Marina Grande, Sorrento

Port in Sorrento

Marina Grande, Sorrento
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Davidhermanns

It’s important not to take the names of Sorrento’s two marinas too literally. Big Marina (Marina Grande) is actually the smaller and more intimate of the two. It’s a charming fishing village with restaurants and a sense of community. On the other hand, Small Marina (Marina Piccola) is much larger and serves as a busy ferry terminal and transport hub. While one is a destination in itself, the other is primarily a link to other destinations.

Marina Grande is a self-contained community with restaurants, bars, hotels, and a church, all nestled in a picturesque nook of the Amalfi Coast. It offers a pleasant place for a leisurely walk and retains a rustic charm that feels like stepping back in time. Unlike busier areas, Marina Grande has preserved its laid-back, pre-industrial atmosphere. At sunset, you can catch a glimpse of traditional life as fishermen clean their nets and boats, preparing for the next day.

Secluded from the rest of bustling Sorrento by a rocky promontory, Marina Grande is said to be the site of a Roman villa belonging to Marcellus, the nephew of Emperor Augustus. This historical connection adds to the area’s charm and allure, making it feel like a hidden world waiting to be discovered.

In contrast, Marina Piccola is the larger and more modern marina. It functions as a major ferry terminal and transport hub, connecting Sorrento to various destinations along the Amalfi Coast and beyond. While it may not have the quaint charm of Marina Grande, it plays a crucial role in the region’s transportation network, serving as a gateway for travelers.

Together, these two marinas offer different experiences: one a serene, picturesque village perfect for relaxation and exploration, and the other a bustling hub that facilitates travel to other parts of the coast.


The Marina Grande, Sorrento appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Sorrento!

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Visiting Marina Grande, Sorrento

Address: Marina Grande, Sorrento, Via Marina Grande, Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Duration: 20 minutes

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