Sorrento is Italy’s gateway to the Amalfi Coast, blending sweeping sea views with proximity to iconic destinations. I’ve been to Italy several times, including exploring Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. If you’re planning a visit to this charming coastal town, you’re in for a treat, thanks to its lemon tree lined streets and incredible views of the Bay of Naples. Read on to discover the perfect 3-day Sorrento itinerary to help you make the most of your time here.
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Where to stay in Sorrento
First, we’ll look at the best place to stay in Sorrento. For first-time visitors wanting to maximize their 3-day Sorrento itinerary, staying in its historic centre is most convenient. This is what I did and I liked being able to easily walk to the restaurants, bars and shops. Alternatively, for a more local experience, try the nearby Sant’Agnello area.
The best hotels in Sorrento
A great affordable option is the Ulisse Deluxe Hostel which, despite the name, is a clean, modern hotel. Its excellent facilities include access to a spa and wellness centre.
The recently renovated Hotel Villa di Sorrento is a fabulous family-run hotel in the heart of town with a lovely rooftop terrace. Alternatively, the Hotel Antiche Mura is a superb four-star hotel set in a restored antique building. Its stunning courtyard and pool area is surrounded by lemon and orange trees.
The wonderful Boutique Hotel Regina has some of the best views in Sorrento from its rooftop pool, terrace and sea-view rooms with balconies. Finally, the excellent Hotel Plaza is a sleek, modern option with a gorgeous rooftop pool and cocktail bar overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Explore the map below to find the best Sorrento hotel deals for your dates:
What to do in Sorrento
If you fancy doing some activities, here are some of the best things to do in Sorrento.
Foodies might love a cooking workshop to master the art of making pasta or preparing fresh pizza. Alternatively, why not take a limoncello making class and learn the secrets behind the region’s famous lemon liqueur. Or pay a visit to local lemon groves with a tour of traditional farms growing Sorrento’s famous citrus.
Sporty visitors may want to hike the Path of the Gods or take a guided tour of the famous trail from where you can enjoy spectacular Amalfi Coast views.
You can sail away on a sunset boat tour and cruise along the coast as the sun sets over the Bay of Naples.
There are gorgeous backstreets to explore in Sorrento, with atmospheric lanes away from tourist hotspots. If you like shopping, there are plenty of shops selling artisan souvenirs, from handcrafted inlaid wood, to leather goods and ceramics.
The best day trips from Sorrento
It would be a shame to go to Sorrento without exploring some of the other gorgeous destinations nearby. Here are some of the best day trips from Sorrento.
Amalfi Coast
When staying in Sorrento, it would be a crime not to visit the Amalfi Coast, as its dramatic beauty is just a short journey away. You can reach these picturesque towns in 30-90 minutes by bus or ferry. Or you can do what I did and ride a Vespa from Sorrento to towns along the Amalfi Coast. Another option is to book a boat trip for the day. The Amalfi Coast is a string of stunning seaside towns, each with its own distinct personality and charm.
Positano, the poster child of the coast, is the one you will probably recognise from countless social media posts, thanks to its iconic pastel-colored buildings on the cliffside down to the sparkling Mediterranean below. Further along, you’ll discover Amalfi itself, a historic maritime republic that once rivalled Venice in naval power. Its impressive cathedral dominates the lively main square. In the hills above the coast sits Ravello, a sophisticated retreat where you can wander through the world-class gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
Book an incredible boat trip to stops along the Amalfi Coast here.
Capri
The legendary island of Capri is only 20-30 minutes away by ferry. Known as the jewel of the Bay of Naples, Capri is a glamorous island playground that has seduced visitors since Roman times. There you’ll find the famous Blue Grotto and designer shopping. You can also hike the scenic Path of the Forts for spectacular coastal views, visit Villa Jovis, Emperor Tiberius’ magnificent clifftop palace or explore the less touristy Philosophical Park with its peaceful gardens.
Book your boat trip from Sorrento to Capri including a visit to the Blue Grotto here.
