If you look up the most picturesque Italian town, this is it! Instagram-worthy views, a chic marina and a town with narrow alleys and pretty squares.
Destination highlights
Famous coastal views
Scorching summers
Perfect for romantic breaks
Ancient history all around
What are the best beaches in Sorrento?
The beaches in Sorrento look like the backdrop to a film, with wooden platforms over dazzling blue water, surrounded by dreamy pastel houses on the cliffs. You've most likely seen it all over your Instagram, too, because it's just that beautiful. The sea has been awarded a Blue Flag for its clarity, too, so it’s perfect for spotting local marine life. So, if a beach day is on the cards, we'd recommend these absolute gems:
Bagni Regina Giovanna – an iconic and beautiful cove where you can swim amongst the ruins of a Roman villa
Leonelli's Beach – nestled right in the heart of Sorrento, with amazing views of Vesuvius over the sparkling waters
Marina di Puolo – a charming fishing village beach with gentle shallows, making it a favourite for family holidays to Sorrento
Baia di Ieranto – a hidden bay which can be reached via a coastal hike, where you’ll be rewarded with rugged natural beauty
Marina del Cantone – the best place for foodies to have a relaxing beach day and sample delicacies at the many local restaurants
Spiaggia La Marinella – the sights beneath the clear water at this pebbly beach are a snorkeller’s dream
Punta Campanella – the huge diversity of wildlife across this protected marine area is best experienced on a boat or diving trip
What are the top hotels in Sorrento?
The town is known for the kind of high-end hotels we daydream about, with classic interiors and seaside balconies. If that’s not your style, there are more down-to-earth spots throughout the town, too, so you can keep it chill. These are our top picks for a range of tastes and budgets:
Grand Hotel Capodimonte - this deluxe hotel is suitable for all travellers, with panoramic views from cascading pools, lively summer entertainment, and easy access to the town centre.
Hotel Eden - you get the best of both worlds at this hotel, which is in the heart of the action but surrounded by relaxing lush gardens.
Relais Regina Giovanna - a romantic retreat along the wild coastline, with its own private beach and amazing home-cooked meals.
Grand Hotel Royal - the place to go for that classic luxury hotel experience, well-suited to couples and families with older kids.
Emily Suites - a charming B&B in the town centre with modern rooms and lovely hosts, ideal for cheaper holidays to Sorrento.
Alimuri - you’ll feel like royalty at this fancy new hotel with large suites and a private beach.
Popular Sorrento hotels
Weather in Sorrento
JAN
12°C
FEB
14°C
MAR
18°C
APR
20°C
MAY
21°C
JUN
24°C
JUL
26°C
AUG
27°C
SEP
25°C
OCT
20°C
NOV
15°C
DEC
10°C
Serious sun-worshippers will want to consider the scorching months of July to September for their 2024 holidays to Sorrento. If you’d like to do some exploring beyond the beach then we recommend travelling in springtime, when the weather is still gorgeous, but the heat is less intense.
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Reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Sorrento Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Sorrento?
Flights from the UK to Naples Airport take around two and a half hours, followed by an hour’s transfer by car to Sorrento.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Sorrento?
The local time in Sorrento is one hour ahead of the UK.
What currency do they use in Sorrento?
The official currency of Sorrento is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Sorrento?
The official language spoken in Sorrento is Italian.
Capri is a short ferry ride away and boasts a huge number of attractions for an island so small. You can experience Roman life in the iconic Blue Grotto swimming hole and a well-preserved palace, scale Mount Solaro by staircase or chairlift, or simply spend the day taking enviable holiday pics amongst the wildlife. Instagram stories at the ready...
Taste the rainbow
For a deeper dive into the colourful cuisine on your holidays to Sorrento, take a farm tour through the countryside. You’ll get to taste the region’s best exports like olives and provolone cheese fresh from the source, with lashings of limoncello to top it all off. You are in Italy after all, you might as well do it properly.
Pompeii your respects
Mount Vesuvius towering in the distance is a constant reminder of the famous eruption. To get a hands-on history lesson for all ages, take a short train ride to the heart of Pompeii, where you can explore the ancient city and get a real feel for life two thousand years ago.
Bring it home
Whether you want to splash out on your friends or yourself, you should head to Via San Cesareo or Corso Italia. Both streets are lined with cute independent shops where you’ll find foodie treats and handmade crafts for every taste. Plus, there are plenty of bars and amazing views to keep non-shopaholics happy.
What events can I go to in Sorrento?
