Sorrento charms visitors with its stunning coastal views and vibrant Italian ambiance. This picturesque town perfectly blends history, culture, and natural beauty.
Choosing where to stay in Sorrento can make or break your vacation experience. The best area for most visitors is Piazza Tasso, located in the heart of the historic center.
Piazza Tasso buzzes with energy and is a great starting point for exploring Sorrento’s attractions. Staying near this central square puts you close to shops, restaurants, and key sights. You’ll find many accommodations here, from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts.
Marina Piccola and Marina Grande provide lovely options for beach getaways. These coastal areas offer seaside charm and easy access to boat tours.
Visitors can wake up to gorgeous sea views and enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. No matter where you stay, Sorrento promises an unforgettable Italian holiday.
Choosing the Right Area
Sorrento offers diverse neighborhoods, each with unique charms. From bustling historic centers to quiet coastal spots, there’s a perfect area for every type of traveler.
1. Historical Center
Sorrento’s Historical Center is the heart of the action. Piazza Tasso, the main square, buzzes with energy and is packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Staying here puts you close to major sights and the best nightlife.
Hotels in this area tend to be pricier, but the convenience is worth it. You’ll be far from the Cathedral of Sorrento and the Museum Correale. The narrow streets are fun to explore on foot.
For a luxurious stay, try the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. It’s right on the cliff edge with amazing views, and the hotel has a private elevator to the port below.
2. Marina Grande and Marina Piccola
These coastal areas offer a more relaxed vibe. Marina Grande is a charming fishing village with some of the best seafood restaurants in town. The beach here is pebbly but nice for sunbathing.
Marina Piccola is the main port. Here, you can catch ferries to Capri and Naples. The area has many hotels and luxury villas with stunning sea views.
Both marinas are great for water lovers. You can rent boats or join fishing trips. The walk up to town is steep, but there’s a bus if you don’t fancy the climb.
3. Sant’Agnello and Piano di Sorrento
These neighboring towns offer a quieter stay. They’re less touristy but still close to Sorrento’s center. Sant’Agnello has some of the best views of the Bay of Naples.
Piano di Sorrento is more residential. It has a nice mix of local shops and restaurants, and the beaches are less crowded than in central Sorrento.
Both areas are on the train line, so getting around is easy. They’re perfect if you want a more authentic Italian experience.
4. Meta di Sorrento and Beyond
Meta di Sorrento is the farthest from the center but offers the best beaches. The sand here is soft and golden. It’s a hit with families and sun-seekers.
Meta is a good base from which to explore the coast. It’s closer to places like Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. The train runs here, too, making day trips a breeze.
Look at villas in the hills above Sorrento for a truly secluded stay. They offer peace and privacy and often come with private pools. Just be prepared for a drive to reach the main sights.
Hotel Accommodations
Sorrento offers a range of lodging options to suit different tastes and budgets. This charming coastal town has something for everyone, from opulent seaside resorts to cozy family-run inns.
Luxury Stays
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria stands out as a top choice for luxury seekers. This 5-star gem boasts stunning views of the Bay of Naples and lush gardens. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a private park, and world-class dining.
Bellevue Syrene is another fantastic option. Perched on a cliff, it offers breathtaking sea views and elegant rooms with modern amenities. The hotel’s infinity pool and spa create a truly relaxing experience.
For those who want to be in the heart of town, Grand Hotel La Favorita is a great pick. It’s known for its rooftop terrace, stylish decor, and excellent service. The hotel is just steps from Sorrento’s main square and shopping areas.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Il Nido Sorrento provides comfort without breaking the bank. Its hilltop location offers amazing views of the coast. The hotel runs a free shuttle to the town center, making exploring easy for guests.
Grand Hotel Capodimonte is another solid choice. It features multiple pools, spacious rooms, and beautiful gardens. The hotel’s terraced design ensures most rooms have great views.
Hotel Antiche Mura stands out for its central location and charming atmosphere. It’s set in a restored 18th-century building with a lovely citrus garden. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and a friendly staff.
Budget-Friendly Options
Hotel Lorelei Londres is a good pick for budget travelers. It’s close to the beach and town center. The hotel offers clean rooms, a rooftop terrace, and helpful staff.
For families, vacation rentals can be a great value. Many apartments in Sorrento offer kitchens and more space than standard hotel rooms.
Hostels are another budget-friendly option. They’re perfect for solo travelers or groups looking to save money. Most hostels in Sorrento are clean and well-located, offering dorm-style rooms and social areas.
