Discover the charms of Sorrento, an unforgettable place

There are places that have something you can’t quite explain with a photo or a review. Sorrento is one of them. It only takes one step on its streets to understand why so many travelers fall under its spell. It’s not just the sea, the cliffs, or the scent of lemons. It’s a mix of all that, yes—but also something in the air, something you feel in the details.

And just when you think you’ve figured it out, the Amalfi Coast throws you another perfect postcard from around the next bend.

A town that doesn’t need filters

Sorrento isn’t large, but it has more than enough personality. Perched on a natural terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples, it offers views that seem pulled from a dream. Walking through the historic center means diving into a maze of narrow streets, old façades, craft shops, and cafés where the coffee always tastes better.

One of the main spots is Piazza Tasso, where everyone passes by at least once. From there, you can walk down to Marina Grande, a former fishing village that still holds its authentic charm. Wooden boats, hanging nets, the scent of fresh seafood. If you sit down for a meal there, time seems to slow down a little.

A swim where queens once bathed

Not all tourists make it to the Bagni della Regina Giovanna, and that’s part of the appeal. It’s a spot you reach on foot, via a path that winds through olive trees. At the end, a natural pool appears between Roman ruins and cliffs. The water has that filtered look—green, blue, transparent. They say Queen Giovanna of Anjou used to bathe there, far from prying eyes. And indeed, if you go on a weekday, it can feel like the place is entirely yours.

Eating well is not optional

In this part of Italy, food is almost a religion. And in Sorrento, everything revolves around fresh ingredients and recipes passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. You don’t need a luxury restaurant to eat wonderfully. Gnocchi alla sorrentina, with tomato, melted mozzarella and basil, are nearly mandatory. But you’ll also find spaghetti with clams, Neapolitan pizza with thin dough and thick crusts, and limoncello with an aroma you won’t forget. Curiously, many bars offer it to you as a courtesy, like someone welcoming you home.

And if you want to dive deeper, some families organize local cooking workshops. No frills, no show. Just you, the flour, and a story that cooks slowly.

Sleeping by the sea without losing the soul of the place

Sorrento offers all kinds of accommodation. From classic hotels to apartments tucked away in alleys that seem to belong to another era. But if you’re looking for something different—somewhere you can truly feel the soul of the place—there are options with character, blending into the landscape instead of standing out. Among the most interesting are villas in the center, surrounded by greenery, with terraces opening onto the Gulf. In this sense, you could book on edenhouseandvillas.it/en, where the accommodation doesn’t impose itself on the landscape but merges with it. What’s special here isn’t the decor—it’s the silence. And the views, of course.

The perfect base for exploring

One of the advantages of staying in Sorrento is that everything is close. If you’re in the mood for a livelier day, you can head to Naples, visit Pompeii or take a boat to Capri. If you prefer a more relaxed plan, you can lose yourself in the rural trails leading to charming villages.

And if you decide to stay nearby, Positano or Amalfi are just a scenic drive away. Be prepared, though, for winding roads, scenic viewpoints, and moments where you’ll want to stop the car every ten minutes.

When to go? It depends on how you like to travel

Summer is intense, both in terms of crowds and the unforgiving sun. But if you can, escape in spring or autumn. There are fewer tourists, the weather is still wonderful, and everything feels more relaxed. During Easter, the streets fill with processions, lights, and songs. And at Christmas, Sorrento transforms with elegant lights, no excess—as if it knows it doesn’t need much to shine.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble upon another alleyway, another hidden cove, or a dish you’ve never tried before. Because Sorrento and its coast aren’t just to be visited—they are to be lived, to be known through their traditions, customs, and the true essence of southern Italy.