Trip to Sorrento, what to see in one day
Its breath-taking view of the Bay of Naples is famous all over the world, while its vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the world: we are talking about Sorrento. Celebrated by the Italian musical tradition, this splendid location, symbol of the Bel Paese in the world, is a real treasure chest of wonders, to be discovered without haste: from Piazza Tasso, with its spectacular view of the Vallone dei Mulini, to the cafes of Corso Italia, up to beaches there is no corner of Sorrento that does not leave you speechless. Perfect for a mini vacation of a few days, this location also works for a quick visit, perhaps during a tour of the Amalfi Coast. If you like the idea and want to discover the pearl of the Sorrento Peninsula, you just have to find out what to see in Sorrento in one day: here is our short guide.
Sorrento, between history, landscape and culture
If you have never been to Sorrento and you only have a few hours to visit it, choose your itinerary carefully: ancient palaces and views not to be missed, you will soon discover that here it takes very little to feel at home. We begin our journey from the Duomo.
The Cathedral of Sorrento
The Cathedral of Sorrento was built in the fifteenth century on the spot where an ancient place of worship stood and, over the centuries, it has been the subject of several restoration interventions. Of the original style it only has the marble lateral portal which still bears the coats of arms of Sixtus IV of Aragon and Archbishop De Angelis. Inside this suggestive religious building it is possible to admire works of great artistic value such as the marble relief of the Redentore dating back to 1522, the archbishop’s throne and the precious pulpit decorated with a Madonna and Child and the two San Giovanni di Silvestro Buono. The wooden crucifix dating back to the 15th century that dominates the 17th century altar deserves a special mention. The stylistic stratification that characterizes the Duomo is also common to the bell tower: the base and three of the five floors that rise over Corso Italia date back to the eleventh century, while the upper part and the ceramic clock were made in the eighteenth century.
Piazza Tasso
Originally dominated by the Aragonese castle of the fifteenth century, today the square has the name of its most famous citizen, Torquato Tasso and crosses the bustling Corso Italia. On this open space, the beating heart of Sorrento and icon of the city, overlook the Casa Correale, which stands out for its characteristic courtyard decorated with majolica and is home to the homonymous museum, the Church of Sana Maria del Carmine, which enchants visitors with its Baroque façade, and the historic Grand Hotel Vittoria where Francesco Caruso stayed in 1921. One of the most evocative points of the square is the terrace that opens along the north side and overlooks the Vallone dei Mulini: from here, through a small road, you reach Marina Piccola.
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola is the port of Sorrento: here, not far from Piazza Tasso, ferries and hydrofoils land. The picturesque inlet that houses the port was originally called differently, it was, in fact, known by the name of Marina di Capo Cervo, just like the promontory that overlooks it. Of the ancient appearance of Marina Piccola today remains a small chapel consecrated to Santa Maria del Soccorso and to the souls in Purgatory. On the side of the port there are numerous beach clubs hosted by a very particular system of stilts. This characteristic part of the city is certainly worth a visit and with a little more time available, you can even think about stopping for a couple of hours to relax by the sea.
Marina Grande
Then, among the things to see in Sorrento, there is Marina Grande: once you cross the ancient Greek Gate, the small pastel-coloured buildings, boats and fishing nets introduce the visitor to the characteristic mood of the seaside village. Fans of the classics of Italian cinema will certainly recognize the glimpses made famous by the film Pane,amore e … with Vittorio De Sica and Sofia Loren. The village is historically linked to the ancient shipyards that built the famous “gozzi Sorrentini”, fishing boats with sails and oars. If you are in the area on July 26, you can attend the celebrations of Sant’Anna, patron saint of Marina Grande. The village is also the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing break in its bathing establishments or a characteristic lunch in the numerous restaurants.
A dip in the flavors of Sorrento
Speaking of characteristic lunch: if you are visiting Sorrento, you cannot fail to plan a feast of typical flavors. The rich local gastronomy based on quality raw materials such as oil, vegetables, nuts, cheese and citrus fruits, has a lot to offer. All you have to do is to sit in one of the restaurants that dot the city and let yourself be inspired: cannelloni with ricotta, lobster with tomato, eggplant parmigiana, octopus in casserole and the famous gnocchi alla sorrentina, with tomato and stringy mozzarella, are just some of the specialties to bring to the table. And if you love desserts, here you will be spoiled for choice: from the traditional baba to the lemon cake, passing through sfogliatelle and follovielli – delicious bundles filled with raisins – the local pastry is a riot of delicacies in which the citrus flavour is king. Of course, at the end of the meal you cannot miss the famous limoncello, which clubs and restaurants offer in a strictly artisanal version.
Sedil Dominova
The history of Sorrento is also intertwined with the story of the ancient noble seats: today there is a precious testimony of these medieval institutions with administrative functions in the city: Sedil Dominova. This building, characterized by Renaissance architecture despite the numerous subsequent restylings, is structured in an arched loggia with two side balustrades. It is certainly one of the things to see in Sorrento: inside, in fact, there are precious frescoes, while the internal vault of the seventeenth-century dome that surmounts the loggia presents the heraldic coats of arms of the noble families that belonged to the Sedile. A curiosity: the Workers’ Society for Mutual Aid has been based here since 1895.
Vallone dei Mulini
This spectacular valley gives contemporary life an important testimony of the geological history of the area. Formed about 35,000 years ago following a violent eruption of the Phlegraean Fields – perhaps even the most devastating in the history of this volcanic area – the imposing fissure, over the millennia, has been exposed to the erosive dynamics of the water that have engraved and shaped the tuff base. The result is the valley that we can still admire today and which is the best preserved of the entire Sorrento Peninsula: from Piazza Tasso it is possible to observe the central portion. This fascinating natural formation is also famous for the presence of a mill: today it is possible to see only the ruins, but the structure remained in use until the early twentieth century, when the construction of Piazza Tasso and the filling of the terminal part of the valley interrupted the connection between this area and the sea. The luxuriant vegetation that surrounds the ruins of the mill is the result of the exponential increase in the level of humidity that led to the definitive abandonment of this production area.
Scoprire Sorrento con Positano Scooter
Sorrento, with its surroundings, is a destination which is waiting to be discovered: to do so, you can choose to get there by car, and then enter the heart of the city on a practical scooter that will allow you to move quickly and easily. If you are filling the list of things to see in Sorrento and you are dealing with the logistical aspect of your excursion, you can have a look to the proposals of Positano Scooter. The agency is specialized in the rental of scooters and vespas, but also has a fleet of cars designed to drive you along the roads of this splendid area. For the first part of your itinerary, which probably covers the distance between a town on the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, for example, you can opt for a practical Smart, an iconic Fiat 500, or a stylish Maggiolino, all in the cabriolet version: they will be ideal means to reach your destination and to accompany you to Sorrento and its surroundings. If, on the other hand, you have chosen this amazing town for a special occasion, you can think about the luxurious Porsche 718 Boxter, which will give your trip an extra magical touch. Furthermore, advancing through the alleys of Sorrento is more fun if you do it on the seat of a scooter, lovers of two wheels know it well: for them and for anyone who wants to visit this unique location from a privileged point of view, Positano Scooter has a wide range of models and engine sizes to the Piaggio, Peugeot and Vespa brands. For any personalized solution, which perhaps involves the combination of cars and scooters, all you have to do is contact the agency staff and let them advise you, then you will be ready to go: Sorrento and its splendid coast is waiting for you!