Want to get to know Sorrento like a local? Discover the 5 things to do and see to experience the peninsula like a true local!
Let us start by saying that a few towns will make you fall in love with Sorrento, an enchanting place embraced by the sea, not too far from Naples. A city with an extraordinary landscape overlooking the sea in a truly unmissable natural setting lost between sky and sea. In addition, it possesses a millenary history since its origins date back to the 5th-6th century B.C. when it was founded by the Greeks, like many Mediterranean towns.
Sorrento is a famous town and has always been an important tourist destination, as it was already popular with the Northern European aristocracy during the era of the Grand Tour. Even if today the city is at the center of large tourist flows, you can still experience it like a local how? By following our tips, have a good trip!
5. Sorrento like a local: enjoying a sea-view sunset from Sorrento's Villa Comunale
If we speak of Sorrento, we cannot but mention its splendid views and that vision of the Gulf of Naples, where the view from the sea will leave you breathless. Landscape and wonder then, and not only. Sorrento is a city with an ancient history, capable of connecting with the contemporary, set in the tufa rock overlooking the sea like a sort of terrace. To enjoy it like a local, you have to pay a visit to the Villa Comunale, located next to the monastery of San Francesco. You will find a fascinating view of the gulf and Vesuvius, manicured gardens, olive trees, and centuries-old palm trees. A place to discover!
4. Getting lost in the narrow streets of the historic center like a true Sorrento local
A true local loves Sorrento's historic center madly. It is a riot of crisscrossing alleyways, a living organism full of commerce and leisure, from big brands to workshops. Strolling through Sorrento's historical center, you will encounter churches, ancient monasteries, and centuries-old palaces. Immerse yourself in all this and not only in the crystal-clear waters of the gulf.
3. Stock up on Limoncello and eat the legendary gnocchi alla sorrentina
What's about Sorrento apart from its history, culture and breathtaking scenery? The cuisine, of course! If you're in town, don't miss the traditional "Gnocchi alla Sorrentina" a typical fresh pasta made of potatoes, flour and water, seasoned with tomato sauce, fiordilatte cheese, parmesan and basil.
Here they serve it in the pignatiello the typical terracotta pan that maintains the high temperature of the dish; watch out, you get burnt! And finally, don't miss the limoncello, a sweet liqueur served at the end of the meal made from the lemons of the coast, simply unique.
2. Bathing in the crystal-clear waters of the peninsula
Summer on the peninsula is a beautiful experience, even if it is good to remember that the beaches in Sorrento are tiny and practically always crowded. Also, when the temperature allows, it is easy to get stuck in the heavy traffic that builds up due to the small roads at the edge of the mountains.
On the plus side, there are some beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear, uncontaminated sea, but you have to move a little away from the center to get there. In winter, on the other hand, enjoy the views and the sunsets over the sea and if you can't resist a swim out of season, do it on days when it is not too windy. We know the call of the sea is always powerful!
1. Tour the city's exhibitions, festivals, churches, and museums
Join and visit the many cultural spaces and related exhibitions that characterize the city of Sorrento. Churches, museums, galleries, and even libraries will leave you breathless.
Did you know that Torquato Tasso, the famous 16th-century writer, philosopher, poet, and playwright and one of the greatest of all time and author of "Gerusalemme Liberata" was born here?
Start your cultural tour with Correale di Terranova Museum, which opened in 1989 and now houses rare archaeological finds, Baroque paintings, and a collection of porcelain made by Meissen, Sèvres, Bow, Vienna, Doccia, and Capodimonte.
Afterward, we recommend visiting Villa Fiorentino, a majestic neoclassical architecture completed in the early 20th century and today home to temporary art exhibitions and concerts of the highest quality.
Lastly, as already mentioned, many churches and monasteries in Sorrento are protagonists in beauty and architecture, such as the Church of San Francesco with its 14th-century cloisters, the Basilica of Sant'Antonino, and the Church of the Carmine a few steps from the central Piazza Tasso. Do you want to miss all this beauty?
