Sorrento

The best time to visit Sorrento is from June to September, when days are warm and sunny with the least rain. July and August are the hottest and driest months, ideal for swimming and outdoor sightseeing. May and October are pleasant but wetter, with more rain days. November is the rainiest month, so plan around that if you want drier weather.

Stay in the historic center near Piazza Torquato Tasso for easy access to shops, restaurants, and the lift down to the marina. The area around Corso Italia suits those who want a central base with good transport links. For a quieter, more residential feel, consider the Capo area along the coast, which offers sea views and a relaxed atmosphere. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria and Grand Hotel La Favorita are both in the center, while Hotel Belair is in the Capo area.

Start with Sorrento Municipal Park for sweeping views over the bay and the cliffs. Bagni Regina Giovanna is a natural cove with Roman ruins and clear water for a swim. The Cloister of Saint Francis offers a quiet, medieval courtyard right in the old town. Take the Lift to Sorrento Marina to reach the waterfront and catch boats along the coast.

You can take full-day tours to Capri, including the Blue Grotto and Anacapri, and to Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius. The Path of the Gods hiking tour offers coastal views, and a private trip combines Pompeii with the Amalfi Coast. These are the main day trip options from Sorrento.

Plan 3 to 4 days in Sorrento. In 2 days you can see the Municipal Park, the Cloister of Saint Francis, and take the lift down to the marina. Add a third day for a trip to Capri or Pompeii and Vesuvius, and a fourth if you want to hike the Path of the Gods. Each day trip needs an extra day on top of your base sightseeing time.