Top 10 best things to do in Sorrento, Italy in One Week

Sorrento sits proudly on the cliffs of Southern Italy, facing the Mediterranean Sea with confidence and charm. With its prime location overlooking the Bay of Naples, it is the perfect place to begin an unforgettable trip through the Amalfi Coast and the wider Sorrentine Peninsula. Warm temperatures, scenic viewpoints, and charming streets set the tone for travellers who want beauty, comfort, and a sense of ease. Dive in with the bucket list of top 10 things to do in Sorrento from Designer Journeys that will make your visit unforgettable.

1. Explore the Historic Old Town

Sorrento’s Old Town is a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual tourists. As you wander through narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by ancient architecture, from Roman ruins to remnants of the medieval period. The Duomo di Sorrento, the town’s cathedral, and the Basilica di Sant’Antonino, dedicated to Sorrento’s patron saint, are key highlights. Don’t miss San Cesareo, a bustling street where you can explore traditional shops and experience local history firsthand.

Sorrento’s Old Town is a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual tourists.

Must-see: Visit the 14th-century Sedile Dominova, an elegant loggia that was once a meeting place for the town’s aristocrats.

Insider Tip: Make sure to wander down Via San Cesareo, where you can find a vibrant array of souvenirs and locally made products.

2. Visit Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia

Piazza Tasso, Sorrento’s central square, is a vibrant hub of activity. From here, you can take a stroll along Corso Italia, Sorrento’s main shopping street, lined with boutiques, cafes, and shops selling inlaid wood, a local craft. It’s the perfect spot to relax and people-watch while enjoying a cappuccino or gelato.

You will also find seamless access to the city centre, Corso Italia, and the historic centre from here. If you are arriving by public transit, the train station is only a short walk away, which makes this area an excellent hub for day trips around Southern Italy.

Piazza Tasso is a vibrant hub of activity.

What to Do: Grab a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy the people-watching, or take a leisurely stroll around the square, which is lined with beautiful architecture.

What to Find: From Italian designer clothing and handmade leather goods to fine jewellery and souvenirs, Corso Italia offers a shopping experience for all tastes.

Insider Tip: In the summer months, the street is pedestrian-only in the evenings, making it even more enjoyable to walk and explore.

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6-Day Culture and Wine in Tuscany

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3. Take in the Views at Villa Comunale Park

For some of the most spectacular views in Sorrento, head to Villa Comunale Park. This serene spot overlooks the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento coastline, providing panoramic views of Mount Vesuvius and Marina Piccola, the town’s smaller port. The park is also close to the Cloister of San Francesco, a beautiful medieval cloister often used for art exhibitions and weddings.

Villa Comunale Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Vesuvius and Marina Piccola.

Insider Tip: For the best photographs, arrive in the late afternoon as the setting sun casts golden light over the landscape.

Notable Nearby Attractions: From Villa Comunale, you can take a short walk to the Church of San Francesco and the nearby marina.

4. Discover Marina Grande and Enjoy Fresh Fish

Marina Grande is a picturesque fishing village on the Sorrento coastline, known for its vibrant atmosphere and waterfront restaurants. Here, you can enjoy classic dishes featuring fresh fish, like grilled sea bass or pasta with clams, while enjoying sea views. The colourful boats, charming houses, and friendly locals make it an excellent spot to soak in the authentic Sorrentine vibe.

The colourful boats and charming houses make Marina Grande an excellent spot to soak in the Sorrentine vibe.

What to Do: In Marina Grande, enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch by the water. At Marina Piccola, consider booking a boat tour to Capri or a sunset cruise along the coast.

Insider Tip: The small beach at Marina Grande is a great spot for swimming, especially for those looking to escape the busier tourist areas.

5. Relax at Bagni della Regina Giovanna

Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a hidden gem for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty. This secluded beach offers crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by ancient Roman ruins. Named after Queen Giovanna, who is said to have bathed here, this spot is perfect for swimming and enjoying the serene environment away from the main tourist areas.

Enjoy swimming and the serene environment away from the main tourist areas at Bagni della Regina Giovanna.

Getting There: You can reach the baths by walking from the town centre or taking a short bus ride.

