How to Spend a Fun Day Visiting Sorrento on Your Cruise
The streets and alleys bustle with activity and colors during summer in Sorrento.
Anchoring offshore shortly after we arrived to the Bay of Naples, we immediately noticed the shear cliffs upon which the town of Sorrento is perched.
Indeed, to get to the center of the village, we would be faced with a climb. It was short but steep — up winding roads and stairs carved into the hillside — and it yielded amazing views.
We had come ashore in Sorrento, tendering from our cruise ship Oceania Riviera — and with an open schedule and no plans, we began our investigation into what this charming village has to offer. Sorrento sits on the eastern coast of Italy, about where you might imagine a buckle on the boot-shaped peninsula. From Sorrento, tourists can take ferries to Amalfi, Naples, Capri, Positano and other destinations.
The town and region is well known for its production of nuts, wine, olives and citrus fruit, especially lemons. You can't wander more than a few feet in any direction before you notice the bright yellow fruit being sold or depicted in arts and crafts. The most ubiquitous usage is for limoncello, however, a popular digestif created from lemon rinds, alcohol, sugar and water.
Many people who visit by cruise ship take excursions to the Blue Grotto on the island of Capri or long bus rides to see Pompeii or Herculaneum, the ancient archaeological sites that were destroyed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Reaching the top and arriving in the old town area, you can peek back to the marina and blue waters.
Not in the mood for a trip longer than the boat tender ashore, we spent our time exploring the village of Sorrento itself. High up over the bay, you are treated to amazing views. Wandering the streets and alleys, you can find boutiques selling handcrafted goods like soaps or leather sandals and belts. Sorrento is also home to woodworking shops and fine restaurants serving up the famously delicious Sorrento pizzas.
After a bit of shopping and sightseeing, you can find a number of eateries to sit down outside on the plaza or at a restaurant overlooking the water to dive into a big glass of cold Nastro Azzuro beer and a wood-fired pie loaded with Parma ham and prosciutto as well as the tastiest cheeses. Don't forget to grab a gelato cone for a perfect capper to your day trip around Sorrento.
Cheers to beers! A nice way to relax and cool off after exploring Sorrento.
Other Top Attractions in Sorrento
The historic fishing village of Marina Grande, with its colorful wooden boats is connected to the city center by a curvy stone staircase. This is a delightful place, with waterside eateries and the Church of Sant Anna.
Piazza Tasso is the heart of the town. You enter the open space filled with outdoor cafes as soon as you complete your climb from the cruise port below. The periphery is lined with shops, markets and a large church.
Thanks for reading!
JR