SorrentoGulf of Naples · Italy

All About Sorrento

Sorrento is a town in southern Italy situated on one of the world’s most exquisite coastlines, the Amalfi Coast of the Bay of Naples, and it is also rich in heritage and culture. This has drawn visitors to Sorrento for centuries, including poets and writers of various nationalities who have sung the praises of its historic streets. Close to Naples, Pompeii, and the island of Capri, it also has views north of Mount Vesuvius. With such a dramatic bayside location, it’s understandable that the sea continues to play an important part in the everyday life of residents and visitors to Sorrento.

The town is very well connected by ferry with several nearby destinations. If you’re looking for ferry tickets to Sorrento, you’re in luck. Ferryscanner makes it superbly easy to find ferry tickets to Sorrento, as well as a whole host of other destinations in Italy, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Use it to compare ferry routes and daily schedules, and book your tickets in just a few clicks.
 

Routes and Ferries to Sorrento

Of all the ferry tickets to Sorrento available on a regular basis, the route operating between Sorrento and the island of Capri is not only one of the most visually appealing, but also the shortest, at just 20 minutes. In addition, there are up to 21 ferries per week during the high season months of May until September, meaning you’ll never have to wait more than a few hours for the next departure. Tickets for an adult foot passenger cost between €11 and €50. SNAV operates up to nine sailings each week, with rival ferry company Navigazione Libera di Golfo (NLG) completing the line-up of arrivals and departures.

It is these two ferry companies that are responsible for the vast majority of sailings into and out of Sorrento, including those vessels that ply the waters between Sorrento and Castellammare di Stabia. Lying close to Naples, this town can be reached in just 30 minutes, up to six times per week, in either direction. Ferry tickets to Sorrento from Castellammare di Stabia (and vice versa) can be purchased for €13-18.

The thriving city of Naples can also be reached from Sorrento, with this journey across the bay lasting just a few minutes more. It has a scheduled sailing time of 35 minutes. There is an average of seven sailings per week, with prices ranging between €14 and €29.

If you’re planning on using Sorrento as a gateway to the Amalfi coast, there are two alternative ferry routes that may be of interest. The first pulls into the port of Amalfi itself, taking approximately one hour and 20 minutes up to 10 times per week. The second one links Positano and Sorrento in only 40 minutes. There are up to 14 sailings to Positano each week, averaging out at two per day, with prices of €16-24 for adult foot passengers.

Sorrento lies at the south-eastern end of the Circumvesuviana rail line to Naples, from where it’s possible to connect with Trenitalia’s high-speed services both north and south. Well-known for its scenic coastal drives, many visitors enjoy heading towards Amalfi, although the hairpin bends can be a little hair-raising for those not used to driving in Italy.

The closest useful airport is Naples International Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometers away. It receives regular flights from right around Europe.
 

Ports of Sorrento

The main port of Sorrento lies just a short distance downhill from the center of the town. Ferries generally dock on the pier formed by the northward sea wall. You’ll find the dedicated passenger ferry terminal approximately a third of the way along its length. Within the sheltered waters of the port itself, the Marina Piccola has moorings for smaller private vessels. It’s here that you’ll also find boat hire services offering tours of the wider Bay of Naples region.
 

Best Beaches

The climate of southern Italy is perfect for escapes on the beach, whether for a couple of hours or for a couple of weeks. The summer extends right through May until the beginning of October, during which time there’s very little rain. If you’re struggling to identify the best beaches in Sorrento for you, check out our recommendations below.

Marina Piccola Beach

It’s difficult to get any more central than Marina Piccola Beach, making it a great choice for those short of time or traveling without their own transportation. However, even if Marina Piccola Beach was further away it would still be worth reaching, given its excellent stretch of coast.

Puolo

The pebbles that form the beaches of Puolo are particularly well-loved by Sorrento locals, who head here with their families whenever they have the chance. Divided into public and private areas, there are a decent array of amenities, although you’ll need your own transportation to get here.

Marina del Cantone

Another local favorite, Marina del Cantone beach near Nerano sits on the southern side of the Sorrento peninsula. Another beach primarily made up of pebbles, it’s a good size, and has beautiful waters as well as some very fine restaurants.

Bagni della Regina Giovanna

Just a short distance east of Sorrento, Bagni della Regina Giovanna is accessed via a short footpath from the coast road. Dotted with natural rocks, visitors have the choice of the open sea or a small sheltered lagoon connected to the Mediterranean by a stone arch.
 

Places to Visit

Given its long history of human settlement, and the proximity of many of southern Italy’s top attractions, one difficulty with Sorrento is simply that there are so many excellent places to visit. Below you’ll find our pick of the very best.

Amalfi Coast

Speckled with beautiful hillside villages, the Amalfi Coast became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Its landscapes are remarkable, and the pleasure in visiting is through experiencing the authentic life of places such as Ravello and Positano.

Museum Correale

Surrounded by olive groves and occupying a grand mansion, the Museum Correale is still owned by the Correale family, but open to the public. The family’s collection of treasures includes paintings from the seventeenth and eighteenth century, as well as Murano glass and a small grouping of archaeological artifacts.

Sorrento Cathedral

With a belltower originating from the Roman Empire, Sorrento Cathedral has to be the oldest structure in the town. Its features span centuries, so in addition, you’ll find the marble altar dates to the sixteenth century, while the main façade is yet to break 100 years of age.

Vallone dei Mulini

The Vallone dei Mulini must be one of the most extraordinary sites in and around Sorrento. Dating back at least 700 years, the valley is home to a variety of flour and sawmills. Now long abandoned, they have been taken over by the region’s plant life, creating dramatic contrast between the two.
 

Transportation Around Sorrento

Central Sorrento can be easily explored on foot given its size, although you might want to take to the buses or taxi fleet in order to climb the hill from the ports to the city center. EAV and Cooperativa Tasso buses regularly connect the two. Single journey tickets cost a little over €1 and can be purchased from tobacconist shops, the railway station, or the bus station. You need to do this before boarding a bus, and then validate your ticket on entering using the onboard machines. Lines B, C, and D connect the port and center every 20 minutes or so. However, they are not designed with large amounts of luggage in mind. If traveling in such a way, a taxi might be the better option. Call in advance to arrange pick up from the ferry terminal.