What to Bring: The area is rocky, so bring water shoes and be prepared for a short hike to access the lagoon.

Insider Tip: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for enjoying this tranquil spot, especially during the summer.

6. Day Trip to Capri

Sorrento is an ideal base for day trips to nearby attractions. A boat trip along the Amalfi Coast offers dramatic coastal views, and a trip to the island of Capri promises glamorous beaches, luxury shopping, and the famous Blue Grotto. A private transfer or guided tour will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. For a more affordable option, consider taking the local Circumvesuviana train to explore the surrounding area, including Mount Vesuvius and the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

The famous Blue Grotto in Capri.

Image source: capri.com

Highlights: Visit the Gardens of Augustus for panoramic views, take the chairlift to Monte Solaro, and enjoy the island’s luxurious ambience.

Timing: Ferries depart frequently throughout the day, but it’s best to head out early to maximise your time on the island.

7. Explore the Surrounding Area and UNESCO Sites

Sorrento’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for day trips to other famous destinations along the Amalfi Coast, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the nearby ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum or even hike up Mount Vesuvius for a more adventurous excursion. Additionally, nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum, two ancient Roman cities frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offer you an extraordinary look into Roman life. Pompeii, in particular, is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world.

Visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius for a deeper dive into ancient Roman history.

Must-visit Sites: The Amalfi Coast, with its stunning cliffside villages like Positano and Ravello, is perfect for a day trip. Don’t miss the chance to visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius for a deeper dive into ancient Roman history.

Insider Tip: Book a guided tour to fully appreciate the rich history of these UNESCO sites and avoid the crowds by arriving early.

8. Enjoy Wine Tasting and Cooking Classes

Italy is known for its excellent wines, and Sorrento is no exception. Wine tastings are a popular activity in the area, where you can sample local varieties grown in the region’s fertile soil. Additionally, cooking classes allow you to learn how to prepare classic Sorrentine dishes using local ingredients, such as olive oil from nearby olive groves and fresh seafood.

Taking cooking classes is a fun activity with your family while you’re in Sorrento.

Wine Tasting: Many local vineyards organise tours and tastings where you can sample the region’s finest wines, such as the rich reds from nearby Campania.

Cooking Classes: Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, these classes allow you to bring a piece of Sorrento home with you.

9. Take a Stroll Through Sorrento’s Weekly Street Market

For a taste of everyday life in Sorrento, visit the weekly street market, typically held on Tuesdays. This lively market is a bustling hub where locals shop for fresh produce, clothing, household items, and souvenirs. The market offers an authentic glimpse into Italian life, away from the more tourist-centric areas.

Typically held on Tuesdays, the market offers an authentic glimpse into Italian life.

What to Find: In addition to local food, you’ll find a variety of goods, such as ceramics, handicrafts, and leather products, at reasonable prices.

10. Visit Lemon Gardens and Taste Local Delicacies

Sorrento is famous for its lush lemon trees and groves. A visit to the Giardini di Cataldo or other lemon gardens offers a refreshing escape into nature, where you can learn about the production of Sorrento’s renowned limoncello liqueur. Be sure to sample local cuisine featuring lemons, from lemon-flavoured pasta to zesty desserts.

Visit the Giardini di Cataldo for a refreshing escape into nature.

Image source: igiardinidicataldo.it

What to Try: After your tour, indulge in tastings of various lemon-based delicacies, including limoncello, lemon marmalade, and lemon-infused sweets.

Insider Tip: Many gardens also offer opportunities to purchase freshly made products, which make perfect souvenirs or gifts.

11. Explore the Old Town

Sorrento’s old town is one of the most atmospheric parts of the city. Its narrow lanes are lined with lemon trees, artisan workshops, Roman ruins, and family-run bakeries. The historic centre is a place to wander slowly, discovering small shops, hidden gems, and authentic flavours.

You may notice how the ancient architecture blends with modern storefronts, a reminder of Sorrento’s long history. Even a short walk reveals the fair share of history this town holds.

