Marina Piccola, the port of Sorrento

Marina Piccola is Sorrento's port: hydrofoils and ferries leave from here for Naples, Capri, Ischia and, in the warmer months, the Amalfi Coast. It lies at the foot of the tuff cliff, right below the Villa Comunale, and can be reached from the centre in a few minutes on foot or by lift. Besides the piers, it offers an old little church, a few bathing establishments and an unusual view of the town from below.

An old port at the foot of the town

For centuries the sea was the easiest way to reach Sorrento, perched on its cliffs: before modern roads, goods and travellers arrived by boat from Naples and the islands. The name sets this landing place apart from Marina Grande, the old fishing village on the other side of the historic centre. Over time Marina Piccola became the town's tourist port, while Marina Grande kept its character as a seaside village.

One curiosity nicely captures the link between the port and the Sorrento of the grand hotels: in 1893 a funicular was opened which, through a tunnel cut into the tuff, connected the port with the Hotel Vittoria. It ran for only a few years, until 1896.

The Soccorso church and the procession at sea

In one corner of the port stands the little church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, already recorded in the 16th century, with its 18th-century bell tower. It is at the heart of one of the peninsula's most evocative seafaring traditions: every summer, in early August, the statue of the Madonna del Soccorso is taken on board and escorted by dozens of boats in a procession at sea that calls at the marinas of the Gulf of Sorrento, amid the sound of sirens and crowds on the quays. Find out more on our page about traditions and events.

How to get to Marina Piccola

There are three ways to get down to the port from the centre:

• On foot from Piazza Tasso: walk past the Basilica of Sant'Antonino and follow Via Luigi De Maio, which winds down to the sea; along the way a flight of steps offers a shortcut. Allow about ten minutes going down and a little longer to climb back up.
• By the Villa Comunale lift: a lift cut into the rock links the public gardens, next to the Cloister of San Francesco, with the shore below, from where you walk along the sea to the piers. There is also a flight of steps alongside.
• By bus or taxi: Via De Maio is served by local buses and taxis, handy especially if you have luggage.

For full information on trains, buses and sea connections to and from the town, see our page on how to get to Sorrento.

Practical tips

The ferry companies' ticket offices are right on the port. In summer, hydrofoils to Capri and the Amalfi Coast are in high demand: arrive with plenty of time, especially if you are carrying suitcases, and always check departures and sea conditions, as services can be cancelled in bad weather. Between crossings there are bars and restaurants along the quay, and a short distance away you will find the bathing establishments built on piers at the foot of the cliff: read more in our guide to Sorrento's beaches and in the list of beach clubs.