My name is Emily Ammerman and I am an incoming second-year student studying Industrial and Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan. I am studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy in the Summer of 2024 at the Sant’Anna Institute through the Summer on Italian Coast program. These are my 5 favorite places in Sorrento!
5. Parco Lauro
Starting at #5 we have Parco Lauro. Parco Lauro is a park that is a three-minute walk from the Sorrento train station. While this park has nothing fancy going on, it is one of my favorite places to take a seat in the shade, read a book, talk to my friends and family or just to take a break during the busy Sorrento days.
4. Raki
Raki is one of the many gelato shops in Sorrento. Raki is hands-down the best gelato I have had since arriving in Italy. Located on Corso Italia, the main shopping street, and Via S. Cesareo, one of the many shopping alleys, Raki has all sorts of flavors and there is something for everyone. Due to the popularity, there may be lines out of the door. To have a minimal wait, I suggest getting your gelato after lunch in the afternoon. And then if you want you can come back and get seconds later in the evening!
3. Il Giardino Mediterraneo
As many say, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and Il Giardino Mediterraneo couldn’t agree more. Located on Via degli Aranci, Il Giardino Mediterraneo is a restaurant that is open all day but I suggest going for breakfast to get an authentic Italian breakfast. I tried Il Giardino Mediterraneo due to Frankie, our CIS site director, who suggested the restaurant one of the first days. You can get a cappuccino, brioche, freshly squeezed orange juice, croissant, and many other pastries and coffees. With gorgeous outdoor seating, it is really the best way to start your day.
2. Marina Grande
Marina Grande is one of the two main beach areas in Sorrento. One of the best things about Marina Grande is that it is right next to Sant’Anna Institute so it is perfect for going to the free beach after class. In addition, there are amazing seaside restaurants where they serve meals with fresh fish. There are also different boat and kayak tours that go out from Marina Grande including a CIS event, where we had a sunset kayak trip. While you are on the beach, make sure to look across to see Mount Vesuvius!
1. Bagni Regina Giovanna
Lastly, my favorite place in Sorrento is just a 40-minute walk outside of the town square at Bagni Regina Giovanna. Bagni Regina Giovanna is a natural swimming cove with the ruins of a Roman Villa. At Bagni Regina Giovanna, you can swim in the cove, swim under the archway out into the sea, sit on the rocks where you can see into the cove, and explore the ruins. One of the best places for a sunset picnic and swim. It is the perfect place to live out your mermaid dreams!
