Sorrento is one of those places that you can’t quite believe is real, even when you’re looking at it. So picture-perfect it hurts, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast is a spectacular array of brightly coloured houses, plunging cliffs, and limoncello!
But when everywhere is stunning, it can be difficult to know which area is best suited for you. That’s why our expert team have put together this handy guide so you can pick the best neighbourhood to stay in Sorrento, based on what matters to you.
Picking your accommodation should be worry-free, so you can get on with the important stuff, like pizza? Pasta? Seafood?
So grab an espresso and let’s get to it, and soon you’ll be confident you know exactly where to stay in Sorrento!
Not worried about where you’ll be and just looking for a fit for you? Check out our top picks for Sorrento in general!
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Best Airbnb in Sorrento – Ancient-style house
No cars or traffic – if you want to explore Piazza Tasso, you better be prepared to use your legs! To save you the long walks, we’ve found the perfect Airbnb for you. Close to everything you want to see – the beach, shops, cafes, restaurants, attractions – you won’t have any FOMO. Bonus: the Airbnb is so beautiful, you won’t mind staying in and having a lazy day either.
Best Hostel in Sorrento – Seven Hostel
Situated in Sant’Agnello, Seven Hostel & Rooms provides chic 5-star accommodation, as well as a rooftop terrace. The multiple facilities this cosy hostel offers include a concierge, an express check-in and check-out feature and an airport shuttle. Breakfast is available in the hostel’s modern café.
Head over to our comprehensive guide to the best hostels in Sorrento before starting your backpacking adventure!
Best Hotel in Sorrento – Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a short drive from Massa Lubrense and offers a kids pool, an outdoor pool and a terrace. Guests of this 5-star hotel can book excursions with help from the tour desk. Rooms at Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento provide a stylish space to relax, complete with a minibar.
Sorrento Neighbourhood Guide – Places to Stay in Sorrento
Piazza Tasso
Piazza Tasso is the central square of Sorrento, considered its heart and soul, and also refers to the immediately surrounding area. Piazza Tasso is our pick for where to stay in Sorrento first time you visit, because it has everything!
Priora
Nestled in the hills to the southwest of town is the neighbourhood of Priora. This is our choice for the best area to stay in Sorrento on a budget for a number of reasons.
Corso Italia
Corso Italia is a main thoroughfare that runs right through the old town. It’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Sorrento for nightlife as it is lined with restaurants and bars that are active through day and night!
Sant’Agnello
Sant’Agnello is situated to the east of Sorrento town, and is the stop before on the Circumvesuviana, the mainline train from Naples. You can walk from here to Piazza Tasso in about half an hour.
Piano di Sorrento
Right next to Sant’Agnello, and also on the Circumvesuviana, lies the neighbourhood of Piano di Sorrento. This area, more a sister town to Sorrento, is the best neighbourhood for families.
Located on the northern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula, in Southern Italy, Sorrento is the largest town in the region. It lies a short train ride south of Naples, the home of pizza!
Sorrento has views over Mt Vesuvius, the Gulf of Naples and the Isle of Capri. This is quite the trifecta of natural beauty, with some incredible history thrown in.
The choice is yours in the Sorrentine neighbourhoods. You can soak in the sunshine or the waters, shop for style or souvenirs, sip a latte or a limoncello. And of course, you’re in Italy, which means food!
Terraces and rooftops abound as dining venues. The slow pace of life in Sorrento means this is somewhere you can happily take the requisite three or four hours for a proper Italian meal!
The Old Town is the centre of the town, where tourists haggle for souvenirs amidst the historic charm that remains. Marina Grande is the fishing village with a rustic feel nestled in a small bay in the west of Sorrento. Then there’s Via San Cesareo, a quaint street reminiscent of The Shambles in York. Sitting up high on the hills of Cepano will give you incredible views of either side of the peninsula, while Massa Lubrense will have you in the lap of luxury.
Whatever you’re about, when deciding where to stay in Sorrento, it has the neighbourhood, accommodation and activities perfect for you!
Sorrento’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in…
Everyone is looking for something a little different when it comes to accommodation, so we’ve sorted five different options of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Sorrento!
#1 Piazza Tasso – Where to Stay in Sorrento First Time
Piazza Tasso is the central square of Sorrento, considered its heart and soul, and also refers to the immediately surrounding area.
Piazza Tasso is our pick for where to stay in Sorrento first time you visit, because it has everything!
There is plenty to see in the square itself, home to a number of statues and churches in the ornate Italian style. Heading north you’ll find the Marina Piccola and water nearby. To the south is the Park Vallone dei Mulini, containing some historic ruins and green spaces. To the east and west is Via San Cesareo, the shopping street. What more could one ask for?
