Sorrento

Posted June 18, 2020 2 Comments by Beth Puma (Beth's Boarding Pass)

Ancient cliff town above the Bay of Naples, artisan shops and limoncello…

Sorrento overlooking the Bay of Naples — Sorrento and the Marina Piccola

How to travel to Sorrento

Sorrento is a beautiful ancient town perched on a peninsula in the Bay of Naples on the Amalfi Coast.

Flights arrive in Rome and Naples from the U.S. daily. Train service on Circumvesuviana line from Naples train station, Napoli P. Garibaldi, runs every 30 minutes from early morning to around 9:00 at night. The trip takes just under two hours and costs $4.00.

Ferry service is offered by a few operators from Naples. Consult Rome2Rio for timetables and tickets. We arrived by ferry from Capri to Marina Piccola.

Where to Stay in Sorrento

We spent the day in Sorrento before traveling to Positano so didn’t stay in a hotel. We did visit the beautiful Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria located on the cliff above Marina Piccolo and recommended it to friends who stayed there and loved it. There are many luxury and affordable hotel options to explore.

Bay of Naples from Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

What to See in Sorrento

Stroll the picturesque streets and discover food markets, artisan shops filled with cameos, beautiful wooden boxes decorated with marquetry detailing.

Narrow streets and food stand in Sorrento

Visit the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James, commonly known as, Cattedrale di Sorrento located in the center of the city. The simple facade is deceiving as the interior is quite elegant. The main doors date from the 11th and are from Constantinople.

A visit to the Cloister of San Francesco is a must. The complex includes a monastery, the Baroque style church and the cloister, with it’s graceful arches. The unique architecture style includes elements from pagan times to Middle Eastern era.

Where to Eat in Sorrento

We enjoyed a very memorable lunch at La Lanterna on Via San Cesareo. The pizza was the best I have ever eaten!

Where to Shop in Sorrento

Shopping is not usually what I choose to do on vacation but we really enjoyed visiting the small shops and watching the artisans create their crafts. We saw jewelry makers carve beautiful cameos. Craftsmen at A. Stinga on Piazza F.S. Gargiulo craft wood chess sets, music boxes and furniture decorated with inlaid wood designs.

Plan your trip to Sorrento

A passport is required to visit Italy. Make sure your passport will not expire within six months of your return home or you may not be permitted to board your flight.