Sorrento Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Viewpoint

There are fantastic coastal views from the Villa Communale park next to the 16th-century church of San Francesco, which also holds regular classical-music concerts.

Arts and culture

In 79AD Sorrento had an awesome view of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii. It’s possible to wander the well-preserved ruins of the doomed city; see www.pompeiisites.org for details. (Wear comfortable shoes – Roman roads are surprisingly ill-suited to sandals.)

Something for nothing

Try to sneak into one of the wood-inlay workshops and observe the traditional art of intricate mosaic woodwork (Tarsia). Try Gargiulo Salvatore on Via Fuoro.

Shopping

Pick up some limoncello liqueur, infused with Sorrentine lemon peel, or nocino, made from walnuts and coffee beans. Via San Cesareo is the place to find handicrafts such as ceramics, scented wax, coral or lace. There’s also a weekly street market on Tuesdays. It’s worth the 20-minute trip over to Capri to join the jet set for some serious boutique spending.

Daytripper

On the fabulous island of Capri, you can explore dramatic scenery or shop in a miniature Milan of boutiques. The island is a 20-minute journey by hydrofoil; alternatively, you can hire a speedboat in Sorrento, which will allow you to explore the coves and more secluded beaches; contact www.nauticasicsic.com for details.

Best beach

A mile west of Sorrento is the Bagni di Regina Giovanna, where the 15th-century Queen Joan II of Anjou reputedly bathed. An opening in the rocks creates a calm natural pool.

Activities

The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is a spectacularly scenic trek along the cliffs of the Amalfi coast. There are plenty of excellent local scuba-diving sites to explore; contact www.sorrentodivingcenter.it for details.