For a lazy afternoon’s entertainment, have a coffee or wine on the sun-drenched piazza, and people-watch. You’ll see locals meeting friends, children running about, and tourists getting their bearings. It’s a great way to watch the world go by.
If it is your first time visiting the Amalfi Coast then there is a lot to see and do just in Sorrento.
Things to See and Do in Piazza Tasso:
- People-watch on the square. Pick a time to catch the Passagiata, the Italian tradition of taking a stroll in the evening. Dress smart!
- Visit the information centre just off the Piazza for advice on day-trips or drives to see the Amalfi Coast.
- Cool off by the waters of the Marina Piccola where, legend has it, the Sirens seduced Ulysses!
- Soak up a bit of history in Vallone Dei Mulini, while enjoying the lush valley’s rivers.
- Have a leisurely dinner on the square, taking your time to enjoy the food, the ambience and the views!
Best Airbnb in Piazza Tasso – Ancient-style house
No cars or traffic – if you want to explore Piazza Tasso, you better be prepared to use your legs! To save you the long walks, we’ve found the perfect Airbnb for you. Close to everything you want to see – the beach, shops, cafes, restaurants, attractions – you won’t have any FOMO. Bonus: the Airbnb is so beautiful, you won’t mind staying in and having a lazy day either.
Best Hostel in Piazza Tasso – Piazza Tasso BB
All rooms are equipped with elegant furniture that blends perfectly with the Sorrentino style, for maximum comfort using high-quality materials, designed for clients relaxation. You can choose between sea view rooms and Piazza Tasso view, both of which are very spacious and bright with private en-suite bathroom/shower.
Best Hotel in Piazza Tasso – Palazzo Jannuzzi Relais
This bed & breakfast is set in the heart of the town. Offering views of Piazza Tasso, Jannuzzi Relais is a convenient place to stay for those wanting to check out local attractions in Sorrento. Palazzo Jannuzzi Relais features 6 air-conditioned rooms equipped with all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay.
Best Hotel in Piazza Tasso – Hotel Antiche Mura
Multilingual staff are available 24 hours a day and can assist with booking tours and tickets. Recently refurbished, Antiche Mura has 46 elegant rooms. There are also a number of rooms especially designed for families and a fantastic outdoor area, complete with pool.
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Learn More Now!#2 Priora – Where to Stay in Sorrento on a Budget
Nestled in the hills to the southwest of town is the neighbourhood of Priora. This is our choice for the best area to stay in Sorrento on a budget for a number of reasons.
Being slightly out of town has the usual effect on prices, while you can still access central Sorrento by bus (2 Euro) or with a 20-minute walk (free!). Maybe walking down into town and then catching a bus back is the best option, unless you want to feel those calves burn!
Priora has the benefit of being less crowded than down below, with fewer tourists. This extra space has been taken advantage of, with olive groves dotted throughout the area.
The Amalfi Coast, arguably the most picturesque scenic drive in the world, is easily accessible from Priora, which sits on the highway out of town. Positano, Praiano, Amalfi are all within reach.
Hire a car or a motorbike to see the jewelled waters and pastel buildings from high up on the rugged cliffs. Be careful though, those roads are more narrow and winding than you’d believe. Just pray you don’t meet a bus!
Things to See and Do in Priora:
- Have a long lunch high on the hills overlooking Sorrento and the Bay of Naples.
- Wind your way down to the Marina Grande to see the fishermen bringing in the catch of the day. Then sample it!
- Visit the Roman-Catholic Cathedral at the bottom of the hill, dedicated to Saints Philip and James.
- Take advantage of the proximity to Massa Lubrense and smell the lemons and olives on the air.
- Follow the tiny roads to the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The views over the Isle of Capri are unreal!
Best Hostel in Priora – Sorrento Experience
This property offers a home-stay experience in which guests will reside with a live-in host. Those lucky enough to stay here can make the most of the property’s gardens. In fine weather, an outdoor terrace provides a nice spot to relax while the comfortable rooms will have guests feeling at home.
Best Hotel in Priora – Hotel Il Nido Sorrento
There are 23 elegant rooms at Hotel Il Nido, with sensational views down onto the crystalline waters. Hotel Il Nido Sorrento’s restaurant is open for dinner, providing guests with an enjoyable dining experience near their room. In the evening, guests are invited to wind down in the lounge bar.
Best Hotel in Priora – Grand Hotel Aminta
Guests of this 4-star hotel, rated 9.1 on travel sites, can book excursions with the assistance of the tour desk. The elegantly decorated and fitted rooms at Grand Hotel Aminta provide a stylish space to relax, complete with a minibar. There are also multiple rooms especially designed for families.
Grand Hotel Aminta is one of our favourites in Sorrento but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
#3 Corso Italia – Best Area to Stay in Sorrento for Nightlife
Corso Italia is a main thoroughfare that runs right through the old town. It’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Sorrento for nightlife as it is lined with restaurants and bars that are active through day and night!