See Related: Sorrento offers stunning coastal views and beach access options. Visitors can choose between beachfront hotels for easy sand access or clifftop accommodations with sweeping sea vistas. The Marina Grande area boasts several beachfront hotels. Hotel Bellevue Syrene sits on the water’s edge, giving guests direct beach access. Its private beach club lets you relax on loungers just from your room. Nearby, Grand Hotel Ambasciatori has a private elevator to its exclusive beach area. For a more casual vibe, try hotels near Leonelli’s Beach. This popular public beach has crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. Hotel Dania and Hotel del Mare offer rooms with balconies overlooking the Gulf of Naples. You can easily walk to the beach to sunbathe or do water sports. Clifftop hotels perched high above the Mediterranean provide jaw-dropping views. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria sits on a cliff in the heart of Sorrento. Its terrace offers panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Rooms have private balconies where you can sip wine while watching boats sail by. For a quieter stay, try Hotel Belair. This boutique hotel clings to the cliffside in a residential area. Its infinity pool seems to merge with the sea below. Book a sea-view room to wake up to waves crashing on the rocks. Bellevue Syrene is another top pick for views. Its cliff-edge location gives all rooms sweeping vistas of the Gulf. The hotel’s romantic “Hall of Mirrors” lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for watching sunsets. Sorrento offers convenient transportation options for visitors. The town’s central location makes exploring nearby attractions and coastal areas easy. Sorrento’s main train station sits in the town center of Corso Italia. Trains run regularly to Naples, making day trips a breeze. The Circumvesuviana line connects Sorrento to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Buses depart from Piazza Tasso for Amalfi and Positano, offering stunning coastal views. Ferries leave from Marina Piccola for Capri, Naples, and other seaside towns. Boat trips are a fun way to see the coastline. Taxis are available but can be pricey. Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular spots. Walking is easy in Sorrento’s compact historic center. Driving in Sorrento can be tricky. The narrow streets get crowded, especially in summer, and parking is limited and expensive in the town center. Some hotels provide free parking for guests. Public lots are available but fill up fast. If you’re renting a car, booking a hotel with parking is best. The coastal roads to Amalfi and Positano are winding and busy. Confident drivers might enjoy the views, but nervous ones should stick to buses or boats. Renting a scooter is popular for zipping around town. Just be careful on the steep hills and busy roads. See Related: Two Weeks in Italy Itinerary: The Perfect Family Adventure Sorrento’s rich heritage and local flavors offer visitors a feast for the senses. From zesty lemons to fragrant olive groves, the town’s culinary scene is a journey through tradition and taste. Sorrento’s food celebrates Mediterranean flavors. Fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus and sea bass are menu staples. Pasta lovers can’t miss gnocchi alla sorrentina, topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. But the star of Sorrento’s culinary show is limoncello. This bright yellow liqueur is made from local lemons. Visitors can sip it at Fauno Bar in Piazza Tasso. The bar’s outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching. For a taste of home-style cooking, try a family-run trattoria. Many serve regional specialties like Caprese salad and eggplant parmigiana. Via San Cesareo is Sorrento’s main shopping street. It’s lined with boutiques selling leather goods, ceramics, and lace. Foodies will love the gourmet shops offering local olive oils, wines, and pasta. The town’s weekly market is held every Tuesday in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It’s a great place to pick up fresh produce and local cheeses, and bargain hunters can also find deals on clothing and household items. For a unique souvenir, visit one of Sorrento’s many limoncello shops. They offer tastings and beautifully packaged bottles to take home. Sorrento’s hills are dotted with olive groves. Many farms offer tours and tastings, and visitors can learn about olive oil production and sample different varieties. Some agritourism spots let guests join in the olive harvest. It’s a hands-on way to experience local traditions. After picking, they can watch as olives are pressed into oil. Insolito Bar in Piazza Matteotti offers olive oil tastings paired with local wines. It’s a great way to compare flavors and learn about the region’s terroir. For a full farm experience, try staying at an agriturismo. These working farms offer rooms and home-cooked meals made with ingredients grown on-site. Sorrento offers plenty of options for families looking to enjoy a memorable Italian vacation. This charming coastal town has something for everyone, from cozy hotels to exciting attractions. Many hotels in Sorrento cater to families with special amenities and services. