Cruise Ship Travel

Several cruise lines drop anchor in Sorrento. While ashore, good walkers might enjoy the short climb to Piazza Tasso. The less sporty can choose the elevator connecting the pier to the town center. It costs €1 and leads to the Villa Comunale public gardens, a panoramic terrace offering visitors a fine overview on the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Right outside the garden is the entrance to the 14th-century cloister of San Francesco. From here walk to piazza Sant’Antonino, with the church dedicated to the Patron Saint of Sorrento and to Piazza Tasso, the town center. Via San Cesareo with its shops, limoncello factories, and the beautiful Sedile Dominova invites a lingering stroll.

With more time ashore a good option for those who wish to explore further is the hydrofoil to the island of Capri (25-minute ride), or ride 30 minutes by SITA bus (www.sitasudtrasporti.it) to Positano, one of the most charming towns on the Amalfi Coast—a taxi from Piazza Tasso costs €70 each way.

The easiest way to visit the spectacular ruins of Pompeii or the less crowded Herculaneum is by Circumvesuviana train. Trains depart every half hour from Sorrento station opposite Piazza Lauro; the ride to Pompeii is 30 minutes, 40 minutes to Herculaneum. The same train continues to Naples, where those passionate about archaeology can visit the National Archaeological Museum.

Best Bets for Cruise Passengers

Cloister of San Francesco. The best architectonic site in Sorrento, the cloister is a trip back to the 14th century.

Marina Grande. Walk to the charming Marina Grande to see the fishing harbor and have lunch in one of the outdoor restaurants.

Pompeii and Herculaneum. These two archaeological sites can be visited in one full day.

Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Explore possibly the most beautiful coastline in Europe.

Via San Cesareo. A great chance to see Sedile Dominova and its frescoes and the many shops selling leather items, limoncello, sandals, scarves, confetti, and ice cream.