Piano di Sorrento

A spectacular town suspended on natural terraces facing the Gulf of Naples.

Piano di Sorrento occupies the central part of the Sorrento peninsula, bordering the towns of Meta, Vico Equense and Sant’Agnello. It is a predominantly residential city, frequented by locals, especially for the many shops.

Like the other urban centers of the peninsula, Piano is divided into two zones: the lower zone, predominantly inhabited, and the higher zone, more hilly, where you can still breathe the genuineness of the farming activity of the past.

Attractions to visit in Piano di Sorrento

The Basilica of San Michele Arcangelo (IX century) is located in the heart of Piano di Sorrento. It deserves to be visited to admire the large inlaid doors. Moreover, walking towards the sea, you come across Villa Fondi de Sangro, a spectacular seaside villa now open to the public, which stands out for its characteristic frescoes. Built in 1840 in the classic Vanvitelli style, it is a very suggestive place where you can walk in the garden while admiring the sunset. In addition, inside the villa, it is possible to visit the “Georges Vallet” archaeological museum. The museum houses significant archaeological finds, many of which were found in the Massa Lubrense area, such as the Nymphaeum of Pipiano.

The bathing area

Piano di Sorrento also has a seaside village, Marina di Cassano, with small beaches of volcanic sand. Here are coves created by the erosion of the steep tufaceous coast, which offer visitors crystal clear waters, bathing establishments and restaurants just a few meters from the sea.

Peculiarities

The locals use different names to refer to their city, which is in fact divided into Carotto and Cassano. Why? After a terrible earthquake in the 1600s which damaged a part of the city, it began to be called Carotto, from Ca’rotto (“here it is broken”), while the other part that was saved, the one towards the sea and the beach, was called Cassano, from Ca’sano (“here it is intact”).

According to others, however, the etymology of Carotto and Cassano has very different origins, dating back to before the earthquake mentioned above. “Carotto” would in fact derive from the dialect, and refers to the tuff quarry. Instead, the term “Cassano” comes from Latin and literally means “property of Cassio”.

How to get to Piano di Sorrento:

By car

Massa Centro > Piano di Sorrento 10 km

Parking areas: blue lines, municipal and private parking lots

Public Transport

Massa Centro > Piano di Sorrento EAV bus
Sant’Agata > Piano di Sorrento EAV bus

At this link you can consult the timetables.