The region of Campania is on our minds. Her raw beauty, enticing wine and food (cue Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP) and myriad of seaside gems, make her a must-visit destination. Which brings me to the coastal town of Sorrento. All too often bundled into a day trip with Positano, Amalfi and Capri, the coastal town of Sorrento merits more than just a drive by.
Located north-west of the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrento Peninsula, the town we explore today faces the Bay of Naples. Cliffside and ancient Sorrento is as famous for its sea views and historic center as it is for culinary delights.
A World Heritage site since 1997, Sorrento has captured the heart of locals and visitors alike. Sorrento acts as a starting point to many destinations like Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Pompeii.
Here, we’ve put together 7 things that we love about this coastal city
Limone di Sorrento I.G.P., Limoncello & Delizia al Limone
Massese is the lemon cultivar responsible for Limone di Sorrento I.G.P., the large succulent lemons which weigh at least 85 grams and one can’t help but notice dangling in local citrus groves. These lemons arrived in the region with Jewish immigrants via the Silk Road in the 1st century A.D. The first groves were cultivated by Jesuit priests in the 1600s. They are a Sorrento staple.
Not surprisingly, some of the best limoncello is made with this gorgeous fruit. Sorrento is the birthplace of limoncello (a post-dinner lemon digestive) and Delizia al Limone – the dessert has a sponge base drizzled with a limoncello syrup. It is filled with lemon custard and encased in a lemon glaze. Usually served as a individual-sized sweet, it is found on many local restaurant menus.
Sorrento is the perfect base to explore the Region of Campania
Sorrento is easy to reach from major Italian cities and is a great base to explore the region. Travel options from Rome include: (1) a 4 hour bus ride from the Tiburtina station to the center of Sorrento (2) high speed train to Naples Central Station followed by the Campania Express train or (3) high speed train to Naples Central station followed by a scenic boat ride from the Naples Beverello dock to Sorrento.
From Sorrento, the options are endless. Spend half of a day visiting Pompeii followed by lunch at a family run vineyard; head into Naples for a historical tour, or spend a leisurely day at the beach.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna (Baths of Queen Giovanna)
Just a 40 minute walk or a short bus ride take you to the beloved swimming spot Bagni della Regina Giovanna. Allegedly Queen Giovanna D’Angiò, the Queen of Naples from 1371 to 1435 vacationed here with her lovers swimming in the lagoon’s crystalline water.
But there is much more to this place. Remains of an opulent Roman villa built next to the sea date back to the 1st century B.C. Its design is cited in writings by Horace and Pliny the Younger. Follow the path to the site where limestone cliffs overlook the sea. A staircase leads to the baths. Throw your towel on the rocks and take a dip.
Hidden Gardens
Behind ordinary doors on the main streets of Sorrento lie private gardens and homes to be discovered. Casa Mia’s lovely and talented cook welcomes you into her hidden oasis where you can roll up your sleeves for a cooking lesson or just sit back and enjoy a homemade meal. Seafood, meat, vegetarian and gluten-free based menus are inspired by family recipes. This will be the most memorable meal of your trip with memories that will last a lifetime.
Sunset Boat Rides & Aperitivo
Enjoy a sunset boat ride and aperitivo. Meet your skipper at the port for a private sunset ride with appetizers made by our local cook and Sorrento specialities. Appetizers may include gluten free fish croquettes, taralli, and meatballs. Drinks include water, fruit juices and bubbly. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and a towel.
Piazza Tasso
Every Italian town has a main piazza where locals meet to catch up over an aperitivo. Flanked by coffee bars, cafes, the Palazzo Correale and shops, enjoy a coffee, glass of wine or window shop around Sorrento’s main square.
Archaeological Sites, Churches and Monasteries
There is no shortage of landmarks and sites to visit including:
- Museo Correale – once the private home of the aristocratic Correale family, stroll through the museum filled with family memorabilia. Be sure to stop in the garden.
- Church of San Francesco – this 14th century church often hosts temporary exhibits and is a sought after wedding location. Its Baroque arches and cloisters are stunning.
- Villa of Agrippa Postumus – builds during the 1st century B.C., the villa was Emperor Augustus’s nephew’s home.
