Travel Guide: Sorrento

Melanie Colwell
July 05, 2023

This charming coastal town overlooking the Bay of Naples is the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and beyond.

Whether you’re planning to finally tick the Amalfi Coast off your bucket list this year or you’re a veteran visitor, you should consider staying in Sorrento. Not only will you (somewhat) avoid the crowds that flock to the picturesque slice of Italian coastline during summer — and the eye-watering hotel rates — but you’ll also be well-placed to day-trip to other popular tourist attractions.

One day, you’ll traipse through the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Another, you’ll venture into Capri’s dazzling sea cave, the Blue Grotto. And when you need a breather, Sorrento itself boasts a number of stunning beaches and rooftop bars at which to kick back and relax.

In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the city, so you can start planning your itinerary.

This charming coastal town overlooking the Bay of Naples is the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and beyond.

PLANNING AHEAD

Before you launch into weeks (or months) of responsibility-free fun in Europe, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including EUR) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.

GETTING AROUND

When you’re in the towns themselves — Sorrento, Capri and any of the Amalfi Coast villages — your best bet is to explore on foot. Expect traditional cobblestone streets and lots (we mean, lots) of stairs, so comfy shoes are a must. You can use public buses or hire a car to get from Sorrento to the towns along the Amalfi Coast but be warned that traffic and parking can be a nightmare in the peak months and the roads are very windy. If you’re confident, a scooter is a more convenient (and festive!) option. And Capri, of course, is accessible by ferry — just be sure to pre-book tickets.

LOCALS LOVE

We have this region to thank for one of the best contributions to bar carts around the world: limoncello. The lemons grown on the Sorrentine Peninsula are known for their thick, aromatic skins that are ideal for making this traditional Italian liqueur, best enjoyed as an ice-cold digestif. You’ll hear differing theories of limoncello’s origins in these parts — the towns of Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri all lay claim. And it doesn’t really matter which is correct. What does matter is that you should expect to sample plenty of it during your time here, and purchase a bottle or two as a souvenir.

DON’T MISS

Sure, you’ve heard of Capri but there are two other inhabited islands in the Bay of Naples worth visiting. The first is Procida, a tiny island filled with colourful houses, which you may recognise from The Talented Mr Ripley. The other is Ischia, known for its historic thermal baths and outdoor pools, and the medieval Aragonese Castle. Ferries to both Procida and Ischia depart daily from Sorrento and each takes about an hour.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Beaches

You don't need to venture far to find sublime swimming spots in these parts. From beach clubs to hidden gems, here are five spots to have a dip.

1. Bagni Salvatore

Soak in clear blue waters by archaelogical ruins.

2. Leonelli's Beach

A private, family friendly beach club at Marina Piccola.

3. Bagni della Regina Giovanna

Take a dip in the secluded natural pool set amongst a ruin of a Roman villa.

4. Marina Piccola

This resort town in Capri at the base of its tallest peak has some of the island's best beaches.

5. Marina di Puolo

A delightfully tiny fishing village west of Sorrento.

Cultural Sites

Venture beyond the beaches to discover ancient ruins, important city landmarks and a deeper insight into the city's history.

1. Museo Correale di Terranova

Discover the roots of the Sorrento Peninsula through archeological exhibitions, unique artwork collections and historical books.

2. Church and Cloister of Saint Francis

Take yourself back in time as you stroll around the cloisters of this seventh-century monastery.

3. Villa Comunale di Sorrento

Enjoy a gelato as you take in the stunning surrounds of Sorrento's public park.

4. Marina Grande

The main port of Sorrento is home to pebble-covered beaches, colourful houses and boutique stores.

5. Valley of the Mills

A verdant collection of modern ruins set at the base of a deep crevasse.

Restaurants

Freshly caught seafood, handmade pasta and veggies grown in kitchen gardens. It doesn't get much better than this.

1. O'Parrucchiano La Favorita

Dine in the citrus tree-filled restaurant famous for inventing cannelloni.

2. Trattoria Da Emilia

A rustic family-run trattoria perched right on the water's edge at Marina Grande port.

3. Il Buco

A Michelin-starred restaurant housed in the cellars of an old monastery.

4. Bagni Delfino

A waterside restaurant with its own private bathing deck.

5. Frankie's Pizza Bar Sorrento

An upbeat pizzeria with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

Positano

It's the most popular of the Amalfi Coast towns, and it's easy to see why. Here's where to eat, stay and play.

1. La Tagliata

Pick veggies and learn to make pasta at this family run joint perched on the cliffs of Positano.

2. Hotel Poseidon

Stay in the heart of Positano with epic views of the vertical city.

3. Franco's Bar

Sundowners don't get much better than at this al fresco bar overlooking Positano.

4. Church of Santa Maria Assunta

A Roman villa, a medieval crypt and a stunning historical church on the coast of Positano.

5. Path of the Gods

Get your heart rate up on this hiking trail along the Amalfi Coast.

Capri

A day trip to this stunning island is an absolute must — and we wouldn't blame you if you wanted to stay a little longer.

1. Luna Hotel

A sophisticated stay overlooking the Faraglioni rocks.

2. Giardini di Augusto

Enjoy a gentle stroll amongst unique Caprese flora in this cliffside garden.

3. La Fontelina

An iconic beach club where you can follow a swim with a freshly caught seafood lunch.

4. Da Paolino

Dine at a traditional Caprese restaurant set amongst a picturesque lemon grove.

5. Blue Grotto

Sunlight reflects through a natural sea cave to create an ethereal azure hue across the waters.

Accommodation

Luxe living isn't hard to find here. Expect spectacular views and upscale amenities at these five hotels.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Further Afield

If you've got a little extra time, here are four (more) day trips you should plan from Sorrento.

Pompeii

Ancient history buffs, this is one not to be missed. Wander through the ancient Roman city that was buried in volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. This tour includes transfers to and from your Sorrento hotel and entry to the park. Book now with your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card from AUD$209 per person.
Amalfi

So, you've done Positano and want to explore more of the Amalfi Coast? The next obvious stop is the town of Amalfi, which similarly offers beautiful beaches, medieval architecture and excellent farm-to-table dining.
Mount Vesuvius

Walking to the crater of one the world's most famous active volcanoes is one of those experiences you'll remember forever. This tour will take you there, and also includes lunch in a stunning local vineyard. Book now from AUD$174 per person.
Naples

Naples is the closest major city to Sorrento, so you may pass through it on your way down the coast. But it's worth considering an extended visit. It's the birthplace of pizza, which seems reason enough.

Get Started

Ready to start planning? We've found four experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.

Villa Beatrice Lemon Tour

Gain a deeper insight into the history and expertise of limoncello at Villa Beatrice. You'll wander through the lemon groves and taste the citrus liqueur on the terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples. Book now from €37 per person.
Sorrento Water Sport

Catch the coast from a different angle and soar high above the stunning Sorrentine Peninsula on a solo, tandem or triple parasail flight. Book now from €65 per person.
Frantoio Gargiulo Olive Oil Tasting

Another culinary delicacy the Sorrentine Peninsula is famous for is olive oil. On this tour of the 'old mill', you'll wander through an olive tree grove, learn about the oil production process and taste up to 15 types. Book now.
Chez Barone Cooking School

If all the excellent eating leaves you inspired to improve your own kitchen skills, sign up for a cooking class at Chez Barone. Learn to make tagliatelle, bolognese sauce, pizza, tiramisu and limoncello — all while sipping wine. Book now for € 130 per person.