Day Trips and Tours from Sorrento

Sorrento is well-placed for visiting multiple destinations in the Campania region, with the coastal offerings being top of the list. Day trips from Sorrento are many and varied, with everything from island boat trips to ancient archaeological sites up for grabs.

Whether you want to explore Pompeii, swim off the shores of Capri or leap into the bustle of historic Naples, Sorrento makes a great base. Here are the top places you can visit on a day tour from Sorrento.

Amalfi

The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its chocolate-box villages and dazzling sea views, with hidden beaches punctuating the towering cliffs. On an excursion from Sorrento, you’ll stop at the most eye-catching settlements, where pastel-hued dwellings cling precariously to the hillsides.

Amalfi is the star of the show, with its charming café culture and imposing cathedral. Enjoy wandering the narrow streets, where tiny piazzas and Byzantine churches await your pleasure. You can spend time relaxing on the sand or climb to the highest viewpoints for dreamy vacation snaps.

Capri and the Blue Grotto

The glittering island of Capri is the stomping ground of the rich and famous. Easily accessed on a boat tour, Capri offers geological landforms and historic settlements in abundance. You can explore the Old Town, ride the chairlift up Monte Solaro or admire views from ancient Roman villas.

A highlight of a day tour from Sorrento to Capri is the famous Blue Grotto. The waters in this enchanting cave appear a luminescent blue color, thanks to sunlight reflecting off the limestone walls. Most boat trips stop here, as well as several other grottoes along the island’s coastline.

Positano

Often visited as part of a wider Amalfi Coast day trip, pretty Positano is worthy of as much time as you can spare. Built into the dramatic cliffs, the village is one of the most recognizable settlements in the area.

The tiny pebble beach is perfect for catching some rays or taking a dip, but it’s the winding hillside alleyways that set the scene. Here, you’ll discover the historic Church of Maria Assunta and the sun-dappled Piazza dei Mulini. People-watching and gelato are the order of the day on this excursion from Sorrento to Positano.

Pompeii

The ultimate day trip from Sorrento takes in Pompeii, a Roman city that was lost long ago to the ash of Mount Vesuvius. Known as the birthplace of contemporary archaeology, Pompeii is home to some of the world’s most famous ruins.

This UNESCO World Heritage site takes you on a journey through time, back to when the Romans walked these streets. You can see the remains of the Forum and the thermal baths, as well as plaster casts of those who perished in the ash. It’s a sobering yet fascinating experience.

Vesuvius

Towering over the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius has a lot to answer for. The destroyer of Pompeii and Herculaneum is still an active volcano, but hasn’t erupted since 1944. On day tours from Sorrento, intrepid explorers can hike to the summit for far-reaching coastal views.

Once you reach the crater, a scramble along the rim gives a hair-raising view into the depths of this mighty volcano. These Vesuvius excursions are often combined with a visit to Pompeii or wine tasting on the verdant mountain slopes.

Ravello

Day trips from Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast often include a stop at Ravello. It’s one of the dreamiest clifftop villages in the region, with historic villas, medieval streets and terraced gardens to enjoy. Ravello is a lot quieter than Amalfi and Positano, and a bit of an insider secret.

Once the haunt of artists, musicians and intellectuals, today atmospheric Ravello is popular with photographers looking for a unique perspective of the sun-drenched coast. There’s a strong cultural vibe here, and in summer, you can take in a concert at the annual music festival.

Naples

Naples is easily visited from Sorrento. Located just up the coast, this sprawling city is a jumping-off point for several destinations in the Campania region. Yet, it’s a worthy place to visit in its own right and explore on foot.

History buffs will love checking out the heritage of this time-worn city, where churches and squares appear around every corner. The food scene is thriving, and not just because Naples is home to the humble pizza. Food tours and cooking classes are a popular pastime and exploring the catacombs is a must on these day trips from Sorrento.

Herculaneum

Herculaneum is another ancient town that was engulfed in volcanic ash from the catastrophic Vesuvius eruption. This excursion from Sorrento is often combined with a trip to Pompeii, as the two archaeological sites are quite different.

The houses and roads in Herculaneum are more in-tact than those at Pompeii, so you’ll be able to better appreciate the layout of the settlement. There are skeletons and mosaics to discover, as well as thermal baths and colorful frescoes that somehow survived the devastation.

Ischia

Another fun Sorrento day tour whisks you off to the island of Ischia. Less visited than its glamorous neighbor, Capri, this volcanic isle is famed for its thermal waters and traditional villages. If you’re looking for an authentic slice of Italian island life, Ischia is the place to come.

A highlight of a visit to Ischia is the Aragonese Castle, which was built to defend the island against pirates in the Middle Ages. La Mortella Gardens are another hidden gem, while in the summer you can attend a concert in the open-air Greek theater.

Path of the Gods

If you’re into hiking, this day trip from Sorrento ticks all the boxes. The Path of the Gods meanders along the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast, taking in many of the top destinations along the way. You’ll be traversing the clifftops on a rocky trail, perfectly positioned between the mountains and the Mediterranean.

Vineyards, monasteries and villages all feature on this exhilarating adventure. The walks are guided, so there’s no fear of getting lost, and shuttle transfers mean you only have to walk one way. Phew!

Procida

Procida is another island in the Bay of Naples. It’s often visited alongside Ischia, since they’re located close together. Named as Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2022, Procida is a haven of medieval streets, charming cafés and secluded beaches.

You can stroll around the marina, admiring the traditional houses that line the waterfront. Don’t miss visiting Marina di Corricella – the oldest fishing village on the island. A stop for swimming in one of the bays is a favorite part of this off-the-beaten-track Sorrento excursion.

Paestum

The archaeological site of Paestum often features on day tours from Sorrento. If you’ve already visited Pompeii and Herculaneum, then Paestum should be next on the list. This ancient Greek city is remarkably well-preserved, with three temples still standing to attention.

You can see the city walls and the old amphitheater, as well as funerary frescoes and an artifact-filled museum. A trip to Paestum shows a different side to the region’s history and offers unbeatable photo moments for inquisitive explorers.