Luxury Villas in Sorrento
Just an hour safe of Naples, Sorrento is the gateway to the beautiful Amalfi Coast, a 50 km kilometre stretch of coastline within the Campania region of Italy. Sorrento itself is a bustling and vibrant town overlooking the Bay of Naples. The town is famous for the production of limoncello. It’s also known for its ceramic, lacework and woodwork shops. These can be found in the streets around Sorrento’s central square – the Piazza Tassa and along its main shopping street – Via San Cesareo. A visit to Sorrento would also not be complete without heading to its picturesque Marina Grande. This small, sandy stretch of beach is lined with family-run restaurants serving up delicious local dishes including plenty of fresh fish.
Sorrento is certainly an excellent base from which to explore the Amalfi Coast. It has excellent transport connections to other towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Capri whilst also being easily accessible from Naples airport. It’s also a good starting point for day trips to Pompeii and Vesuvius.
All these villas in Sorrento are situated within a 20 km radius of the town.
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About Sorrento
Sorrento is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and is the perfect base for those looking to enjoy a holiday here. The town sits overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy, approximately a 90 minute drive from Naples or a 45 minute journey by boat using the the fast ferry service from Naples port.
Things to do in Sorrento
If you’re looking to relax, there are some beaches in Sorrento to enjoy. A trip to the Marina Grande is almost like stepping back in time with its pastel-coloured houses and colourful fishing boats bobbing in the water. There is a small stretch of volcanic sandy beach here and, if you fancy grabbing a bite to eat, there are also plenty of restaurants here too. There is also a small beach at Marina Piccola. You will need to pay to access the beach clubs here but you will be able to pay for an umbrella and sun bed so that you can lounge in style. Or, alternatively, a short bus ride away is the Bagni Regina Giovanna where there is a hidden natural swimming pool and the ruins of a 1st century Roman villa – Villa Pollio Felice. And 2 km from Sorrento is the picturesque beach at Cala di Puolo. There is a free public beach here and a beach club.
In the heart of Sorrento town, there is plenty to keep you busy. There are a number of museums well worth visiting, containing collections of artworks, ceramics, glassware and more. There are also a number of churches to admire, not least the 11th century Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo (Cathedral of Saints Philip and James), home to some incredible frescoes.
Its central square – the Piazza Tasso – is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. And if you fancy doing the tourist thing and enjoying a horse-drawn carriage trip around the town, this is also the place to catch a ride. The piazza also leads to Sorrento’s main shopping street – the Via San Cesareo. Sorrento’s Piazza Sant’ Antonino is slightly quieter but expect Sorrento to be busy and bustling.
Sorrento isn’t without its quiet areas though. If you are looking to escape the crowds, then one of the most magical places in Sorrento are the 7th century San Francesco cloisters – Chiostro di San Francesco. Step inside and just soak up the peace and tranquility of the fairytale atmosphere under the arches draped in greenery and in the gardens. In the Summer, the cloister us used for art exhibitions and concerts.
We also recommend you visit the Villa Communale Park park. It’s a relaxing spot in Sorrento but it’s worth a visit for the views alone. These stretch over the Marina Piccola and across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. Visit just before sunset to enjoy the incredible views.
And Sorrento is home to an incredible natural phenomenon too – Il Vallone dei Mulino. This is a gorge that was formed over 35,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. It is home to flour mills, a sawmill and washhouse that were abandoned in the 1940s when the industry died out. Whilst you can’t head into the valley itself, the view from above is pretty spectacular. The old buildings remain visible despite the foliage that has grown over them.
And finally, no visit to Sorrento would be complete without sampling the product that the town is arguably most famous for – limoncello. Rows of lemon groves line the cliff top terraces in this area and these are used to produce the delicious alcoholic tipple.
Find out more in our Sorrento travel guide.
Events in Sorrento
There are plenty of events in Sorrento that take place each year. Summer holidaymakers should keep an eye on the calendar of musical concerts that take place in various venues. Earlier in the year in February, there are processions, fireworks and music to mark the Festival of Sant’ Antonio, Sorrento’s patron Saint. And at Easter, there are more processions through Sorrento’s streets. Finally, each November there is the Sorrento Film Festival. This is one of Italy’s most important film festivals.
When to visit Sorrento
There are reasons to visit Sorrento all year round. So it really depends on what you want to do as to when is the best time to visit. If you’re looking to enjoy the beach activities and nightlife, then visit between June and September when you can expect plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the high 20s and early 30s. In the Spring and Autumn, you can also expect plenty of sunshine but with temperatures a little cooler, it’s a better time for a more active holiday. This is the best time to enjoy the wonderful hikes around Sorrento and the visit nearby attractions such as Pompeii. The Winter is also a great time if you’re not interested in spending sunny days by the way. Incidentally, in December the cathedral in Sorrento has a delightful nativity scene well worth seeing to get you in the festive spirit..
