Practical Information: Sorrento

Local Connectivity

Italy's major mobile network providers include TIM, Vodafone Italia, WindTre, and Iliad. They all present good coverage throughout the Campania region.

SIM Card Options

Prepaid SIM: Purchase a "SIM ricaricabile" at official provider stores; passport identification is necessary.
eSIM convenience: Modern smartphones support eSIM technology; activation occurs online. Consider Airalo.
Cost-effective plans: Prepaid SIMs typically include generous data bundles for around €20-€30.

Internet Access

Most hotels and B&Bs in Sorrento supply free Wi-Fi access. Connection quality may vary, but general reliability for basic browsing stands.

Wi-Fi Availability

Public Wi-Fi: Many restaurants, cafes, and bars supply free Wi-Fi for their customers.
Mobile Hotspot: For multiple devices or groups, consider renting a Solis portable Wi-Fi device.
Tabacchi shops: Stamps for postcards may be purchased here.

Navigating Language

Overcoming Barriers

Italian: The official language spoken throughout the region.
English: Widely spoken in hotels, major restaurants, and shops serving tourists in Sorrento.
Local variations: Outside main tourist areas, English may be less common.
Rosetta Stone: Consider Rosetta Stone for language preparation.

Translation Aids

Google Translate app: Download the Italian language pack for offline translation.
Phrasebooks: A basic Italian phrasebook assists with essential phrases and conversations.
Gestures: Body language and gestures often overcome small gaps.
Patience: A little patience goes a long way.

Essential Phrases

Business Hours & Schedules

Shops

Many smaller shops observe traditional Italian hours, typically 9:00 AM/9:30 AM to 1:00 PM/1:30 PM, closing for a "pausa pranzo," and reopening 4:00 PM/4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Larger stores may have continuous hours.

Restaurants

Lunch service generally from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM/3:00 PM. Dinner service typically begins around 7:00 PM/7:30 PM and continues until 10:30 PM/11:00 PM. Many kitchens close between lunch and dinner.

Bars & Cafes

Open early for breakfast coffee and pastries, and remain open until late in the evening, often past midnight.

Banking & ATMs

ATMs (Bancomat) are widely available in Sorrento's town center, near major squares, and outside banks, offering 24/7 access.

Access Details

Bank hours: Banks generally operate weekdays from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
ATM locations: Find ATMs near central squares.
Foreign cards: Most ATMs accept international cards.

Museum & Attraction Hours

Museums and attractions generally open 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 5:00 PM/7:00 PM. Many are closed on Mondays.

Planning Visits

Check specific times: Verify opening hours for planned attractions.
Monday closures: Be aware many cultural sites close on Mondays.
Seasonal variations: Hours adjust with tourist seasons.

Holiday Impact

National Holidays

January 1 (New Year's Day)
January 6 (Epiphany)
Easter Sunday and Monday

More Dates

April 25 (Liberation Day)
May 1 (Labor Day)
May 14 (Feast of Saint Antoninus, Sorrento)

Important Scheduling

On public and religious holidays, many businesses will be closed or operate on reduced hours. Public transport may also follow a reduced Sunday schedule.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observing local customs and traditions fosters positive interactions during your visit.

Greeting Customs

A simple "Ciao" suits informal settings. For formality, use "Buongiorno" (good morning/day) until early afternoon, then "Buonasera" (good evening).

Social Interactions

Shop entry: A general "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" is polite upon entering a shop.
Handshakes: Shake hands upon greeting and leaving.
Cheek kisses: Close friends or family may kiss on both cheeks.

Attire Standards

Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women when visiting churches or religious sites. This requirement is strict.

Dressing Appropriately

Carry coverage: A shawl or scarf allows for quick coverage.
Everyday wear: Italians often dress with a sense of style; avoid overly sloppy clothing.
Evening dining: Smart casual attire generally suits dinner in mid-range to upscale restaurants.

Sensitive Subjects

Discussion Points

Politics: Avoid sensitive political topics unless a local initiates the discussion.
Religion: Respect religious beliefs and traditions.
Littering: Do not litter.

Photography Practices

Privacy: Be respectful of people's privacy; seek permission for close-ups.
Site rules: Check for "no flash" or "no photography" signs in museums.
Ancient ruins: Do not climb on ancient ruins for photos.

Inclusivity

General Acceptance

Public affection: Public displays of affection are generally accepted for all couples.
LGBTQ+ rights: Civil unions for same-sex couples are legal in Italy.
Welcoming destinations: Major tourist destinations generally welcome diverse visitors.

Solo Female Travelers

Safety: Solo female travelers commonly report feeling safe.
Standard precautions: Apply typical travel precautions as in any destination.
Local support: Locals are often helpful and welcoming.

Accessibility Information

Sorrento's unique geography and historic infrastructure present challenges for travelers with mobility needs. Advance planning is .

Mobility Landscape

Sorrento stands on cliffs, leading to steep inclines and declines, notably between the town center and the marinas.

Terrain Considerations

Narrow sidewalks: Historic areas feature narrow, uneven cobblestone streets.
Public transport: The Circumvesuviana train typically lacks accessibility.
Variable bus access: Some newer public buses may have ramps, but this varies.

Access Points

Some newer or renovated hotels present accessible rooms and facilities.

Accessible Options

Major sites: Pompeii has designated accessible routes, Herculaneum often considered slightly more accessible.
Sorrento Lift: The lift linking Villa Comunale to Marina Piccola aids access.
Private transfers: Taxis and private transfers frequently serve as the most accessible transport.

Specialized Services

Vision & Hearing

Limited specialized services are broadly available for visual or hearing impairments.
For hearing impairments, translation apps assist with communication.

Planning Assistance

Contact individual hotels, tour operators, or the local Sorrento tourism office directly.

Tailored Support

Organizations like "Accessible Italy" (search their website) provide resources and specific advice for travelers with disabilities in Italy.

Practical Information