Free walking tours in Sorrento and what to see

Must-sees

Sorrento looks out over the Bay of Naples from a cliff of volcanic tuff. The centre revolves around Piazza Tasso, where Corso Italia and the alleys of the old town begin, full of shops selling limoncello and inlaid woodwork. Beside the square opens the Vallone dei Mulini, a green ravine with the ruins of an old mill. A few steps away are the cathedral and the Sedile Dominova, an old loggia with frescoes.

The cloister of San Francesco, with arches from different periods, borders the Villa Comunale, a garden with views of Vesuvius and the bay. From there you go down to the Marina Piccola harbour, where the boats leave. It is worth walking to Marina Grande, the fishing quarter, and visiting the Museo Correale, with decorative arts and sea views. Towards Capo di Sorrento are the Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a natural pool beside the remains of a Roman villa.

Free tours and guided visits

From Sorrento, Civitatis runs trips to Capri, with options that include the Blue Grotto or the White and Green grottoes, and boat trips to Amalfi and Positano with a visit to Ravello. There are also trips to Pompeii, on their own or combined with Vesuvius, and a private tour of Sorrento itself. A classic free walking tour of the centre is less common, although the old town is easy to explore on your own.

How long to spend

The centre can be seen in half a day, with a walk through the old town, the Villa Comunale and Marina Grande. But Sorrento shines as a base: with three or four days you can spend one on Capri, another on the Amalfi Coast and another at Pompeii or Herculaneum, reachable on the Circumvesuviana train. If you want to relax, add a day for the Bagni della Regina Giovanna and the peninsula.

Where to stay

Staying near Piazza Tasso puts you within walking distance of the harbour, the station and the restaurants. On the cliff there are hotels with views and sea access, and Marina Grande has a more seafaring feel. Sant'Agnello, right next door to the east, is quieter and has its own station. Towards Massa Lubrense and Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi there are plenty of country houses among olive and lemon groves.