A yacht charter guide to Sorrento, Italy
An ancient town with breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a truly spectacular Italian destination. Visitors will enjoy the beautifully-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture as they stroll along the winding streets and take in the scent of the region’s famous lemon trees. Nestled on dramatic cliff tops of the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento offers visitors Italian charm, plenty of history and delicious Limoncello.
Often seen as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento has long been a favourite among the yachting crowd. An elegant destination with a picturesque palazzo at every turn, the town is quieter than nearby Naples or popular tourist spot Positano and is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway.
Best time to visit
Sorrento offers visitors mild winters and hot, sunny summers – June, July and August are the most popular months to visit. You can avoid the crowds and still enjoy lovely weather in May or as late in the year as September and October.
Key cruising areas
Sorrento is a perfect coastal location for an Italian yacht charter or as a destination in itself. You could spend an entire week in Sorrento and leave wanting more. If you venture out of the town you can discover hiking trails, visit vineyards and explore the countryside that surrounds the town. Alternatively, an itinerary can include a visit to Sorrento before heading onwards to the various beautiful yachting destinations along the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Nearby Naples is another iconic Italian town, as well as the historic ruins of Pompeii.
Don't miss
Marina Grande is a picturesque fishing harbour with sun-bleached houses and rustic charm.
Walk along the water’s edge and watch local fishermen set out to catch the fish of the day. This part of Sorrento has many authentic restaurants serving delicious Italian fare. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz and freshly cooked seafood dishes as the sun sets over the beautiful bay.
Best spots for wining and dining
Sorrento boasts several highly-acclaimed restaurants. Don Alfonso 1890 is located just south of Sorrento and holds two Michelin stars for its superb cuisine and wine cellar (with over 25,000 bottles and counting). The meals here are crafted from ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm, so the food is seasonal and local to Sorrento. For more low-key options, La Tradizione is a renowned local deli that sells the freshest ingredient grown in the region or Bagni Delfino is a waterfront restaurant owned by the same family for almost 50 years.
Visitors will also be spoilt for choice on wine and cocktail bars. La Pergola Bar à Champagne is a stunning bar located in the gardens of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria – the views of the main square of Sorrento and the Bay of Naples are unparalleled. For a more traditional feel, Fuoro 51 is a very rustic, charming bar in a quaint town square with excellent snacks and a huge array of Italian wines to choose from.
Best local dish
Seafood lovers will delight in Sorrento’s cuisine. Spaghetti e Vongole (spaghetti with clams) and also Frittura di Calamari e Gamberi (lightly floured calamari and fresh shrimps) are two famous dishes in the region. Named after the town, Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina is fresh pasta tossed with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. For those with a sweet tooth, Delizia al Limone is a fresh, tart sponge dessert made with local limoncello syrup and lemon flavoured custard.
Sorrento is synonymous with lemons and locals are fiercely proud of the high-quality citrus fruit that is still produced in the region. As you explore the town, you will see an abundance of lemon groves (even more if you venture out into the countryside) and Limoncello will be a favourite drink at many restaurants. It is a perfect tipple to have at the end of a long, delicious meal.
Local culture
As with many destinations in Europe, Sorrento has a long and turbulent history that dates back thousands of years. However, it is most often associated with the myth of the sirens – the mythical creatures who enchanted and seduced sailors with their beautiful voices in Homer’s The Odyssey. It has continued to attract writers and poets, with Lord Byron, John Keats, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Charles Dickens, and Friedrich Nietzsche all visiting its shores.
Best beach
Marina Piccola Beach in Sorrento is very close to the centre of town. It is a small stretch of volcanic sand with loungers and umbrellas available to rent for the day. Puolo is a local's favourite and can become quite busy but is a lovely option for families as the shore is very shallow. If you venture a little further afield, The Baths of Giovanna is a small lagoon on the outskirts of Sorrento and is a real hidden gem. The water's edge is surrounded by large cliffs so you can reach it by walking down the steep steps or travel by tender and drop anchor close to the shore.
We recommend
One of the best ways to experience Sorrento is on foot and there are several excellent self-guided walking tours available in the town. From the imposing Cathedral to the historic narrow lanes of the town centre, you can truly immerse yourself in the culture of this ancient place by wandering its tiny streets and discovering hidden courtyards. Take a day and casually stroll around the town before indulging in a casual dinner overlooking the beautiful Bay of Naples.
