What to see in 1 day in Sorrento
Sorrento is a city rich in history and stunning views. This one-day itinerary will take you to discover the main points of interest, as well as secret spots known only to locals.
- Part one: Marina Grande Villa Comunale, Vallone dei Mulini
- Part two: Corso Italia, Bastione di Parsano, Via San Cesareo
- Bagni della Regina Giovanna
- Museo Correale, Museo della tarsia lignea
Part one
Marina Grande, Villa Comunale and Vallone dei Mulini…
The first part of the itinerary begins at Marina Grande and ends at the Valley of the Mills, near Sorrento’s main square; the route can also be done in reverse.
1. Marina Grande
ITINERARY START
Marina Grande is the picturesque fishing village of Sorrento. Featured in Dino Risi’s famous film “Pane, amore e…” with Sophia Loren, it is a lively neighborhood with several bars where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail, as well as many restaurants where you can savor traditional dishes and the freshest seafood from the Gulf of Naples.
Passing through the ancient double-arched gateway, built in the pre-Roman era from tuff and limestone, you continue towards the viewpoint at Piazza della Vittoria.
2. Belvedere di Piazza della Vittoria
650m | 10′
Passing through the ancient double-arched gateway, built in the pre-Roman era from tuff and limestone, you proceed towards the viewpoint at Piazza della Vittoria. The view from the Hotel Syrene towards the Hotel Tramontane has been depicted in hundreds of paintings since the 1600s, which are now displayed in major international museums. This iconic view is not only celebrated for its scenic beauty but also because it was believed to be the birthplace of the famous poet and writer Torquato Tasso (Sorrento, March 11, 1544 – Rome, April 25, 1596).
At the center of the verdant square stands a Winged Victory, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of Sorrento in World War I, created in 1926 by Francesco Jerace.
3. Chiostro di San Francesco
200m | 3′
The Cloister of San Francesco in Sorrento is an architectural and spiritual gem located in the heart of the city’s historic center. Built in the 14th century, this splendid cloister features elegant Gothic architecture with finely decorated columns and a serene inner courtyard. The medieval frescoes adorning the walls tell stories of devotion and spirituality, transporting visitors on a journey through time.
4. Villa Comunale
50m | 0′
Small but offering breathtaking views, the Villa Comunale in Sorrento is the perfect spot to admire the majesty of the Gulf of Naples. Directly in front, you’ll see the majestic Mount Vesuvius; to its right is Pompeii, and to the left are Naples (recognizable by the skyscrapers of the Centro Direzionale) and the Phlegraean Fields. Below, you can see the beach clubs of San Francesco beach and, further to the right, Marina Piccola, the ferry port.
From the viewpoint, looking down and to the left, you can admire the nymphaea related to the villa of Augustus’s grandson, Agrippa Postumus (recognizable by their brick cladding, opus reticulatum, and mosaics) as well as the Roman fish ponds (rectangular structures about 50 centimeters deep).
5. Basilica di Sant'Antonino
200m | 3′
Continue towards the Basilica of Sant’Antonino and the square of the same name, which houses the Sorrento Town Hall. Sant’Antonino (Campagna, after 550 – Sorrento, February 14, 625) is the city’s patron saint, celebrated with a grand feast and procession on February 14. Inside the basilica, you can find the bones of a whale, which are tied to the miracle attributed to the saint, who is said to have saved a child swallowed by the sea creature.
6. Piazza Tasso
120m | 2′
Description pending!
7. Vallone dei Mulini
140m | 3′
Hidden among the tuff walls of the historic center, the Vallone dei Mulini is an ancient karst valley dominated by the ruins of old water mills. Surrounded by lush vegetation, this historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval Sorrento and its past industrial activities. Today, the Vallone dei Mulini is a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts, providing a picturesque escape from the bustle of the city.
Part two
Antiche mura, belvedere, decumano maggiore…
The second part of the one-day tour of Sorrento begins and ends at the main square, Piazza Tasso. This itinerary leads you to discover the city walls of Sorrento, a splendid viewpoint over the entire Sorrentine Peninsula, a waterfall, and the main decumanus.
1. Piazza Tasso e Corso Italia
ITINERARY START
Piazza Tasso, the bustling heart of Sorrento, is dedicated to the renowned poet Torquato Tasso. Surrounded by cafés and shops, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the city. From here, Corso Italia, the main shopping street, stretches out, offering a variety of boutiques, gelaterias, and restaurants, ensuring a vibrant and authentic experience.
2. Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo
240m | 3′
This imposing cathedral, dating back to the fifteenth century, stands majestic in the center of Sorrento. With its Baroque facade and interior frescoes, it provides a captivating glimpse into the history and spirituality of the city. The interior is enriched with sacred artworks, and the courtyard serves as an oasis of tranquility within the lively urban fabric.
3. Bastione di Parsano
CHIUSO PER RESTAURO | 250m | 4′
The ancient city of Sorrento skillfully utilized the features of its territory for defense. Facing the sea, it took advantage of the height of the tuff cliff; on the landward side, it was largely isolated by the Vallone dei Mulini, while the remaining part was defended by a tuff city wall dating back to the sixteenth century: the Bastion of Parsano.
4. Villa Fiorentino
300m | 4′
Nestled within a lush garden, Villa Fiorentino is a 19th-century architectural gem. Today, it hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and outdoor concerts. Visitors can stroll among sculptures and fountains while admiring the grandeur of the building and soaking in the refined atmosphere of times gone by.
5. Belvedere sulla Penisola Sorrentina
800m | 12′
This viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the picturesque Marina Grande harbor. With its panoramic terraces and scenic pathways, it’s the perfect place to contemplate the beauty of the sea and the cliffs surrounding Sorrento, providing unforgettable moments of tranquility and admiration.
6. Cascata Neffola
450m | 5′
Sorrento never ceases to amaze: just a few steps from the center, there’s a waterfall with a drop of over 30 meters carved into the limestone rock. Further up, hidden in the vegetation (not visible or accessible), lies the Grotta Nicolucci, where artifacts dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age have been found.
7. Via Fuoro, Via San Cesareo e Sedil Dominova
450m | 5′
These streets, rich in history and tradition, constitute the bustling heart of city life. Via Fuoro is renowned for its artisan workshops, while Via San Cesareo offers a wide range of shops and cafes. The Sedil Dominova, an ancient gathering place for nobles, is an important testament to local Renaissance architecture, providing an immersion into the history and culture of Sorrento.