Sorrento
A small resort with a big reputation, Sorrento is a town of lemons, high-pedigree hotels and plunging cliffs that cut through the heart of the historical core.
The town’s longstanding popularity stems from its location at the western gateway to the Amalfi. It’s also on the train line to Pompeii and has regular fast-ferry connections to Naples and Capri.
Tourism has a long history here. It was a compulsory stop on the 19th-century ‘Grand Tour’ and interest in the town was first sparked by the poet Byron, who inspired a long line of holidaying literary geniuses – including Goethe, Dickens and Tolstoy – to sample the Sorrentine air. The romance persists. Wander through Piazza Tasso on any given Sunday and you’ll be exposed to one of Italy’s finer passeggiatas (strolls), snaking past palatial hotels, magnificent marquetry shops and simple Campanian restaurants serving gnocchi alla sorrentina finished off with a shot of ice-cold limoncello.
History
Sorrento and the Sirens
The earliest history of Sorrento Italy shows that the town took its name from the Sirens – which were mythical creatures of the sea that were said to seduce sailors with their lovely voices and then lead them to their demise. There were three sirens – daughters of Achelous and their names were Ligeia, Leucosia and Partenope. They were said to enchant passing sailors until they were submerged. Today you can see remains of the Temple of Minerva, which was built by Ulysses as a token of thanks to the goddess for passing unharmed through the waters. He did take extreme measures to avoid the temptations of the sirens – since he plugged his ears full of wax so he would not hear them and was tied to the mast of his ship.
The founding of Sorrento
A Greek historian named Siculus studying the history of Sorrento determined that Liporos, son of King Ausone and grandson of Ulysses founded Sorrento. They were connected to one of the most ancient ethnic tribes in the area. Prior to the Roman age, Sorrento was home to the Greeks between 474 and 420 BC. Elements of their influence are still visible today. After this period, Sorrento fell under the Roman influence, however the town did rebel in the social war but it was defeated and conquered once more.
Mount Vesuvius
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, it destroyed Pompeii and the surrounding towns of Herculaneum and Stabia. Sorrento was very badly affected by the earthquake caused by the eruption. There is an inscription dating from 80AD, which points to the Roman influence on the town – it shows that Titus restored the clock of the town after the original was destroyed.
The Romans and Sorrento – the early holiday resort
The history of Sorrento Italy shows that tourism of a sort has always played a large part in its life. Sorrento became a popular holiday destination with the Romans in the Imperial age. And it was here they spent the summer months and their leisure time. It was their favoured Italian holiday destination. It was here they built their beautiful and palatial villas by the sea, or established farms for the production of oil and wine.
After the fall of Rome
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the history of Sorrento shows it entered into a period of unrest. It first came under the control of the Byzantium Empire in the east. From this point on it was passed from one group to another, hence it has been influenced by several civilisations. After Rome fell, the Lombards besieged Sorrento, unsuccessfully. As the influence of the Byzantium age faded it became an autonomous Duchy in the 9th Century.
Sorrento passed back and forth from Lombard hands before it was annexed into the Kingdom of Sicily in 1137. Then midway through the 16th Century it was impacted in the fight between the Turks and Spain, which controlled much of southern Italy at the time. Given its position next to the sea, Sorrento was often the focus of sieges and raids – this led to the construction of many city walls to fortify the city. The work was completed in 1567.
Revolt against Spanish domination
In 1648 a riot broke out against the Spanish. Giovanni Grillo led a coup against the government of Sorrento who were loyal to Spain.
The Grand Tour
In the 19th Century saw Sorrento join the Kingdom of Italy and from here its role in the country’s tourism trade began to grow further. Wealthy and influential visitors – just like they had done during the Imperial age regularly frequented it. Sorrento became included in what was known as the ‘Grand Tour’, the ultimate in Italian holidays or tours of Italy. The Grand Tour of Italy was a journey, which took in all the main Italian sights, that noble sons did to complete their cultural education. This perhaps why names like Byron, Keats, Wagner Nitszche, Dickens and Ibsen all came to Sorrento to stay – in the home town of Torquato Tasso, one of Italy’s greatest poets.
