Sorrento is one of those places that you can’t quite believe is real, even when you’re looking at it. It’s so picture-perfect it hurts.
The gateway to the Amalfi Coast is a spectacular array of brightly coloured houses, plunging cliffs, and limoncello. This sun-soaked paradise lures travellers in with its STUNNING landscapes and bluest of blue waters.
However, if you travel slightly away from the shoreline (easier said than done!), you’ll find its charming Old Town, a jumble of cobbled streets and old buildings seeping with history.
Choosing to head to Sorrento is the easy part! Who could resist? But the next task of deciding where to stay when you get there isn’t so easy. When everywhere is stunning, it can be difficult to know which area is going to be best for you.
But don’t you worry about a thing! I’ve taken one for the team and explored each neighborhood in Sorrento (it was tough, but someone had to do it!) I’ve compiled everything I know into this one-stop-shop guide on where to stay in Sorrento.
So grab an espresso and let’s get to it, and soon I’m confident you’ll know which area of Sorrento is best for you!
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- Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Sorrento?
- Sorrento Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Sorrento
- Sorrento’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Sorrento
- What To Pack For Sorrento
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sorrento, Italy
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Sorrento, Italy
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Backpacking Italy is EPIC and you won’t want to miss this gorgeous southern town. Sorrento is oozing with old-school Italian charm and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.
Whether you’re a beach bum or a history buff, all travellers will be satisfied in this gorgeous town. But, you still beg the all-mighty question again… where to stay?
If you keep scrollin’ I’ll deep dive into the top five areas. But for those short on time – there are my top picks for the best hotel, hostel and Airbnb in Sorrento.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria | Best Hotel in Sorrento
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a short drive from Massa Lubrense and offers a kid’s swimming pool, an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. Guests of this 5-star, luxury 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.
Seven Hostel | Best Hostel in Sorrento
Situated in Sant’Agnello, Seven Hostel & Rooms provides chic 5-star accommodation, as well as a rooftop terrace. It’s one of the best hostels in Sorrento. 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.
Ancient-style house | Best Airbnb in Sorrento
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, I’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, that you won’t mind staying in and having a lazy day either. It’s easily one of the best Airbnbs on the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento Neighborhood Guide – Best 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. It’s an incredible place to stay in Italy.
The choice is yours in the Sorrentine neighborhoods. You can soak in the sunshine or the waters, shop for style or souvenirs, or 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.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Piazza Tasso is the city centre of the town, where tourists haggle for souvenirs amidst the historic charm that remains. If you’re just in Sorrento for a weekend or just down to stay near all the action, Piazza Tasso is for you.
Slightly out of Sorrento’s city centre, Priora still offers the charm of Sorrento but offers more budget-friendly options. Instead of being surrounded by tourists, you’ll be surrounded by olive bushes in Priora.
If you enjoy dabbling in a bit of nightlife, Corso Italia will be up your alley. Packed with bars and restaurants, you won’t be short of cocktails and delicious food here. But don’t forget to dress to impress!
If you want something a bit different for your stay in Sorrento, head to Sant’Agnello. Just a 30-minute walk from downtown Sorrento but has a completely different feel. It provides a more authentic Italian feel with more locals and fewer tourists.
For those with kids in tow, Piano di Sorrento is a great option. This compact, sister-town of Sorrento is the perfect gateway for road trips and is ideal for families heading to Sorrento.
If you’re still not quite sure, don’t worry – I’m about to dive into each in more detail below.
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Sorrento’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Everyone is looking for something a little different when it comes to what they want to experience in Sorrento. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s take a deep dive into Sorrento’s top five areas to stay and what makes each unique.
#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 immediate surrounding area. It is our pick for where to stay in Sorrento the 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.
You’ll likely have a lot to fit into your Amalfi Coast Itinerary, especially if it’s your first time. A lot of which can be found in this coastal town of Sorrento.
Palazzo Jannuzzi Relais | Best Hotel in Piazza Tasso
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.
