Islands near Sorrento: day trips to Capri, Ischia and Procida

What if the highlight of your Sorrento vacation isn't on the mainland at all? Perched on the cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento is more than a destination in its own right. Its busy port, Marina Piccola, serves as a gateway to some of the most iconic islands in the Gulf of Naples, with frequent ferry and hydrofoil departures throughout the year.

Whether you're after the glamorous piazzas and rugged coastline of Capri, the hot springs and volcanic landscape of Ischia, or the quiet, car-free charm of Procida, there's an island escape waiting just across the water.

Find the best Sorrento island-hopping options below and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper!

View of the Capri Island coast

1. Capri

Famous for its dramatic sea cliffs, designer boutiques, and celebrity allure, Capri has been attracting artists, writers, and travelers since Roman times. Yet beyond the glitz, Capri has a quieter, deeply Mediterranean soul that rewards anyone willing to wander off the main square.

Start with a visit to the Grotta Azzurra, the legendary sea cave where sunlight filters through an underwater opening and paints the water an electric blue. Hike up to Villa Jovis, the clifftop palace where Emperor Tiberius once ruled the Roman Empire remotely, and take in the panoramic views from its ruins.

For a more peaceful afternoon, head to Anacapri, the island's upper town, where you can ride the chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro for sweeping views of the entire Gulf of Naples. Before you leave, sit down for a plate of ravioli capresi (fresh ravioli filled with local cheese and marjoram) at a trattoria tucked into the backstreets.

Ferries and hydrofoils connect Sorrento to Capri with frequent daily departures, making it one of the easiest day trips in the region. The crossing takes approximately 20-30 min. with ticket prices starting at €24.

The village of Sant'Angelo, Ischia

2. Ischia

Larger and wilder than its glamorous neighbor Capri, Ischia is a volcanic island where thermal springs bubble up from the earth and lush green hillsides tumble down to the sea. It's a favorite among travelers looking for wellness, nature, and a slower pace of life, without sacrificing great food and local character.

The island's most famous attraction is the Castello Aragonese, a striking medieval fortress connected to the main island by a stone causeway. Spend a morning soaking at one of Ischia's renowned thermal parks, like Poseidon Gardens in Forio or the hillside pools of Negombo in Lacco Ameno.

For beach time, head to Spiaggia dei Maronti, a long stretch of sand on the southern coast where volcanic vents warm the ground underfoot. Don't leave without trying coniglio all'ischitana (Ischia-style braised rabbit), the island's signature dish, best enjoyed with a glass of local white wine made from Biancolella grapes.

While Ischia is most frequently connected to Naples by ferry, there are also direct seasonal routes from Sorrento. The Sorrento to Ischia route is longer than the Capri route (between 50 min. to 1 hr 20 min.), so check schedules ahead of time to plan your day. Prices normally start at €30.

View of the Procida port

3. Procida

Tiny, colorful, and refreshingly untouristy compared to its neighbors, Procida is the Gulf of Naples' best-kept secret. The island earned international attention as the 2022 Italian Capital of Culture, but it still feels wonderfully local, with fishing boats bobbing in the harbor and laundry strung between pastel-painted houses.

The waterfront village of Marina Corricella is Procida's postcard moment: a tumble of pink, yellow, and terracotta buildings stacked above a tiny fishing port. You may recognize it from the movie Il Postino. Wander up to Terra Murata, the fortified medieval village at the island's highest point, for views stretching from Ischia to Vesuvius. For a swim, Spiaggia della Chiaia is a sheltered cove reached by a long staircase, while Spiaggia di Chiaiolella offers a more relaxed, sandy stretch near the marina. Sit down at a harborside table and order a lingua di bue (a puff pastry filled with lemon cream), the island's beloved local treat.

Procida can be reached from Sorrento, though connections may be seasonal or require a change via Naples or Ischia. The ferry takes 45 min. and prices normally start at €25. Check available routes and schedules from Sorrento to Procida and have a wonderful day trip!

Island-hopping around Sorrento: book your ferry tickets

With three stunning islands just a short ferry ride away, Sorrento is one of the best starting points for island-hopping in southern Italy. On Ferryhopper, you can compare schedules, check real-time availability, and book your tickets with no hidden fees.

Explore all Sorrento ferry connections on our Map of ferries and start planning your next adventure across the Gulf of Naples.