Sorrento remains as charming today – with its medieval streets and alleyways, which help to retain its simplicity. It’s a beautiful stop on any Italian vacation. You can sense its history as you explore.
Things to see and do in Sorrento
Not familiar with the best things to do in Sorrento? Let's start from the beginning: in Southern Italy's stupendous Amalfi Coast, the town overlooks the famous Bay of Naples and is known as the production hub of delicious Limoncello, the Italian digestif made with lemon rinds, water, sugar and, of course, alcohol.
Old Town
Now, compared to the rest of the sleepy Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento Old Town is a slightly jarring experience, with tourists aplenty, haggling for their local bottles of Limoncello, lacework, and ceramic lemon fridge magnets to take home to loved ones. But, once you get over it and embrace the hustle and bustle, the Old Town feels charming and truly Italian, with old-school locals and Italian traditions still very much around. The colourful, pastel buildings will have you reaching for your camera, plus, who doesn’t want a fridge magnet to take home?
Piazza Tasso
Piazza Tasso is never quiet. The main hub of activity in Sorrento, you’ve got leisurely locals milling around, visitors with their cameras out, horse-drawn carriages picking up and dropping off tourists, and a string of cafes and restaurants housed in grand sunshine yellow buildings. Stop for an espresso in the sun, or swing by later for an aperitif and watch the world go by.
The bay
What with being a city on cliffs, Sorrento doesn’t have beaches as such, but there’s still plenty of places to cool off down by the waterfront. Take the steep road down to the harbour from Piazza Tasso where you’ll find a few piers that are just the ticket for jumping off or sunbathing. Most of them are owned by hotels so you might have to buy a drink or fork out a few Euros for a sun lounger, but it’s worth it when you’re down there. Catch them rays!
Marina Grande
La Tarsia Sorrentina Museum
Basilica of Sant’Antonino
Though a lot of Sorrento has been commercialised, much of the Old Town has maintained its precious old-school Italian charm. Twisting, winding streets are lined with quaint trattorias serving classic Campanian plates and scattered throughout, you’ve got numerous historical buildings that will take you back in time. Stop at the Basilica of Sant’Antonino, the 11th Century Cathedral, and the Cloister of San Francesco.
Frantoio Gargiulo
It’s not just lemons that are big business here in Sorrento but olives too, with characteristic groves scattering the cliff sides of the whole region. If you’re not satisfied by the generous splash of the local stuff over your burrata at dinner, go all in with a tasting and a tour of the olive farm sting at Frantoio Gargiulo, just 10 minutes out of Sorrento itself.
Amalfi Coast Private Experience by Boat
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 or 4 hours
From: 700 €
A boat trip is the perfect way to discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in one day, leaving.
From Positano we will sail through Praiano, Marina di Praia, the famous Fiordo di Furore patrimony of the UNESCO and the beautiful Emerald Grotto.
The cruise follows to Amalfi the glorious Sea republic.
Departure from Positano along the way to Amalfi we will admire the unique scenery of our Amalfi Coast.
Then from our boat we will see: Praiano with the Gavitella beach, the “Grotta Dell ‘Africana” and Marina di Praia, a small fishermen village. It is possible also visit the Emerald Grotto (extra €5 pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can decide with the skipper if you want to visit it or not.
After this the excursion will restart passing through Conca dei Marini, the natural Arch, Amalfi, Atrani with the waterfalls of Marmorata. If you wish you can stop in Amalfi for have some free time to see the center of the town and enjoy a nice walk on the main street visiting the S. Andrea’s Cathedral.
The skipper can also book a table for you in a seaside restaurant along the Coast. You can stop for a swim in the limpid waters of the coast for a refreshing and relaxing bath. We will then return to Positano.
On board you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks available for you.
