The Sorrento Coast is a popular summer destination.
But even during winter, a holiday in Sorrento is wonderful.
Perched atop the seaside cliffs, the small town of Sorrento overlooks the Gulf of Naples, and is one of the pearls of Southern Italy.
The town is located in the center of the Sorrento Peninsula, just across from the island of Capri, and is just a short drive from the famous towns of the Amalfi Coast, such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Sorrento is a popular tourist destination during the warmer seasons, when visitors flock to this seaside town to enjoy days on the beach and delicious Italian cuisine.
However, the charm of the small town of Sorrento is palpable all year round.
During the winter, lights and garlands are strung along every street, beautiful Christmas trees dot the squares, and locals and visitors enjoy the holiday spirit.
There are also plenty of attractions to enjoy in Sorrento in the off-season, including local museums and a day trip to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
Plus, there are plenty of food options to enjoy, no matter what the temperature outside is.
There are obvious benefits to visiting cities in the off-season: fewer tourists, much lower prices, and a better sense of what life in the city is really like as a local.
When the weather turns cold, this Campanian city is enchanting in a whole new way than the summer heat, revealing its more authentic side to guests.
Explore the town of Sorrento
Once you’ve settled in Sorrento, go out and explore the town at your own pace, taking in its most picturesque corners. You have to walk around to get a feel for winter in Sorrento.
The town center is small enough to be mostly explored on foot, and there are many streets that are mostly pedestrianized. There are several local buses that cover the most interesting locations, and taxis are also very efficient, although expensive.
While you’re exploring, be sure to wander around some of the town’s piazzas.
Don’t miss Piazza Tasso, named after the poet Torquato Tasso, located right in the middle of Corso Italia in the center of Sorrento. Stop at a local bar for a drink, or an aperitif, relax, and people watch. The local tourist information center is also nearby, should you have any questions.
Another interesting piazza is Piazza della Vittoria, located along the road that leads to Marina Grande, the Fishermen’s Village.
This quiet square overlooks the sea and is made up of flowerbeds filled with tall palm trees, surrounding a tall sculpture. It is a great place to stop and enjoy the beautiful view of Sorrento, overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Take an evening stroll along Corso Italia In the evening, join the locals for a stroll. Most evenings, Sorrentines take a leisurely stroll along the main pedestrian streets that crisscross the city, looking in shop windows, talking to neighbors, and admiring the Christmas decorations. Make the most of your time in this charming city by simply doing as the locals do.
Correale Museum of Terranova
Look at art and learn history
Sorrento’s community predates the founding of ancient Rome and the town has been a favourite destination for writers and artists for centuries. Lord Byron, John Keats and Sir Walter Scott are among those who have spent time in the picturesque coastal town. Immerse yourself in local history and art by visiting the Correale Museum of Terranova. The museum is located inside a villa owned by Pompeo and Alfredo Correale.
The villa is surrounded by gardens and a citrus grove, criss-crossed by scenic paths overlooking the Bay of Naples. The museum’s collections include paintings by Neapolitan artists dating mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries. The collections also feature a variety of local sculptures, glassware and clothing.
The Correale Museum of Terranova is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6.30pm and on Sundays from 9.30am to 1.30pm. The museum is closed on Mondays. The normal ticket price is €8, with discounted prices for children and students. The museum is located in Via Correale 50, Sorrento.
Take a day trip to Capri
Although you might not be able to see the Blue Grotto, it is still worth taking a day trip to the island of Capri during the winter (the Blue Grotto is not accessible to visitors when the sea is rough or the winds are strong).
Once a refuge for the Roman emperor Tiberius, today Capri is mainly an exclusive holiday destination. During the summer, the island is overrun with tourists and can seem more like an amusement park than a real community. During the cooler months, however, the crowds are gone, and you can really see the island.
How to get to Capri from Sorrento
From the tourist port of Sorrento (Marina Piccola) you have to take a ferry to the main tourist port of Capri (Marina Grande). Ferries generally run a couple of times an hour for the whole day (the last ferry is usually around 18:40, but you just need to confirm the time when you buy your ticket).
Tickets from Sorrento to Capri cost between €15 and €22 and the journey takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
Once you reach Capri, first visit the pretty town of Anacapri.
To get to Anacapri, take a public bus from Marina Grande. The public buses on the island are small and only carry about 20 passengers. Tickets cost about 2.40 euros and the journey takes about 15 minutes.
In Anacapri, from Piazza Vittoria you can take the chairlift to the top of the island (Seggiovia Monte Solaro). The single-chair chairlift (which may be a little scary for those with a fear of heights) takes you up to the highest mountain on Capri, Monte Solaro.
From the top of the mountain, you have a magnificent view of the Italian coast on one side and the endless sea on the other.
After exploring Anacapri, head to the main town of Capri.
See the main square, then choose a side street to wander around and see what you find. There are many shops, boutiques, restaurants, and historical sites to see.
Gardens of Augustus If you’re still up for a bit of exploring, you can also walk to the opposite side of the island. There you’ll find some more stunning sea views, as well as the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto). These public botanical gardens are filled with beautiful greenery and walking paths. It’s a great place to take a break and enjoy the views straight out over the Faraglioni.
Once you’ve had your fill of exploring the legendary island of Capri, it’s time to hop on the ferry back to Sorrento and savor the rest of your winter vacation.
Transport
How to get to Sorrento
As far as Italian coastal cities are concerned, it is easy to get to Sorrento. The easiest ways to get to Sorrento are by train or car.
Train:
To take the train to Sorrento, you will first arrive in Naples. Trains from Rome (Roma Termini) to Naples (Napoli Centrale) vary – some take just over an hour and cost around €30, while some take over three hours and cost around €14. These trains are operated by Trenitalia. From the main train station in Naples (Napoli Centrale), one must then take the local Circumvesuviana train to get to Sorrento. Sorrento is the last stop on the train line.
Trains leave every half hour and the journey takes about an hour. The Circumvesuviana station is located on the lower level of the Naples train station, where trains depart from platform three. It is not possible to buy tickets online in advance, so you have to buy them when you arrive at the station. Tickets cost about 4 euro. As a regional service, the train is a bit slow and there is no luggage storage on the train. It is not the most luxurious option, but it is convenient and the least expensive.
Cars:
If you have rented a car, you can also drive to Sorrento. Driving around small Italian coastal towns is generally not relaxing (think winding roads overlooking the sea), but if you’re used to international road trips, this is an option for you. There are areas of Sorrento that are pedestrian-only, so coordinate with your hotel on where you will park.
Another way to get to Sorrento by car is to take a private car service. You can hire a car service yourself, or you can ask your hotel in Sorrento to recommend a company (going through your hotel is generally a good idea). This is the most expensive transport option but is definitely the most convenient. My favourite company is EuroLimo (www.EuroLimo.it).
Bus or ferry:
Besides taking the train or a car, you can also take a bus or ferry to get to Sorrento. Both ferries and buses also travel from Naples to Sorrento.
There are several bus companies, so choose one that fits your schedule and budget. Ferries might be a bit trickier in winter, depending on the weather, but it is a nice way to see the coast while travelling.
Where to sleep in Sorrento:
Sorrento is not a big city; therefore, most accommodation options are close to the centre of local life. Where you decide to stay will depend on your group and your budget. La Terrazza Family Holidays is the most welcoming holiday home on the Sorrento Coast. www.LaTerrazzaSorrento.com
As you may have noticed, just because there’s a chill in the air doesn’t mean you should consider this southern Italian coastal town out of your travel plans.
There is much to enjoy in Sorrento in winter – and plenty of limoncello to keep you warm.
Cheers!
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