Ischia
If you have more time, a little further away (60-90 minutes by ferry) is Capri’s larger, more authentic volcanic sister island, Ischia. This island is currently a favourite on social media, thanks to its colourful buildings and charming villages like Sant’Angelo. Here, you can also relax in the island’s famous thermal spas and gardens, like Negombo or Poseidon or visit the impressive Aragonese Castle which sits on its own islet.
Book a boat tour from Sorrento to the beautiful island of Ischia here.
Pompeii & Herculaneum
Less than an hour by train from Sorrento are Pompeii and Herculaneum. These remarkably preserved ancient Roman cities offer an unparalleled glimpse into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. Pompeii is larger and more famous, with stunning frescoes, an amphitheatre and poignant plaster casts of victims. Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved, with intact wooden elements and multi-storey buildings. Consider visiting both in one day with a guided tour, or focus on just one for a more relaxed experience.
Book a day trip to see the sights of both Pompeii and Herculaneum from Sorrento here.
Planning your 3 day Sorrento itinerary
Planning a three-day itinerary in Sorrento requires a delicate balance. You need to allow enough time to savour the town’s own lemony delights while using it as a launchpad to the beautiful destinations that surround it. I’ve created this itinerary to help you maximize your time without sacrificing those spontaneous moments.
Day 1: Explore Sorrento
Morning: Piazza Tasso and Historic Centre
Begin your Sorrento adventure in the heart of the town at Piazza Tasso. This bustling main square is the perfect spot to enjoy your first proper Italian coffee at one of the charming cafés whilst watching the world go by. After your caffeine fix, wander through the narrow lanes of the historic centre, where you’ll find artisan shops selling local specialities like limoncello, handmade leather goods and intricate inlaid woodwork that Sorrento is famous for.
Make your way to the Sorrento Cathedral (Duomo), a beautiful 15th-century church with a striking façade and impressive interior. Don’t miss the Museobottega della Tarsialignea, a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the town’s traditional wood inlay craftsmanship.
Afternoon: Lunch by the sea at Marina Grande
Head down to Marina Grande, Sorrento’s charming fishing village that feels worlds away from the tourist bustle above. This colourful harbour is lined with family-run restaurants serving the freshest seafood. For lunch, I recommend Da Emilia where you can feast on local dishes while watching fishing boats bob in the crystal-clear waters.
Evening: Sunset aperitivo and dinner
Return to the town centre and find a spot for a glass of prosecco at one of the scenic terrace bars. I loved La Pergola, which has a beautiful garden and views over the Bay of Naples.
For dinner, visit O’Parrucchiano La Favorita. They serve traditional cuisine in a beautiful lemon garden setting, which is amazing for photos.
Day 2: Amalfi Coast
Rent a Vespa or take the SITA bus for an unforgettable journey along the Amalfi Coast road—one of the world’s most scenic drives. The twisting coastal road has heart-stopping views at every turn.
Make stops at Positano with its pastel-coloured buildings cascading down to the sea and Amalfi town with its impressive cathedral and charming piazza.
If time permits, continue to Ravello for its stunning gardens and views. The Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens provide some of the most spectacular vistas along the entire coast.
Day 3: Capri or Pompeii
For your final day, you have two fantastic options depending on your interests:
Option A: Capri day trip
Catch an early morning ferry from Sorrento’s Marina Piccola (tickets can be booked in advance online or bought directly at the port). Upon arrival at Marina Grande in Capri, I recommend taking the funicular up to Capri Town to begin your exploration. Wander through the stylish Piazzetta (the island’s main square) and the surrounding designer boutiques and cafés.
Book a boat tour around the island (roughly €18-20) to see the magnificent Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), a sea cave illuminated by an otherworldly blue light. The entrance fee to the grotto itself is an additional €15, but it’s worth every penny. The boat tour will also take you past other natural wonders like the Faraglioni rock formations and the Green Grotto. After your boat tour, take the bus up to Anacapri, the island’s second town. Here, you can ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, for breathtaking 360-degree views.
Option B: Pompeii and Herculaneum
Alternatively, take a train to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Explore the remarkably preserved ancient Roman city of Pompeii buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Hire a guide to bring the ruins to life and understand the historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Getting to Sorrento
The closest airport to Sorrento is Naples International Airport (NAP), located approximately 50km away. From here, you have several options to reach Sorrento. I flew into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and took the high-speed train to Naples (1 hour), then connected to Sorrento.