A lot of the nightlife is clustered near the Piazza Tasso section of the Corso Italia, so you can double up on the attractions of the area!
Going out in Sorrento is an occasion, so you’ll want to dress to impress (no shorts or flip-flops). Any one of the clubs on this stretch is a good option, but for the best, head to Fauno Bar, right beneath Piazza Tasso. It’s also a restaurant so you can try the local ‘gnocchi alla sorrentina’ to set you up for the night. Then head next door to Fauno Notte Club for the red-carpet treatment and a long evening of fun and dancing ahead!
There are a hundred different options that make Corso Italia the best area for nightlife in Sorrento. Insolito Bar is where the best cocktails are crafted by your stylish local mixologists, or, as is true of everywhere in the world, there are a few great Irish bars on the strip for a guaranteed fun night out, Irish-Italian style!
Things to See and Do in Corso Italia:
- Get dressed up to be served by the elegant waiters at Fauno Notte Club.
- Visit the markets which are on every Tuesday to pick up some of the fresh produce Sorrento is famous for.
- Head to the San Francisco cloisters, with its romantic fairy-tale atmosphere. You’ll understand why it’s such a popular wedding destination!
- Join a karaoke night at Daniele’s club to sing your heart out.
- Grab a shuttle to one of the more out-of-town hot-spots like Spicy.
Best Airbnb in Corso Italia – Cute apartment on Corso Italiana
This cute apartment is right on the street that you want to be on – Corso Italiana. You’ll literally be surrounded by great nightlife opportunities. And if this still isn’t enough, Piazza Tasso is close too where you can find even more bars and clubs. The apartment is great for the day after so you can cure your hangover. Clean and with a comfy bed, you’ll recover even faster!
Best Hotel in Corso Italia – Il Giardino Segreto Sorrento
Located just a brief stroll from Sorrento Railway Station, the bed & breakfast provides guests with a convenient base when in Sorrento. It is situated in the heart of the town. Guests staying in the 3 beautiful rooms are also able to take advantage of the bed & breakfast’s shuttle service and the ticket desk services.
Best Hotel in Corso Italia – B&B Giacomino
B&B Giacomino enjoys a superb position in the centre of the town. Known for its ideal location, it is close to Sorrento’s tourist attractions and is minutes on foot from Sorrento Railway Station. The bed & breakfast has 3 well-appointed rooms that are accompanied by a variety of amenities and homely touches to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay.
Best Hostel in Corso Italia – Ostello Delle Sirene
There are a range of facilities on offer to those staying at Ostello Delle Sirene, such as a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi and luggage storage. The comfortable rooms at the guest house include wireless internet access and a ceiling fan. Guests of Hostel Delle Sirene can enjoy the on-site bar, suitably based for a drink.
Ostello Delle Sirene is one of our favourites in Sorrento but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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Buy an eSIM!#4 Sant’Agnello – Coolest Place to Stay in Sorrento
Sant’Agnello is situated to the east of Sorrento town, and is the stop before on the Circumvesuviana, the mainline train from Naples. You can walk from here to Piazza Tasso in about half an hour.
It’s set slightly apart from the Sorrento of the postcards, having a spirit of its own while retaining the storybook appearance. Its beauty almost belies its age, but not quite as there is evidence in the yellowing cliffs of exposure to ancient eruptions from Mt Vesuvius!
There’s two piazzas to choose from, to complete your nightly passeggiata, Piazza Matteotti with its palm trees and war memorial or Piazza Sant’Agnello with its church to Sant’Agnello.
Corso Italia runs through this area too, so you can follow your heart to the nightlife district with ease!
Sant’Agnello earns its title of coolest neighbourhood to stay in Sorrento because of its laid back style, ease of access, lack of other tourists, and an array of activities. It’s a little more authentically ‘Italian’.
If you decide that this is the neighbourhood for you then you have to go to an olive oil tasting, okay? There’s room here for the olive groves that contribute to that most delicious and healthy of oils. Just imagine the breads that will go with it!
Things to See and Do in Sant’Agnello:
- Go to an olive oil tasting at Frantoio Gargiulo, a nearby olive farm.
- Soak up some sunshine on the small beach at Stabilimento Balneare La Marinella.
- Take a passeggiata to Piazza Matteotti and join in the evening tradition.
- Enjoy a limoncello as you walk the world go by on Piazza Sant’Agnello
- Head a little way back toward Sorrento to see the Correale Museum, set in an 18th-century villa!
Best Airbnb in Sant’Agnello – Apartment with scenic views
A beautiful view and a peaceful neighbourhood – get the maximum level of relaxation with this Airbnb. Wake up with beautiful views of the sea, enjoy the day walking around the streets or maybe going to the beach and have a chilled evening on your balcony while watching the sunset. The apartment is incredibly bright and clean, with the kindest host according to previous guests – definitely worth the stay.
