After docking at Civitavecchia (Rome's Cruise Port) we left with a private driver who took us to the Amalfi Coast. Four hours later, yes, it was a long drive, we checked into our Sorrento hotel for a three-night stay. We would discover that Sorrento is not only a great jumping off point for Amalfi Coast explorations but also, an awesome city to explore. Sure there is lots to see and do in Sorrento however, our adventures were primarily gastronomic (food and wine).
Through the Window: Greeting the Day in Sorrento © Spaswinefood
We lucked out because on our hotel, Maison D'Art on Corso Italia overlooked Piazza Tasso. This was just a perfect location for Sorrento and Amalfi Coast adventures. Some say, the best time to visit Sorrento is between April and June, or September and October. A few articles suggested, that being on the Amalfi Coast in March was also a plus because it is not crowded with tourists. It is easy to drive along the coast in March, as the traffic is still light, which makes the narrow, winding road easier to navigate. Hence we found that March was a good time to be in Sorrento, given the overall ease of transportation, whether you drive or take a tour. From Sorrento it is easy to discover nearby places. Given we had visited Naples, and Pompeii during prior travels we focused on Sorrento and other towns along the Amalfi Coast. This post will focus on our Sorrento adventures. A future post will highlight towns along the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento Explorations
Our Sorrento explorations were primarily of the gastronomic nature.
Through the Window: Piazza Tasso © Spaswinefood
Given our location at the corner of Pizza Tasso and Corso Italia it was ideal.
View onto Corso Italia © Spaswinefood
We found walking to be the perfect way to get to know Sorrento. From Piazza Tasso you can walk down Corso Italia, Central Sorrento's main shopping area. Further along is Sorrento's cathedral, you can also explore Sorrento's old town. One March Evening, Corso Italia © Spaswinefood
Those March evening walks along Corso Italia were perfect. We just had to turn right as we exited our hotel.
Corso Italia: Evening Walks © Spaswinefood
Gastronomic Adventures
Sorrento is filled with gastronomic delights. One of the first restaurants we checked out the afternoon we arrived had a garden entrance filled with lemon trees. We returned to dine here on our second night in town.
Ristorante O'Parrucchiano, Sorrento © Spaswinefood
Our second night in town off we went to Ristorante O'Parrucchiano. Ristorante O'Parrucchiano © Spaswinefood
That night we dined at Ristorante O'Parrucchiano. Founded in 18 the restaurant is a local favorite. Wine Time: Ristorante O'Parrucchiano © Spaswinefood
Besides lemon trees in the garden area there were displays of Italian wines at the restaurant.
Sorrentino Lacryma di Christi del Vesuvio DOP, Ristorante O'Parrucchiano © Spaswinefood
This Lacryma di Christi del Vesuvio DOP is a bio wine from the Sorrentino Winery. It is produced from Piedirosso and Aglianico grapes.Ruffino, Ristorante O'Parrucchiano © Spaswinefood
Ruffino founded in 1877, is committed to crafting exceptional wines that encapsulate the zenith of Chianti Classico's character and the quintessence of Tuscany's foremost winemaking regions.Luce, Ristorante O'Parrucchiano © Spaswinefood
Luce is an iconic wine to be produced from a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot by the estate Tenute Luce.
Besides enjoying some Italian wines that evening I enjoyed again baked gnocchi.
Baked Gnocchi © Spaswinefood
Our very first night in town, after exploring a little, we dined at L'Antica Tratoria, just across the street from our hotel. I remembering having my first delicious baked gnocchi there. Sorrento is known for its Gnocchi all Sorrentina, a classic comfort food. This baked dish includes potato gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. Yes, it is very delicious!
Our last night in town we dined at Fuoro Ristorante.
Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Some of the dishes we enjoyed included: Timballo di Zucca, Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Risotto with Truffle, Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Chicken with Mushrooms, Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Tubettino con polpo alla Luciana, Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Yes, there was dessert.
Classic Tiramisú, Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Stuffed Lemon Delight, Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Of course there were wines with dinner. Both of the wines were made from local grape varieties.Wine in the Glass, Restaurante Fuoro © Spaswinefood
Wine in the Glass, Restaurante Fuoro © Spaswinefood
At the end of the meal a complimentary digestivo arrived.
Digestivo Time, Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
For sure our last evening in Sorrento was a pure gastronomic delight.
One Fine March Evening, Fuoro Restaurante © Spaswinefood
The Lemon Side of Sorrento Sorrento is well known for its lemons. Sorrento lemons peel is extremely aromatic. Its oil-rich pith is used to make extracts and limoncellos. These lemons are different from other lemon varieties, like a meyer or standard lemon. Moreover, Sorrento lemons are never waxed or treated post-harvest hence their zest is totally natural. Given their uniqueness Sorrento lemons were granted IGP (Indicazione Georgrafica Protetta) recognition in 2000. This special European designation is awarded only to products originating from a region or country whose quality, heritage, and distinct characteristics are strongly linked to its geographic origin. The lemons grown here are so distinct that, no other lemon grown in another location, can be called a Sorrento lemon.
For sure while in Sorrento we had to experience some limoncello.
Baskets of Lemons & Advertisements © Spaswinefood
Baskets of Sorrento Lemons © Spaswinefood
Sorrento is the place to enjoy all things lemon. Its limoncello is certainly regarded as amongst the best. Our friend, Karla, a lover of all things limoncello, had lots to explore. We enjoyed a few samples with her. For those not so informed, then perhaps a little context for Italian liqueurs is needed. There are two main categories: aperitivo and digestivo. Aperitivi are typically bitter, lower-alcohol liqueurs, normally served with a salty snack, to stimulate the appetite before the meal. Campari, Aperol, Cynar and vermouth are also popular aperitivi. In contrast, digestivi are higher-alcohol liqueurs, which are sipped after a meal to aid digestion, like limoncello, sambuca, amaro or grappa.
Sorrento's Urban Winery: Cantine De Angelis
Besides our restaurant explorations another fabulous reason to visit Sorrento is its urban winery, Cantine De Angelis. Of course we did a wine tasting with food at Cantine De Angelis. It was such a special treat to explore wines produced from local grape varieties.
Cantine De Angelis, Sorrento © Spaswinefood
Wine Tasting, Cantine De Angelis © Spaswinefood
All too soon it was time for us to leave Sorrento. A taxi picked us up at our hotel and took us to the Naples Airport. After a quick flight to Rome's FOC airport we had time to relax before catching our flight home the next day. In case you are wondering Sorrento is one of the easiest towns along the coast to reach via taxi, shuttle, train, bus or ferry. This makes Sorrento a great base to explore the Amalfi Coast. If you arrive by plane at the Naples airport, you can take a train from Naples train station to Sorrento. You can also hire a private or shuttle transfer from the Naples Airport.
It was indeed an adventure filled with gastronomic delights in the land of lemons. Join me in the sharing of wine adventures in Italy and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Cheers
Sharon
March 2026
Sorrento, Amalfi Coast
Italy
© Spaswinefood
Through the Window © Spaswinefood
Hotel Lobby © Spaswinefood
Amalfi Coast, March 2026 © Spaswinefood
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