Italy : Safety by City
- Bari
- Bologna
- Cagliari
- Catania
- Florence
- Genoa
- Milan
- Naples
- Palermo
- Perugia
- Pisa
- Rimini
- Rome
- Sorrento
- Turin
- Vatican City
- Venice
- Verona
Sorrento is an amazing town that features steep coastal cliffs and dreamy Mediterranean architecture.
It’s in the Campania region, southeast of Naples.
Sorrento is on a peninsula across the Bay of Naples from Naples, with the towering Mt. Vesuvius between the two.
The city is part of the Amalfi Coast, a stretch of coastline that features towns nestled between the ocean and mountains.
The area is known for its citrus, olive oil, and wine, along with its relaxed lifestyle.
You could spend several days in Sorrento and just not get enough.
The scenery is breathtaking, especially when the weather is nice and sunny.
Sorrento’s violent crime rate is very low, and the city enjoys a reputation for being safe.
However, the city does have some problems, especially with theft and scams that prey on tourists.
This can create the impression that the city isn’t safe because people will relax a little too much, let down their guard, and then realize that they’re missing some valuables.
Traveling in Sorrento does require some vigilance.
Luckily, most of it is vigilance against pickpockets and theft.
Women travelers have the additional issue of behavior that some might call intense flirting, while others call it harassment.
People of any gender, though, should be careful when drinking.
Does all this mean that Sorrento is actually unsafe?
No, not unless you plan to go there and not take any precautions.
Then you’d be seen as a good opportunity for theft.
But if you prepare and secure your valuables and belongings as much as possible, you can turn yourself into an unattractive target.
That lets you actually enjoy your time in Sorrento.
Warnings & Dangers in Sorrento
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Sorrento itself is actually very nice and mostly safe. Lots of people have reported going there and not encountering any problems. However, since some risks do exist, the city gets a medium risk level overall. Treat these warnings as advanced knowledge that lets you prepare and protect yourself, rather than warnings to not travel. Sorrento is a dramatic, gorgeous place, and worth seeing.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Some taxi drivers will try to overcharge customers; always verify the price of the ride before getting into the taxi, and ensure the driver is using the meter. Take only official, legal taxis. On public transportation, look out for people trying to pick your pocket and steal your bags.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Public transportation and tourist areas are unfortunately known for having a pickpocket problem. Use theft-resistant bags, cross-body bags, money belts, and any other theft prevention you can think of. Watch your belongings and valuables closely.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Sorrento is subject to earthquakes, rain, landslides, cliff deterioration, and even volcanoes. Sitting between Naples and Sorrento is the infamous Mt. Vesuvius, known for destroying Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Campi Flegrei, another volcanic field, is also near Naples and Sorrento. While you'd get a warning of a volcanic eruption, you won't get warning of earthquakes.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging can happen, but the risk isn't that high. Violent crime in Sorrento is low overall. Still, be careful and do not make yourself look like a really wealthy target. Try to blend in and stay low-key, and stay in populated areas where you can access help (and witnesses) if needed.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorism in Sorrento is generally low, but the country does have a Level 2 travel advisory from the State Department because of an elevated risk of an attack. In other words, a terrorist attack is a possibility even if there's no specific warning, and tourist areas are often soft targets that terrorists find attractive. With recent global developments and the Winter Olympics in Italy, the risk of an attack in general has gone up. As a result, you should be more cautious and look for anything unusual.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scams exist even in lovely cities like Sorrento, unfortunately. You may be approached by a random person claiming to be a tour guide, but this could be a scam. There are also distraction scams, such as having one person ask you to help them lift something (a stroller, luggage, etc.) while another one silently lifts your wallet. And of course, the ever-present bracelet scam is alive and well along the Amalfi Coast and in Sorrento, where someone tries to put a bracelet on you and then demands payment, even though you didn't ask for the bracelet.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Sorrento is generally safe for women travelers, but there are issues with petty theft and harassment. Advice from others who have traveled there is to stay in a reputable hotel (as opposed to an Airbnb) and to be careful when drinking. Don't overdo the alcohol. There were more warnings about harassment from men, and some suggested starting to learn Italian before taking your trip to increase personal safety.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water is perfectly safe. It is hard water, so you'll see scale stains on faucets and glasses that have air-dried. You may see public drinking fountains where people fill up their water bottles; be aware that not every fountain has drinkable water, though. You'll see signs on fountains with non-potable water.
Safest Places to Visit in Sorrento
Just about anywhere in Sorrento is “safe.”
That’s in quotes because the city is considered to be safe as a whole, but you still have to look out for things like petty theft.
The good news is that the city’s violent crime rate is very low.
No one area stands out as particularly good or bad when compared to other parts of the city.
Places to Avoid in Sorrento
There aren’t really spots in Sorrento that you want to avoid in terms of safety, other than the typical “dark, deserted area.”
Some areas can become very crowded, and if you don’t like crowds, then you’ll want to avoid them.
These are mainly the popular tourist areas and shopping zones.
Some neighborhoods can be noisier than others because of the nightlife in the area, so double-check with the hotels you’re considering.
If you want a quiet place to sleep, you’ll want to avoid areas with a lot of late-night establishments.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Sorrento
- Always watch your belongings and hide valuables.
- Don’t get so drunk that you can’t take care of yourself.
- Don’t go into deserted or dark alleys.
- Stay in hotels, rather than Airbnbs.
- Register your email with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Treat unexpected interactions with strangers as potential distraction scams. They might not be scams, but if they are, you’ll be better prepared to thwart attempts to steal your stuff.
