Sorrento, Neapolitan Riviera, Italy
Sorrento is one of Italys' most popular tourist spots and offers stunning views, fantastic shopping and dining, and some great sightseeing. Many tourists visit Sorrento to relax, many more use the seaside town as a base for exploring the area.
Sorrento enjoys dry hot summers and mild winters, therefore summertime can be busy but lots of people are now choosing to visit at other times of the year when it is a little cooler which is ideal for sightseeing.
Sorrento
The town of Sorrento is very experienced when it comes to dealing with tourism. Sorrento has hundreds of tourist shops, relaxed cafes and restaurants where you can sit at pavement tables and watch the world go by. Sorrento is popular with families with older children and couples of all ages.
Beaches
Sorrento is certainly not known for its beaches but there are a few around. Marina Piccola is a small sandy beach which is situated at the harbour and can be reached by numerous steps or by the lift that is located in the city park. Marina Grande is another sandy beach which is a 15 minute walk from the town centre.
Things to Do
There are lots of things to see in Sorrento and perhaps the best way to explore is by the road train that can be boarded from the main square. Lots of people also choose to cycle around but there is a good bus service or you can just enjoy strolling around at your leisure.
Sorrento's traditional fishing harbour, Marina Grande is the place to go and relax in one of it's restaurants and bars. You get some great views across to Naples and it is great for people watching.
Sorrento's largest park, Villa Comunale sits on a clifftop with some fantastic views across the Bay of Naples including Vesuvius, Naples and out towards Capri. With many palm trees, tropical plants and statues, it is a great place to relax and if you feel like it, you can take the steps that zig zag down to harbour or just sit and enjoy the sun.
The ancient walls which were once the defending fortifications against enemy attacks have been restored and are open to the public at certain times of the day and night so well worth a visit.
There are so many historic attractions, most of which are within a 500m radius of the main square, Tasso Square. There are lots of churches, museum and monuments just waiting to be explored.
Out and About
Sorrento is full of cafes, bars and restaurants, many of which are situated at the water's edge, here you will get to sample the traditional dishes and freshly cooked fish dishes whilst sampling some of the region's best wine. Many of the bars do stay open late but for those who like to party into the early hours, then there are a couple of clubs so you will not be stuck for somewhere to go.
There are all sorts of events going on throughout the year, ranging from food tasting, local festivals, various concerts and traditional performances so it is worth seeing what is going to be on whilst you are visiting.
The main street in Sorrento, Corso Italia, has a really good selection of shops, you will be able to find anything from Italian fashion design labels to home furnishings and beautiful ceramics. You can while away many an hour just browsing the shops looking at local produce or searching for a souvenir to take home.
Nearby Attractions
There are lots of places to visit whilst staying in Sorrento and Naples should certainly be on the list. Naples is a vibrant city with gothic churches, museums and castles to explore. You can enjoy wandering through the cobbled streets and do a little shopping or stopping for a bite to eat,
Take a trip to Italy's most popular tourist attraction, Pompeii. Many many tourists visit the world heritage site each year to catch a glimpse of what life was like in Roman times. There are many well preserved buildings and artifacts that are well worth seeing.
If fashion is your thing, then why not take the short ferry crossing over to the island of Capri. As well as the many designer shops and fashion boutiques you will be able to visit museum or take the chair lift to the top of the island for some fantastic views or visit the Blue Grotto under the island.
If you are looking for a more relaxing day then take a trip to Ischia and indulge in thermal mud baths, massages and hydrotherapy at one of the many health spas or at the beach with the natural lagoon of thermal mineral rich sea water.
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