Best Hostel in Sant’Agnello – Villa Susy Relais
Villa Susy is located in Sant’Agnello in a realy quiet but central area just 15 minute walk from Sorrento’s center, only 5 minutes walk from the beach, shops, bars, pubs & restaurants. Rooms are furnished with all essential comforts and services to let you spend a pleasant and peaceful stay.
Best Hotel in Sant’Agnello – Hotel Angelina
Hotel Angelina is highly rated by guests on travel sites and is set among a range of dining options. In the mornings, a tasty breakfast is available. After a day of discovering the local area, guests can relax in the comfort of their air-conditioned rooms with a book from the onsite library.
Best Hotel in Sant’Agnello – Villa Oriana Relais
Boasting a Jacuzzi, a rooftop terrace and an outdoor pool, this 9.8 rated hotel has large bathrooms and stunning panoramic views. It provides 3-star accommodation with air-conditioned rooms. Villa Oriana Relais offers comfortable accommodation and room service, as well as a buffet breakfast every morning.
#5 Piano di Sorrento – Best Neighborhood in Sorrento for Families
Right next to Sant’Agnello, and also on the Circumvesuviana, lies the neighbourhood of Piano di Sorrento. This area, more a sister town to Sorrento, is the best neighbourhood for families.
It’s quieter than Sorrento itself, though Sorrento is easily accessed by bus, train or foot for when you want to see the old town or things on offer to the west. Piano is also smaller, so everything is a bit more compact, which is better for those with young ones in tow.
The Marina di Cassano offers great views of comings and goings and is a place to launch day-trips around the Gulf of Naples. Or hire a boat yourselves and go on an adventure the kids will always remember!
Close to the marina is a small park, brilliant for running around barefoot as well as for picnics. You may meet a local here, known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. They could direct you to the best gelateria in the neighbourhood, of which there are plenty to ensure sticky hands and happy smiles!
An agriturismo would cap off a stay in Piano di Sorrento: these farm-based home-stays incorporate the farm animals, hiking trails around the peninsula, and taking a traditional Italian cooking class on site.
Things to See and Do in Piano di Sorrento:
- Stay in an agriturismo, the uniquely Italian style farm stays.
- Hire a boat for a day from Marina di Cassano and explore the Bay.
- Picnic in the park with a gelato for dessert!
- Visit the ornately stunning Basilica San Michele Arcangelo.
- Cut across the peninsula for some hiking, or to discover the Amalfi Coast.
Best Airbnb in Piano di Sorrento – Sunset view family home
A clean house, safe area, beautiful terrace with Gulf of Sorrento and sunset view – this apartment is the dream of every travelling family. The Airbnb accommodates big families while everyone can enjoy their own space. The beach is a 10min walk away, bus and train stations are close by, and you can find lots of other entertainment options in the area- check it out yourself!
Best Hostel in Piano di Sorrento – Villa Pollio
All the comforts of a hotel with the convenience of a Bed and Breakfast. Villa Pollio is a beautiful structure with right and spacious rooms equipped with all comforts. It is close to Sorrento town which is just a short distance from the more affirmed international and cultural tourist destinations.
Best Hotel in Piano di Sorrento – Agriturismo Antico Casale
There are a variety of amenities on offer to those staying at the farm stay, such as luggage storage, room service and a tour desk. Packed lunches are provided for those heading off to discover the surrounding area. Agriturismo Antico Casale Colli Di San Pietro has 5 well-appointed rooms.
Best Hotel in Piano di Sorrento – Blue Bay Piano di Sorrento
Situated a short walk from Sant’Agnello Railway Station, Blue Bay Piano di Sorrento provides guests with a convenient base. Blue Bay, rated an impressive 10.0 on travel sites, has 4 en suite rooms, including some set up for families, with a telephone, a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV.
Blue Bay Piano di Sorrento is one of our favourites in Sorrento but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Sorrento
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Sorrento and where to stay.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Sorrento, Italy
Sorrento really is as stunning as the pictures would have you believe, and is made up of a number of neighbourhoods that each contribute their own flavour.
Thanks to our guide, you’ll now be able to suss your stay like a local. You’ll know your Priora from your Piano, your Marina Piccola from your Massa Lubrense.
Staying at our overall best hotel Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoriais the best way to experience all that this gateway to Amalfi has to offer. You’ll stay in sumptuous surroundings in the heart of it all, dining on the best gnocchi di sorrentina and topping it off with the freshest limoncello!
So that’s it for our expert crew’s thoughts on things to do and the best neighbourhoods to stay in Sorrento. The rest is for you to discover. Ciao!
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