Corso Italia (Italy Avenue), Sorrento (must see)

Italy Avenue is Sorrento’s main shopping street and one of the busiest areas in the town center. The avenue is lined with bars, cafés, restaurants, and stores, making it an easy place to stroll at any time of day. Much of it is pedestrianized, so you can walk freely without worrying about passing traffic. Even nearby Tasso Square functions as a Controlled Traffic Zone, reducing the presence of cars and giving the area a more relaxed feel.

Shops along Italy Avenue offer a wide range of goods. Prices here are often more moderate than those on the surrounding side streets, which tend to feature boutique shops and smaller artisan studios. Common finds include leather bags and belts, hand-sewn tablecloths, local olive oil, wines, groceries, and souvenirs. Sorrento’s connection to lemons is also on full display; visitors can browse lemon candy, lemon-scented soaps, and bottles of limoncello, the region’s traditional lemon liqueur.

The street is also well known for its wood-inlay craftsmanship, a local tradition that dates back centuries. Many shops sell hand-carved and inlaid wooden items such as small tables, jewelry boxes, and music boxes. Even if you do not plan to buy anything, it’s interesting to step inside and watch how detailed the designs are.

For a break, stop at Primavera Gelateria Sorrento, a popular spot with dozens of gelato flavors. It’s a convenient place to rest and enjoy a treat before continuing your walk.

As you move along the avenue, the atmosphere gradually shifts from commercial to more residential, and the street eventually leads toward viewpoints overlooking the Big Marina. This small fishing village at the water’s edge provides a contrast to the busy shopping district and helps visitors appreciate how Sorrento blends tourism, daily life, and maritime heritage.