Wondering Where to stay in Sorrento, Italy? In this post, I will help you to find the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Sorrento for first-time visitors, for families, couples, without a car, and the best hotels in Sorrento for all budgets.
Sorrento is a charming coastal town located in the Campania region of southern Italy. It sits atop cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples and is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking views, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine.
Piazza Tasso is the lively central square in the heart of Sorrento. It is named after the poet Torquato Tasso, who was born in the town. Piazza Tasso is a great place to enjoy a coffee, people-watch, and soak in the local atmosphere.
The city has a rich history, and you can explore several historical landmarks, such as the 14th-century Chiesa di San Francesco and the Sedil Dominova, an ancient meeting place for nobles.
Sorrento is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, particularly in woodworking. You can find woodwork items like intarsia (inlaid wood) souvenirs and furniture in the local shops.
The region is famous for producing Limoncello, a lemon-flavored liqueur. You’ll find many shops where you can taste and purchase this delightful beverage.
You can visit the Villa Comunale park and gardens for a relaxing stroll and more stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Sorrento is an excellent base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the beautiful island of Capri.
Where to stay in Sorrento, Italy first time?
The best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Sorrento are Piazza Tasso, Leonelli’s Beach, Sant’Agnello, Piano Di Sorrento, Meta, and Priora. These are the city’s most popular and safe base for tourists that offer plenty of things to do and see.
Piazza Tasso is the best overall base for first-time visitors because it is the heart of Sorrento historic center. It offers easy access to major attractions, restaurants, boutiques, and bars.
The historic center, particularly the area around Piazza Tasso is also an ideal location for those traveling without the car because of its proximity to major attractions and excellent connections to public transportation. It is compact and you can easily explore on foot.
Additionally, it is well-connected to bus and train, making it a great base to take day trips to Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Capri island without the need of having a car.
Overviews of the best neighborhoods in Sorrento for tourists
Here is an overview of recommended areas in Sorrento for first-time visitors:
| Piazza Tasso | is the heart of Sorrento, located in the historic center. Staying here puts you right in the middle of the action, with easy access to restaurants, shops, and various attractions. It’s a bustling area with a vibrant atmosphere. |
| Leonelli’s Beach | If you’re all about beachfront accommodations, Leonelli’s Beach area offers a variety of hotels and resorts right by the sea. It’s a lovely place to stay if you want to enjoy easy access to the beach and seafront activities. |
| Sant’Agnello | Just a short distance from Sorrento’s city center, Sant’Agnello offers a more relaxed and peaceful ambiance. It’s an excellent option if you prefer a quieter stay while still having easy access to the main attractions in Sorrento. |
| Piano Di Sorrento | A bit further from the center, Piano di Sorrento provides a more authentic and residential experience. This area is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience Sorrento from a different perspective. |
| Meta | a coastal town with a charming beach. It’s a great spot for beach lovers, and it offers a more laid-back environment compared to the city center. |
| Priora | For those seeking stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, Priora is an excellent choice. It’s located on the hills above Sorrento, providing a serene and picturesque setting. |
Below is a map of the best areas in Sorrento for first-timers and tourists. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Sorrento, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Sorrento have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
The best areas to stay in Sorrento for visitors are:
1. Piazza Tasso
Piazza Tasso is the best overall area to stay in Sorrento for visitors, especially for first-timers. It is a prominent square located in the historic heart of Sorrento. Staying here offers easy access to major sights, restaurants, bars, and shops.
The historic center is compact and walkable, you can easily explore on foot. Additionally, it is well-connected to bus and train, making it a great base to visit Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Capri without the need of having a car.
The square is named after the renowned Italian poet Torquato Tasso, who was born in Sorrento in 1544. It serves as the main square and focal point of the town. The lively and bustling atmosphere of the square makes it a popular gathering spot for visitors to Sorrento.
Surrounded by charming buildings, cafes, shops, and restaurants, Piazza Tasso offers a delightful place to relax, people-watch, and soak in the vibrant ambiance. You’ll often find musicians and street performers entertaining the crowds.
The main street of Sorrento’s historic center is Corso Italia, lined with shops selling local products such as limoncello, ceramics, and souvenirs. It’s a pedestrian-friendly street, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Staying in the area around Piazza Tasso offers easy access to major attractions such as the Sorrento Cathedral, Correale Museum, Saint Francis Cloister, Valley of the Mills, and the Marina Grande, which is the old fishing village located a short walk downhill from the square.
