Taking a day trip from Sorrento is a great way to explore the beautiful surrounding areas of the Amalfi Coast and beyond. It allows you to see more of the region without the hassle of packing and unpacking, finding new accommodations, or worrying about transportation. Sorrento is also a central location with easy access to many popular destinations, making it a perfect base for day trips. Plus, many day tours offer knowledgeable guides, providing insight into the history, culture, and local attractions that you may not have discovered on your own. With so many amazing sights to see, a day trip from Sorrento is an excellent way to make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Italy. Here are 5 Best Day Trips from Sorrento and how to plan them.
5 Best Day Trips from Sorrento and how to plan them
Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
A day trip to these three towns along the Amalfi Coast is a must-do when visiting Sorrento. The winding coastal road offers breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the dramatic coastline. Positano, known for its colorful houses built into the cliffs, has several small beaches and is perfect for a stroll along the narrow streets. Amalfi, a larger town with a stunning cathedral, is also worth a visit. Ravello, located high above the coast, is known for its beautiful gardens and villas, and offers stunning panoramic views of the sea.
How to get to Positano from Sorrento:
To get to Positano from Sorrento by ferry, head to the Marina Piccola port in Sorrento and purchase your ferry ticket. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. The ferry will drop you off at the Positano Marina Grande port, from where you can easily explore the town. Keep in mind that ferry schedules can vary depending on the season, so it’s always best to check in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
How to get to Amalfi from Positano:
To get to Amalfi from Positano, you can take a bus or a ferry. The bus ride is about an hour and offers stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. Buses run regularly between Positano and Amalfi, with stops in other towns along the way. Another option is to take a ferry, which provides an even more picturesque experience as you cruise along the coastline. Ferries typically run several times a day between Positano and Amalfi, with the journey taking about 30-40 minutes depending on the weather conditions. Keep in mind that ferry schedules can change depending on the season, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time.
How to get from Amalfi to Ravello:
To get to Ravello from Amalfi, you can take the SITA bus from the Amalfi bus station. The journey takes around 20 minutes and offers stunning views of the coastline. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Amalfi, which is a quicker but more expensive option. Once you arrive in Ravello, you can explore the charming town on foot, visiting popular attractions such as Villa Rufolo and the Cathedral of Ravello.
Capri
Capri, a small island off the coast of Sorrento, is known for its stunning scenery, upscale shopping, and celebrity sightings. Visitors can take a ferry from Sorrento to Capri and spend the day exploring the island’s many attractions, including the Blue Grotto, a sea cave known for its bright blue water, and the Gardens of Augustus, which offer spectacular views of the island and the sea. Capri is also home to several beaches, restaurants, and high-end boutiques.
How to get to Capri from Sorrento:
The easiest and most popular way is to take a ferry from the Sorrento Marina. The ferry ride takes about 20-30 minutes and offers stunning views of the coastline
Pompeii
A visit to Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is a must-do when visiting Sorrento. Visitors can take a train from Sorrento to Pompeii and spend the day exploring the ruins, which include well-preserved houses, streets, and public buildings. Highlights of the site include the Forum, the Amphitheater, and the House of the Vettii. Pompeii is a fascinating look at life in ancient Rome and a testament to the destructive power of nature.
How get to Pompeii from Sorrento
There are several ways to get to Pompeii from Sorrento, depending on your preferences and budget. One option is to take the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento to Pompeii. This train runs frequently and takes about 30-40 minutes. Once you arrive at the Pompeii station, it’s a short walk to the entrance of the archaeological site.
Another option is to take a bus from Sorrento to Pompeii. Buses run less frequently than the train but are often less crowded. You can take the SITA bus from Sorrento to Pompeii, which takes about 45 minutes.
If you prefer a more organized tour, there are many options for day trips to Pompeii from Sorrento. These tours often include transportation to and from Pompeii, as well as a guided tour of the site. You can book these tours through a variety of tour operators in Sorrento or online.
Herculaneum
Another Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum is located just north of Pompeii and is also accessible by train from Sorrento. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried by a pyroclastic flow, which preserved many of the city’s wooden structures and even some organic materials. Highlights of the site include the Villa of the Papyri, which contained a library of papyrus scrolls, and the House of the Deer, which features intricate mosaics.
How to get to Herculaneum from Sorrento:
The best way to get to Herculaneum from Sorrento is to take the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento to Ercolano Scavi station, which takes about 30-40 minutes. From there, it’s a short walk to the Herculaneum archaeological site. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a private car/taxi. The bus takes around 50 minutes and runs less frequently than the train. Hiring a private car or taxi can be more expensive but offers more flexibility and convenience. It’s also possible to join a guided tour that includes transportation from Sorrento to Herculaneum.
Paestum
A little further afield, but still accessible by train or car, Paestum is a well-preserved ancient Greek city located south of Sorrento. The site features three impressive Doric temples, as well as several other public buildings and houses. Visitors can also explore the nearby archaeological museum, which houses many of the artifacts found at the site. Paestum is a fascinating look at the ancient Greek world in Italy and well worth the trip from Sorrento.
How to get to Paestum from Sorrento:
Paestum is a beautiful archaeological site located approximately 90 kilometers south of Sorrento. It is home to some of the most well-preserved Greek ruins in Italy, making it a popular day trip destination from Sorrento.
The most convenient way to get to Paestum from Sorrento is by car. The drive takes around 1.5 hours and there are several car rental agencies in Sorrento. Alternatively, you can take a train from Sorrento to Paestum. Trains run regularly from Sorrento to Naples and from Naples, you can take a train to Paestum. The journey takes around 2 hours.
Another option is to join an organized tour from Sorrento to Paestum. Many tour companies offer guided tours that include transportation from Sorrento, entrance fees to the archaeological site, and a knowledgeable guide. This can be a great option if you prefer not to drive or navigate public transportation on your own.
