Set on a large tufa terrace overlooking the sea, Sorrento is an ancient place of residence of international fame that extends from Castellammare to Punta Campanella, as a watershed between the Gulf of Naples and Salerno. Sorrento is a quiet resort, enjoyable in every season thanks to its mild climate. The origin of the name probably derives from surreo, which means flow together, a reference to the topographic feature of the town, surrounded by valleys carved out of tufa due to the erosive action of rain water that flows into the sea, but the legend attributes to a reference to the myth of the sirens who tried to charm sailors including Ulysses.

The tourist fame of these places was born in 800, but its history has very ancient roots. The origin of the town dates back to around the VI century BC when Liparo, son of the king of Ausoni in Opicia, returning from the Aeolian Islands, is settled in this place.

Sorrento entered the sphere of Roman hegemony by the League Nucerina. But several times he sided against Rome, as in the second Punic War and the social war. But it was not completely destroyed by Sulla and became a colony of veterans who built numerous villas along the coast.

During the era of Republican Sorrento became municipium and was chosen by the Romans as a holiday destination.

After the rule of the Goths in 552 it was conquered by the Byzantines in the duchy of Naples remaining until the ninth century. Sicard, prince of Benevento, and the besieged, as the legend goes, Sorrento was made save by the intervention of St. Antonino, who later became patron of the city.

It managed to keep up the siege of the Saracens and the various attacks of Amalfi and Pisa, and despite the many struggles between the people and nobles failed to become a free fief of Anjou. Between the XV and the sixteenth century experienced a difficult period due to the invasion of the Spaniards, the continuing attacks Saracens and struggles with the neighboring town of Vico Equense and Sorrento. One of the most bitter was the night between 12 and 13 June 1558, when, through the beach of the Canton of Sorrento, the Turks entered the city and plundered it completely, killing and enslaving most of the inhabitants. From then on numerous watch towers were built, many still see as ruins or reused for other purposes, and a new fortification.

During the revolt of Masaniello in 1648 suffered many attacks because of his loyalty to the Spanish government and joined the Neapolitan Republic in 1799 and after being the scene of battles between Republicans and Bourbon was able to have its independence and become a sought after and quiet location resort.

How to arrive

by car: once in Naples take the A3 motorway, exit to Castellamare and follow signs to Penisola sorrentina. Distance between Napoli-Sorrento: 50 Km.

by train: if you arrive with Trenitalia you need to get off in Napoli Centrale or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi. In both stations you will find Circumvesuviana trains. Take a train to Sorrento which is where the train terminates. The journey is approx. 75 minutes. For further information you can visit the web-site www.vesuviana.it.

by boat: Sorrento is linked to Naples by ferries, fast ferries, and hydrofoils that guarantee connections between Naples and Sorrento. They start from Molo Beverello in Naples harbour and arrive in Sorrento. The hydrofoils and the fast ferries take approx. 30 mins. Sorrento port is 500 mt. away  from the main square and easy to reach with public transport.




This relaxing and quiet town, it is an attraction for tourists  since the XVIII century. Come to discover why whit a fantastic walking tour.

Tour Price: 180 € (2 hours)


Duration: 2 hours

Maximum travelers: 10 (a small group garantees a better quality service) Tours for larger groups can be arranged on demand.

Main visited places: Museo Correale, Corso Italia, St.Antonino Church, the Cathedral, the Deep Valley of the Mills, the Tasso Square, the Belvedere.

What’s not included: Entrance tickets;


Kid Friendly: Yes

Disable friendly:Yes

I can arrange an itinerary for wheel chairs and your needs.



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