Attractions Nearby Sorrento, Day Trips and Excursions

(Sorrento, Campania, Italy)

The Province of Naples is littered with quality attractions, all of which are relatively close to Sorrento. Whether you would like to climb Mount Vesuvius, catch a ferry to the island of Capri, or sunbathe on the sandy beaches of Positano, tourists from Sorrento can be assured that they will have plenty of attractions to choose from.

Pompeii makes an extraordinary day trip from Sorrento and each year alone, well over two million tourists come to Pompeii to experience the truly spectacular ruins and historic attractions close up. If Pompeii impressed you, then you will be sure to like Herculaneum, and many people choose to combine the two into one cram-packed day trip.

Island of Capri

A day trip to the gorgeous Isle of Capri cannot come more strongly recommended and those planning to travel here by ferry will need to book their place at least one day ahead. Capri is within easy reach of Sorrento and the extremely scenic ferry trip will take less than an hour. Once you step onto Capri, the attractions soon become apparent, ranging from sandy beaches and dramatic sea caves, such as the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), to ancient churches and monasteries. If you have the time, do enjoy a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafe tables on the Piazza Umberto I, where you can people watch to your heart's content.

Pompeii

Pompeii is extremely close to Sorrento and lies just 28 km / 17 miles to the north-east, being best reached by either train, car or on an organised coach excursion. Although the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD marked the end of the city, the deep ashes actually preserved the buildings and temples for future generations, turning Pompeii into nothing short of an archaeological site. Attractions in Pompeii include the theatre district, where you will find both the Teatro Grande and the Teatro Piccolo. Also not to be missed is the House of the Vetii, the Forum marketplace, the ancient brothel of Lupanar, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary (Santuario della Madonna del Rosario), which presides over the modern centre of Pompeii.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 08:30 to 17:30; November to March, daily - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Herculaneum

Formerly a Roman port and fishing town, Herculaneum is a truly spectacular attraction and those visiting from Sorrento will find that this will be a true highlight of their holiday and something quite unforgettable. From Sorrento, the easiest way to get to Herculaneum is onboard the Circumvesuviana train. Filled with ancient ruins and tunnels, the site of Herculaneum is split into a total of 11 different areas, separated by a typical Roman gridwork of straight roads. Look out for the Forum Baths (Terme del Foro), the Argus House (Casa d'Argo), the Suburban Baths (Terme Suburbane), the House of the Deer (Casa dei Cervi) and the House of the Mosaic Atrium (Casa del Atrio Mosaico).
Open hours: April to October, daily - 08:30 to 17:30; November to March, daily - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Amalfi

A charming coastal town situated roughly 31 km / 19 miles to the east of Sorrento, Amalfi is most famous for perhaps suffering a devastating earthquake disaster more than 600 years ago, when much of its old city literally vanished beneath the waves. Today, the status of Amalfi has been reduced to little more than a pleasant resort with some interesting attractions. The Marina Grande offers plenty of beach fun and water sports, while if you head into the town centre, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral will be hard to miss. Nearby and along the Amalfi Coast, the Emerald Grotto is a particularly famous cave.

Naples (Napoli)

Naples is close to Sorrento and lies just 50 km / 31 miles to the north, so close that this lively and enticing city should not be missed at any cost. If you are intending to visit Naples for just one day, you may find that taking a bus tour of the city is the best way to sightsee and gain an overview of the main attractions. However, if you have time, do sample the city's famous Neapolitan pizzas and gelato (Italian ice cream). Don't miss visiting the waterfront, the former Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), the Piazza Municipio and the endless shops along the Corso Umberto I.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque coastal town with steep streets and an awful lot of steps. Divided into two main areas by a tall cliff topped with the Torre Trasita tower, Positano offers a number of beach areas, such as both the Spiaggia Grande and the Spiaggia del Fornillo. However, the most famous attraction in Positano is the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful church with classical architecture, stone pillars and a rather surprising ceramic dome. The summer classical music festival in Positano may also be of interest, along with its scuba diving and seafront pathways.