Sorrento lies forty-seven kilometres south of Naples on the southwest coast of Italy. It is part of the Neapolitan Riviera and is situated high on the cliff tops overlooking the Bay of Naples. Very popular with British tourists, Sorrento has a charming old town with wonderful views of Vesuvius and Naples as well as the Island of Ischia. From the harbour boats can be taken to Capri, Naples and Amalphi. There are few beaches in Sorrento but there are many platforms at the foot of the cliffs from which bathers can swim.
A Sorrento holiday offers long sunny days in a pretty town with fantastic panoramic views. It is an excellent base for visiting the nearby attractions of Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as the fascinating city of Naples. The Islands of Capri and Ischia are easily reached by ferry.
A Sorrento holiday appeals mainly to couples. The paucity of beaches discourages families from this part of the Neapolitan Riviera. The surrounding area has many sightseeing opportunities.
Sorrento has a year round holiday season. The climate is very hospitable having mild winters and hot, usually dry, summers. The summer holiday season begins in April in the south and ends in October. City breaks can of course be taken at any time of year but are most popular in the spring and autumn when the temperature is not so high.
Sorrento, on the Neapolitan Riviera, is and attractive town perched on top of the cliffs with great views in all directions. The heart of the old town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets with many pavement cafes and tiny antique and craft shops. The fourteenth century Chiesa di San Francesco has a cloister which overflows with colourful blossom. The small, peaceful garden next to the church has wonderful views over the bay. The Cathedral in Sorrento was built in the eleventh century and contains some wonderful frescoes.
Piazza Tasso, the main square in Sorrento, is a hub of activity by day and by night. Its many cafes and restaurants are popular places to sit and relax over coffee or lunch. In the evening it becomes livelier as the music of the late night bars increases in volume.
Take a boat from the Marina Piccola to Capri and Ischia and explore these very beautiful islands.
There are a small number of tiny pebbly beaches but access to the sea is mainly by stone or wooden platforms beneath the cliffs.
Sorrento is a good base to visit surrounding attractions. The Circumvesuviana metro runs through Sorrento and passes through Pompeii and Herculaneum on its way to Naples.
Sorrento nightlife can be fairly lively in certain areas. The Piazza Tasso in the town centre has bars and night clubs where dancing continues until the early hours of the morning. During July there is a season of classical concerts often held in the open air.
There are a large number of shops in Sorrento supplying a wide range of goods. The Corsa Italia has many designer boutiques and specialist shops. The Via San Cesareo has many gift and souvenir shops selling local crafts such as inlaid wooden boxes, handmade lace, ceramics and candles. Every Tuesday there is a market where you can barter for your bargains.
There are a wide variety of pizzerias and restaurants catering for most tastes. The pizzas in the south of Italy, baked in searingly hot wood ovens will not disappoint. The seafood restaurants along the harbour front provide dishes of fresh fish, simply cooked. Deserts, pastries and cakes are a very popular way to end a meal followed by coffee and the limoncello liqueur.
