The sun-kissed town of Sorrento is an enchanting place, offering intriguing attractions and postcard-perfect views. But amid its captivating beauty, the town can attract crowds of tourists, taking away from its charm. But don’t worry, as there are plenty of ways you can avoid having to jostle against thousands of holidaymakers. Our team of Plum Guide travel experts are here to help – they've gathered together some handy tips and tricks, including what areas to avoid in Sorrento if crowds aren't your thing. Keep reading to find out how to enjoy this Amalfi Coast town all to yourself.
Visit during the shoulder season
Scenic open window with blue shutters and view of the Mediterranean Sea and pink flowers, near Sorrento, Italy
The best way to avoid tourists in Sorrento is to plan your holiday in the off-season. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the weather is at its best and the crowds of holidaymakers haven’t descended upon the town. Summer is the peak tourist season along the Amalfi Coast, typically from mid-June to mid-September. If staying clear of crowds is your plan, summertime is an area you want to avoid in Sorrento. While days are sunny, temperatures can get a little too hot, especially if you want to walk around sightseeing. It’s also when the beaches are at their busiest and shops and restaurants are at their fullest. If you don't want to fight for a sunlounger or wait hours for a table at a restaurant, try not to visit in summer.
Instead, time a trip for spring. Late March to mid-June is a great time to visit Sorrento and southern Italy. The infamous lemon trees and orange blossoms are in full bloom, filling the air with a delightful citrus scent. Mild temperatures of 22°C make sightseeing more bearable, perfect for day trips to Capri, the Amalfi Coast and the archaeological wonders of Pompeii.
You've Charmed Me, Plum Guide home in Sorrento
Meanwhile, the autumn months of mid-September to November also see fewer crowds. Temperatures don’t usually fall until December, so it won't be too cold, but keep in mind that towards November, it can be quite rainy. Autumn is a great time for getting active in nature, from hiking the Sentiero degli Dei on the Amalfi Coast to kayaking in the Punta Campanella Natural Marine Reserve.
If you’re just in Sorrento for a couple of days, consider visiting during the week rather than at weekends when local tourists have their days off. Visiting attractions in the early morning or late afternoon is another way to avoid crowds.
Uncover Sorrento’s hidden gems
Small, multi-coloured fishing boats at the harbour Marina Grande, Sorrento
Don’t just limit yourself to only visiting Sorrento’s well-known locations and attractions. Corso Italia (Sorrento’s main shopping street) will always be overcrowded, as is Via San Cesareo (one of the oldest streets in town). While these are fantastic places for picking up souvenirs, we also recommend visiting the Tuesday market in Via San Renato. The market has a more authentic feel, with stalls selling fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, clothes and accessories. The market starts early (around 8am), so we suggest getting there first thing to get the best deals.
While Marina Grande is by no means a hidden gem, it’s often overshadowed by the larger and busier Marina Piccola – another overcrowded area to avoid in Sorrento. It has a quaint fishing village feel, where you can stroll along the waterfront and take photos of the traditional fishing boats against a backdrop of colourful houses. If you arrive early enough, you may even catch the fishermen unloading their boats with a fresh catch – sample the goods at the family-run trattorias.
Bay of Tranquility, Plum Guide home in Sorrento
When you need to cool down, skip Sorrento’s beaches for somewhere a little quieter. Just a short drive from the town centre is Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a secluded natural pool at the foot of an ancient Roman villa. Enclosed by steep cliffs, the pool is connected to the ocean through a narrow channel that squeezes its way through an archway in the rock face. It’s a little off the beaten path, but the crystalline waters and stunning views are worth the journey.
A good way to find some hidden gems is to ask locals for their recommendations, whether that’s their favourite viewpoint, bar or restaurant – you’ll be surprised at how much valuable insight you’ll gain.
Stay outside of Sorrento
Panorama of high cliffs, boats and ships in the sea, pebble beaches, and rocky surroundings of Sant'Agnello, near Sorrento, Italy
When it comes to choosing somewhere to stay, bypass the Sorrento crowds altogether and book somewhere away from the busy tourist areas. While you should see the Old Town at least once, bear in mind it can get very busy and lively – not a great idea if you’re looking for rest and relaxation. Instead, opt for somewhere like Marina Grande with its peaceful atmosphere. Your days here will be spent relaxing on the sandy beach and trying local cuisine at the waterfront restaurants. When you do feel like exploring, the Old Town and the centre of Sorrento are just a short walk away.
