How to Spend 3 Days in Sorrento, Italy
Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring Southern Italy. The town itself is full of charming streets, scenic viewpoints, and fantastic restaurants, and it’s also just a short ferry or bus ride from places like Capri, Positano, Amalfi, and Pompeii.
If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Sorrento, this itinerary covers the perfect mix of the town’s highlights and unforgettable day trips. I’ve visited Sorrento multiple times over the years, and this is the exact itinerary I’d recommend for first-time visitors who want to make the most of their trip.
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Quick Travel Planning Tips for Sorrento
🏨 Where to Stay: Stay in or near Sorrento’s town center for easy access to ferries, trains, and restaurants. Hotel Continental is a great central option with sea views, while Hotel Il Faro works well for a more affordable stay near the marina.
🚆 How to Get There: From Naples, you can take the train directly to Sorrento. Check train schedules on Omio, or rent a car if you want more flexibility.
✈️ Airport Transfers: If you don’t want to deal with public transport, you can arrange a private airport transfer from Naples.
🌟 Best Tours: Join a guided walking tour of Sorrento with limoncello tasting, or book a pasta and tiramisu cooking class for a hands on local experience.
🗺️ Best Day Trips: From Sorrento, join a Capri boat tour, book a full-day Amalfi Coast tour, or visit Pompeii on a guided day trip.
📱 Stay Connected: Use an eSIM from Airalo to stay online in Sorrento for maps, transport, and bookings without swapping SIM cards.
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Planning Tips for Your Sorrento Itinerary
How to get to Sorrento
The closest airport to Sorrento is Naples International Airport (NAP), located about 1-1.5 hours from Sorrento. From there, you have several options for reaching Sorrento, including the train, ferry, and airport transfers.
If you’re planning to travel by train, you’ll first need to make your way from the airport to Naples Central Station. From there, you can choose between the Circumvesuviana and the Campania Express trains.
The Circumvesuviana is the cheapest option, but it’s often crowded, doesn’t have air conditioning or reserved seats, and delays or breakdowns are not uncommon.
The Campania Express is a much more comfortable alternative with air conditioning, guaranteed seating, and luggage space. However, it only runs three times a day, so it’s less flexible and it’s worth booking your tickets in advance.
Another option is taking the ferry from Naples to Sorrento. It’s a scenic way to arrive, but you’ll first need to get from the airport to the ferry terminal before boarding the ferry, so it usually involves a bit more planning.
Personally, I think airport transfers are the easiest way to get to Sorrento. A private transfer is the most convenient option, but if you’d rather save some money, I’d recommend booking a shared transfer. These depart directly from Naples Airport and drop you off at the train station in Sorrento, making the journey much simpler than navigating public transportation with luggage.
How to get around Sorrento
Sorrento’s historic center is very compact, and you’ll be able to reach most of the main attractions on foot. For this Sorrento itinerary, you won’t need a car and I wouldn’t recommend renting one. Actually, it’s one of the biggest mistakes people make when visiting the Amalfi Coast!
To visit Capri, you’ll need to take a ferry from the port of Sorrento. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, although schedules vary depending on the season, so it’s worth checking the timetable in advance.
For your Amalfi Coast day trip, you can either take the SITA bus, hop on a ferry, or join a guided tour. The buses are the cheapest option, but they can get extremely crowded during the summer months. Ferries are generally more enjoyable and offer beautiful views of the coastline, although they only operate seasonally and can be affected by rough seas.
Overall, I recommend exploring Sorrento on foot and using ferries whenever possible for day trips. They’re usually the fastest, most scenic, and least stressful way to get around the region.
Where to stay in Sorrento
If you’re following this itinerary, I recommend staying in Sorrento for all three nights. The town makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, so there’s no need to switch hotels during your trip.
For the best experience, I’d recommend booking a hotel in or near the historic center. Most of the places you’ll visit throughout this itinerary are within walking distance, including the ferry terminal and the train station. Ideally, you should be able to reach each of them in around 10 to 15 minutes on foot.
While there are plenty of beautiful hotels outside the town center, I wouldn’t recommend them for this itinerary. They’re often better suited for a relaxing resort-style stay, whereas staying in the center makes it much easier to explore Sorrento and take day trips to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
Here are my top picks for staying in Sorrento, all within the center of town:
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria | Grand Hotel Royal
- Mid-range: Hotel Continental | Hotel Antiche Mura
- Budget: Hotel Il Faro | Hotel Rivage
Day 1: Explore Sorrento
Spend your first day getting to know Sorrento before heading out on day trips over the next two days. If you’re spending 3 days in Sorrento, I think this is the perfect way to kick off your trip!