12. Visit Basilica di Sant’Antonino

The Basilica di Sant’Antonino is dedicated to the city’s patron saint and stands as one of Sorrento’s most meaningful spiritual landmarks. Its Romanesque exterior leads into an interior filled with relics, artwork, and quiet moments of reflection. A visit here adds cultural depth and insight to your itinerary.

Sunset over Basilica di Sant’Antonio.

13. Visit Marina Grande

Marina Grande feels like a world of its own. This colourful fishing village, located below the cliffs of Sorrento, is loved for its fresh seafood, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning views of Mount Vesuvius.

Marina Grande port on Capri Island.

If you are looking for an unforgettable meal, this is where you will find it. Restaurants serve local mozzarella, grilled fish, and dishes made from local ingredients like olive oil and herbs grown nearby. Lunch here is often a highlight of the entire trip.

Marina Grande also offers easy access to short boat rides along the coast. A quick boat tour lets you see the shoreline from a new angle and gives you breathtaking views back toward the cliffs.

14. Relax at Sorrento’s Beach Clubs

Sorrento’s shoreline is defined by cliffside bathing platforms rather than sandy beaches. These platforms, known as beach clubs, extend over the water and provide comfortable sun loungers, umbrellas, and private changing rooms.

Beach and swimming area in Sorrento

During the summer months and peak season, beach clubs are a preferred choice for travellers who value comfort. You can swim in deep blue water, enjoy cocktails delivered to your chair, and enjoy the sunshine without crowds.

Be prepared for an extra cost, especially at premium clubs, but the experience is worth it.

15. Explore Roman Ruins and Famous Archaeological Sites

Although Sorrento is quieter than Pompeii or Herculaneum, it has Roman ruins throughout its historic centre. You may see them beneath glass panels, inside courtyards, or along narrow alleys in the old town.

The ruins of Pompeii.

For travellers who want to learn more, a guided tour or a driving tour to the famous archaeological sites nearby is an excellent option. Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius are all easy to reach on a day trip.

Suggested 7-Day Luxury Sorrento Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Sorrento’s Historic Heart

Morning:

• Arrive in Naples via flight or train. Arrange a private transfer directly to your Sorrento hotel for a seamless, stress-free welcome.
• Luxury hotel check-in: Unpack and enjoy a welcome drink overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Afternoon:

• Head out for a relaxed walk—start at Piazza Tasso, the bustling centre of Sorrento.
• Stroll the main thoroughfare (Corso Italia) for leather goods, artisan shops, and elegant cafes.

Evening:

• Dress up for a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant—try Terrazza Bosquet or Il Buco for a refined local cuisine experience with spectacular views.

Insider Tip: Early evening is the best time for people-watching in the piazza and shopping before dinner.

Day 2: Capri by Private Boat & Sunset Magic

Morning:

• Meet your captain at Marina Piccola or the main Sorrento port for a private boat tour. Glide along the Sorrento coast, then cross to Capri—enjoy prosecco and panoramic vistas.

Midday/Afternoon:

• Swim at secluded coves, stop at Blue Grotto (arrive early to avoid crowds), and dock in Capri’s marina for lunch in a chic seaside restaurant.
• Take time for souvenir shopping or explore the island’s boutiques and scenic spots.

Evening:

• Return to Sorrento and walk to Villa Comunale Park for a sunset aperitivo overlooking the sea—this is the city’s perfect place for photos and a relaxing finish to a full day.

Insider Tip: Arrange your boat trip in advance, especially during the high season or summer months.

Day 3: Culinary Immersion & Spa Relaxation

Morning:

• Join a private cooking class in the historic centre—learn to make gnocchi or ravioli with a family-run team, surrounded by lemon trees.

Afternoon:

• Wander through artisan boutiques for souvenir shopping, inlaid woodwork, and local limoncello tastings (try I Giardini di Cataldo).
• Take time to visit the Basilica di Sant’Antonino, dedicated to Sorrento’s patron saint.

Evening:

• Book a luxury spa session at your hotel: choose a lemon-infused massage or enjoy the infinity pool overlooking the bay.

Local Tip: Many spas offer evening hours with views of the city lights and the distant silhouette of Mount Vesuvius.

