Via Ripa di Cassano, 80063 Piano di Sorrento, Italy (May 2018)

Piano di Sorrento

Piano di Sorrento is a charming town located in the Campania region of southern Italy, perched on the Sorrentine Peninsula overlooking the Bay of Naples. Known for its panoramic views, fragrant gardens, and relaxed atmosphere, the town provides an authentic glimpse into traditional Italian life while offering easy access to the famous Amalfi Coast and the city of Naples. Its strategic position between the sea and the hills has shaped its history, economy, and culture, making Piano di Sorrento a distinctive destination for visitors seeking both natural beauty and cultural richness.

The history of Piano di Sorrento stretches back to ancient times, influenced by the civilizations that shaped the broader Sorrentine Peninsula. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited during the Roman period, serving as a retreat for wealthy families drawn to its temperate climate and scenic landscapes. In later centuries, the town developed as part of the Duchy of Sorrento, benefiting from maritime trade while maintaining a strong connection to agriculture and local crafts. The historic centre retains traces of this layered past, with narrow streets, small squares, and historic buildings reflecting centuries of continuity and change.

The town’s architecture is characterized by low-rise buildings, pastel-coloured facades, and terraced gardens that cascade down toward the coast. Church towers and bell towers punctuate the skyline, offering focal points in the gentle undulations of the town. The Church of Saints Anne and Joachim is a notable landmark, showcasing elegant architecture and historical significance as a centre of local religious life. Small piazzas provide spaces for social gatherings, markets, and leisurely conversation, highlighting the communal nature of life in Piano di Sorrento.

The surrounding landscape is central to the town’s appeal. Rolling hills covered with lemon groves, vineyards, and olive trees create a patchwork of greenery that contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of the Bay of Naples. The cultivation of lemons, particularly the renowned Sorrento lemons, is a defining feature of the area and forms the basis for local products such as limoncello, marmalades, and desserts. Walking through the terraced gardens and narrow lanes, visitors can experience the scents, colours, and rhythms of a landscape that has been shaped by human activity for centuries.

Piano di Sorrento is also closely linked to the sea. Its elevated position provides sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the surrounding coastline, creating a sense of openness and tranquillity. While the town itself does not have large beaches, nearby coastal areas offer opportunities for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing. The proximity to Sorrento and other towns along the Amalfi Coast allows for exploration of dramatic cliffs, historic villages, and seaside resorts, making Piano di Sorrento an ideal base for regional travel.

Local culture and gastronomy are integral to the identity of the town. Festivals, religious celebrations, and traditional events foster a sense of community and preserve long-standing customs. Culinary traditions emphasize fresh, local ingredients, with seafood, pasta, citrus, and olive oil forming the core of the cuisine. Family-run restaurants and cafes provide authentic dining experiences, reflecting the town’s emphasis on hospitality and shared enjoyment of food.

Piano di Sorrento is a town that combines history, culture, and natural beauty in a harmonious setting. Its scenic landscapes, historic streets, and vibrant local traditions offer visitors an intimate and authentic Italian experience. Piano di Sorrento is both a peaceful retreat and a gateway to the wider wonders of the Sorrentine Peninsula, inviting exploration, relaxation, and appreciation of the region’s enduring charm.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk – Via Ripa di Cassano to Via Casa Rosa
Approximately 2.94 km – 1.83 miles

The walk starts in Via Ripa di Cassano – Via Marina di Cassano – Walk back up Via Marina di Cassano to Via Marina di Cassano (or take the lift) – Via delle Rose – Via Carlo Amalfi – Via S. Michele – Via della Stazione – Via dei Tigli – Via Casa Rosa – Piazza Cota -Largo Annunziata – Via Casa Rosa