Discovering Towns And Villages On The Marvelous Sorrento Coast

With its rugged cliffs, the Sorrento Coast captivates visitors with breathtaking views, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage. This picturesque region, close to the Amalfi Coast, is renowned for its lemon groves, colorful buildings, and a perfect blend of historical allure and modern elegance.

Let’s discover the lovely towns and villages that dot this mesmerizing stretch of Italian coastline.

The Lovely Towns and Villages of the Sorrento Coast

Sorrento

The initial stop on our journey is the town that lends its name to the entire Sorrento Coast.

Nestled amidst hills, with the silhouette of the Vesuvius volcano in the background, the historic center of Sorrento is adorned with landmarks like the Cathedral, the Basilica of San Francesco, and the Sedile Dominova.

Piazza Tasso serves as the heartbeat of life in Sorrento, while Corso Italia is a shopper’s haven. Villa Comunale or Villa Silvana are historic buildings that offer stunning panoramas.

Despite peak season crowds, Sorrento retains its enchanting allure. Notably, figures like Dickens, Nietzsche, and Goethe chose this town for their holidays.

Massa Lubrense

Less renowned than Sorrento, Massa Lubrense beckons nature enthusiasts. Indeed, this stretch of the Sorrento Coast is part of the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella. Notably, this is the legendary home of the Sirens who bewitched Ulysses.

Surrounding the tows are several beaches attracting both locals and tourists. For those who prefer walking over sunbathing, Massa Lubrense offers over 100 km of trails.

Due to its vulnerable position in ancient times, the town boasts numerous well-preserved watchtowers that are worth a visit.

Sant’Agata Sui Due Golfi

The name Sant’Agata sui due Golfi (Sant’Agata on the two gulfs) alludes to the magical location of this town, between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno.

Notable places to explore include the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a hub for cultural and social activities, and the Monastery on Deserto hill, offering a splendid view of the Sorrento Peninsula and the islands of Ischia, Capri, and Procida. With a rich history, remnants of past civilizations, such as the Romans and Etruscans, abound.

Vico Equense

The medieval charm of Vico Equense makes it akin to an open-air museum.

Strolling through its streets reveals the evolution of architectural styles over time. The Annunziata Cathedral stands out as the only example of Gothic architecture in the entire Sorrento Coast.

Nature lovers can explore Mount Faito or discover the remains of old Casali, farmhouses organized as small towns. The walk through the Casali is not just picturesque but also rich in legends and stories.

Vico Equense boasts a large spa utilizing sulphurous water from underwater springs.

Marina Di Equa

Marina di Equa, also known as Marina di Seiano, is a charming fishing village with a lively atmosphere, a delightful beach, and a small marina. The Torre di Capo Rivo, overlooking the beach, give something special to the town.

If you can, stop by Vico Equense on June 13. Every year on this day, the inhabitants organize a unique procession with fishermen carrying the statue of St. Anthony from the church to the sea.

Sant’Agnello

Another gem of the Sorrento Coast is Sant’Agnello.

Perched on a rock spur, the town offers incredible views of the Gulf of Naples, the Gulf of Salerno, and the hills of the Sorrento ridge. Aptly named “La Terrazza di Sorrento” (the Sorrento Terrace), Sant’Agnello is an ideal spot for capturing breathtaking photos.