Travel Guide Sorrente - Sorrento

Situated on a natural terrace that falls steeply into the sea, the city enjoys an exceptionally mild climate that, combined with the incomparable natural beauty of the small coves and delightful bays that abound along the coast, has made it a renowned resort since Roman times. Sorrento is full of small steps and narrow streets that lead to the port and the two marinas (small and large), and is surrounded by olive and citrus groves. As for literature, the most famous Sorrento is the great poet Torquato Tasso, known as Le Tasse (1544-1595), author of The Delivered Jerusalem. Later, many writers, following in the footsteps of their beloved colleague, came to stay here, such as the Russian Maxim Gorki (1868-1936) or the Norwegian Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906), who wrote The Doll's House in 1879. Also worth seeing is the main monument of the city, the Palazzo Correale di Torranova, surrounded by a splendid garden. It houses precious pieces of local craftsmanship (including refined marquetry). The city is an ideal starting point for visiting the Amalfi Coast, the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and for reaching Naples (only 25 minutes away by boat). It also has beautiful beaches nearby. There is no lack of activity during the season, with many musicians coming from the surrounding towns to liven up the evenings in the restaurants. Because of the large number of tourists, Sorrento might seem to some people to be a bit sterile.