Many travelers often confuse Sorrento with the Amalfi Coast due to their proximity. However, Sorrento is its own distinct destination, situated on a peninsula just north of the coast. This charming town is famous for its stunning landscapes and unique geological features. Perched on a cliff, Sorrento offers breathtaking sea views, delightful sunny weather, and an abundance of citrus groves.
Sorrento is a popular destination during the summer months, featuring a pedestrian-friendly center filled with narrow streets, quaint shops, and cozy eateries. You can also find beautifully maintained public gardens and impressive private gardens that overlook the sparkling waters.
A steep walk will take you down to Marina Piccola, where colorful homes dot the hillside and restaurants perch on stilts next to docks, welcoming fishermen who arrive with their daily catch.
What makes Sorrento particularly unique as a summer beach destination is that it lacks natural sandy beaches. Although there are a few secluded coves, the base of the Sorrentino cliffs doesn’t feature any sand. Despite this, the inviting waters are perfect for sunbathers and swimmers, leading to the innovative solution of floating beaches.
That’s right: Sorrento’s beaches are literally floating on the water. Constructed on wooden platforms, these ‘beaches’ operate like many private Italian beach clubs, equipped with showers and coffee bars conveniently close by.
You can rent a sunbed for the day and enjoy all the amenities while you decide whether to take a dip in the water or simply relax and listen to the gentle waves lapping against the platforms. Depending on the beach club you choose, there may be a designated calm area for children and those wading, along with ladders on the ocean side for easy access back to the platform after swimming in the open sea.
Many of these unique floating beaches also provide elevator access, allowing you to avoid the steep climb and focus purely on what matters during your Sorrento getaway—relaxation (and perhaps a refreshing limoncello).
Not only do you have convenient access to the water from these floating sunbeds, but you also can enjoy spectacular views of the city of Sorrento from below, gazing up at the layers of rocky cliffs and the magnificent villas above.
I have never encountered such extraordinary beaches anywhere else in the world, making Sorrento a must-visit location on your Italian itinerary. Would you take a dip in the waters of Sorrento?
P.S. If you’re looking for a place to stay, Hotel Mediterraneo offers an elevator that provides direct access to the beach (spiaggia) and free entry for guests.
