We recently spent a glorious day in Sorrento when we docked at Naples cruise port. Now I adore Naples, but it gets such bad press. However, from our very first visit, I fell in love with its grittiness in one direction and cosmopolitan areas in the next. You just have to dig in and explore. And there is so much more we want to see, even after years of visiting. Today, we will share how to get to Sorrento from Naples Cruise Port by ferry.

How To Get To Sorrento From Naples Cruise Port

On this last trip, we decided to take a boat across to Sorrento, something we had never done before, but I wanted to explore the wider area more. You can book a trip with your cruise line, but these trips are not cheap. If you are happy to go it alone, it is doable, and we found it very easy and saved so much money.

Sorrento is approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the Naples Cruise Port. Travel time depends on the mode of transport:

• By car or taxi: It takes around 1 hour, depending on the traffic. It’s a good idea to book a tour or taxi transfer for this.
• By train (Circumvesuviana line): About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Naples Garibaldi station to Sorrento.
• By ferry: Around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the service and, of course, the sea conditions.

How And Where To Buy The Ferry Tickets To Sorrento

As you leave the Naples Cruise terminal with the ship and terminal behind you, you must turn left towards the ferry terminal. This is a modern new building made of glass. Here you can get a ferry across to Sorrento or Capri.

Find a ticket window to get your ticket. Our ticket costs €33 return per person. Once you have a ticket, you are told which door to go to, and you must be there around 20 minutes before. When you’re called to board the ferry, it’s chaotic and loud, but the instructions are clear.

Now, I suggest getting off the ship early, as the ferries returned every two and a half hours on the day we visited. See the timetables. On the day we visited, we got the 11 a.m. ferry out to Sorrento and the 4.30 p.m. ferry back. This was the last ferry that day, and I was nervous about missing it. I would have been happier going earlier, and I will do that if we go again.

Also, please note that our ferry was a catamaran/hydrofoil and went fast. If you are seasick, take a travel pill beforehand.

When We Arived At Sorrento

The ferry drops you off just down the harbour, which is a 5-minute walk to the port area of Sorrento. This is also where it picked us up at the end of the day, although we arrived early for our return in case we had to find another dock.

You have beaches to the left and right, and many cafes and bars. When we visited, there were lots of families on the beach enjoying the sun and splashing in the sea. So if you want a beach, you need to go no further. However, to get into the old town takes a little more effort.

Getting From The Port To The Old Town

At the end of the harbour, you will find a square with a crossing, and this is the walking route up into town. The route takes you up the hillside around the winding road. The road is steep and in some places very narrow, with lots of steps. However, there is also an option to get a taxi to the top; a lot did, but we wanted to do the climb.

When you reach the top, you will reach Corso Italia. If your back is to the sea, head right onto Via.s Cesareo, which will take you through the winding streets of the old town.

Some Things To Look Out For In Sorrento

When you are halfway up the hill take the time to look back and enjoy the view, it really is stunnning and a great place to stop and take a minute before continuing the climb.

Check Out The Basilica di Sant’Antonino

The Basilica di Sant’Antonino in Sorrento is a historic church dedicated to the town’s patron saint, built in the 11th century atop an older oratory. It combines Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles, with a Renaissance-era grey tuff façade and Corinthian columns from ancient ruins.

Inside, it features artworks and frescoes depicting the life of Sant’Antonino. A legend tied to the saint tells of him saving a child from a sea creature, commemorated by whale bones near the entrance. Located near Piazza Tasso, it remains a significant religious and cultural site in Sorrento and takes you breath away.

Enjoy The Culture on the Piazza Sant’Antonino

Piazza Sant’Antonino is a historic square in central Sorrento, named after the town’s patron saint. It features a statue of Sant’Antonino, the nearby 11th-century Basilica di Sant’Antonino, and access to scenic paths leading to Marina Piccola.

Surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and shops, it’s a great spot to experience local culture. The square plays a central role during the annual festival of Sant’Antonino on February 14th, with processions, fireworks, and music.

Wander The Streets of the Old Town

Wandering through Sorrento’s old town, you’ll follow cobbled lanes lined with pastel buildings and lemon-scented courtyards, where artisan shops, gelato stands, and centuries-old churches create a vibrant mix of history, culture, and charm. It does get busy, but it’s the most glorious place to wander.

Choose A Street Restaurant and People Watch

Choose a cosy street-side restaurant in Sorrento’s old town, order a plate of antipasti with a glass of local wine, and watch the world go by as locals and travellers stroll past under the warm Mediterranean sun.

Recommended Tours To Book in Sorrento

Whilst there is nothing better than wandering the streets, shopping and trying local food and wine, there are also some great tours to try out.

• Sorrento Walking Tour
• Blue Grotto
• Pizza Making
• Lemon Picking
• Olive Oil and Mozzarella Tasting
• Wine Tasting

Sorrento is A Must Visit Italian Town

Sorrento is a must-visit Italian town next time your cruise ship stops in Naples. But to make the most of it, be sure to get off the ship early, book your ferry tickets, and check schedules in advance. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes if you’re tackling the steep hills into town. But one thing is for sure, it’s a place we will never forget.