Visit Sorrento any summer and it’s easy to mistake it for a postcard brought to life. The sweeping views of the Bay of Naples, lemon groves, and gelato stands on every corner all scream 'Italian dream'. Yet, where you choose to stay can shift the narrative from a fleeting romance to a love affair with this cliffside town.

## Where to stay

**Sant'Agnello, not Piazza Tasso.** Piazza Tasso is the beating tourist heart of Sorrento, frenetic and filled with camera-toting crowds. Just a short walk away, Sant'Agnello offers a more local vibe, where you can enjoy an espresso at Bar La Terrazza and wander down leafy streets like Via M. Crawford. It’s quiet, with a side of local trattorias that let you savour gnocchi alla Sorrentina without a side of selfie sticks.

**Marina Grande for the fishermen, not the ferry.** Many flock to Marina Piccola to catch a ferry, but the real charm lies in Marina Grande. It’s an actual fishing village, where you can watch boats glide in with the day’s catch and have dinner at Trattoria Da Emilia, where the seafood is as fresh as the ocean breeze.

**Corso Italia for the passeggiata.** This is the main artery of Sorrento and comes alive every evening with the traditional evening stroll. Shop at the family-run boutiques or grab a gelato from Raki and join the locals. It’s bustling but not overbearing, a perfect balance of activity and relaxation.

## When to go

Late April to early June or September into October. These months are warm, the landscape lush, and the crowds more manageable. July and August are peak season, too hot and too crowded for comfort.

Wherever you choose to lay your head, make sure to converse with the concierge for tips or browse the local stays yourself. From boutique hotels to charming B&Bs, Sorrento has plenty to offer those who seek the true Italian experience. Remember, sometimes the best discoveries in Sorrento are made simply by wandering off the beaten path.