Basing yourself in Sorrento is a smart move. With ferries, the Circumvesuviana/Campania Express trains, and easy access to private drivers, you can reach ancient cities, islands, and hilltop gardens in a single, relaxed day. Below is a practical guide to the best Sorrento day trips—how to get there, when to go, what to see, and a few hidden gems we love.
Quick planning tips
Transport at a glance:
Train: Circumvesuviana (local) or Campania Express (seasonal, reserved seats) to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Naples.
Ferry/Hydrofoil: Regular services (in season) from Sorrento’s Marina Piccola to Capri, Naples, and Amalfi/Positano.
Private driver/guide: Smoothest for coast-road days (Amalfi–Ravello), Paestum, and Vesuvius pairings—no parking stress, no bus waits.
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When to travel: Spring and autumn are ideal. In summer, start early and book skip-the-line tickets.
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Footwear & sun: Archaeological sites and island walks mean uneven ground and little shade; bring water, hat, and comfortable shoes.
Pompeii: Time Travel Beneath Vesuvius
How to get there
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Train: Take the Circumvesuviana or Campania Express from Sorrento to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri (the station by the main gate).
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Private driver: Best if pairing with Vesuvius or Herculaneum on the same day and for door-to-door convenience.
When to go
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Best: Spring and autumn, or very early in summer to avoid heat and crowds.
What to see
Forum, Baths, House of the Faun, Villa of the Mysteries, and the plaster casts. A licensed guide brings the city to life and helps you use your time well.
Pro tip
Combine with a short hike to Vesuvius’ crater (reserve timed entry) or continue to the smaller but wonderfully preserved Herculaneum.
Capri: Sea cliffs, gardens & dolce vita
How to get there
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Boat: Frequent ferries/hydrofoils from Sorrento’s Marina Piccola (roughly 20–30 minutes). Private boats are perfect for sea caves and swimming stops.
When to go
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Spring–early summer and early autumn are lovely. Peak summer is magical but busy—book in advance and start with the first boat.
What to see
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Giardini di Augusto for the Via Krupp view, Anacapri and the chairlift to Monte Solaro for island-wide panoramas.
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Blue Grotto: Sea conditions and queues vary—private boats help you pivot if it’s closed or crowded.
Pro tip
Choose either Capri Town + Gardens or Anacapri + Monte Solaro as your core focus, then add a coastline cruise if time and weather allow.
Naples: Art, Grit, Pizza—Pure Energy
How to get there
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Train: Circumvesuviana/Campania Express to Napoli Garibaldi (for historic center connections).
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Ferry (seasonal): Hydrofoils from Sorrento to Molo Beverello.
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Private driver: Easiest if you’re planning multiple stops or have limited mobility.
When to go
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Great year-round. Ideal on shoulder-season days when the coast is wet or windy.
What to see & taste
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Historic Center/Spaccanapoli, Cappella Sansevero (Veiled Christ—prebook), Naples Archaeological Museum(treasures from Pompeii).
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Pizza is a must—Da Michele, Sorbillo, or a tucked-away neighborhood pizzeria. Add sfogliatella and a short, sharp caffè.
Amalfi Coast Classics: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello
How to get there
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Ferry (seasonal): From Sorrento to Positano/Amalfi—fast and scenic, avoiding the coast-road traffic.
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Private driver: Best for combining Amalfi + Ravello (Villa Rufolo & Villa Cimbrone) and photo stops.
When to go
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Spring and autumn shine. In summer, go early and return by ferry to skip evening traffic.
What to do
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Stroll Positano’s lanes to the beach, visit Amalfi’s cathedral, then head up to Ravello for terrace gardens and sweeping views.
Herculaneum: Pompeii’s Intimate Counterpart
How to get there
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Train: Circumvesuviana/Campania Express to Ercolano Scavi.
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Driver: Combine with Vesuvius for a balanced archaeology + nature day.
When to go
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Year-round. Often quieter than Pompeii and with more preserved upper floors, charred wood, and vivid frescoes.
Paestum & Buffalo Mozzarella Country (Hidden Gem Day)
How to get there
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Private driver: The smoothest option from Sorrento (public connections are slow).
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Why go: Three extraordinary Greek temples in open fields—less crowded than Pompeii—and nearby mozzarella farms for tastings and farm tours.
When to go
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Spring/autumn for soft light over the temples; summer is fine with an early start.
Sorrento Peninsula Slow Day: Massa Lubrense & Sant’Agata
How to get there
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Driver or taxi for flexibility on scenic backroads.
Why go
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Quiet coves, lemon groves, and views across two gulfs (Naples & Salerno). Break for a farm lunch or a relaxed swim where locals go.
Procida (Island Secret, via Naples)
How to get there
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Early train/ferry to Naples, then hydrofoil to Procida.
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Why go: Pastel harbors, fishing boats, and a lived-in island feel with fewer crowds than Capri or Ischia. A long day, but worth it for seasoned travelers.
Sample 3-Day Plan from Sorrento
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Day 1 – Pompeii & Vesuvius: Early train to Pompeii, guided visit, driver up to the crater, back to Sorrento for sunset.
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Day 2 – Capri by Boat: First hydrofoil out; Anacapri & Monte Solaro, gardens, optional coastal cruise; late ferry return.
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Day 3 – Amalfi & Ravello: Morning ferry to Amalfi, driver up to Ravello for villas and lunch, ferry back via Positano.
Make it seamless
Prefer everything stitched together—fast ferries, reserved trains, licensed guides, skip-the-line entries, and tables held at the right trattoria? We’ll plan your excursions from Sorrento around your pace and interests.
Want to experience them in style? Discover our Amalfi Coast tour packages and let us curate your perfect summer journey. Contact us to begin your journey.
Francesca Capone
Francesca, originally from Italy’s Amalfi Coast and now based in Rome, has over 12 years in the travel industry. Her journeys across the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and India have deepened her love for diverse landscapes and cultures, inspiring her to craft enriching travel experiences for her clients.
Francesca combines her in-depth knowledge of geography, history, and culture to create personalized itineraries. Fluent in both French and English, she connects seamlessly with local vendors, ensuring her clients enjoy authentic experiences. Francesca’s appreciation for nature and wildlife allows her to incorporate these aspects into her clients’ trips.
We were perfectly assisted throughout the booking process. Francesca was helpful, precise and always courteous even when we asked a lot of annoying questions. Thank you!
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an exceptional trip to France, meticulously organized by Francesca. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from charming accommodations to immersive local experiences. Their expertise transformed the journey into a seamless and unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended for those seeking a tailored and enriching travel experience.