Towns and villages on the Sorrento Coast
The Sorrento Coast lays on a peninsula between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. It’s a strip of land squeezed between the sea and marked by the Lattari Mountains.
The rugged coastline hides enchanting beaches, while panoramic trails crisscross the surrounding mountains. Many are the spots from where you can enjoy breathtaking views.
A little like the Amalfi coast, the towns of the Sorrento coast are minute but full of charm. Thanks to the mild climate visitors can explore them all year round, even if spring is the best time.
For all these reasons, artists and tourists from all over the world love the Sorrento Coast.
Below, an overview of the main towns and villages on the Sorrento Coast; Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Vico Equense, Sant’Agata sui due Golfi, Marina di Equa and Sant’Agnello.
LET’S DISCOVER THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES ON THE SORRENTO COAST
SORRENTO
The first town to visit is certainly the one that gives its name to the whole Sorrento Coast.
Sorrento is surrounded by hills and overlooks the clear sea, with the profile of the Vesuvius volcano on the background. This scenery is enriched by the historic center of the town, the picturesque artisan shops and monuments like the Cathedral, the Basilica of San Francesco and the Sedile Dominova .
The heart of the life in Sorrento is the main square Piazza Tasso, while Corso Italia is ideal for shopping.
The best spots to take photos are Villa Comunale or Villa Silvana. These historic buildings offers wonderful views.
Even though during the high season Sorrento can get very crowded, the town is still enchanting. Not for nothing even Dickens, Nietzsche and Goethe chose Sorrento for their holidays.
Read the article about Sorrento.
MASSA LUBRENSE
Less famous than Sorrento, Massa Lubrense is perfect for nature lovers.
In the surroundings of Massa Lubrense there are several beaches on which you can find both locals and tourists. Indeed, this stretch of the Sorrento Coast is part of the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella.
Oh, and don’t forget that this is the place where the legendary Sirens who bewitched Ulysses lived.
If you don’t like spending your days sunbathing and prefer to walk, that’s no problem. The area around Massa Lubrense offers more than 100 km of trails.
Due to its position, in ancient times Massa Lubrense was particularly exposed to enemy raids. For this reason, the population built numerous watchtowers that still exist today and are worth a look.
Read the article about Massa Lubrense.
SANT’AGATA SUI DUE GOLFI
The name Sant’Agata sui due Golfi (Sant’Agata on the two gulfs), gives a hint about the magical position of this town. Just right between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno.
Among the places to visit are the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, center of all the cultural and social activities, and the Monastery on the nearby Deserto hill from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Sorrento Peninsula and the islands of Ischia, Capri and Procida.
The town is quite old and there is no shortage of remains of past civilizations, such as the Romans or the Etruscans.
Read the article about Sant’Agata sui due Golfi.
VICO EQUENSE
The medieval village of Vico Equense is like an open-air museum.
Walking through the streets of the town you can see how the architectural styles have changed over time.
Among its most valuable monuments is the Annunziata Cathedral. This church is the only example of Gothic architecture in the entire Sorrento Coast.
If you like to walk, you can explore the nature of Mount Faito or discover the remains of the old Casali, farmhouses organized as small towns. The walk through the Casali is particularly suggestive not only for the surrounding landscape but also because of the many legends and stories linked to these places.
In Vico Equense there is also a large spa that uses the sulphurous water coming from various underwater springs.
MARINA DI EQUA
Marina di Equa, aka Marina di Seiano, is a small but lively fishing village with a lovely beach and a small marina. This is an enchanting place thanks to the quiet atmosphere and the surrounding nature.
Not far from the beach is the Torre di Capo Rivo, a tower from which the ancient inhabitants monitored the arrival of potential enemies.
If you are in the Sorrento peninsula in early summer, come to Marina di Equa on June 13th. On that day the fishermen carry the statue of Saint Anthony from the church to the sea for a suggestive boat procession.
SANT’AGNELLO
Another small village worth a visit is Sant’Agnello.
The town is right on a spur of rock from which it is possible to admire some of the most incredible views of the Gulf of Naples, the Gulf of Salerno and the hills of the Sorrento ridge.
For this, people call Sant’Agnello “La Terrazza di Sorrento”, the Sorrento Terrace.
Definitely the ideal place for fantastic photos.
Read the article about Sant’Agnello.