Morning: Historic center
Start your day in Piazza Tasso, Sorrento’s lively main square, before strolling along Corso Italia, the town’s main shopping street. From there, wander through the surrounding streets of the historic center, where you’ll find charming cafés, boutique shops, and beautiful historic buildings around every corner.
Be sure to visit Via San Cesareo, one of the most picturesque streets in town. It’s lined with boutique shops selling handmade leather goods, ceramics, limoncello, and other local specialties.
As you continue your walk, stop by the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James before heading to the Chiostro di San Francesco. This peaceful 14th-century cloister is one of Sorrento’s most beautiful landmarks and is well worth a visit. It’s such a good hidden gem!
Just next door, you’ll find Villa Comunale, one of the best viewpoints in Sorrento. Take a few minutes to enjoy the panoramic views over the Bay of Naples before continuing your walk.
Piazza Tasso 
Corso Italia 
Cloister of San Francesco 
Villa Comunale
Afternoon: Lunch and relax by the sea
For lunch, I highly recommend O’Parrucchiano La Favorita. It’s one of Sorrento’s most iconic restaurants and is famous for its beautiful lemon garden, where you can dine under the lemon trees. It’s also the place where cannelloni was invented so it’s a must-try!
After lunch, you can spend the afternoon at one of Sorrento’s beach clubs, such as Leonelli’s Beach, Peter’s Beach, or Marameo Beach. Rent a sunbed, go for a swim, or simply relax while enjoying the views across the Bay of Naples.
Alternatively, head down to Marina Grande, Sorrento’s charming fishing village. It’s one of my favorite places in town, with colorful buildings, waterfront restaurants, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than the busy historic center.
There’s also a small beach here if you’d like to go for a swim, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon on your 3 day Sorrento itinerary.
O’Parrucchiano La Favorita 
Beaches in Sorrento
Evening: Sunset aperitivo and dinner
Before dinner, head to Terrazza Vittoria for an aperitivo. Located inside the iconic Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, this elegant terrace offers one of the best sunset views in Sorrento.
Don’t worry if you’re not staying at the hotel, the bar is also open to non-guests! Reservations are not mandatory but I would still recommend booking a table just to be sure.
For dinner, I’d recommend either Frankie’s Pizza Bar or Fuoro. I think Frankie’s serves the best pizza in the whole city, while Fuoro is famous for its delicious lemon pasta served inside a real lemon. It’s up to you which one you choose (you can also save one or the other for another night!).
Terrazza Vittoria 
The famous lemon pasta at Fuoro
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20 Best Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy
Want the full picture of what Sorrento has to offer? My guide to the best things to do in Sorrento has you covered.
Day 2: Explore Capri
No Sorrento itinerary would be complete without visiting Capri. Famous for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, luxury boutiques, and breathtaking viewpoints, the island is one of the most popular day trips from Sorrento for good reason.
There are two main ways to experience Capri. You can either join a guided boat tour from Sorrento or visit independently by ferry. Both are excellent options, but the right choice depends on what kind of day you’re looking for.
Visit Capri on a guided boat tour
If you’d rather spend most of the day on the water, I recommend booking this full-day boat tour from Sorrento. It’s a great way to experience Capri’s dramatic coastline without having to worry about ferry schedules or planning your route around the island.
After departing from Sorrento, your first stop is the famous Blue Grotto. Visiting the cave is an optional add-on, so if you’d like to go inside, you’ll have the opportunity to do so before continuing the tour.
From there, you’ll sail around the island, passing some of Capri’s most iconic landmarks, including the White Grotto, Green Grotto, the Faraglioni sea stacks, and several other scenic spots along the coastline.
The tour also includes around three hours of free time on Capri, giving you the chance to explore Capri Town, browse the shops, enjoy lunch, or simply soak up the atmosphere before returning to Sorrento.
I think this is the perfect option if you want to combine sightseeing from the water with enough time to experience Capri on land, all without having to organize the logistics yourself.