A private transfer is most convenient, taking you directly from Naples Airport to your hotel in about 1 hour for €80-100, ideal for stress-free travel with luggage.
The Curreri Viaggi shuttle offers a good balance of convenience and value at €10 per person, taking about 75 minutes from the airport to central Sorrento with regular departures.
For budget travellers, combining the Alibus shuttle (€5) from the airport to Naples Central Station with the Circumvesuviana train (€3.60-4.60) to Sorrento creates a journey of about 2 hours for €10-15 total, offering an authentic local experience despite sometimes crowded conditions.
Beaches near Sorrento
While Sorrento isn’t primarily known for beaches (it’s perched on cliffs, after all), there are several lovely spots to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Naples. Here’s my guide to the best beaches close to Sorrento.
For those seeking luxury beach experiences, Sorrento’s private beach clubs offer premium services. Leonelli’s Beach is the most central beach club with an elegant pier extending into the sea (it costs from €15 for entrance and sunbed). Peter’s Beach is popular with tourists and serves excellent food service directly to your sunbed. La Tonnarella is a more exclusive beach club with spectacular views and a high-quality restaurant.
Some of the area’s best swimming spots are just a short journey away. Bagni della Regina Giovanna are natural rock swimming pools in crystal-clear waters. Recommone Beach is a small cove with incredible azure waters, accessible in 15 minutes by car. Cala di Puolo is a sandy beach with shallow waters perfect for children. Nerano is an amazing beach with clear water and seafood restaurants, which is 30 minutes away by car.
Best restaurants in Sorrento
Sorrento’s culinary scene ranges from humble family-run trattorias to refined Michelin-starred establishments. Here’s my guide to the best places to eat in Sorrento Italy.
Tucked away in a former wine cellar, Il Buco is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined local cuisine with innovative touches. I enjoyed their tasting menu which showcases the best Campanian ingredients.
A social media favourite is O’Parrucchiano La Favorita. Famous for inventing cannelloni, this historic restaurant has seating in a stunning lemon garden setting. The citrus-scented air enhances the dining experience.
For exceptional seafood with tables right at the water’s edge in Marina Grande, try Ristorante Bagni Delfino. Their linguine with clams is legendary.
If you’re on a budget, check out the wood-fired pizzas made with slow-fermented dough and San Marzano tomatoes at Pizzeria Da Franco.
Local specialities in Sorrento
Don’t leave without trying these regional specialties. For a starter, try a Caprese salad, the classic tomato and mozzarella salad which originates from the nearby island of Capri. For your main course, gnocchi alla Sorrentina is an absolute classic and so hearty – it’s potato gnocchi baked with tomato sauce, basil and melted mozzarella. Dessert must be delizia al limone, a sponge cake filled with lemon cream, using local Sorrento lemons. At the end, why not treat yourself to a shot of limoncello, the famous lemon liqueur produced using the region’s fragrant citrus.
The best bars in Sorrento
Sorrento has a lively evening scene. I enjoyed Shot Bar Sorrento, which has creative shots and a fun vibe. Chaplin’s is an Irish pub which is loads of fun, with singalongs and, of course, plenty of Guinness.
For something a bit more classy and with a wonderful view, try La Pergola bar à champagne, where you can enjoy a glass of bubbly surrounded by the beautiful gardens on their terrace.
The best time to visit Sorrento
The best times of year to go to Sorrento are April-May and September-October. At these times, there should be pleasant weather and, importantly, fewer people around. The roads to Amalfi Coast are narrow and get easily blocked by the crowds of tourists in the summer. We went in late April and the roads were almost clear. It was warm, though there were occasional rain showers on some days.
Final thoughts on the best Sorrento itinerary for 3 days
Sorrento is stunning in its own right, thanks to its coastal views, pretty streets and Italian charm. However, its proximity to wonderful destinations means only three days will give you a perfect taste of what makes this corner of Italy so special. The magic of Sorrento will have you planning your return trip before you’ve even left.
