Top 10 Unmissable Things To Do on the Sorrento Coast
The Sorrento Coast is a strip of land reaching into the Tyrrhenian Sea that has enchanted travelers, artists, and poets for centuries. It is a land that captivates with its unforgettable views and fascinating traditions. To help you capture the truest essence of this corner of paradise, we have gathered what we consider the best things to do on the Sorrento Coast. These are ten experience to live at least once to be able to say you have truly known the soul of this land.
1) Treat Yourself to a Gelato in the Living Room of Piazza Tasso
Our list of best things to do on the Sorrento Coast starts in the town of Sorrento. To be precise, in Piazza Tasso.
The square is considered as an elegant open-air living room where visitors blend with locals. There’s no better way to join in than with a scoop (or two) of artisanal gelato from one of the nearby gelaterie. Whether you go for a classic lemon flavor made from local citrus or something more adventurous, savoring a gelato here—seated at a café or wandering the piazza—is a small, delicious ritual that instantly makes you feel part of the Sorrento rhythm.
2) Discover the Secrets of Sorrento’s Limoncello
The Sorrento lemon is no ordinary citrus fruit. Its thick, incredibly aromatic peel, carefully grown under the traditional “pagliarelle” (straw mats), is the secret ingredient of Limoncello, one of the world’s most famous liqueurs.
You can easily find Limoncello in cafes, restaurants and shops that sell local products and souvenirs. However, we suggest you to seek out a small artisanal workshop or a local citrus grove to discover the production process. Once you know how it is made, sipping a small glass of iced handmade Limoncello will definitively taste different.
3) Savoring Authentic Buffalo Mozzarella
The Sorrento Coast is one of the best places to taste Campania’s buffalo mozzarella in its most sublime form. Soft, milky, and with an unmistakable flavor, it is a delicacy to be savored fresh, perhaps at a local dairy. It finds its highest expression in a Caprese salad, accompanied by juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A simple but tasty dish that will refresh you during a hot Italian summer day.
4) Explore the Marine Area of Punta Campanella
At the far western tip of the Sorrento Peninsula lies Punta Campanella, a place where legend and nature intertwine. Once home to an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the Sirens—those same mythical creatures who, according to Homer’s Odyssey, tried to lure Ulysses—this marine protected area is now a must-visit for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking unforgettable views. You can reach it on foot via a scenic trail that winds through centuries-old olive groves and Mediterranean scrub, or by boat, sailing along dramatic cliffs with Capri rising in the distance. A visit to Punta Campanella is a great way to experience the wilder, more mystical side of the Sorrento Coast.
5) A Swim in the Bagni della Regina Giovanna
A short distance from the center of Sorrento lies one of the most picturesque inlets on the coast.
The Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a hidden lagoon of emerald water, sheltered by a natural rock arch and connected to the open sea. We consider a visit to this place as one of the best things to do on the Sorrento Coast for different reason. First of all, the natural beauty. Then, it is a great place for a refreshing swim away from the crowds. Finally, overlooking it are the ruins of a Roman villa once owned by the noble Pollio Felice, which add a powerful historical atmosphere to the location.
6) Discover the Mysterious Vallone dei Mulini
A short walk from the center of the town of Sorrento is a mysterious place. Its name is Vallone dei Mulini, and it is a deep ravine that hides the remains of ancient mills. It’s a place you don’t expect! The ruins are covered with vegetation and have the charm of abandoned places. However, just a few steps away are the lively city streets. It is this stark contrast that makes a visit to the mills a must among the 10 things to do in Sorrento.
7) Stroll Through the Ancient Village of Marina Grande
Far from the elegance of downtown Sorrento, Marina Grande preserves the authentic soul of a fishing village. With its colorful houses overlooking the beach, wooden boats (the “gozzi”) pulled ashore, and nets drying in the sun, this village seems suspended in time. It is the perfect place for a sunset stroll, or a dinner at one of the waterfront trattorias, where you can taste the freshest fish of the day, lulled by the sound of the waves.
8) Hike the Path to the Bay of Ieranto
Lovers of nature and trekking fall in love with the Bay of Ieranto, a protected area that visitors can reach only by foot. The walk takes about one-hour starting from Nerano, and offers spectacular views of the coast. The best thing is that, upon arrival, your reward is a pebble beach lapped by a crystal-clear sea, just in front of the Faraglioni of Capri.
9) Discover Vico Equense
Often overlooked in favor of the more famous Sorrento, Vico Equense is a stop that holds pleasant surprises. Perched on a tuffaceous spur overlooking the sea, it offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples.
It is famous for its culinary tradition, its thermal baths, and a historic center full of ancient churches and noble palaces, like the Giusso Castle.
10) Sail Towards the Isle of Capri
Last but not least in our list of the best things to do in Sorrento is a day trip to the fascinating Capri.
A boat tour around the island is a great way to explore its iconic features: the majestic Faraglioni sea stacks, the shimmering Blue Grotto, and countless coves with turquoise water perfect for a swim. For those who choose to disembark, Capri offers a different kind of magic: the fashionable buzz of the Piazzetta, chic boutiques and cafés, and the peaceful charm of Anacapri, where time seems to slow down. If you are in the mood for a walk, don’t miss Via Krupp, one of the most scenic walking paths in the world.
Are you coming to the Sorrento Peninsula? Discover our properties for rent in Sorrento and the other towns.
