Car Hire in Sorrento

About Sorrento

Sorrento is a city in Italy, more specifically in the Campania region of southern Italy, and its location overlooks the Bay of Naples. The city has a long and rich past, having been home to many different civilizations (Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, French and Spanish, Turks). In Greek mythology, for example, Sorrento was the home of the Sirens and it was believed that these sirens lured passing sailors to the rocks with their beautiful singing. Today Sorrento is a very popular tourist destination with many great natural, historical, cultural and religious sites worth visiting. In addition, the city is also known for its agricultural activities. Lemons and other citrus fruits, olives, nuts, wine, sugar and alcohol are the main exports and contribute significantly to the GDP of the city and the region.

Sorrento has changed several names in the past. The first evidence of civilization in this area dates back to 600 B.C. The long and rich past of this city is reflected in a very diverse architecture, which is the charm of this beautiful city. In addition, there is a great location and landscape around Sorrento, because the city is surrounded by cliffs about 50 metres high and thanks to these cliffs Sorrento has a kind of natural protection, which was very important in history.

Sorrento has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century, but despite its long tradition as a tourist destination, it has never become a top destination in this region. But this is quite strange because it has everything a perfect tourist destination must-have. It has excellent access to other major cities in Italy and to other destinations and resorts, it has a beautiful bay, amazing historical, cultural and religious sites, lovely and friendly locals, stunning views of Naples, delicious food and perfect weather. And the biggest advantage of Sorrento compared to other cities or destinations in this region is that it is not very crowded. Since it is not one of the most visited destinations, there are no unbearable crowds on the streets, in the restaurants or on the beaches. This makes Sorrento a perfect destination from which to explore the other places in this part of Italy.

It is good to know that the atmosphere in Sorrento is very relaxed and life is in typical southern Italian style. So if you are planning to come here, you should plan an extra day or two, because there is no need to rush here and you will quickly get used to this atmosphere and just walk around without any hurry or pressure. Just enjoy the Italian way of life and you will have a great time here in Sorrento.

So, if you are planning a road trip through southern Italy, you should put Sorrento on your list of cities to stop in. You can spend several days here and it is also a perfect place to start your road trip. So, it's up to you how you plan your trip, but one thing is for sure: you certainly will not regret your visit and stay in Sorrento.

Basic info and car hire in Sorrento

• Location: Campania region, Italy
• Population: 16,547
• Official language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Sorrento has a Mediterranean climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Sorrento are in good condition.
• Car hire in Sorrento:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Sorrento is at the Sorrento Downtown. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Sorrento!

 Driving in Sorrento

Due to its excellent strategic location, Sorrento is very popular with travellers from all over the world, who use it as a perfect starting point for further exploration of the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Capri, etc.

Driving in Sorrento is not difficult, as there are not so many tourists and the roads are not blocked by endless lines of cars in summer. The city centre is small, so it is best to explore it on foot. It can sometimes be quite difficult to find a parking space in Sorrento, but it is good to know that there are some quite large parking lots at the entrance of the city, but they cost about 4 € per hour.

There are also other ways to get around in Sorrento. You can use public transportation such as a bus or train (Circumvesuviana Trains) or rent a scooter or a car. The roads in this part of the country are generally in good condition, so you will enjoy driving through southern Italy. It is good to know that the areas outside the city are not very well connected to public transport, so it is best to rent a car and drive around at your own pace and preferences.

It's good to know that the police in Italy are very strict. So make sure you follow all the rules and obey all the traffic signs on the road. Above all, stick to the speed limits because there are many speed checks and you can get a fine even if you are not a resident. But of course, it is good to follow the speed limits and other rules, not only because of the police but also for your safety and the safety of other road users

• Age limits: 21 years old-25 for larger vehicles
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passport), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance.   
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle (2 are required for all vehicles registered in Italy and 1 if coming from abroad), high visibility vest (recently made compulsory)- First aid kit (not compulsory, but we strongly recommend you have it with you, just in case).
• Children in the car: Children up to the age of 10 may only be taken in the back seat and a suitable child seat must be available up to a height of 1.50 meters.
• Driving side of the road: Right hand
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h.

Popular day trips from Sorrento

You have many options for a day trip here. This region is so rich in various cultural, religious, historical and natural sites, but in addition, there are also some amazing towns and villages that you should visit.

One of the most popular day trips from Sorrento is undoubtedly a day trip to Pompeii, a buried Roman city that was destroyed by the volcano Vesuvius. The same happened with the city of Herculaneum, which is also perfect for a day trip. Besides these two archaeological cities, you should also visit the crater of Vesuvius, the volcano that destroyed these two cities.

From Sorrento, you can go to many other destinations: Capri, Ischia, Naples, Amalfi...