- Don’t let anyone put bracelets or other items on you or force you to hold items. These are often scams meant to bully you and get your money.
- If you take a taxi, double-check the fare before getting in and ensure the driver starts the meter.
- Take it easy in summer when both heat and humidity can be high.
- Get travel insurance before arriving in Italy. Ensure your travel medical insurance covers things like translation and medical evacuation.
So... How Safe Is Sorrento Really?
Sorrento is actually pretty high up on the safety scale.
Petty theft and scams are more of a problem than violent crime.
So, you’ll want to take precautions, but don’t think you can’t have a great time.
The city is beautiful and a favorite of many.
Even though the chances that something bad will happen are low, you want to prepare anyway.
It’s much better to be ready for something and not have it happen.
That lets you enjoy the scenery and food instead of filing police reports and insurance claims.
In fact, if you read people’s comments on social media regarding Sorrento and safety, it’s when those people let down their guard that something happened.
They say things like they felt so safe, but feeling safe doesn’t mean you’re actually safe.
In Sorrento, you have to assume that you’re at risk of losing belongings if you go by your feelings.
How Does Sorrento Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Sorrento |
75 |
| Catania |
65 |
| Turin |
42 |
| Genoa |
60 |
| Rome |
65 |
| Bari |
74 |
| Perugia |
60 |
 Kyiv | 52 |
 Simi Valley | 84 |
| Redding | 71 |
| Ogallala | 80 |
 Murcia | 83 |
 Sharm el Sheikh | 70 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. citizens can get visa-free travel to Sorrento and Italy for up to 90 days in any 180 days. It doesn't matter whether the 90 days are together or scattered throughout the 180-day period. Any days spent in Italy beyond the 90-day mark require a visa and a permit of stay, also called a permesso di soggiorno.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro, which is divided into cents. US$1 = €0.86 as of early March 2026. You can get euros at the airport, which has an exchange desk, or you can go to a bank. Using an ATM may be the best option because those tend to have the best exchange rates. But use ATMs inside banks, rather than random ones on the street.
Weather
Weather in Sorrento is almost typical for a Mediterranean coastal city. Winter highs (using Fahrenheit here, even though Italy uses Celsius) are usually in the 50s with lows in the 40s. In summer, highs can be in the upper 80s with lows in the mid-70s. Humidity is high and constant, however, being in the 70s percent-wise all year long. Dress in layers with cold-weather clothing in winter. Bring hats or parasols for summer, and keep an eye on your health as you move around in hot weather. Stay hydrated, and carry water with you.
Airports
If you fly to Sorrento, you'll actually land in Naples at Naples Airport, a.k.a. Naples Capodichino International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or train over to Sorrento. If you take a taxi, see if you can prebook one with a specific service. If you don't want to prebook, be sure to use only the official taxis you find at the taxi stand at the airport. Ensure the driver turns on the meter. Never get into a taxi driven by a random person who beckoned you away from the stand, claiming to have better rates.
Travel Insurance
You don't have to have travel insurance to go to Italy if you're a U.S. citizen. However, you really should get it. Travel insurance can reimburse you for unexpected costs like having to find another hotel or having to cancel one flight and buy tickets for another. It's also a very good idea to get travel medical insurance. Your U.S. insurance and Italy's medical insurance for residents won't cover any treatments for you if you need help while in Sorrento. Travel medical insurance can cover things such as medical translation and medical evacuation if needed. And, of course, it covers medical treatment and hospitalization.
Sorrento Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
13 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 29 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 14 |
| Low °C |
5 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 6 |
| High °F |
55 | 55 | 59 | 64 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 84 | 79 | 72 | 64 | 57 |
| Low °F |
41 | 41 | 43 | 48 | 54 | 61 | 64 | 64 | 61 | 54 | 48 | 43 |
Italy - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bari | 74 |
| Bologna | 56 |
| Cagliari | 64 |
| Catania | 65 |
| Florence | 72 |
| Genoa | 60 |
| Milan | 65 |
| Naples | 62 |
| Palermo | 55 |
| Perugia | 60 |
| Pisa | 61 |
| Rimini | 62 |
| Rome | 65 |
| Sorrento | 75 |
| Turin | 42 |
| Vatican City | 72 |
| Venice | 72 |
| Verona | 65 |
Food tour
My memorable experience there is the food tour I took. I highly recommend you try that out especially on an empty stomach. Well, technically because you need it and also you wouldn’t appreciate the food when you come in a full tummy anyway.
It’s surprising how much charm Sorrento has beyond the quick stop from Naples; those little shops selling ceramics really caught my eye. Eating at ‘O Parrucchiano surrounded by lemon trees was such a unique experience, I never wanted to leave that cozy spot.
I always thought Sorrento was just a quick stop, but after spending some time wandering through the little shops filled with unique ceramics, it really felt like there was so much more to discover, especially the charm of Marina Grande tucked away on the coast.
Strolled the steep alleys at sunset and felt totally relaxed, but keep an eye on your bag because pickpockets are a real headache.
Wait, with Mt. Vesuvius staring across the bay and lemon trees everywhere, did you really stroll around with your phone out or were you constantly on edge about pickpockets?
So after a few days wandering the steep coastal cliffs and soaking up the sunny, citrusy air, you honestly expect me to believe that just “not being an attractive target” is enough to stop pickpockets from snagging your stuff?
Been a few times and the citrus smell on warm mornings makes you forget about everything for a second, though that relaxed vibe fooled me once when someone tried to pickpocket me.
Sure, the lemon-scented air and cliffside views are stunning, but between the over-friendly flirting and having to keep an eye on my bag on those narrow sunny streets, I ended up feeling a bit on edge.