Capri Private Experience by Boat
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 or 4 hours
From: 850 €
Departure from Positano * at 09.30 am towards the island of Capri. Along the way we will also pass through the famous island “Li galli” known throughout the world for the famous legend that saw it as the “home” of the mermaids, mysterious creatures that tempted sailors with their soft singing. You will then reach Capri, one of the most famous and requested destinations in Campania.
Then you will visit the most beautiful spots of Capri, such as the White Cave, the Natural Arch, the Faraglioni, one of the most romantic and evocative sceneries of Capri. Arriving at the port you will have the opportunity to choose how much free time you have at your disposal to visit the center of Capri and go shopping, or the sailor will recommend a good restaurant along the coast where you can enjoy a good meal overlooking the sea.
Back on board you will visit the Green Grotto, Punta carena with its lighthouse and the Blue Grotto (extra ticket 15 € pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can visit it or decide with the sailor not to visit it. Your sailor will also be able to advise you of splendid coves where to stop for a bath. On board you can take advantage of a wide selection of drinks available for you.
*we also offer departures from Praiano Marina di Praia (09.30 am to the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09.30)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, coca cola, tea), a bottle of Prosecco and beach towels
*This is just an exemple of tour, you can change the itineray based on your need directly with the captain.
*The boarding dock of Positano during the high season time can be really busy, sometimes you can find queue for boarding.
NB: The visit of Blue Grotto is not always possible because the opening of the cave depends by the weather and sea conditions. Our boat will stop at the entrance of the cave, from there you will pass a small rowing boats managed by the Cooperative Battellieri of Capri, the only ones that allow entry into the cave. In high season the queue at the entrance is very long, for this reason the visiti s a group decision.
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Sunset Cruise
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
From: 260 €
The sunset cruise is a perfect tour if you wish to spend just few hours on a boat cruising along the Amalfi Coast.
We offer two itineraries:
Departure from Positano/Praiano, cruising along the Coast you’ll arrive until the Li Galli island, a private island.
One of the first owners of the island was the famous Russian dancer Rudolf Hametovic Nureyev who spent its life on the island and used it for important dance events.
You can enjoy the beauty of the islands, three small islands near each other, you’ll stop there and enjoy a nice aperitif on board. On the way back we sail though Testa del Faraone and Punta Germano until Positano.
Departure from Positano/Praiano, cruising along the Coast you’ll see Praiano with la Gavitella beach, Marina di Praia (an old fishermen village) until the famous Fiordo di Furore.
There you can enjoy a nice aperitif on boar with an amazing view on the Capo di Conca (on one side) and Praiano on the other side.
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Li Galli Tours
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 3 hours
From: 230 €
Li Galli Tour (daily, cost from 230 € 2/4 px 270€ 5/6 pax :
Tour: Departure from Positano*, to the Li Galli island. The tour lasts three hours.
On the route to get to the Galli island, you will admire the splendid Bay of Fornillo with the two Saracen towers, the Torre Trasita and the Torre Clavel.
Once you arrive at Li Galli island there will be a complete tour of the island and stop for a swim in the clear waters of our coast.
* We also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia (09:50 – 13.50 at the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09:55 – 13.55)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, Coca Cola, tea) and beach towels
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Procida Private Tour
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 hours
From: 1800 €
Departure from Positano * (09.30), towards the island of Procida.
Along the way we will pass through the bay of Nerano and the island of Capri, one of the most famous destinations in Campania.
Then we will reach Procida, the third largest island in the Neapolitan area.
Procida is also the island of culture, in fact the novel “the island of Arturo” by Elsa Morante is set here. It is also the island where “Il Postino” by Massimo Troisi was filmed.
You will have free time on the island to admire the historic city center. The sailor will also be able to recommend a restaurant on the island for lunch. You will have time for a swim in the beautiful coves of the Campania coast between Positano and Procida.
On board you will find an ice box equipped with water, coca cola, tea and a bottle of Prosecco.
Included in the price soft drinks, a bottle of Prosecco, beach towels
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Ischia Private Tour
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 hours
From: 1800 €
Departure from Positano * (9.30), towards the island of Ischia. Along the way we will pass through the bay of Nerano and the island of Capri, one of the most famous destinations in Campania.
