Sorrento, Italy Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Why Sorrento, Italy?
- Sorrento is the only city in Europe to have 4 active volcanoes within its boundaries.
- Sorrento is home to the world's oldest hotel, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, which opened in 1834.
- Sorrento is known for its lemons, which are said to be the sweetest in Italy.
- Sorrento was the birthplace of the famous Italian opera composer Gioacchino Rossini.
- The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Sorrento is an ideal base for exploring the area.
Sorrento, Italy Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
| January |
59° F
|
° F
|
| February |
50° F
|
° F
|
| March |
54° F
|
° F
|
| April |
61° F
|
° F
|
| May |
68° F
|
° F
|
| June |
75° F
|
° F
|
| July |
81° F
|
° F
|
| August |
81° F
|
° F
|
| September |
75° F
|
° F
|
| October |
66° F
|
° F
|
| November |
59° F
|
° F
|
| December |
52° F
|
° F
|
Average Rainfall
| January |
3.4 inches
|
| February |
2.8 inches
|
| March |
2.6 inches
|
| April |
2.2 inches
|
| May |
1.6 inches
|
| June |
1 inches
|
| July |
0.9 inches
|
| August |
1.5 inches
|
| September |
2.3 inches
|
| October |
3.5 inches
|
| November |
4.7 inches
|
| December |
4.1 inches
|
Transportation on Sorrento, Italy
Getting to Sorrento, Italy and getting around. Our transportation tips will
help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
- Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
- Visa not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
- Return/onward ticket required for proof of departure.
Departure Tax
No specific departure tax; taxes are included in airfare.
Driving
- Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Driving Side: Right-hand side.
- Road Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained but narrow, winding, and often crowded. Be prepared for sharp curves and limited visibility on the Amalfi Drive.
- Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
- Traffic Rules: Parking is scarce in towns like Positano and Amalfi; consider using public transportation or hiring a driver. Driving can be challenging, especially during peak tourist seasons. Renting a scooter is a popular option for navigating the coastal roads.
Know Before You Go...® - Sorrento, Italy Travel Tips
Before making their way to Sorrento, Italy , vacationers like
to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a
look at our travel tips to make your time in villas
in Sorrento, Italy even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
Positano |
| Population: |
13,000 (estimated) |
| Size: |
21 square miles (estimated) |
| Electric Current: |
230 |
| Official Language: |
The official language spoken in Amalfi Coast is Italian. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, English is widely spoken and understood as the secondary language. |
| Currency: |
- The official currency in the Amalfi Coast region is the Euro (€). It is widely accepted in all major cities and towns, and most businesses also accept credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
- Cash is also accepted in many places, especially in smaller, more traditional establishments.
- ATMs are readily available in most cities and towns, and they are the best way to withdraw cash in the local currency.
- It is important to note that many businesses in the Amalfi Coast close for a long lunch break (usually from 1pm to 4pm) and some may also close on Sundays. Therefore, it is advisable to have enough cash on hand during these times in case ATMs are not available.
|
| Tipping and Taxes: |
- In Italy, tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave a small tip for good service. It is common to leave a tip of 5-10% of the total bill, depending on the level of service provided.
- In some restaurants and other establishments, a service charge may already be included in the bill. This is usually indicated as "servizio incluso". In this case, it is not necessary to leave an additional tip, but you can round up the bill if you wish.
- While a 5-10% tip is generally expected, the exact amount can vary depending on the type of service and the location.
- While some establishments may accept tips on credit cards, it is generally preferred to tip in cash.
- Unlike in some countries where taxes are added to the bill, in Italy, the taxes are already included in the price of goods and services. The standard value-added tax (VAT) rate in Italy is 22%, which is included in the price of most items.
|
| Dress Code: |
Wear elegant, stylish and comfortable clothing while adhering to the local cultural norms when visiting the Amalfi Coast. |
| Topography: |
The Amalfi Coast is a rugged and stunningly beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy, characterized by dramatic cliffs, picturesque towns, and cascading hillsides covered in citrus groves and vineyards. |
| Telephone: |
* Telephone Country Code: +39
* Mobile Networks: Reliable coverage across the region, including coastal and hilltop areas.
* Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi for guests. |
Sorrento, Italy Weddings and Honeymoons
In the Amalfi Coast, getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.
Apply for a marriage license at the local Comune (Town Hall) in the Amalfi Coast municipality where the ceremony will take place.
Required documents include:
- Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
- Birth certificates (translated into Italian and certified with an Apostille).
- Certificate of no impediment to marriage (Nulla Osta) issued by your country’s embassy in Italy.
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
- Application form provided by the Comune.
Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted in Italian by a registrar. An interpreter may be required if the couple does not speak Italian.
Costs: Marriage fees vary by municipality but typically range from €200 to €500 for non-residents. Additional costs may apply for translations, Apostilles, and optional arrangements.
Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony: The Amalfi Coast offers breathtaking venues for symbolic or religious ceremonies, including cliffside gardens, historic churches, and luxury villas. Popular locations include Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Positano’s beaches, and the cathedral in Amalfi. These ceremonies are not legally binding without a civil ceremony.
