SORRENTO

The town of Sorrento is very special to me.  Sorrento for me is the smell of fresh lemons, the sleepy hot afternoons lying on a sunlounger, the August food festivals, the happiness of the end of school and the beginning of Summer.  For me, it is all these things and more.  My 102 year old nonna lived in Piano di Sorrento, so my family and I used to spend all our Summer holidays here.  I have so many memories of the place and I know it like the back of my hand.  I have many places to show you, so you know you can trust me!. 

Sorrento is a famous destination for tourists, who come here to relax, for the weather, the lovely beaches and the chilled lifestyle.  It is also easy to visit other destinations from here, like Pompeii, Capri and Positano.  

Sorrento is not just a place to relax and do nothing, actually there is a lot to see and do.  No one could resist its charms, from the ancient Greeks to the Romans.  It is also a medieval town which has also preserved its Renaissance and Baroque architecture.  It was an important stop on the 'Grand Tour' for all the British nobility in the 18th century.  To know more about the historical and artistic importance of Sorrento, you can visit the Cathedral or the Museo Correale di Terranova, click here for the link. 

The centre of Sorrento is piazza Tasso, with its many lovely bars and restaurants open until late and the elegant Corso italia with its many shops.  Here you can have a sneaky peak at one of the most famous 5 star hotels Parco dei Principi, with its wonderful park and terraces along the cliff overlooking an amazing romantic view.  Walking along Corso Italia there is Villa Fiorentino, a very popular venue for many events and concerts.  I always found charming and unique shops with local products in the lovely hidden alleys, as well as the romantic cloister of Saint Francis, destination of many civil weddings and the stunning view from the balcony of Villa Comunale. 

Where to eat?.  Good question!.  There is a huge range of good restaurants with amazing typical dishes of the local area.  I go quite often to Villa Rubinacci which is just behind the train station.  Friendly staff, amazing food and affordable prices.  There is also The Foreigners' Club which has amazing views over the bay.  It is a restaurant which has regional folk dances, a cool lounge bar and a wedding venue.

For all you Union Jack  people there are a few English pubs which of course serve the full english breakfast.

If you are still hungry you can try the amazing gelato in Sorrento, one of the most famous is Gelateria David or Gelateria Primavera on the Corso Italia.  If you are thirsty you can have a drink at Bar Ecolano or Bar Fauno in piazza Tasso.  If the night is still young for you there are many night clubs around, one of the most famous is The Fauno Night Club. 

If you want a relaxing holiday, filled with sea, sun and sand, you can spend time on the beach.  Most of the beaches in Sorrento are private, some of the hotels have private beaches so that means there is an entrance fee (including sun bed, umbrella, changing rooms and showers).  Prices vary, it is better to double check at your hotel.  

Sorrento beaches and port of Marina Piccola are accessible through ramps (free) or lift from the Villa Comunale.  This is the timetable: October - April  07.30 - 19.30 / May - September  07.30 - 20.30 / June - August 07.30 - 01.00.  

For more info about the lift you can call this number +39 081 80 72 543 or visit the official website here. 

The port of Sorrento is called Marina Piccola, not far from piazza Tasso and the centre of the town.  From here, ferries and hydrofoils (aliscafi) leave to many popular destinations, like Napoli, Ischia, Capri, Procida, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Positano and the Amalfi coast.  You can reach the port from the centre with local buses. 

HOW TO GET TO SORRENTO

If you are coming from Capodichino Airport in Napoli, there are taxis that will take you to Sorrento.  Go to the TRAVEL INFO section of my website for the taxi fares.  There is also the CURRERI schuttle service.  Tickets can be bought on board.  You can check the website here or call this number +39 081 80 15 420. 

Another easy way to go to Sorrento is by train.  From the main train station in Napoli, Stazione Centrale/Piazza Garibaldi you can take the Circumvesuviana on the Napoli-Sorrento line, which is the last stop.  Trains run every 30 minutes from 6.00 to 21.30 and the journey is about 110 minutes.  Tickets are available from the train station and might vary. 

From May to October, there is also the Campania Express a fast train connecting only Napoli - Herculaneum - Oplonti - Pompeii - Sorrento.  Trains run four times a day, with the possibility to reserve seats and air conditioned.  Tickets are available at Stazione Centrale, at the airport of Capodichino or at the Circumvesuviana station. For further info visit the official website of the Campania Express here.

If you are coming by car, from Napoli you need to take the A3 to Salerno exit Castellammare di Stabia to Sorrento.  From south take the A3 highway  from Reggio Calabria, direction Salerno, exit Castellammare di Stabia. 

From Napoli, you can also take the ferry or hydrofoils from Molo Beverello port with daily jet service to Sorrento.  The journey takes 35 minutes and you can buy tickets at the info desks in the port.  For more info, timetable and fares you can check the official website of the Alilauro Ferries Company here