Brimming with rustic charm, breathtaking views and pretty fishing villages, this elegant town is the jewel in the Italian crown.
Sorrento is everything you imagined an Italian town to be and more. Perched on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the beautiful Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a gorgeous hamlet where winding cobbled streets spill into quaint squares and sweet-smelling citrus trees abound. This place oozes rustic, old-world charm and the best thing about Sorrento is that most of the main attractions are easily accessible from the central square, Piazza Tasso.
Sorrento does not lack for beautiful Roman and medieval churches but the Chiesa di San Francesco stands out among the crowd. The interior is awash with ecclesiastical treasures and with a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Arabic architectural styles, this church and adjacent cloisters are a joy to wander through.
Many would argue that the jewel in the Sorrentine crown is the hauntingly beautiful and strangely eerie Deep Valley of the Mills. This abandoned flour mill sits at the bottom of a lush ravine and is definitely worth a visit.
If you’re feeling energetic, make the lovely walk across the coast to the legendary Baths of Queen Giovanna. This shimmering emerald pool is a famous Sorrento beauty spot and is well worth seeking out. Protected from the sea by two enormous limestone cliffs, the warm waters of this natural inlet are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Grab your camera and head to Marina Piccola for stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Happily, this is also the perfect place from which to explore the adjacent islands of Capri and Ischia.
For a true taste of Sorrento culture, visit Marina Grande where fishermen still hone their craft in the time-honoured tradition. Continuing the theme, the unspoiled fishing village of Marina di Puolo is home to one of the prettiest beaches in Sorrento. Swim in crystal-clear waters before sampling the catch of the day in one of the excellent seafood restaurants.
Finally, if there is one thing Sorrento is famous for, it’s lemons. Stroll through the old citrus orchards at I Giardini di Cataldo and treat yourself to some delicious lemon-flavoured ice creams, sorbets, beverages, marmalades and of course, limoncello! You can even try your hand at making this zingy lemon liqueur at one of the grove’s wonderful workshops. Yum!
