Sorrento Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Sorrento, Campania, Italy)



Photo of local sightseeing bus tourA traditional Italian city with fragrant groves of citrus trees, many gorgeous sandy beaches and innumerable coastal tourist attractions, Sorrento is for many the perfect holiday resort. One of the very best ways to sightsee is to simply hop on board an inexpensive orange city bus and then enjoy the views and attractions as you drive around the area towards the Marina Grande and the Capo Sorrento.

Other tourists prefer to explore the city on foot, or spend time sunbathing on one of the many popular beaches around Sorrento's marinas. If you have time, do take a stroll to the Villa Comunale, where the sea views can only be imagined, or alternatively check out the wildlife and natural attractions within the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve, or the awesome coastal scenery around the Bagni di Regina Giovanna (Queen Joan's Baths).


Picture showing the ever-popular Tourist Train

City Train Rides / Tourist Train

Address: Piazza Tasso, Sorrento, Italy, IT
Something for all of the family, children will love the novelty of driving around the city on this bright-white touristy ' City Train', while the grown-ups will enjoy being able to sightsee on the tour. As part of the price you will be given a new pair of headphones so that you can plug yourself into the audio tour in your very own language, enabling you to learn a little history during the commentary. The City Train departs from the Piazza Tasso, where the tickets are sold.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Beachfront photo at the Marina Grande (Big Marina)

Beaches at Marina Piccola (Small Marina) and Marina Grande (Big Marina)

There are two main marinas in Sorrento, each of which have their very own set of attractions, including public beaches, wooden jetties and a choice of various cruises and motorboat rentals. The Marina Grande is the larger of the two and is just a stone's throw from the Piazza della Vittoria, while the Marina Piccola is close by and from the Piazza Tasso, can be reached along the Via Marina Piccola. Many tourists find that a visit to the Marina Grande is a real highlight of their holiday, away from the traffic and almost resembling a small fishing village in its character. This is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat, with some sumptuous harbour front views.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Further beachfront view

Other Beaches (Marinella / Peters Beach)

Apart from the beaches around the Marina Piccola and the Marina Grande, there are a number of other very appealing beaches around the cliffs, although most will charge a small entrance fee and extra if you wish to hire a lounger and parasol. However, there are free sandy beaches and related attractions around Sorrento, such as those in the region of Peters Beach and Leonitas Beach, although because these are free, they can be crowded and you may find more space on the decked jetties than the actual beachfront.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Villa Comunale Park

Address: Villa Comunale, off the Via San Francesco, Sorrento, Italy, IT
A small and charming park that almost resembles a town square, the Villa Comunale is actually a leading attraction, not because of the exotic planting, seasonal flowers and large trees providing shade from the Italian sun, but because of the panoramic views. Tourists come to the Villa Comunale in their droves and are never disappointed, bringing their cameras to record the seemingly endless coastal scenery around the Bay of Naples. Apart from the many yachts sailing by, other sights to look for include the Marina San Francesco, which is located almost directly below the Villa Comunale, the Marina Piccola, the Marina Grande and even Mount Vesuvius itself. The Chiesa di San Francesco is very close by.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Image showing the spectacular Amalfi Coast

Bus Trip along the Amalfi Coast

One of the very best and most popular ways to properly explore the endless shoreline attractions around the area is to take a bus trip along the scenic Amalfi Coast. Tourists from Sorrento regularly enjoy bus rides on this famous route, where they are treated to glorious views of the Mediterranean from the clifftops, some 150 metres / 500 feet above the actual sea. Buses generally depart from the train station and end up in either Amalfi or Ravello, and tickets can be purchased from various Tobacco shops. As you board the bus, do ask the driver which side you should sit for the best views, otherwise you will definitely miss out on some awesome coastal scenery.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge

Punta Campanella Marine Reserve image

Punta Campanella Marine Reserve

The Punta Campanella Marine Reserve covers a vast area and stretches along the entire coast of the Sorrento Peninsula. Comprising a number of different attractions, the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve is rich in wildlife and affords many scenic views. This is a good place to come if you crave a little peace and quiet, and the numerous rocky inlets are extremely beautiful. The reserve incorporates a number of neighbouring municipalities, between Vico Equense and Massa Lubrense, with the main sights of interest to be found around the Bay of Ieranto. Legend says that mermaids could often be seen swimming around the Bay of Ieranto - so do keep your eyes peeled!
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Photograph of Queen Joan's Baths (Bagni di Regina Giovanna)

Queen Joan's Baths (Bagni di Regina Giovanna)

The Queen Joan's Baths lies on the very outskirts of Sorrento and have a long and interesting history. It is thought that the Bagni di Regina Giovanna have an important regal past, since Queen Joan II of Anjou from the 15th century enjoyed bathing and swimming alongside this beautiful stretch of coastline. If you do make the effort to come to Queen Joan's Baths, there is another attraction of note close by - ancient remains of a villa, dating back almost 2,000 years.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Via del Capo view

Via del Capo

Address: Via del Capo, Sorrento, Italy, IT
Those feeling like taking a stroll should consider a walk along the Via del Capo. From the long street you will be able to enjoy some wonderful views of the city centre, the coast and also the limestone cliffs known as the Cape (Capo). This is definitely worth doing if you have a spare afternoon.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free