Before this trip, we had barely heard of Sorrento, but it quickly became one of our top cities out of the 14 we visited. With cliffside views, lemon-scented air, charming streets, and easy access to both Capri and Positano, it’s the definition of la dolce vita.
Sorrento offers all the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, but with less chaos and more charm. We used it as our base for three nights and already can’t wait to go back.
Why Make Sorrento Your Home Base?
Sorrento strikes the perfect balance of vibrant coastal town and laid-back local vibe. It’s walkable, scenic, and a little more affordable than Capri or Positano — but still close enough to explore both with ease. The walk to the marina is relatively easy (especially by Amalfi standards), and most beach clubs are set up with boardwalk-style loungers and crystal-clear aqua waters.
You don’t need a car if you’re just sticking to the ferry-accessible towns, but if you want to explore on your own schedule (and dodge the tour buses), it’s worth having one.
How Many Days to Stay
We stayed 3 nights in Sorrento and found it to be the perfect amount of time for a well-paced itinerary: a full day in Capri, a day in Positano, and one full day to soak up Sorrento itself. You could definitely stay longer if you want more beach time or to explore nearby towns like Ravello or Amalfi.
Where to Stay
We stayed in an Airbnb about 10 minutes outside the main piazza, which was peaceful and quiet but still close to everything. A major pro tip: ask your host if they can connect you with a local “car valet”—ours handled all the parking and drop-offs for us via WhatsApp. Game changer.
If you want to stay closer to the action, look for accommodations near Piazza Tasso or the clifftop hotels overlooking the sea.
Day Trips from Sorrento
Capri by Boat
We booked a small group boat tour to Capri and the Blue Grotto, and it was such a wonderful day trip. The views of the coast from the water, swimming stops in turquoise coves, and cruising under the iconic Faraglioni rocks were unreal.
Our group ended up passing on the Blue Grotto because of the long queue, but the rest of the day more than made up for it. Book a tour that includes docking on Capri for a few hours so you can explore the island on foot.
Positano
We opted to drive to Positano instead of taking the ferry—and it was 100% the right move. Arriving before 9 AM meant we had the town nearly to ourselves, soaking in the peaceful morning light before the ferries and tour buses arrived. The coastal drive itself is worth doing just for the views—winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and those postcard-perfect Mediterranean scenes the Amalfi Coast is famous for.
We wandered from the upper parking area down through Positano’s signature narrow alleys, stopping for a light breakfast and a little early shopping. The town is packed with beautiful boutiques—from flowy linen pieces to hand-painted ceramics—and it was so nice to explore them without the midday crowds.
Pro tip: Parking is limited and fills quickly, so arrive early and use a central garage to avoid unnecessary stress.
What to Do in Sorrento
- Wander the Old Town. The main shopping street is full of lemon-themed boutiques, linen shops, and handmade ceramics. A bit pricey but less so than Capri.
- Relax at a beach club. Sorrento’s beach clubs are mostly built on wooden piers extending over aqua blue waters—not sandy, but stunning. The walk down is easier than in Positano, and the views from the water looking back at the cliffs are incredible.
- Taste the lemons. Sorrento is known for its lemons—giant, fragrant, and everywhere. From limoncello to lemon pasta to lemon print everything, you won’t leave without noticing.
- Sunset strolls along Villa Comunale. This garden area has one of the best panoramic views in town and a beautiful overlook of Mount Vesuvius.
Where to Eat in Sorrento
O’Parrucchiano La Favorita
This iconic lemon grove restaurant is a must. Tucked off the main street, it opens up into a fairytale-like garden dripping with citrus trees. To be honest, our meal had a few highs and lows (the pork chop was amazing, cannelloni was meh), but it’s worth it for the setting alone. Don’t skip dessert: the baba al limoncello—a rum-soaked brioche filled with whipped lemon cream—was so good we’d go back just for that.
Pro tip: Go before sunset for golden hour photos and make a reservation—walk-ins faced a long queue.
Trattoria Da Emilia
Located right on the marina, this spot had some of the best pasta dishes of our trip. We had vongole with gnocchi and linguini, both done in different sauces, and they were delicious. We also loved the breezy, come-as-you-are vibe.
Convivio
This homey gem totally won us over. Gorgonzola and pear gnocchi (yes, please), pizza, fresh salads, and lemony vongole pasta—all at super reasonable prices. It’s the kind of spot you want to visit twice.
Panificio Tenero e Croccante
This charming local bakery became a favorite. From chocolate-filled round pastries to mini ham croissants and perfectly salty olive bread, everything we tried was fantastic. It’s the kind of place where locals pop in for a daily loaf, and you’ll want to leave with a bag full of snacks for the day.
Raki Gelato
Honestly? We wanted to love it. There’s always a line, but it didn’t live up to the hype for us. Still, if you’re curious, try the lemon or fig flavors.
Cooking Class & Wine Tasting at Fattoria Terranova
This was hands-down one of our favorite experiences in all of Italy. A family-run farm tucked just outside Sorrento, Fattoria Terranova offered us an evening that felt like going to your Italian auntie’s house—if your auntie also happened to be a trained chef and wine expert.
We learned how to make fresh gnocchi, tiramisu, and cheese-stuffed lemon leaves (so simple, so good), all while sipping local wine and laughing with our hosts. The bruschetta with their own tomatoes and olive oil? Life-changing.
The night ended with homemade limoncello and full hearts.
Final Thoughts
We’d 100% go back to Sorrento. It was the perfect mix of ease, beauty, food, and charm—with none of the crowds and chaos of the bigger Amalfi Coast towns.
From lemons to limoncello, sunsets to seafood, and market strolls to coastal views, this town quietly steals your heart.
Follow along @erikaandmark for more destination recaps, travel tips, and behind-the-scenes reels.
Leave a comment