Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?

Sorrento is a city located in the Campania region of southern Italy.

Sorrento is known for its stunning location on the Gulf of Naples, as well as its centuries-old buildings and cultural heritage.

If you’re planning your trip to Italy, you may be wondering “Is Sorrento worth visiting?”

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to decide why Sorrento should be (or shouldn’t be) on your Italy bucket list.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of visiting Sorrento so that you can see if it’s the right destination for you.

The Pros Of Visiting Sorrento: Reasons To Visit

When traveling to Sorrento, there are a few things you can expect.

First, the food will be amazing. Make sure to try the fresh seafood, delicious pizza, and of course, the gelato.

You’ll also find that the locals are friendly and welcoming. And finally, take in the stunning views.

From the picturesque cafes along the waterfront to the incredible views of Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento is a truly beautiful place.

So whether you’re looking to enjoy some incredible food or simply take in the sights, Sorrento is definitely worth a visit.

Many travelers head to Sorrento to visit Capri or on their way to the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento Offers Incredible Views

If you’re looking for breathtaking views, Sorrento is the place for you. Not only can you enjoy views of Mount Vesuvius, but the entire Gulf of Naples as well.

On a clear day, you can even see the island of Capri.

So whether you’re taking a stroll along the waterfront or simply enjoying a coffee at one of the cafes, you’re sure to be impressed by the views.

Sorrento Is A Great Base To Explore Other Destinations

If you’re looking to explore more of the Campania region, Sorrento is a great base.

From here, you can easily take day trips to nearby destinations such as Naples, Pompeii, or Herculaneum.

If you’re willing to travel further, you can also visit the island of Capri which is only a ferry ride away (25-30 minutes by ferry).

While Sorrento is a great base to explore other places, you should know that it’s a small town. You might prefer to go to Naples or to Amalfi and use these places as a base.

You Can Walk Around Sorrento

Another great thing about Sorrento is that it’s a very walkable city.

This means that you can easily explore all of the main attractions without having to rely on public transportation.

Of course, if you do want to explore the area, you can take the bus or rent a scooter.

Although, driving a car in the area could be challenging.

Parking could also be an issue because it’s expensive, and there aren’t a lot of parking spots in the area.

That said, walking around is the best option to explore Sorrento.

Shopping In Sorrento

If you’re looking to do some shopping while in Sorrento, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options.

From high-end designer stores to local markets, you’ll be able to find everything you’re looking for.

And if you love Italian leather goods, Sorrento is definitely the place to go.

Many travelers get hand-made leather sandals while they visit Sorrento (and Capri).

The Cons Of Visiting Sorrento: Reasons To Skip It

Now that we’ve covered all the reasons why you should visit Sorrento, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might want to skip it.

Sorrento Can Get Busy

First, it’s important to note that Sorrento can be quite crowded, especially during peak season (which is the summer).

If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, you might want to consider visiting during the off-season.

Many travelers go to Sorrento and explore the area from there.

It’s a convenient location because of the ferry port to Capri and Naples.

Sorrento Can Be Expensive

Another downside of Sorrento is that it can be quite expensive, especially if you’re traveling by car. Parking is a real challenge and can get pricey. For example, we spent about EUR 45 on two days of parking.

That said, if you’re not limited with your car, you’ll find more options for accommodation and you’ll be able to find great restaurants.

The restaurants in the area were not the most affordable during our trip. In fact, it was quite pricey.

Sorrento Can Get Boring

If you’re not interested in doing much more than relaxing or exploring the city, you might find that Sorrento gets boring quickly.

There’s only so much you can do in such a small city. So if you’re looking for a place with a lot of things to see and do, Sorrento might not be the right destination for you.

While it can be a good base to explore the surroundings, it’s not the most exciting city.

The main reason why we had stopped there was to visit Capri and it was on the way to the Amalfi Coast.

The Final Verdict: So Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?

Is Sorrento worth visiting?

If you’re planning on using it as a base to visit Capri or Pompeii, we think so!

Yes, it can be crowded and expensive but the food is amazing, the views are stunning, and there’s enough to keep you busy.

Just make sure to visit during the off-season if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

That said, if you’re not a fan of crowds, consider going to the Amalfi Coast instead.

There are plenty of interesting villages on the Amalfi Coast that you can explore without big crowds.

You’ll have more things to do, including better hiking and better beaches.

Visiting Italy soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Is Capri worth visiting
• Is Pompeii worth visiting
• Is Cinque Terre worth visiting