Located on the Sorrentine peninsula, Sorrento is one of the most popular destinations in southern Italy. One look at it and it’s easy to see why – scenic roads wind along sparkling blue waters, pastel-hued villas make their way up dramatic cliffs and colourful boats are moored in pretty little bays. It’s one of our top picks for a coastal getaway in Italy, and if you’re thinking of a holiday here, you’ve chosen well. Our travel experts at Plum Guide have put together this comprehensive guide on where to stay in Sorrento so that you can spend less time researching and more time packing. Keep reading for the lowdown on the best areas to stay in this picturesque part of Italy.

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Sorrento’s Old Town is the best place to stay if you want to be at the heart of Sorrento’s historic centre. With its lively atmosphere, the Old Town is a jumble of narrow winding lanes where you’ll find everyday life unfolding in front of your eyes. Take a stroll down one of the oldest streets in Sorrento, Via San Cesareo – the town’s main shopping street, where limoncello shops are squeezed in between souvenir stores and restaurants. Pop into Limonoro to pick up some limoncello and other lemon-based products – you can even watch them make the golden liquid in the back of the shop. In the evening, these winding lanes come alive with locals and visitors who hang out at the various bars for an aperitif or digestif.

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If you’re wondering where to stay in Sorrento for history, you’ve come to the right place. The Old Town is packed with historical buildings, such as the Cloister of San Francesco, the Cathedral and Bell Tower, and the Basilica of Sant’Antonino. Between all that sightseeing, take a moment to catch your breath at Piazza Tasso, a picturesque square surrounded by beautiful buildings, old statues, and alfresco cafes. Take a walk to Villa Comunale, a gorgeous and well-kept park with some of the best views in southern Italy. From the park's terrace, you can catch jaw-dropping panoramas of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius looming in the background.

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If it’s a seaside escape you’re after, the laid-back fishing village of Marina Grande is the place to be. Not to be confused with the bustling ferry port of Marina Piccola, this part of Sorrento is noticeably detached from the main town. It has a timeless feel to it, where fishing boats bob lazily in the water and pastel-hued houses look out to sea. Marina Grande is also one of the few places in Sorrento with a sandy beach, so if you’re just feeling like a lazy day on a sun lounger, then this is the perfect spot for it.

Marina Grande is known for its family-run seafood restaurants, so gourmands looking to sample the finest local cuisine will be well-positioned with a stay here. In fact, you can set your alarms early and watch the local fishermen in action, unloading their boats with their catch of the day – it doesn’t get fresher than this. Choose from plates piled high with grilled seafood at Trattoria da Emilia or the more up-market Ristorante Bagni Delfino, which serves up mouthwatering dishes with a side of harbour views.

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Just a ten-minute drive or five-minute train ride from Sorrento is the town of Piano di Sorrento. This residential area is mainly popular with locals, so it makes a good option if you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds. That being said, the town is far from boring, and you’ll find plenty of things to keep you entertained. It’s split into two areas – Cassano and Carotto. Cassano is the area along the waterfront where you’ll find the marina and two small beaches – this is a lovely spot to watch the fishing boats sail in and out each day. Meanwhile, Carotto is the town centre where you’ll find several piazzas such as Piazza Cota, Piazza delle Rose, and Piazza Mercato, as well as the Corso Italia street with its shopping and entertainment.

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Located at the foot of Monte Vico Alvano, the town offers the opportunity to hike in its natural surroundings. At 642 metres, the views from up here are second to none. If hiking isn’t your thing, take it easy with a spot of sightseeing instead. The 9th-century Basilica di San Michele Arcangelo is a gorgeous Baroque building with intricate inlaid-wood doors. Down towards the sea is the Villa Fondi de Sangro, a spectacular villa (sadly not a Plum Guide home) open to the public. Built in 1840 in Neoclassical style, the villa is home to the Museo Archeologico di George Vallet showcasing sculptures, architectural elements, decorative arts and artefacts from prehistory to the end of the Roman era.

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Corso Italia is the main road which runs through the centre of Sorrento, connecting the new and old parts of the town. Portions of the road are pedestrianised with a controlled traffic zone, so it’s easy and pleasant to get around on foot. Lined with restaurants, bars and clubs, Corso Italia and its many side streets are a great place to use as a base for those keen to sample Sorrento’s nightlife. Most of the bars and clubs are open all night, or at least until the early hours of the morning, so there’s always an option whether it’s a cocktail bar, dance club or live music venue – we particularly like Officina Wine Bar 82, a family-run spot with excellent wines and traditional Italian tapas.

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But it’s not all about drinking here – there is plenty to do during the day, especially for shoppers. Corso Italia is lined with historic buildings featuring colourful facades and wrought-iron balconies, many of which are home to fashionable boutiques, designer stores, and souvenir shops where you can find everything from local goods like leather belts and olive oil to traditional inlaid wood products and soap made from lemons. When it gets a little too warm outside, treat yourself with a scoop or two of gelato from Gelateria Primavera.

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Another fantastic place to stay in Sorrento is Sant’Agnello. Located to the east of Sorrento, it has its own train and bus station with connections to the town centre, making it easy to explore if you don’t have your own transport. At the heart of Sant’Agnello is the Piazza Matteotti, which is where the town hall is. Surrounded by well-maintained gardens, this is a great place to rest in the shade should you need a break from sightseeing.

If you love exploring historic churches, the Chiesa Di San Francesco Dei Frati Cappuccini (Church of the Capuchin Friars) is a must-see. Dating back to the 15th century, it's a breathtaking place to visit with its pastel facade and stunning sea views. To cool off, make your way down to the beach beneath the church. Spiaggia La Marinella is a small pebble bay with calm, blue waters ideal for a dip.

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Those looking for somewhere to stay in Sorrento that’s a little more relaxed should consider heading out of town to the neighbourhood of Priora. Set in the hills above the town centre, this area offers incredible views of the sea and town below without having to jostle for space amongst the crowds. Thanks to its location, the village attracts outdoor lovers keen to make the most of the surrounding landscapes with its many walking trails. Priora is also just a stone’s throw away from Punta Campanella Natural Marine Reserve, where you can kayak, snorkel and scuba dive in the sparkling blue waters. Prefer to stay on dry land? Take on the many walks, such as the Punta Campanella trail beginning in Termini, the last hamlet on the Sorrentine peninsula. Taking you through bucolic countryside dotted with olive groves and sea views, this is not one to be missed.

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Despite its size, Priora has a great selection of bars and restaurants serving up local dishes like gnocchi alla Sorrentina, comforting potato dumplings served in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a generous portion of mozzarella or pecorino cheese. Being a largely residential area, expect a more authentic dining experience compared with the tourist-geared restaurants in the town centre.

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A bit further along the Amalfi Coast lies pretty Positano. Although not technically in Sorrento, it's still part of the picturesque Sorrentine Peninsula and is widely considered to be the region's most iconic (and most photographed) village. It's about a forty-five-minute drive, so it's also a good option for day trips.

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Positano is less than half the size of Sorrento, but it's packed with old-world charm. Here, colourful houses are perched on the cliffside and steep, winding streets are flanked by eateries and boutiques. The small Positano Spiaggia beach is a nice, if lively, spot to relax. But the town's crown jewel is the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, a 13th-century Byzantine church with a tiled dome. With restaurants, fantastic views and enough character to go around, Positano is definitely worth considering if you're after a postcard-worthy stay near Sorrento.

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