Day 4: Ancient Wonders – Pompeii & Vesuvius

Morning:

• Take a guided tour by private car to the ruins of Pompeii—see ancient Roman streets and villas, with expert insights.

Afternoon:

• After the tour, continue to a local vineyard at the base of Mount Vesuvius for a gourmet lunch and wine tasting featuring volcanic terroir.
• Return to Sorrento via train or bus (or your private transfer).

Evening:

• Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the port or in the fishing village at Marina Grande—dine at a family-run seafood restaurant, tasting the day’s fresh catch.

Insider Tip: Early fall offers warm temperatures and fewer crowds for archaeological explorations.

Day 5: The Amalfi Coast in Style

Morning:

• Your driver picks you up for a private car tour along the famous Amalfi Coast. Take in dramatic views at every turn.

Afternoon:

• Visit Positano and Amalfi—explore picturesque villages, artisan shops, and hidden scenic spots. Stop in Ravello for panoramic gardens.
• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a cliffside restaurant with sweeping sea views.

Evening:

• Return to Sorrento and dine at a rooftop restaurant, or if you wish, stay for a sunset drink in Positano before heading back.

Local Tip: Let your driver suggest stops in lesser-known villages for an authentic day trip away from the crowded hotspots.

Day 6: Beach Club Bliss & Sorrento’s Maritime Soul

Morning:

• Reserve a luxury cabana at a beach club near Marina Grande. Swim, sunbathe, and enjoy attentive beachside service with a view of colourful houses on the bay.

Afternoon:

• Explore the nearby fishing village—watch fishermen haul in fresh fish, and sample light bites at a family-run trattoria.
• Consider a stroll or guided tour along the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve for nature lovers.

Evening:

• Enjoy an aperitivo or classical music concert at the cloisters of San Francesco—a magical setting for a cultural evening.

Insider Tip: Summer afternoons can be crowded; a late lunch or early dinner offers a quieter atmosphere.

Day 7: Last Looks & Departure

Morning:

• Make time for last-minute shopping on Corso Italia or visit the historic shops in the old town for final souvenirs.
• Visit the Basilica di Sant’Antonino for a quiet moment before you leave.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a waterfront restaurant in Marina Grande—enjoy a final taste of fresh fish with the sound of the sea.
• Return to your hotel for check-out, or relax until your private transfer or scheduled train/ferry to Naples or your next destination.

Evening:

• Departure.

Local Tip: Many hotels offer late check-out or luggage storage so you can enjoy Sorrento until the last minute.

F.A.Qs

What to do for a day in Sorrento?

Spend the morning in Piazza Tasso and the historic centre, explore Villa Comunale Park, enjoy lunch in Marina Grande, then visit the Cloister of San Francesco. Finish with a sunset drink or a short boat ride from Marina Piccola.

What is Sorrento best known for?

Sorrento is known for its stunning cliffside views, lemon groves, limoncello, beach clubs, warm hospitality, and its prime location for visiting Capri, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast.

Can you walk around Sorrento in a day?

Yes. Sorrento’s town centre is compact and easy to walk through. You can comfortably explore the old town, Corso Italia, the marinas, and Villa Comunale Park in a single day.

Is there a lot to do in Sorrento?

Absolutely. Sorrento offers scenic viewpoints, beach clubs, cooking classes, boat tours, historic sites, great restaurants, and easy access to nearby attractions. Travellers of all styles find plenty to enjoy.

Ready To Craft Your own Sorrento Trip?

Sorrento offers a crafted mix of experiences. From natural wonders and boat trips to lemon groves, archaeological sites, and unforgettable meals, you can shape your entire trip around the things you love.

Whether you prefer a private tour, a day exploring nearby attractions, or a calm afternoon in Villa Comunale Park, Sorrento helps you create a seamless, personal, and inspiring journey.

Sorrento invites you to imagine a journey filled with stunning views, cherished moments, and authentic experiences. If you feel ready to explore, uncover hidden gems, and design your dream escape with expert guidance, now is the perfect time.

Visit Italy in another place? Check out Designer Journeys guide for your best travel inspiration.

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• Things to do in Milan
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• Things to do in Venice
• Things to do in Tuscany
• Things to do in Naples