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a top choice, boasting spacious rooms and a kids’ club. Its cliff-top location gives stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Hotel Parco dei Principi is another great pick. It has a saltwater pool and a beach club right on the water. Kids love splashing around while parents relax on sun loungers. For a more intimate feel, try Maison Tofani. This small hotel in the historic center offers family rooms and a warm, friendly vibe. Its central spot makes exploring the town easy with little ones in tow. Sorrento has lots of fun activities for families. The Park Vallone dei Mulini is a hit with nature-loving kids. This hidden green space has old mills and lush plants to discover. Beach days are always a winner. Marina Grande, a colorful fishing village, has a small beach perfect for building sandcastles. Nearby restaurants serve fresh seafood that even picky eaters will enjoy. Boat trips are another family favorite. Cruise around the bay to spot dolphins or visit the magical Blue Grotto on Capri. These adventures create lasting memories for all ages. For a taste of local culture, join a pizza-making class. Kids love getting their hands messy while learning to toss dough like a pro. It’s a fun way to bond and enjoy a delicious meal together. Sorrento serves as an ideal base for exploring the stunning Campania region. Visitors can embark on exciting journeys to nearby islands, ancient ruins, and picturesque coastal towns. Capri is a must-visit island, just a short boat ride from Sorrento. This glamorous spot boasts crystal-clear waters and stylish boutiques. The famous Blue Grotto sea cave dazzles with its otherworldly blue light. Boat tours circle the island, stopping at hidden coves and beaches. Ischia, known for its thermal springs, offers a more laid-back vibe. Visitors can soak in natural hot pools and explore lush gardens. The island’s beaches range from sandy stretches to rocky coves. The smallest of the bay islands, Procida charms with its colorful harbor and quaint fishing villages. Its narrow streets and authentic atmosphere make for a delightful day trip. Pompeii stands as one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. This ancient Roman city was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Visitors can walk through preserved streets, homes, and public buildings. Herculaneum, a smaller site near Pompeii, offers a more intimate look at Roman life. Its well-preserved frescoes and mosaics are stunning. The site is less crowded than Pompeii, allowing for a more relaxed visit. Paestum, further south, boasts some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. The site’s museum houses impressive artifacts and sculptures. The Amalfi Coast dazzles with its dramatic cliffs and colorful towns. With its pastel houses cascading down to the sea, Positano is a picture-perfect stop. Its beach and chic boutiques make it a favorite among visitors. Amalfi town, the coast’s namesake, charms with its beautiful cathedral and quaint piazzas. Boat trips from here offer stunning views of the coastline. Ravello, perched high above the coast, is known for its gorgeous gardens and breathtaking vistas. Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone provide some of the best views in the region. See Related: Top Family-Friendly Road Trips in Italy for Summer Sorrento comes alive after dark with lively bars, cozy lounges, and exciting events. Visitors can sip cocktails, enjoy live music, and dance the night away in this charming coastal town. Insolito Bar is a must-visit spot for cocktail lovers. This trendy bar serves up creative drinks in a stylish setting. The expert bartenders mix unique concoctions using local ingredients and modern techniques. Fauno Bar, located in Piazza Tasso, offers a more traditional Italian experience. It’s perfect for people-watching while enjoying an aperitivo. The outdoor seating area is bustling on warm evenings. Head to one of Sorrento’s rooftop bars for a quieter night out. Many hotels have terraces with stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Sip a glass of local limoncello as you watch the sunset over the sea. Sorrento hosts many live music events throughout the year. Local bands play at bars and clubs, offering a mix of Italian and international tunes. Jazz enthusiasts should check out the schedule at Elys Suites. This hotel often features talented musicians in its cozy lounge. During summer, outdoor concerts take place in Piazza Tasso. These free events showcase everything from classical music to pop hits. It’s a great way to mingle with locals and other tourists. For a taste of traditional Italian culture, look for tarantella shows. These lively folk dances are performed in colorful costumes. Some restaurants host dinner shows, combining delicious food with entertainment.Beach Access and Views
Beachfront Hotels
Clifftop Accommodations with Sea Views
Connectivity and Transportation
Proximity to Public Transport
Parking and Driving Considerations
Cultural and Culinary Delights
Local Cuisine and Limoncello
Shopping and Markets
Olive Oil Tasting and Agritourism
Family-Friendly Features
Accommodations for Family Stays
Attractions Suitable for All Ages
Excursions and Day Trips
Island Getaways
Archaeological and Historical Sites
Exploring the Amalfi Coast
Nightlife and Social Scene
Bars and Lounges
Live Music and Events