There are loads of religious dates, food festivals, and classy cultural events across the region, so even on a last minute holiday to Sorrento you’ll find something interesting. Here’s a snippet of what to expect:
Easter (April) - during the Catholic holy week, striking torchlit processions of hooded figures take to the streets.
Napoli Pizza Village (June) - Europe’s biggest pizza festival, with over 100,000 pizzas made fresh on the beach each year!
SyArt Sorrento Festival (July-September) - a summer of events showcasing contemporary art, with works exhibited throughout the streets.
The Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival (July) - towns across the region host classical concerts of all sizes and nationalities.
Gusta Minori (August) - the town of Minori transforms into a foodie wonderland for a week, with feasting and performances of all kinds.
Gnocchi Day (October) - an event showcasing the tasty little dumplings with live cookery from top chefs, as well as restaurant specials across the area.
Coast to Coast Marathon (December) - keen runners of all skill levels travel to compete in this race between Sorrento and Positano.
Where's the best nightlife in Sorrento?
Italians typically kick things off much later than we do, so you can have fun all night on your beach holidays in Sorrento. It’s not a hardcore clubbing town but you’ll find an interesting mix of venues open after dark. These are some we love:
Daniele's Club - a lively spot which is part karaoke bar, part nightclub - all served with big smiles and gorgeous balcony views.
Shot Bar Sorrento - a great pitstop on nights out, where you can enjoy unique shots and friendly vibes.
Filou Club - feel classy ‘til dawn at this fancy live music and piano bar with signature cocktails.
La Bottega della Birra - one for the lovers of hops, a cosy bar dedicated to showcasing Italian craft beers.
What's the food like in Sorrento?
Italian food needs no introduction, and on All Inclusive holidays to Sorrento you’ll be treated to the big hits we know and love. In town you’ll find lots of local twists on your favourites, packed with the region’s famous crops. Look out for these:
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina - potato dumplings baked in a fresh tomato sauce, topped with local cheeses
Seppioline ripiene - squid or cuttlefish with various stuffings, often including olives and wine
Spaghetti con le Noci - local walnuts tossed through fresh spaghetti with garlic and anchovies
Cannolo alla Sorrentina - a baked treat of crispy pastry tubes filled with lemon custard
Limoncello - a sweet citrus liqueur - the region’s most famous export
It’s no exaggeration to say that Sorrento has an incredible restaurant on every corner. This is just a little taste of what's...well, around the corner:
Antonino Esposito - Pizza e Cucina - enjoy the nation’s favourite food on a charming seaside terrace.
Ristorante Lorelei - for an unforgettable date night on your Sorrento holidays, visit this Michelin-starred restaurant, serving creative dishes with incredible views.
Antica Gelateria - cool off with a cone of creamy gelato at this casual venue that offers loads of flavours and vegan options, too!
La Cantinaccia del Popolo - you can’t beat the traditional pasta and seafood on offer at this cosy restaurant.
Places to visit
Pompeii
If you’re hitting up Sorrento, you absolutely can't miss the opportunity to step back in time with a day trip to the legendary ruins of Pompeii. Just a quick train ride away, this ancient city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers a hauntingly vivid peek into Roman life. Wander through the preserved streets, peek into homes still adorned with frescoes, and stand in the ancient forum, all while feeling the echoes of history around every corner. Totally 10/10 and a proper must-see—make sure your camera’s charged because you’re going to want to capture every moment and plaster all over your Instagram story to make you look cultured...
Villa Comunale
Picture yourself strolling through this serene park, where shady trees and vibrant flower beds create a perfect backdrop for a relaxing day. From its point at the top of the cliffs, you can gaze out over the Bay of Naples and spot the majestic Mount Vesuvius in the distance. It’s an ideal spot for those Insta-worthy photos or just to sit back with a good book and a gelato (pistachio, of course). Top tip: make sure to catch a sunset here—it’s absolutely gorg, turning the sky into a canvas of oranges and pinks. A visit here isn't just a check on the tourist list; it’s a slice of Sorrento’s heart!
Cathedral of Sorrento
Take a trip and step into the Cathedral of Sorrento, affectionately dubbed the Duomo. With origins tracing back to the 11th century but spruced up in the 15th, its fab façade mixes Romanesque with Renaissance flair, making for a beautiful setting. Feast your eyes on the intricately carved wooden choir stalls, each a masterpiece telling its own ancient story, and the stunning frescoes above, which could give any renowned chapel a run for its money. It's an Insta-worthy spot that’s sure to snatch a little piece of your heart.
Key facts about Sorrento
Flight Time
2.5 hrs
Time difference
+1 hr
Currency
Euro
Language
Italian
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Sorrento?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Sorrento?
