Are you thinking about visiting Sorrento, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Sorrento worth visiting?
This small city is a good place to visit for three to seven days. Sorrento is a small city that serves as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Many visitors use it as a base for exploring the area, as there are many hotels and transportation options in town. At the heart of the town is Piazza Tasso, which is a main plaza that is surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors also enjoy taking pizza and pasta making classes or relaxing by the beach. The beaches near town can get crowded during the warmer months and some beaches are private and come at a price.
Sorrento
Reasons to Visit Sorrento
Food
The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.
Resorts
The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.
Hiking
The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.
Shopping
Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.
Nightlife
The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.
Beaches
The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.
Is Sorrento worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Sorrento is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable small city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the hiking, and the resorts. Also, you'll be able to soak up the big city atmosphere and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Sorrento
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| August | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| September | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Sorrento worth visiting in the Autumn?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Sorrento, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, enjoy the city's energy, and take a hike.
Autumn Weather in Sorrento
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| December | 9°C (49°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
Is Sorrento worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Sorrento. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Sorrento can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy an evening out, and discover the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Sorrento
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| February | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| March | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Sorrento worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Sorrento. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. During this season it's fun to experience the shops and boutiques, the beautiful scenery, and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Sorrento
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| June | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Related
What is Sorrento most famous for?
Sorrento is most famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. The small city is very popular for its food. It is also known for its great resorts, hiking, and shopping. And many visitors also come to this small city for its nightlife and beaches. It is often described as laid back, colorful, historic, relaxing, and accessible.
What is the most famous sight in Sorrento?
The most popular sight in Sorrento is Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Sorrento on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola and other attractions here.
How touristy is Sorrento? Is it a popular small city to visit?
Sorrento is a popular small city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Full-Day Amalfi Coast Private Tour by car: $273
- Private tour Pompeii Vesuvius and Winery from Sorrento: $296
- Inlaid wood Factory Tour: $44
- Small-group sunset and evening boat tour of Capri: $163
- Hiking Experience - Sorrento Coast Punta Campanella Capri view: $180
- Amalfi Coast Snorkeling Experience with Freediving Instructor: $82
- Snorkelling Experience in Leranto Bay: $82
- Stand Up Paddle Experience - Sorrento Coast: $109
How long should I spend in Sorrento?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Sorrento is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Sorrento has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Sorrento?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sorrento?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Sorrento?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.