Visit Capri by ferry
If you’re more interested in exploring the island itself, I’d recommend taking the ferry from Sorrento instead. The journey only takes around 30 minutes, with ferries running frequently throughout the day.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Capri independently is the flexibility. You can explore at your own pace, decide how long you’d like to spend in each area, and even join a shared boat tour from Marina Grande if you’d like to see the island from the water or visit the Blue Grotto.
Explore Anacapri
While many visitors head straight to Capri Town after arriving on the island, I’d actually recommend starting your day in Anacapri instead.
Since it’s farther from the ferry terminal, it’s much easier to visit first and then gradually make your way back toward Capri Town before catching your ferry to Sorrento. This way, you won’t have to worry about rushing back across the island later in the day.
From Marina Grande, hop on one of the local buses to Anacapri. The journey only takes around 15 minutes, and buses run frequently throughout the day.
Once you arrive, your first stop should be the Monte Solaro Chairlift. It’s one of the best experiences on the island, taking you to Capri’s highest point in around 12 minutes. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views over Capri, the Faraglioni sea stacks, the Bay of Naples, and even the Amalfi Coast on a clear day.
After taking in the views, spend some time wandering through the quieter streets of Anacapri. Compared to the busy atmosphere of Capri Town, it feels much more relaxed and gives you a glimpse of a different side of the island.
If you have time, I’d also recommend visiting Villa San Michele. Built by Swedish physician Axel Munthe in the late 19th century, the villa is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers another fantastic viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Before continuing to Capri Town, stop for lunch at one of Anacapri’s local restaurants. It’s generally less crowded than Capri Town, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal before spending the afternoon exploring the island’s most famous sights.
Explore Capri Town
From Anacapri, take the local bus back to Capri Town. The journey only takes around 10 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off just a short walk from the famous Piazzetta, the lively heart of the island.
Spend some time wandering through the charming streets before heading to the Gardens of Augustus. This beautiful botanical garden is one of the best viewpoints on Capri, offering spectacular views of the Faraglioni sea stacks and the dramatic coastline below.
Just beneath the gardens, you’ll also get a fantastic view of Via Krupp. Although the historic switchback path is often closed due to rockfall, it’s still worth stopping here to admire one of Capri’s most iconic landmarks from above.
Gardens of Augustus 
Via Camerelle
From there, stroll along Via Camerelle, Capri’s famous shopping street. Even if luxury shopping isn’t your thing, it’s a lovely place to wander thanks to its elegant boutiques, cafés, and picturesque atmosphere.
To get back to Marina Grande for your ferry, you can either take the local bus or the funicular. While both are good options, I’d recommend taking the funicular since it runs more frequently and is generally the more flexible choice, especially during the busy summer months.
Read more about Capri
Day 3: Explore the Amalfi Coast
For the final day of this Sorrento itinerary, it’s time to explore the stunning Amalfi Coast. There are several ways to experience it, and the best option really depends on what kind of day you’re looking for.
You can join a guided tour if you’d like all the transportation taken care of, choose a boat tour to admire the coastline from the water while still enjoying some free time on land, or visit independently if you prefer the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Visit the Amalfi Coast on a guided tour
If you’d rather not worry about ferry schedules, buses, or navigating the winding coastal roads, a guided tour is an excellent option. Depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, I’d recommend one of these two tours.
The first is a full-day land tour that takes you to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, with transportation provided in an air-conditioned minibus. It’s a great choice if your main goal is to explore the charming towns themselves without having to organize the logistics.
If you’d rather spend the day out on the water, I’d recommend this full-day boat tour instead. You’ll cruise along the spectacular Amalfi Coast, stop for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear sea, and also have free time to explore both Positano and Amalfi before returning to Sorrento.
Personally, I’d choose the land tour if it’s your first time visiting the Amalfi Coast and you want to see as much as possible in one day. The boat tour is perfect if you’ve already been before or simply want a more relaxed day with plenty of time on the water.
Visit the Amalfi Coast independently
If you’d rather explore at your own pace, visiting the Amalfi Coast independently is a great option. However, I’d recommend planning your day carefully, as getting between the towns isn’t as easy as it looks.
The two main ways to get around are by ferry and the local SITA buses. While the buses are the cheaper option, they’re often extremely crowded, especially during the summer months, and it’s not uncommon to have to wait for the next one because there’s simply no room to board.
Whenever possible, I’d recommend taking the ferry instead. Although it’s more expensive, it’s much more enjoyable, offers incredible views of the coastline, and you can usually book your tickets in advance, giving you one less thing to worry about on the day of your trip.
