Are you booking a trip to the Sorrento Coast? Consider yourself blessed – it feels like heaven on earth! I think I found the perfect blend of mixing relaxation with some fun activities. Keep reading this guide to understand the best things to do in Sorrento.
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Table of Contents
First Things First: Fuel Up on Coffee and Breakfast
I’m going to give you one very traditional option and one very modern option. Each is delicious, but will differ depending on personal preference.
Fauno Bar
If you want to blend in more with the locals (I doubt you’ll see many Italians strolling the street with a plastic cup of iced coffee), try Fauno Bar. The bar is always bustling and busy and there are no shortages of typical Neapolitan pastries to sample.
Orbit Coffee
If you love iced coffee, but don’t want to order the typical shakerato or crema di cafe, head to Orbit Coffee. They have a variety of iced coffee selections and bubble tea. My favorite is their coconut latte. They also sell other American-style goodies like large cinnamon rolls and cookies.
Capri Boat Tour (& Along the Sorrento Coast)
Change up the perspective on how you experience the coast and get on a boat! Something to add to the top of your list for things to do in Sorrento is a full-day boat tour. There are a lot of boat companies, so the choice can feel overwhelming. I recommend booking this Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento.
As you can see in my video above, they provide towels, beverages, food, and the captain. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the day! Don’t want to visit Capri? No problem. They can also customize an itinerary to go down the Amalfi Coast and visit other nearby towns.
Booking a Beach Club
Since the town of Sorrento is situated up on a cliff with eagle-eye views of the coast, you may be wondering where the beach is. Well, head to one of the lookouts and look down. While there isn’t much of a “beach,” there are platforms with beach beds and umbrellas available to rent for the day right on top of the water making a dip in the sea easy and accessible.
To reach these beach clubs from the historic center you can either walk or for a couple Euros take the Sorrento Lift -an elevator that drops you off in less than a minute. No need to book ahead, there are booths to pay on-site. During peak hours, expect to wait in line – but it moves quickly.
Once downstairs there are a handful of beach clubs to choose from. I can personally recommend Leonelli’s from experience. You’ll be able to hang out, order food, and use the facilities.
If you have a car or are willing to pay for a taxi and are looking for a more elevated and energetic experience, consider booking a sunbed at Conca del Sogno.
Dining Out
Epic Views of Capri & The Coast
One of the best aperitivo and dinner spots I can recommend is Relais Blu. It’s technically not located in Sorrento, but in Massa Lubrenese (about 15-20 minutes from the Sorrento historic center). You’ll need either a car or a taxi to get here BUT I promise the experience is worth it. Check out my video about it below.
First, it sits in a prime location on the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula so not only do you get a beautiful viewpoint looking down the coastline, but you have a front-row seat overlooking Capri. Find a slot on their terrace and enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset. The views alone are a 10/10.
I also recommend staying for dinner and trying one of their tasting menus. We opted for the traditional since it offers a mix of, you guessed it, traditional plates from the surrounding region. We stuffed our face with various types of pasta (I’m still dreaming about the spaghetti alla Nerano), an enormous platter of bufala mozzarella, and so much more.
Dine Traditionally Under a Lemon Grove
One of the largest restaurants in Sorrento, Ristorante o’Parrucchiano Favorita, is always bustling. In all honesty, does it feel a bit touristy? Yes. I feel like despite the huge size they want to hustle people in and out quickly (which is rare for an Italian restaurant). However my husband went here growing up, so it does still have some charm remaining.
They claim to have invented cannelloni but make sure to also try the gnocchi alla sorrentina. It’s an Insta-worthy spot given you’re dining in and around an enormous garden and lemon grove. After dinner make sure you take some time and walk through the full garden on-site!
Enjoy a Homemade Lunch
If you’re looking to be pampered with a traditional, homemade meal accompanied by an olive oil and wine tasting: book this Tasting Tour and Lunch. The Sorrento and Amalfi coast are famous for the lemons, so you’ll be able to walk through the lemon groves (and olive groves!) of this family farm before settling in for a yummy lunch and some delicious tasting add-ons – like honey, olives, etc.
Soak in the Sea
The third restaurant in Sorrento I recommend is Soul & Fish. If you’re arriving from the historic center, you can take an easy walk that winds down to Marina Granda.
There are so many good dishes on the menu – if you’re up for sharing this is the perfect spot. For instance, my group ordered plates of risotto, spaghetti with clams, tuna, and more.
Shop Til You Drop
One of the most important things to do in Sorrento is to squeeze some shopping in. If you’re like me, you’re curious about local souvenirs that aren’t too tacky. The following are some items Sorrento is famous for.
Ceramics
All across Italy you can find some incredible ceramics. However, the ceramics you can find along the Sorrento and Amalfi coast have my heart. Whether you’re seeking ornaments, kitchen gear (olive oil holders, plates, salad utensils), and statues there are tons of shops to explore.
Tip: Many shops sell similar items. Make sure to complete some window shopping to compare prices and some stores will charge significantly more or less than others.
Sandals
If you want sandals that fit like a glove, Sorrento is the right place to be! There are a variety of sandal shops: Sandali Siniscalchi, Sandali Corcione, Sandali Syrenia, and others. I recommend scoping if any have specific designs you like as prices won’t range too drastically between these shops.
Jewelry
One of the symbols of Sorrento is the siren, a mermaid. I was gifted a Sorrento siren necklace by my husband’s family and I absolutely adore the piece. If you want to visit a trusted and high-quality vendor, I recommend heading to Bimonte Sorrento. It is a family-run store and they have a variety of beautiful pieces.
That is a wrap on my Sorrento travel guide! Are there are any must-do things in Sorrento I missed? Let me know and I’ll update accordingly! Enjoy the beautiful Sorrento Coast!