Best places to stay in Sorrento Piazza Tasso:
- Luxury ($$$): Grand Hotel La Favorita, 5-star hotel located in the center of Sorrento, home to a sun terrace and heated outdoor pool with views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Palazzo Guardati, 4-star hotel located within easy walk from the central Piazza Tasso, offering views of the harbor and the Bay of Naples.
- Budget ($): Hotel Del Corso, 3-star hotel located between popular Piazza Tasso and the port of Sorrento, easy access to Circumvesuviana Station and beach at Marina Piccola.
2. Leonelli’s Beach
If you prefer beachfront locations with breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples, you can consider booking hotels around Leonelli’s Beach, Marina Grande, and Marina Piccola.
Leonelli’s Beach is a beach club in Marina Piccola that has sunbeds, parasols, and an on-site restaurant. The beach has dark-sand, and is safe for family and childrens. It is reachable by walking to the marina or taking a lift from Villa Comunale Park.
Marina Piccola is where you can find a harbor, where ferries depart to Naples, Capri and Ischia. Marina Piccola can be reached by walking down steps from Piazza Tasso or Villa Comunale.
In additions to Leonelli’s Beach, bathing establishments in Marina Piccola are Bagni Salvatore,
Marameo Beach, and Peters’ Beach. The only small section is a free public beach called, Spiaggia Pubblica Sorrento, located between Peter’s beach and Marameo Beach Club.
Marina Grande is a colorful old fishing village where you can enjoy some of the best seafood at the local restaurants and admire the colorful boats in the harbor. It can be reached by a short bus ride from the historic center.
Marina Grande is also home to numerous beach clubs including, Bagni Sant’Anna, a well equipped sunbathing area with views of the bay of Naples.
Best places to stay in Sorrento Leonelli’s Beach:
- Luxury ($$$): Bellevue Syrene, 5-star hotel, with views across the Gulf of Naples, located within walking distance to Sorrento historic center and Circumvesuviana Station for the bus along the coast to Positano, or the train to Pompeii and Naples.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Regina, 4-star hotel with panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Easy walk from Piazza Tasso and the beaches.
- Budget ($): Palazzo Marziale, located in the heart of Sorrento’s historical center, in front of the Cloister of St. Francis, close to Marina Piccola.
3. Sant’Agnello
Sant’Agnello is a small town situated just east of the popular Sorrento. Sant’Agnello shares its stunning coastal views with Sorrento and is known for its charming ambiance and beautiful landscapes.
The town offers a more relaxed and quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling streets of Sorrento, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway.
Visitors to Sant’Agnello can enjoy picturesque views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, along with easy access to the Amalfi Coast and other nearby attractions.
The area is famous for its lemon groves, producing the renowned Limoncello liqueur, which is a must-try for anyone visiting the region.
Tourists can explore the historic center of Sant’Agnello with its narrow streets, lovely squares, and local shops. The town’s main square, Piazza Matteotti, is a great place to relax and enjoy some Italian gelato while soaking in the local atmosphere.
Transportation between Sant’Agnello and Sorrento is easy, as they are situated close to each other. Visitors can take a short walk, hop on a local bus, or use the Circumvesuviana train, which connects various towns in the area.
Overall, Sant’Agnello offers a tranquil and charming experience for travelers exploring the stunning coastline of southern Italy.
Best places to stay in Sorrento in Sant’Agnello:
- Luxury ($$$): Hotel Mediterraneo, 5-star hotel, set on a cliff-top setting on the sea front, offering views over Sorrento Bay and Mount Vesuvius. It offers a free shuttle to Sorrento.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Corallo Sorrento, 4-star hotel has a cliff-top setting in Sant’Agnello on the Sorrento bay, offering sun terraces and an infinity pool with views of the Bay of Naples in the distance.
- Budget ($): Villa Crawford, located in Sant’Agnello, Featuring family rooms, close to Spiaggia La Marinella, a short ride from Peter’s Beach and Marameo Beach.
