast

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Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Sorrento.