The 5 unmissable experiences to enjoy during your stay in Sorrento

The Sorrento Peninsula is a land of wonders where history, nature, traditions and flavours intertwine to create a unique experience for visitors. During your stay at La Terrazza Family Holidays you will have the opportunity to discover not only enchanting places, but also authentic experiences that will remain etched in your memories. Here are the five experiences that, in our opinion, you absolutely cannot miss to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and culture of Sorrento.

1. A lesson in traditional Sorrento cuisine

Why it’s a must: The cuisine of the Sorrento Peninsula is world-famous for its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Taking a local cooking class will allow you not only to learn how to prepare iconic dishes, but also to understand the Mediterranean gastronomic philosophy.

In the heart of Sorrento, there are several cooking schools that offer courses specifically designed for tourists, where you can learn how to prepare:

• The true Neapolitan pizza
• The gnocchi alla sorrentina
• The delicious pasta with courgettes alla nerano
• Typical desserts such as torta caprese or homemade limoncello

Many cooking schools also organise a preliminary tour of the local market, where you will learn how to choose the best ingredients and discover typical products that you would be unlikely to find elsewhere.

Ideal for: Families with children aged 6 and up, couples, groups of friends. Many schools offer specific lessons for children, turning cooking into an educational game.

How to organise the experience: At La Terrazza Family Holidays we can book a cooking lesson for you at the best schools in the area, some of which organise courses directly at your home. Imagine preparing a traditional dinner on your panoramic terrace, guided by a real Sorrento chef!

2. A sunset boat tour with an aperitif

Why it is unmissable: Seeing the Sorrento Peninsula from the sea offers a completely different and fascinating perspective. The warm colours of the sunset reflecting on the crystal-clear waters, illuminating the sheer cliffs above the sea, create a magical atmosphere that you will hardly forget.

A sunset boat tour will allow you to:

• Admire the coast from a privileged perspective
• Discover small caves and hidden coves
• Take a refreshing dip in the waters of the gulf
• Enjoy a typical aperitif with local products
• Toast with a glass of prosecco as the sun sets behind the island of Capri

Ideal for: Couples looking for romance, families with children who love the sea, groups of friends. There are different types of boats, from the most intimate to the most spacious for large groups.

How to organise the experience: We can book a private or group tour for you, departing from Marina Piccola or Marina Grande in Sorrento. Tours generally last 2-3 hours and include stops for swimming and an aperitif on board.

3. A limoncello tasting in a traditional lemon grove

Why it is unmissable: Limoncello is the iconic liqueur of the Sorrento Coast, made from the area’s famous IGP lemons, characterised by their thick, fragrant peel. Visiting an authentic lemon grove and participating in a tasting session will allow you to learn all the secrets of this centuries-old tradition.

During the experience you will be able to:

• Stroll among the lemon trees cultivated on characteristic terraces
• Discover the traditional method of cultivation and harvesting
• Learn the original recipe for limoncello
• Taste different varieties of limoncello and other lemon products
• Take home an authentic gastronomic souvenir

Some farms also offer the opportunity to personally harvest the lemons and participate in the preparation of the liqueur.

Ideal for: Adults and families with children. Although limoncello is an alcoholic beverage, many farms offer non-alcoholic alternatives for the little ones, such as lemon granitas and desserts.

How to organise the experience: A few kilometres from La Terrazza Family Holidays there are several lemon groves that organise guided tours and tastings. We can book the most suitable experience for you, including transport if necessary.

4. An immersion in the history of Pompeii and Herculaneum

Why it is unmissable: Just 30-40 minutes from Sorrento are two of the world’s most important archaeological sites: Pompeii and Herculaneum. These ancient Roman cities, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and perfectly preserved by volcanic ash, offer an unparalleled journey through time.

Visiting these archaeological sites will allow you to:

• Walk the streets of incredibly well-preserved Roman cities
• Admire frescoes and mosaics still vivid after two thousand years
• Enter houses of the period and see how the Romans lived
• Understand the daily life, customs and traditions of ancient Rome
• Reflect on the power of nature and the fragility of human life

The main difference between the two sites is that Pompeii is much larger, while Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved, with multi-storey buildings and wooden structures surviving over the centuries.

Ideal for: Families with children interested in history (aged 6-7 and up), couples, archaeology enthusiasts. For younger children, many agencies organise specific tours with interactive activities that make the visit more engaging.

How to organise the experience: From La Terrazza Family Holidays you can easily reach Pompeii and Herculaneum by Circumvesuviana train. Alternatively, we can organise a private guided tour for you with an Italian speaking guide including transport and priority entrance to the sites.

5. A ‘Sorrentino Inlay’ course

Why it is unmissable: Marquetry is a woodworking technique that has reached levels of true artistic excellence in Sorrento. This tradition of craftsmanship, dating back to the 18th century, consists of interlocking small pieces of wood of different essences to create decorative designs of extraordinary beauty.

Taking part in a short introduction course to marquetry will allow you to:

• Learn about a unique craft tradition
• Learn basic techniques from master craftsmen
• Create a small inlaid object with your own hands
• Take home a personalised souvenir of great cultural value
• Support a craft tradition in danger of disappearing

There are several historical workshops in the historic centre of Sorrento that offer demonstrations and short courses for tourists interested in this ancient art.

Ideal for: Adults and children aged 12 and over. The activity requires precision and patience, but is also accessible to the inexperienced.

How to organise the experience: We can put you in touch with some of the most renowned workshops in Sorrento that organise courses of different durations, from a few hours to a full day.

Seasonal experiences not to be missed

In addition to the five unmissable experiences described above, the Sorrento Peninsula also offers seasonal events and activities worth considering depending on the period of your stay:

Spring (March-May)

• Harvesting oranges and preparing the traditional marmalade
• The Holy Week processions, particularly evocative in Sorrento and neighbouring towns
• The first sea baths on hot days

Summer (June-August)

• Open-air music festivals such as the Sorrento Jazz Festival and concerts in the setting of Villa Comunale
• Boat trips at dawn to avoid the heat and enjoy the tranquillity of the sea
• Patronal festivals in the villages of the peninsula, with fireworks and gastronomic specialities

Autumn (September-November)

• The grape harvest and the opportunity to participate in it
• Olive picking and visits to local olive presses
• Excursions into the woods of the Lattari Mountains to collect mushrooms and chestnuts

Winter (December-February)

• The Christmas markets in Piazza Tasso
• The preparation of traditional Christmas sweets
• The Sorrento Carnival experience with its typical costumes

Customise your experience

Every traveller is unique, as are their interests and passions. At La Terrazza Family Holidays we always try to tailor experiences to our guests’ preferences. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a nature lover, a gourmet or a history expert, we will be happy to suggest the activities best suited to you and your family.

Do not hesitate to ask us for advice: our knowledge of the area allows us to direct you towards authentic experiences, far from mass tourism, where you can get in touch with the true soul of the Sorrento Peninsula.

During your stay at La Terrazza Family Holidays we will be happy to help you organise these and many other unforgettable experiences. Our aim is to make your holiday not just a time to relax, but an opportunity to create precious memories that you will carry with you forever.

We wish you a stay full of emotions and discoveries in our wonderful land!