Elys Suites | Best Suites in Piazza Tasso
If you want to be in the action, you can’t look past Elys Suites. It’s in a really central location overlooking Sorrento’s central square and a stone’s throw from some of Sorrento’s best attractions. You can enjoy a coffee and just watch the world go by from your balcony.
From the outside Elys Suites looks unassuming but from the inside it is stunning. The rooms are exceptional – spacious, clean, modern and comfortable. You couldn’t ask for more!
Ancient-style house | Best Airbnb in Piazza Tasso
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, I’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, that you won’t mind staying in and having a lazy day either.
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.
- Join a cooking class and learn to cook Italian like a local.
- 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.
- Head to the villa comunale park, relax and enjoy the views.
- Have a leisurely dinner on the square, taking your time to enjoy the food, the ambience and the views.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 Priora – Where to Stay in Sorrento on a Budget
Nestled in the hills to the southwest of town is the neighborhood 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.
Staying on the Amalfi Coast is also a beautiful place to stay. The coastal road here is arguably the most picturesque scenic drive in the world. It is easily accessible from Priora, which sits on the highway out of town. Positano, Praiano, and 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!
Hotel Il Nido Sorrento | Best Hotel in Priora
There are 23 elegant rooms at Hotel Il Nido, with sensational views down onto the crystalline waters. This budget hotel won’t just make your wallet happy but it will make you happy too! Hotel Il Nido Sorrento’s restaurant is open for dinner, providing guests with an enjoyable dining experience near their rooms. In the evening, guests are invited to wind down in the lounge bar.
Hotel Villa Fiorita | Best Villa in Priora
Hotel Villa Fiorita is an amazing place to stay. The view is mind-blowing and the vibe is really relaxing. You can soak in the views of the Naples Gulf and Sorrento Coast from the panoramic sun terrace. sure to treat yourself to the on-site spa and restaurant. You won’t regret it! The panacotta is SO good.
The hotel also offers a free shuttle service to and from the city centre of Sorrento at specific times – how good is that?!
Villa with amazing infinity pool | Best Airbnb in Priora
What’s better than a luxury hotel? An ENTIRE luxury villa! Look no further than this villa if you’re looking for a taste of luxury in Sorrento.
With a hot tub, infinity swimming pool and sauna you can spend your days alternating between the three, whilst soaking in the incredible views. The host is particularly helpful at this Airbnb, going above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and fed.
Don’t forget to round up the troops because this Airbnb can fit up to 14 guests! The more the merrier at this place, I say. It will also make your trip a hell of a lot cheaper if you can get more friends involved.
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 in the air.
- If you’re up for an adventure, join the Path of the Gods Hike and take in the views from the top.
- Follow the tiny roads to the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The views over the Isle of Capri are unreal!
#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 neighborhood 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.
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 everywhere in the world, there are a few great Irish bars on the strip for a guaranteed fun night out, Irish-Italian style.
Grand Hotel Ambasciatori | Best Luxury Hotel in Corso Italia
The Grand Hotel Ambasciatori is easily one of the most luxurious places to stay in Sorrento. With breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and immaculate, elegant rooms – you will be sure to love this place. The staff at the hotel go above and beyond to make sure you have an incredible stay.
The grounds of the hotel are stunning and there is a fantastic restaurant on-site. You’re also in a prime central location, just a short walk from downtown Sorrento.
B&B Giacomino | Best B&B in Corso Italia
B&B Giacomino enjoys a superb position in the city 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.
Ostello Le Sirene | Best Hostel in Corso Italia
If you’re looking for cheap and cheerful in Sorrento, Ostello Le Sirene is your place! This hostel is in a great location in Sorrento, close to the Sorrento Train Station and within walking distance of the iconic Piazza Tasso. You’re also super close to buses to explore nearby towns.
You’ll have the choice of a private room with an en suite or a dorm bed with a shared bathroom. The hostel also offers a free breakfast with includes a pastry and a drink – not a bad way to start the stay!
