Going Solo In Sorrento: The Joy Of Exploring The Amalfi Coast Alone

Perched dramatically on top of a line of jagged cliffs, Sorrento’s pastel-coloured buildings cluster along winding, cobbled streets. The azure-blue Mediterranean is an ever-present and stunning back-drop. It’s safe environment and friendly people makes for an easy destination for the solo-traveller. 

With its intriguing passageways and miles-upon-miles of jaw-dropping views, you will never be bored in Sorrento. It’s also a convenient gateway to many other stunning towns and villages – a destination in itself, but the perfect base for solo-exploration.

Take a stroll to remember 

One thing is clear about Sorrento — it will make a mark in your memory forever. The cliffs overlook the Mediterranean and a myriad of stairways and passageways descend from the town to two pretty Marinas, Grande and Piccolo. It’s a great place for a look around. 

If strolling through shops is your thing, Sorrento has plenty of upmarket boutiques — just as expected from any chic Italian town-centre. Head to Corso Italia, where you’ll find high-end fashion. Then, wander along Via San Caesarea. A deviation down one of its alleyways will reward you with enormous variety, including fresh fish, fruit-stalls and Italian leather shops. Some shops can tailor-make sandals for you, if you have time.

Try Sorrento’s unmissable cuisine 

Italian cuisine needs little introduction, but each area has its own specialities. Sorrento has endless rows of cafes and bars — a wonderful place to try Italian coffee. Its rich, creamy taste will seduce you, and you’ll soon realise why Italians swear by it. You can dine al fresco at many cafes around the central Piazzo Taso – a great spot for people-watching if you’re alone. A favourite is the Mondo Bio Cafe on the Via deli Aranci. This serves some of the tastiest parmigiana and pizza in town. 

No visit to Sorrento would be complete without gelato. Stop by at David il Gelato. Long queues hint that its the best gelato in town — and has been since 1957.

Soak up Sorrento’s sun like a local

One of the easiest things about travelling alone is just to surrender to local pastimes. Locals love to spend lazy days perched high on the cliff-top in the sun. It’s a simple pleasure and you can join in by spreading out a towel on a deserted rock and claim it as your own. Locate such a place by following one of the town’s hiking trails.

Enjoy a solo-evening passeggiata in Sorrento 

Despite being a tourist hotspot in summer, many locals shut their shops for several hours over lunchtime to escape the unforgiving heat. 

But, come the evening, it’s a different story. Many gather outside for una passeggiata  — an evening walk. Families chatter, locals cook fresh food in the streets and children play freely outside the lively restaurants. It’s a rich, cultural experience — and you’ll take to it in a heart-beat!

Sorrento — a hub of exploration for the solo traveller

Sorrento is conveniently situated for visits to many other famous destinations, including Pompeii, Positano and Capri, and getting around from place to place couldn’t be easier. 

Ready to explore Sorrento solo? Discover the best spots for a bite to eat in our guide to Sorrento’s best restaurants