Top 10 things to do in Sorrento

About Sorrento

Sorrento is a small town along Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast. There are so many things to do and reasons to fall in love with Sorrento, it was hard to choose the top 10 things to do in Sorrento. My apologies, as a food lover, most do revolve around eating or drinking.

1. Sunbathe at Leonelli’s Beach

The same family has owned and run Leonelli’s for three generations. From the docks, there are 360° views that will impress any critic. While bathing in the sparkling turquoise sea, you can admire Mount Vesuvius and Naples in the distance.

Although you aren’t exactly supposed to jump off the dock, the lifeguards are more than willing to turn their heads. If sand’s not your thing, this is the place for you. With steps that drop directly into the sea, you can go straight from your sunbed to the water without tarnishing your pedicured toes.

Unlike many places with too many servers and not enough privacy, the staff at Leonelli’s is friendly and efficient, only approaching you for drinks or snacks if you make it clear that you’re interested. Low prices and good quality. I’d recommend the tomato salad and the arancini risotto balls. 

Please note, most of the beaches are private in Sorrento. It’s worth renting a deckchair and umbrella at Leonelli’s.

Via Marina Piccola, 55

2. Eat gelato and sorbetto

Raki for gelato

Summer Sorentine sun calls for gelato. I’ve got two favorites on my top 10 things to do in Sorrento list. If I had to pick one gelateria to go to in Sorrento, Raki would be it. They had classics like pistachio, lemon, hazelnut and dark chocolate. But they also had seasonal flavors. Two of my favorites were figs with almonds and mascarpone with pinenuts and caramel.

Via S. Cesareo, 48

Momi for sorbetto

Momi is a small gelateria on the main shopping street. Every night there is a line out the door. They only use local organic products and never add preservatives or coloring. Their flavors change every day. My favorite was the lemon sorbet.

Corso Italia, 127

3. Giftshop at Simply Sorrento

You won’t find any “made in China” stickers at Simply Sorrento. The owners, Luciana Faccarino and Antonella Sagristani, make every item ‘simply with love’.

The ladies make ceramics, glass, and hand-sewn products in their studio at the back of the shop. They also carry handmade chocolates, olive oils, pasta, and other local goods. To support local Sorrentine business, any item they don’t make is from one of their friends nearby.

My mom loved the mini potholders I bought here so much, I had to send a friend back to puck up more a few years later.

Via Fuoro, 38/40

4. Wake up with a caffè freddo

A caffè freddo is the only drink that will give you the burst of energy you need without sweat dripping from your eyeballs. It’s ice-cold gently sweetened espresso. The trick is, no ice is added to the espresso directly. After brewing the espresso is sweetened and placed into the freezer to chill. Shaken and thawed, it is served in a narrow shot glass sometimes accompanied with whole milk and a glass of sparkling water. The perfect summertime pick-me-up. It’s available everywhere.

5. Shop for leather

Handbags, jackets, shoes, belts. You name it, they make it. Italy loves leather. Family-owned artisan leather shops without all the pricey labels are what Sorrento is good at. One of my favorite shops was L’Artigianato Di Alviani Giuseppe. L’Artigianato carries men’s and women’s leather goods. The selection is enormous and the prices are up for negotiation if you’re nice. I bought these gold driving shoes I can’t live without.

Via S. Cesareo, 45

6. Enjoy the sunset at Bellevue Syrene

Bellevue Syrene sits on the cliffs and overlooks the Gulf of Naples. It is here where you feel like one of the elite. Reserve in advance, the terrace isn’t that big and make sure you check what time sunset is. This is the perfect time for you to indulge yourself in a five-course meal to satisfy your palate and a view to entice your eyes.  The menu changes seasonally and focuses on Mediterranean flavors.

One of my favorite parts of dining at Bellevue Syrene was meeting Caterina Gargiulo. Caterina is the resident sommelier at Bellevue Syrene. Her wine selections were the highlight of our meal.

Can’t afford dinner at Bellevue Syrene? I don’t blame you. Splurge for a few drinks or dessert on the terrace just to soak in the five-star atmosphere. 

Piazza della Vittoria, 5

7. People watch in Piazza Tasso

Bar Ercolano in Piazza Tasso is at the heart of all the action. It’s optimal for people watching. They open as early as 6 a.m. for espresso and close only when the last customer leaves each night. The traffic swirls by your table, only a foot away. There’s a lengthy cocktail menu, complimentary nibbles and live music some evenings.

Piazza Torquato Tasso 

8. Dine at a taverna

Next up, more food. Beware, there are a lot of overpriced touristy restaurants to avoid, but luckily still plenty of local tavernas. Ask around, be curious, and pop your head inside anywhere that interests you. If you want to take the guess-work out of it, these are my three favorites.

Da Peppino

Da Peppino was my favorite restaurant along the Amalfi Coast. Tap the link to read more about why I loved it. It’s a bit outside of town, but worth it. Half a rotisserie chicken or a whole pizza for as little as four euros. Insanely cheap for Amalfi and wildly delicious.

Via A Balsamo 77/79, Sant’Agnello

Inn Bufalito

Inn Bufalito was my favorite restaurant inside the old town of Sorrento. I wrote another post on all my favorite dishes and our experience there.

Vico I Fuoro, 21

Chantecler’s Trattoria

Chantecler’s Trattoria is cozy like your grandma’s house. Most nights one man runs the show and treats you like family from the moment you enter the door. Chantecler’s is inexpensive and serves some of the best gnocchi alla sorrentina in Sorrento. Also, make sure you say yes to the complimentary limoncello before you say arrivederci! 

Via Santa Maria della Pietà, 38

9. Visit Marina Grande

Unfortunately, I didn’t visit Marina Grande myself. Don’t get confused –Marina Piccola (little marina) is actually where all the action occurs in Sorrento. This is where you take the ferry to Capri or Positano or wherever else you want to go.

Marina Grande, is an old fishing village. The village is colorfully decorated with snack bars, trattorias and fishing boats. It’s where the locals go to eat and be with family. I did see Marina Grande from the ferry ride to Capri and loved the colors. Next time, I’ll definitely be stopping by.

10. Take the ferry to Capri

If you choose to call Capri home base, it’s still worth the quick ferry ride to Capri. Try to avoid some of the major tourist attractions like the Blue Grotto, and check out how I spent one day there instead.

Free printable guide to Sorrento

Another favorite part of my time along the Amalfi Coast was the drive itself. Absolutely breathtaking. You can read all about it here. So that’s it, my top 10 things to do in Sorrento, mostly revolving around food. Hope you enjoyed.