Cute apartment on Corso Italiana | Best Airbnb in Corso Italia
This cute apartment is right on the street that you want to be on. You’ll literally be surrounded by great nightlife opportunities. And if this still isn’t enough, Piazza Tasso is close to 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!
Things to See and Do in Corso Italia:
- 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.
- Get dressed up and hit the town for a night of eating, drinking and boogying.
- Join a walking tour of Sorrento and explore the city (sipping on Limoncello along the way)
- Join a karaoke night at Daniele’s Club lounge to sing your heart out.
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Grab 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 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 are two piazzas to choose from, to complete your nightly passeggiata (stroll), Piazza Matteotti with its palm trees and war memorial or Piazza Sant’Agnello with its church to Sant’Agnello.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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 neighborhood 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 neighborhood 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 bread that will go with it!
Hotel Angelina | Best Hotel in Sant’Agnello
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.
Villa Oriana Relais | Best Villa in Sant’Agnello
Boasting a hot tub, a rooftop sun terrace and an outdoor pool, this 9.8-rated hotel has large bathrooms and stunning panoramic views. It’s easily one of the best hotels in Sorrento and is operated like a boutique hotel.
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. Who doesn’t love a buffet breakfast?!
Seven Hostel | Best Hostel in Sant’Agnello
Seven Hostel & Rooms provides chic 5-star accommodation, as well as a rooftop sun 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.
Apartment with scenic views | Best Airbnb in Sant’Agnello
A beautiful view and a peaceful neighborhood – 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 go 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.
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 (a stroll) to Piazza Matteotti and join in the evening tradition.
- Enjoy a limoncello as you watch 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.
- Go to The Three Tenors Inspired Opera Show in the Correale Museum.
#5 Piano di Sorrento – Best Neighborhood in Sorrento for Families
Right next to Sant’Agnello, and also on the Circumvesuviana, lies the neighborhood of Piano di Sorrento. This area, more a sister town to Sorrento, is the best neighborhood 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 neighborhood, 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 homestays incorporate the farm animals, hiking trails around the peninsula, and taking a traditional Italian cooking class on-site.
Agriturismo Antico Casale | Best Hotel in Piano di Sorrento
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. It’s one of the best hotels in Sorrento.
Villa Iolanda | Best Villa in Piano di Sorrento
This gorgeous villa is a gorgeous place to stay. The hosts are very kind and have great attention to detail. The rooms have been thoughtfully decorated and have a lovely breakfast terrace.
You’re in a great location with the train station only a few minutes away on foot. The area is super quiet and the beds are extra comfy so you’ll be in for a good night’s sleep here.
Lu’s House | Best Airbnb in Piano di Sorrento
Lu’s House is a lovely, stylish loft-style apartment. The loft has a super cosy, peaceful atmosphere and is particularly perfect for couples heading to Sorrento. The apartment comes with a fully-equipped kitchen – it even has a coffee machine!
If you’re working remotely in Italy this place is ideal as it has a desk and great Wi-Fi. You’re in a great location at this Airbnb is a quiet spot with a beautiful view from the terrace. You’re just a 10-minute drive from Sorrento and half an hour from Positano – oh the exploring you can do!
Things to See and Do in Piano di Sorrento:
- Stay in an agriturismo, the uniquely Italian style farm stay.
- Join a Capri and Blue Grotto boat trip 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.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Sorrento
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Sorrento and where to stay.
What To Pack For Sorrento
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sorrento, Italy
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Sorrento.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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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 several neighborhoods that each contribute their own flavour.
Thanks to this 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 my top pick for the best hotel in Sorrento, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is the best way to experience all Sorrento has to offer. You’ll stay in stunning surroundings in the heart of it all, dining on the best gnocchi di sorrentina and topping it off with the freshest limoncello.
So, now that I’ve imparted all my wisdom, it’s over to you to make the final decision on where you’re going to stay in Sorrento. Ciao!
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