Sorrento vs. Amalfi

Sorrento and Amalfi are both hot property when it comes to Italian coastal breaks. Each town has its own distinct character and charm, but with a very different feel. 

Sorrento is more relaxed, offering spellbinding views over the Bay of Naples and easy access to other popular spots along the coast, while Amalfi boasts dramatic scenery, buzzy beach clubs and chic bars. We’ve got the downlow on what each spot has to offer, so you can decide whether Sorrento or Amalfi should be your base for your next Italian adventure. Or, better yet, why not visit both and combine these two dreamy destinations in one fabulous trip?

How does Sorrento fit with the Amalfi Coast?

First things first, it’s worth knowing that Sorrento isn’t technically part of the Amalfi Coast – Amalfi, Positano and Ravello are the main towns in the region. However, it is close by, offering easy access to all these places and more. Hire a car, take a boat trip or book a guided tour and you can explore the highlights of the Amalfi Coast with Sorrento as your base, or locate yourself in the centre of the south coast action by staying in Amalfi town.

What’s the vibe in each?

While both towns have bags of charm and breath-taking views, Amalfi’s quieter and more tucked-away. You’ll still find plenty of bars and beach clubs here, plus a lively, party-like vibe in the evening, but the overall feel is more traditional, laid-back and – crucially – a tad less crowded. Sorrento’s nightlife is bolder and buzzier and there’s plenty going on during the day too, so it suits those looking for a little more action. It also has better connections to tourist trail hotspots such as Naples and Pompeii.

Which is better for exploring the coast?

Both towns are close to lots of other sought-after coastal spots, but if you want to explore further afield, then Sorrento is your best bet as a base. While it’s easy to get to Positano or Ravello by road or boat from Amalfi, Sorrento has great transport connections to not only the Amalfi Coast but also Naples, Capri, Pompeii and more, via bus, train, ferry or boat.

What’s there to do?

Sorrento

Take a drive along the shimmering shores of the Sorrento coastline, ending with a guided tour of Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of old Pompeii, for a glimpse into life in an Ancient Roman city. Breathe in the heady aroma of the prized Sorrento lemon with a tour of a fragrant lemon grove, or sip your way through a limoncello tasting. 

People-watch in Piazza Tasso, the beating heart of the town, before taking a stroll along the marina. Learn how to cook freshly caught seafood like a pro with a cooking masterclass. Take a day trip to Capri and explore dazzling blue grottoes with a snorkelling class, then wander ancient churches before shopping in chic boutiques. Trust us when we say you’ll find something to suit every mood and occasion in Sorrento.

Amalfi

Built in the ninth century, the twin basilicas of Amalfi Cathedral (or Duomo do Sant’Andrea) offer a captivating insight into the history of the Ancient Amalfi Republic. This architectural gem is packed with stunning features, including intricate mosaics and impressive cloisters, plus a grand staircase that leads to some of the finest views in town over the sparkling Amalfi coast and bustling Piazza Duomo. 

For something more outdoorsy, the Valle delle Ferriere trail takes you through a biodiverse paradise, where you can spot birds of prey and discover hidden waterfalls – the wilder side of Amalfi. Or book a lounger at one of the many beach clubs, such as Lido degli Artisti, to soak up the sun and gaze out over the emerald waters, before cooling off with a refreshing spritz in a beachfront bar.

Which one’s better for food and drink?

As you would expect from Italian coastal towns, both Sorrento and Amalfi do seafood well. You’ll be feasting on the catch of the day, grilled simply or served with style, from bream and shrimp to blue fish and octopus. Every dish comes with a side of stellar sea views thrown in for free. The regional scialatielli ai frutti di mare is a must-try, made with fresh thick-cut artisanal pasta and white wine. Limoncello is also widely available across the two towns, served with house-made gelato for a zesty end to your meal.

You’ll feel the differences between the two more keenly in the vibe – dining in Sorrento is low-key, with lots of quaint little neighbourhood gems. Expect handwritten daily menus, warm and welcoming service and locals at the next table. Amalfi is more refined and dials up the romance – think lemon-scented everything on a candlelit terrace while you listen to the gentle lapping of the waves.

When to go

Spring and early autumn are usually the best times to visit – weather-wise its warm without being too hot and you get to avoid the hectic mid-summer crowds. Winter is still scenic, but some places close out of peak season, so it might not be the right time to book for an action-packed trip. Local festivals add a fun touch to any visit, so check out the calendar in advance. The Massa Lubrense lemon festival happens in July, celebrating the fragrant local fruit with music, dance, decorations and tasting sessions. The Amalfi Paper Festival usually ends the main summer season, typically from late August to early September, with workshops, souvenir stalls and more centred around the local handmade paper tradition.

Can I visit both? 

A twin-centre trip to Sorrento and Amalfi gives you the best of both worlds. Only an hour apart by car or boat, you can easily spend a few nights in each, or choose one as a base and daytrip to the other. Our travel experts know this region inside out and can curate your dream Italian adventure to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights in this beautiful region.

Where to stay

Sorrento

The upscale Hilton Sorrento Palace is a destination in itself, with six swimming pools, a kids’ club and a sleek Japanese rooftop restaurant overlooking the Bay of Naples. Despite being set just a few minutes from the colourful heart of the city, Piazza Tasso, it’s surrounded by orange and lemon groves in a scenic hillside location.

Five cascading pools, breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea and rocky mountain surroundings covered in lush vegetation – Grand Hotel Capodimonte has it all. From the wellness centre to the five on-site bars and restaurants serving up local and international cuisines, you’ll never want to leave.

Amalfi

A former monastery dating from 1222, Luna Convento cleverly blends centuries of history with modern amenities. Soak up the storied atmosphere from one of the spacious suites and take in panoramic ocean views from the two waterfront restaurants.

Five-star luxury grafted onto a 13th-century cave convent – Anantara Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi offers a heady blend of modern luxury and historical beauty. Overlooking the harbour and just minutes from the Piazza del Duomo, there’s a heated infinity pool and spa to help you unwind after a long day of exploring.

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A Sorrento and Amalfi twin-centre break lets you experience both of these stunning towns in one inspiring trip. Or why not pair with Rome for the ultimate coast and culture combo, where you can soak up the sun, sea and sand as well as thousands of years of history? The Amalfi Coast trio takes in the best of this famous shoreline – Amalfi, Ravello and Positano – or you could add Ischia to your next Sorrento trip for castles, gardens and thermal spas.

This article was created on 7th August 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.