Making the Most of Sorrento: Studying Abroad in Italy
LOCATION
Sorrento is about three hours drive from Rome, toward the south of Italy. It sits on the rugged north coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula that juts out into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is perched on top of the volcanic cliffs that overlook marinas and some beautiful views of the country’s famed coastline. From Sorrento, there are day trips and weekend trips around Italy, and the rest of Europe is at your fingertips.
STUDYING ABROAD IN SORRENTO
When you study abroad in Sorrento with ASA, you’ll attend Sant’Anna Institute, an international school which sets you up for a total immersion into life in Italy, the Italian language, community, and culture. You’ll take classes in an historic building, in classrooms that overlook the school’s lush gardens and the Marina Grande which is the main fishing port in the area. You’ll look out onto Mount Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri too. Sant’Anna staff love to organize field trips, so you’ll spend a lot of time in other locations as well.
Courses are available in English and Italian and cover a range of subjects.
If you go abroad for a semester, you have a unique opportunity to complete a research project alongside your coursework which will look great on your resume, allow you to meet local Italians, and gain hands-on experience. Topics include:
History of the Mafia and organised crime in Italy from a historical perspective
Gender-based violence in Italy
Field research on migrants and refugees
On-site marine biology and sustainability research in the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella
Dante’s Comedy in the contemporary culture.
You also have a service learning opportunity: involvement with a community engagement project.
For credit, there are internships in a variety of fields available too!
You have three choices when it comes to housing: an Italian homestay, Sant’Anna Institute’s on-campus residence hall, or a shared apartment.
WHAT’S SORRENTO LIKE?
Sorrento is a small city, a beach town right on the water. In Greek mythology, it was home to the sirens. It’s sophisticated, bursting with history, but also small enough to have an approachable vibe. You’ll find shops and restaurants nestled among ancient ruins and narrow, twisting medieval alleyways. And everywhere, there are lemons. Down by the water, the Marina Grande is a working fishing village where you can watch the unloading of the morning catch to be served up later in some of the local restaurants.
The pace of life is slower here, especially during the quieter off-season before the tourists arrive. People make time to enjoy conversation and meals together and then they go for an evening passeggiata - a leisurely walk. We recommend you join in and do the same.
HOW CAN I SPEND MY FREE TIME?
Sorrento may be small, but you’ll find plenty to keep you interested! Spend some time on the beaten trail and see the touristy highlights, but then be sure to discover the local and lesser-known side of the town too. Sant’Anna Institute staff have some great tips to share.
EXPLORE ON FOOT. Sorrento has a real labyrinth of side streets to explore, and it’s a city that’s walkable, so you can explore on foot. Embrace the slower pace of the locals and see what you discover along the way. You can book a walking tour, go with friends, or wander on your own. Corso Italia is a fun place to walk too, especially if you enjoy (window) shopping.
WATERFRONT. Be sure to have a meal, or at least a drink, along the waterfront. Marina Grande has some great seafood options. And of course, you’ll want to spend some time relaxing along the coast. Remember never to leave your belongings unattended if you go for a swim. Another fun experience is to book a sunset boat trip along the Sorrentine Peninsula coast.
HISTORY. Via San Cesareo is one of the oldest streets in Sorrento. This will take you to Sedil Dominova, the old stomping grounds for the city’s high society. Turn along Via Reginaldo Giuliani for the Church of San Francesco and the famed cloister from 1300. If it’s raining, you can pop into The Correale Museum for an indoor history fix.
MARKET. Tuesday is market day in Via San Renato. Go early and soak in the hustle and bustle of the morning trade, stock up on fresh fruits and veg, and see what else the vendors have for sale.
VIEWS. From gorgeous sunsets to the otherworldly sight looking out over the Valle die Mulini crevice with its 13th-century flour mill ruins overtaken by nature, Sorrento offers some impressive views. Hiking the nearby Path of the Gods will give you some of the best views in the country.
PIAZZA LIFE. Choose a piazza and plant yourself there for several hours. Soak in the view, people watch, enjoy a coffee, chat with a friend, and just enjoy the slowness of life. We recommend Piazza Tasso.
WHAT (AND WHERE) SHOULD I EAT?
You’re in Italy, so you’re going to eat well! But here are a few of our favorites to get you started. Please come back and share your own recommendations with us on Instagram @asastudyabroad.
CAFES. Complement your coffee with a slice of tiramisu in Cappuccino Sorrento. In Piazza Passo, you’ll find excellent espressos, pastries and people-watching. In the old town, head to Bar Vittoria (and drink your espresso at the bar like a local). Bar Frisbey or Leone Rosso Café are also great choices.
FOOD. Head to Ahum for pizza inside a bowling alley or buy pizza by the meter in Da Franco. Pop into A’ Marenna for a sandwich. Pick up lunch at Enjoy The Little Things Bistrot or Angelo’s Bar. Da Emilia in Marina Grande is one of the best places to order fresh fish or seafood. La Cantinaccia del Popolo is popular for local food. Gelato at Gelateria Primavera or Gelateria Davide is delicious.
MUST TRY. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, pizza, fresh fish, octopus casserole, sauteed shrimp, gelato, and limoncello.
ANY OTHER TIPS?
A few other things to keep in mind to make the most of a study abroad experience in Sorrento…
ROCKY BEACHES. The coast is rocky, so having a thick matt or towel is a good idea, and you might want to bring some water shoes too. There are also piers along the coast as an alternative.
GREETINGS. The locals are very welcoming and you’ll often be greeted as you walk into shops and restaurants. Out of respect, use buongiorno, buonsera, or buonanotte in your response to anyone older than you, even if they’ve used “ciao” to greet you.
A LOCAL SECRET. Up for a swim? Put on your walking shoes and trek over to Capo di Sorrento. There you’ll find stunning views of Sorrento, Naples, and Vesuvius as well as the ancient ruins of Regina Giovanna where you can go for a swim.
SAVE MONEY. Head away from the tourist traps and the "beaten path”, and the hiked-up prices will deflate a bit. This goes for eating out and shopping.