One mistake I’d avoid is trying to visit Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello all in one day. While technically it’s possible, you’ll end up spending most of your day traveling between towns instead of actually enjoying them.
If it’s your first visit to the Amalfi Coast, my top recommendation would be to spend the entire day exploring Positano. There’s plenty to see and do, and slowing down gives you time to wander the charming streets, relax by the beach, and enjoy a long lunch without constantly watching the clock.
If you’d rather visit two towns, I’d recommend either Positano and Amalfi or Amalfi and Ravello. For Positano and Amalfi, take the ferry between the two towns if possible, as relying on the SITA bus during the day can be unpredictable due to long queues and limited capacity.
If you’ve already visited Positano on a previous trip, Amalfi and Ravello make an excellent combination. Take the ferry from Sorrento to Amalfi, then catch a loal bus up to Ravello to explore the town. Once you’re ready, take the bus down to Amalfi and spend some time there before catching your ferry back to Sorrento.
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Explore Positano
If it’s your first time visiting the Amalfi Coast, I’d spend the entire day in Positano. It’s easily the most iconic town along the coastline, and there’s more than enough to keep you busy without feeling rushed.
Spend the day wandering through the colorful streets, stopping at the famous ceramics shop on Via Cristoforo Colombo and enjoying a refreshing lemon sorbet from Angelo Cafe along the way. The town is built into the cliffs, so be prepared to climb plenty of stairs, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views around almost every corner.
Make your way down to Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s iconic beach. If you’d like to relax by the sea, keep in mind that renting a sunbed can be quite expensive during the summer, although there’s also a small free section where you can lay down your towel.
For lunch, I’d recommend booking a table at Terrazza Celè, Ristorante Bruno, or Rada Beach Bistrot. If you have extra time, you can also join a sunset boat tour to admire Positano from the water before heading back to Sorrento.
Explore Amalfi
Amalfi may not have the dramatic cliffside setting of Positano, but its rich history and lively atmosphere make it well worth visiting. It’s a great choice if you’ve already been to Positano or if you’re looking for a more relaxed day paired with Ravello.
Start by exploring Piazza Duomo, the heart of the town, before visiting the impressive Amalfi Cathedral. Afterwards, wander through the charming streets filled with local shops, cafés, and small piazzas.
Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants around town, then treat yourself to a lemon sorbet or gelato (Royal Gelato is super TikTok-famous now but the other places nearby are good too).
If the weather is nice, you can also spend some time relaxing at Amalfi Beach or taking the short walk over to Atrani. It’s only about 10 minutes away and offers a much quieter atmosphere than Amalfi, making it a worthwhile detour if you have some extra time.
Explore Ravello
If you’re looking for incredible views and a quieter atmosphere, Ravello is the perfect escape from the busy coastal towns below. Sitting high above the Amalfi Coast, it’s known for its elegant villas, beautiful gardens, and some of the best panoramic views in the region.
Villa Rufolo is the town’s main attraction and definitely worth visiting, but if you only have time for one place, I’d actually choose Villa Cimbrone instead. The walk through the gardens is beautiful, and the famous Terrace of Infinity is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the Amalfi Coast.
Afterwards, simply enjoy wandering through the peaceful streets and relaxing in Piazza Duomo before taking the bus back down to Amalfi.
Villa Cimbrone in Ravello 
Villa Rufolo
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More Things to Do in Sorrento
If you’re lucky enough to have more than 3 days in Sorrento, here are a few more experiences I’d recommend adding to your itinerary:
- Visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius: Explore the ancient Roman city before hiking to the crater of Europe’s most famous volcano.
- Hike the Path of the Gods: One of Italy’s most scenic hikes, offering breathtaking views over the Amalfi Coast.
- Join a cooking class: Learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes using fresh local ingredients.
- Take a pizza making class: Master the art of authentic Neapolitan pizza during a fun, hands-on experience.
- Enjoy a farm and food experience: Taste local olive oil, limoncello, wine, and other regional specialties while visiting a traditional farm.
- Relax at Bagni della Regina Giovanna: Swim in a beautiful natural lagoon surrounded by ancient Roman ruins.
- Visit Procida: Escape the crowds and discover one of Italy’s most colorful and underrated islands.
- Visit Ischia: Spend the day relaxing on beautiful beaches, exploring lush gardens, or soaking in the island’s famous thermal spas.