4. Piano Di Sorrento
Piano di Sorrento is just a few kilometers east of Sorrento, between Sant Agnello and Meta Beach. Due to its proximity to Sorrento, it shares many of the same characteristics, including the charming Italian architecture, narrow streets, and local culture.
Piano di Sorrento offers a more relaxed and quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling streets of Sorrento. The town offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants serving delicious Italian cuisine, and opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty.
Piano di Sorrento is well-connected by Circumvesuviana train and bus, making it easy to reach Sorrento by public transportation. Additionally, many accommodations offer free shuttle services to Sorrento.
Overall, Piano di Sorrento offers an authentic Italian experience and serves as an excellent base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and the surrounding attractions of the Campania region.
Best places to stay in Piano Di Sorrento:
- Budget ($): La Gaggia Guest House, located only a 3-minute walk from Piano di Sorrento Circumvesuviana Station, 2 train stops from Sorrento.
- Budget ($): Villa Iolanda, a sustainable guest house situated in Piano di Sorrento, a short drive by car from Meta Lido Beach, offering bicycle and car rental services.
- Budget ($): Delle Rose Suites, great guest house, close to buses and trains.
5. Meta di Sorrento
Meta di Sorrento is a small town located on the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is part of the Metropolitan City of Naples.
Meta di Sorrento is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere compared to Sorrento. It offers a more authentic Italian experience, with charming narrow streets, local shops, and traditional restaurants serving delicious regional cuisine.
One of the main attractions in Meta di Sorrento is its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Some popular beaches in the area include Marina di Alimuri and La Spiaggia di Meta.
From Meta di Sorrento, you can easily take the Sita bus to the Amalfi Coast towns of Positano and Amalfi, as well as the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples, and Sorrento.
Best places to stay in Sorrento in Meta:
- Luxury ($$$): Flowers apartments & rooms, located close to Marina di Alimuri Beach and Meta Lido Beach.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Giosue’ a mare, has a private beach and à la carte restaurant and pizzeria, directly on the seafront in Meta.
- Budget ($): Villa Sorrento, family-run villa just a short walk from Meta Train Station and the beach.
6. Priora
Priora is an area located on the hills to the southwest of Sorrento city center. It is located around 20 minutes walk to the historic center or a short bus ride. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to/ from Sorrento.
Being outside of Sorrento, accommodation and dining options tend to be cheaper than the historic center. Additionally, it is less crowded with fewer tourists. And also stunning views!
Attractions nearby are Punta Campanella, Sant’Agata dei due Golfi, Villa Comunale, Piazza Tasso, and Sant’Anastasio Church.
Priora is an ideal base for those seeking quieter locations, stunning views, and more budget friendly options in lodging and dining.
Best places to stay in Sorrento in Priora:
- Luxury ($$$): Grand Hotel Vesuvio, offering panoramic views across the Bay of Naples, a free shuttle to Sorrento center.
- Mid-range ($$): Grand Hotel President, Offering probably the best view across Sorrento and the Gulf of Naples, it has scheduled shuttle to Sorrento, as well as excursions available to Pompeii and Capri
- Budget ($): Hotel Villa Fiorita, offers beautiful views of the Naples Gulf and Sorrento Coast. has a free shuttle bus to Sorrento at scheduled times.
See more:
- Where to stay in Amalfi Coast first time
- Where to stay in Naples first time
- Where to stay in Capri first time
In conclusion Piazza Tasso, Leonelli’s Beach, Sant’Agnello, Piano Di Sorrento, Meta, and Priora are the best places to stay in Sorrento for visitors. Piazza Tasso is the best overall area for first-timers and for those seeking a central location in the heart of the historic center.
Leonelli’s Beach suits beach lovers, Sant’Agnello offers a tranquil escape, Piano Di Sorrento provides a mix of authenticity and convenience, Meta appeals to budget travelers, and Priora suits those seeking breathtaking views.
Choose your ideal base wisely to make the most of your Sorrento experience.
I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.
Thank you. Its outstanding information. I am planning to relocate to the area next Fall, 2024.
This is good information. And only need to find real estate source for an apartment.
Thank you for leaving a comment for me. Yes, this is a tourist guide for Sorrento, but it can provide you with some overall ideas about neighborhoods in Sorrento. There might be more residential areas that are worth investing in. Good luck, and I am sure you will find a great place to stay.