It will then reach Ischia, an island famous throughout the world for its natural thermal springs, it covers an area of 46 square kilometers and is administratively divided by 6 municipalities: Barano d’Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio d’Ischia, Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana.
The landing is scheduled in Ischia Porto where you will have three hours of free time on the island to visit the famous Aragonese Castle, which stands on a trachytic rock island connected to the eastern side of the island of Ischia by a masonry bridge 220 meters long, or enjoy some shopping along the main street of Ischia Porto. The sailor will be able to recommend a restaurant on the island for lunch.
You will also have time for a swim in the beautiful coves of the Campania coast between Positano and Ischia. On board you will find an ice box equipped with water, coca cola, tea and a bottle of Prosecco.
* we also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia 09.30
Praiano Gavitella 09.30
Included in the price soft drinks, a bottle of Prosecco, beach towels
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“Like a dream” Wedding Proposal
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration:1 hour 30 min
From: 450 €
Positano and the Amalfi Coast are known throughout the world not only for their beauty but also for the unique romanticism that these landscapes offer. If you are looking for the perfect spot for an unforgettable marriage proposal, this is the tour for you.
A sunset cruise with an aperitif and a professional photographer to capture these unique moments. The tour consists of a sunset cruise or along the Amalfi Coast (where you can admire Marina di Praia, a small fishing village and the Fiordo di Furore) or to the island of Li Galli.
On board you will find an ice box with various drinks and a bottle of Prosecco for an aperitif on board.
* the tour includes: professional photographer, soft drinks, Prosecco and beach towels
On request we can also combine a bouquet of flowers / a small cake / live serenade with mandolin
Also you can decide directly with the skipper on board the perfect place for your proposal
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Amalfi Coast half day tour
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 4 hours
From: 400 €
Departure from Positano * at 10.00 on the way to Amalfi enjoy the unique scenery in the world, our Amalfi Coast.
Admire from the boat Praiano with the cove of Gavitella, the “Grotta dell’Africana” and Marina di Praia, a small fishing village.
You can also visit the Emerald Grotto (extra €6 pp cash to be paid directly there), this visit is optional, you can choose whether to visit the cave or stay on board.
It will then resume the excursion passing through Conca dei Marini, the natural Arch and Amalfi.On the way back to Positano you’ll stop for a swim in the limpid waters of the coast .On board you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks available for you.
* We also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia (09:50 – 13.50 at the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (09:55 – 13.55)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, Coca Cola, tea) and beach towels
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Capri Group day tour
Departure from: Ask for departure Point
Duration: 8 hours
From: 80 € (max 12 pax)
Departure from Positano * at 09:00 for the island of Capri. You will arrive in Capri, one of the most famous and requested destinations of Campania, passing by the most beautiful points of Capri, like the White Grotto, the natural arch, the Faraglioni rocks, one of the most romantic and suggestive scenery of Capri.
Arriving at the Marina Piccola port you will have 4 hours of free time at your disposal for lunch, visit the centre of Capri and go shopping. The skipper will give you a meeting point with the extact boarding time directly the day of the tour.
Back on board you will visit the Green Grotto, Punta Carena with its lighthouse and the famous Blue Grotto (extra €15 pp cash payable directly there), this is an optional visit and a group decision if the queue is too long*. On the way back to Positano you can stop for a relaxing bath in the waters of a beautiful bay, quiet and with clean water that the skipper will suggest. On board you can enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks available for you.
* We also offer departures from:
Praiano Marina di Praia (08:50 at the boarding pier)
Praiano Gavitella (08:55)
Included in the price: soft drinks (water, Coca Cola, tea) and beach towels
NB: The visit of Blue Grotto is not always possible because the opening of the cave depends by the weather and sea conditions. Our boat will stop at the entrance of the cave, from there you will pass a small rowing boats managed by the Cooperative Battellieri of Capri, the only ones that allow entry into the cave. In high season the queue at the entrance is very long, for this reason the visiti s a group decision.
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