An easy way to avoid crowds is to stay somewhere residential. Just five minutes on the train is Piano di Sorrento, a lovely town popular with locals. The coastal area is called Cassano, where you can relax on the beach and watch the boats come into the marina. Meanwhile, the town centre is Carotto, with its lively piazzas, shops and restaurants. Piano di Sorrento lies at the bottom of Monte Vico Alvano. Take on the hiking trail to the top for spectacular views of the town and coastline.
Seashells & Bougainvillea, Plum Guide home in Sorrento
Sant’Agnello is another good choice if you're wondering what overcrowded areas to avoid in Sorrento. It’s just a seven-minute drive from the centre and has bus and train connections if you don’t have a car. Sant’Agnello offers a more relaxed sightseeing experience, with a handful of beautiful historic churches to admire, as well as the grand Piazza Matteotti. Don’t feel like doing much? Take a dip in the cool waters of Spiaggia La Marinella.
Tucked away in the hills above Sorrento, Priora is a quiet neighbourhood that mainly attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Plenty of walking trails in the area offer a good workout and even better panoramas. As a largely residential neighbourhood, the restaurants in Priora are geared more towards locals – if you’re looking for a more authentic dining experience, this is the place to be.
Explore the surrounding area
Vine-covered ruins in Vallone dei Mulini ('Valley of the Mills'), near Sorrento, Italy
Don’t limit yourself to Sorrento and its attractions. There are plenty of areas nearby that are worth visiting, from the glamorous island of Capri to other charming towns along the Amalfi Coast. However, these are popular locations that can get very overcrowded. We recommend planning in advance to bypass the crowds, as these tend to be busy areas to avoid in Sorrento. If you’ve already visited them, swapping them for more underrated places that attract less tourists is a good way to avoid crowds. For example, instead of visiting Pompeii, why not head to Herculaneum instead? It’s just a few stops on the train from the World Heritage Site, but it sees fewer tourists. It’s also much more well-preserved than Pompeii, with the upper stories of the buildings still intact.
Steinbeck's Landscape, Plum Guide home in Sorrento
Another underrated spot near Sorrento is the Punta Campanella Natural Marine Reserve. Discover the scenic coastline by kayak and explore rocky coves, secret beaches and secluded inlets along the way. Don’t forget to bring your snorkelling gear, as the azure waters are home to rich marine life and multicoloured seaweed.
If you’re in search of unique attractions, head to Vallone dei Mulini. It’s one of the most intriguing sites near Sorrento, yet surprisingly doesn’t see that many visitors. At the bottom of this historic valley are the ruins of flour mills from the 13th century. When they were abandoned in the 1940s, nature took over, covering the ruins in a green blanket. The valley has an air of mystery about it, and if you’re a keen photographer, you’ll want to add this one to your itinerary.
Consider private tours
People wandering through Piazza Tasso and bustling city streets at sunset, Sorrento
If you want to sightsee, one of the best ways to do it is to book a private tour. They’ll cost more, but it’s worth it for the more personalised experience. As it’ll only be you and the tour guide, there’s more room for discussions on topics that interest you, and you can explore at your own pace.
There are all kinds of private tour options out there, so you’re bound to find something that suits your interests. If you really want to splurge, we recommend taking a private boat tour of the Amalfi Coast. Best admired from the sea, you’ll be treated to dazzling views of the colourful houses set along the coast. Stop for lunch at towns like Amalfi or Positano, and moor at secluded bays for a swim. One of the best things about a private tour is that it can be tailored to your taste, allowing you to do the things that interest you the most. We highly recommend Seawater Sorrento, which offers a range of coastal tours.
Vesuvius Vista, Plum Guide home in Sorrento
You’ll also find plenty of private tours on land, whether that’s Vespa tours of the Amalfi Coast, trips to lemon and olive groves to see how limoncello and olive oil are made, and even wine tasting treks. There are plenty of things to do in and around Sorrento, and a private tour is a wonderful way to make your holiday more memorable.
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