What to see in Sorrento

Sorrento has a lot to offer for all types of tourists. No matter what kind of holiday you prefer, you will undoubtedly find something interesting to see and do here in Sorrento. Marina Grande and Marina Piccola are just two of the sights you should not miss when staying in this charming little town. Interestingly, Grande means big in Italian, but Marina Grande is actually smaller than Marina Piccolo (Piccolo means small in Italian) and also more interesting than Marina Piccolo. Marina Grande is a smaller port with many interesting sights and some delicious restaurants that you should visit to taste delicious seafood.

Another attraction worth visiting is the cloister of San Francesco. This beautiful monastery was built in the 13th century and today it is not only a popular tourist attraction and religious object but also a place where many concerts and other cultural events take place. Another religious object worth seeing is the Cathedral of San Filippo and San Giacomo, which together with its bell tower is one of the most beautiful architectures of the city and worth a visit. But of course, we must not forget to mention that there is also the Basilica of Sant'Antonino, built in the 9th century and today it is one of the most popular churches among the locals in Sorrento.

When in Sorrento, you can not miss the so-called "Heart of Sorrento" or Piazza Tasso. This is a very busy square surrounded by bars and restaurants where you can have a coffee, wine or even lunch or dinner. This is one of the locals' favourite places and you should find out what is so special about this square.

You should explore the entire Centro Storico or historic centre of Sorrento. This charming old town is full of small narrow streets, beautiful houses, hidden gardens, small craft stores, boutiques, galleries, museums, taverns, etc. You will surely find something interesting for yourself here.

Other destinations and activities: Go to the beach, eat gelato, stroll through the narrow streets, eat seafood in Marina Grande, enjoy the view, walk through a lemon grove, drink a spritz in Piazza Tasso, visit Vallone Dei Mulini di, Sorrento...

Drive your rental car beyond Sorrento

Southern Italy is one of the most iconic regions and undoubtedly a place that every tourist and traveller should explore. Staying in Sorrento, you will have the perfect opportunity to make a good plan and explore Southern Italy. Sorrento is well connected to other cities and resorts in the area and all you have to do is rent a car and go. There are so many fantastic places to put on your list when you take a road trip through Italy. You should definitely visit Naples, Lecce, Bari, the Amalche Coast, Pescara, Catanzaro, Palermo, Brindisi, Barletta, Foggia, Capri, Catania, Messina... explore.

But there are so many other regions in Italy worth exploring. For example, if you decided to stay in the Umbria region and make a road trip through it, one of the activities you should put on your wish list is undoubtedly truffle hunting. This region is famous for its truffles and truffle hunting is truly a unique experience. In the countryside, you will find many experts searching for these "black diamonds". Besides truffle hunting, you can also learn a lot about the history of the region and the daily life of the locals. The Marmore Waterfalls are another sight not to be missed during your trip to the Umbria region. These are the largest man-made waterfalls in the world and the second-largest waterfalls in Italy. These amazing waterfalls were created by the Romans who wanted to divert the Velino River to use more fertile land. For this reason, the Marmore Waterfalls are one of the most visited attractions in this region. For people who prefer a more active vacation, there are many activities here, for example, rafting on the Nera River, cycling in nature, visiting the Monte Cucco Regional Park, a side trip to San Pietro

There are so many places to visit in Italy that you need to make a good plan if you want to take a road trip through Italy. Italy is a very diverse country with so much to see and do. But one thing is for sure, there is something for every kind of tourist here. Italy is known for its fantastic beaches, amazing cities, a large number of historical, religious and cultural monuments, great gastronomy, volcanic islands, the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, beautiful lakes and rivers, breathtaking landscapes, etc.

The capital is Rome, which of course you must see. It is known as one of the most iconic cities in the world and certainly, the city most talked about in the history of mankind. Travelling from the north to the south of the country, you can experience so many different landscapes, people, cultures, cities and traditions that make Italy a special place. If we then add the truly rich and turbulent past of this trunk-like country, there is no doubt that you should visit Italy at least once in your lifetime.

If you prefer winter and winter sports, then you should go to the Dolomites, because there are some of the most famous ski resorts in the world, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo. However, if you are more interested in history, you should visit Pompei and other cities in the south of the country.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Sorrento

Thanks to the rich volcanic soil, Sorrento has many local ingredients used for delicious Italian dishes. We all know that food holds a special place in the life of every Italian, and coming to Sorrento is the perfect opportunity to learn about it yourself.

Some traditional local dishes here in Sorrento are Caprese salad, paper-thin Neapolitan pizzas, spaghetti vongole with clams, and Delizia al Limone - lemon cake topped with cream.

We must not forget that this area is famous for limoncello. So if you come here, you should not miss the tasting of this delicious liqueur.

Best restaurant in Sorrento

A'Marenna

Enjoy the Little Things Bistrot

Trattoria dei Mori

Qui Sorrento

La Locanda Del Gusto

Torna a Surriento Trattoria