Tips for Renting a Scooter in Sorrento

Nestled on the south side of the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is one of the best places in Italy to rent a motor scooter and take in the gorgeous sights of the Italian coastline. This charming little town is filled with lively streets, breathtaking views of the ocean, and world famous Italian cuisine. Travelers making their way through southern Europe should absolutely take a stop in Sorrento and experience all of the natural beauty and culture that this location has to offer.

Sorrento is a historic town that dates back to the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It sits atop cliffs that separate it from the marinas that made Sorrento a prominent fishing village in ages past. Apart from its natural beauty and stunning views of the famous Amalfi coast, Sorrento is known as a production hub of the beloved alcoholic drink Limoncello, and for its wealth of ceramic, lacework, and woodwork shops. This quaint Italian village is the perfect place to ride a scooter through the streets, buy souvenirs from small vendors, and admire the scenery of one of the most beautiful places in the world.

This post will cover:

• Safety issues concerning renting a scooter in Sorrento
• The best places to rent a scooter in Sorrento
• The cost of renting a scooter in Sorrento
• Whether you need an international driving permit to drive in Italy
• The best places to go by scooter in Sorrento

Is it safe to rent a scooter in Sorrento?

Driving a rental scooter in Sorrento is certainly an experience you will never forget. However, the reasons for this are both good and bad. Driving past the Bay of Naples on a scooter is a truly surreal experience with all of the incredible views it offers and the feeling of the Italian wind on your face. Unfortunately, the roads in Sorrento and the surrounding areas are notorious for being dangerous and difficult to navigate.

If you are set on driving in Sorrento, the best way to do so is with a scooter. Roads in Sorrento are quite busy and narrow, and navigating in a vehicle any larger than a scooter can get very hairy. The Sorrento town center has a great deal of traffic at nearly all times of the day, and parking can be very difficult to find and costly. If you are not experienced with driving a motor scooter, Sorrento is probably not the best place to practice.

Amalfi Drive, which runs through Sorrento, is a generally dangerous road. If you plan on traveling from Sorrento to Positano along the Amalfi Drive, it’s probably best to take public transportation rather than riding a rental scooter. This stretch of road is particularly accident-prone, and most locals recommend that foreigners do not attempt to make this drive on their own.

If you are comfortable with driving a scooter, there are some beautiful and less busy roads around Sorrento that you should be able to navigate safely and easily. Drive slowly and cautiously, and it should make for a pleasant and memorable experience on your Italian vacation.

Where is the best place to rent a scooter in Sorrento?

Scooters are a very popular mode of transportation in Italy, and so scooter rental is abundantly available all throughout Sorrento. Most of the rental shops are concentrated near the town center, along the main road of SS145.

If you plan on flying into Naples International Airport, the nearest airport to Sorrento, there are rental shops located at the airport where you can rent a scooter. However, it is not advisable for foreigners to try to drive from Naples to Sorrento, as Naples is one of the most difficult places to drive in all of Italy. The best move is to get a taxi from Naples to Sorrento, check into your accommodation, and then rent a scooter in the town center.

How much does a rental scooter cost in Sorrento?

The low end for renting a scooter in Sorrento is around €18 per day for a 50cc scooter. If a shop tries to charge you over €30 for a 50cc scooter, it’s probably best to look somewhere else. More powerful scooters will naturally cost more for a daily rental. For instance, a 150cc scooter will probably cost you more like €40 per day. If you plan on staying around the town center, a 50cc scooter will be just fine. If you plan on driving through the hilly roads outside of the town center, it might be better to go with a more powerful scooter.

Most rental shops in Sorrento offer discounted rates for multi-day rentals, so it might be worth asking your rental shop about a discount if you plan on staying in Sorrento for more than just a day or two.

Do you need an international driving permit to drive in Italy?

Foreign motorists in Italy are required by law to carry an international driving permit as well as a copy of their passport at all times while driving. While many tourists choose to forgo getting an international driving permit, it’s better to get one and avoid any potential confrontations with the Italian authorities.

You should apply for an international driving permit at least two weeks prior to getting on a plane to Italy. There is a registration fee of $20 and the permit is valid for one year. You can apply for your international driving permit here.

Where are the best places to visit by scooter in Sorrento?

Now that you’re informed about the process of renting a scooter in Sorrento, here are some of the best places to visit on a rental scooter in the town:

• One of the best places in Sorrento to enjoy a romantic sunset is undoubtedly Bellevue Syrene. Located just a five minute drive away from Porto di Sorrento, the town’s port of entry, it’s one of the most gorgeous hotels in all of Sorrento, and welcomes all non-residents to come enjoy views of Marina Grandefrom their beautiful cliffside terrace. The hotel has a fabulous restaurant that offers authentic Italian food and beverages that you can enjoy while sitting outdoors and watching the sun go down.
• Drive another five minutes to the south of Bellevue Syrene and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Sorrento’s Old Town. This is probably the most vibrant part of the town, with seemingly endless shops offering artisan-made crafts and bottles of authentic Limoncello. The streets are lined with colorful pastel buildings and the overall ambience is quintessentially Italian.
• A quick two minute drive east from Bellevue Syrene and you’ve made it to perhaps the most historically significant location in Sorrento, the Basilica of Sant’Antonino. The 9th century church was dedicated to Sorrento’s patron saint, and features beautiful Roman columns and an old crypt where locals will leave votive offerings.

With all of its natural beauty and vibrant Italian culture, it’s no wonder the coast of Sorrento has ended up on postcards around the world. Sorrento is a mystifying, if at times dangerous, place to rent a motor scooter. If you feel comfortable riding a scooter in Italy, you’ll have a fantastic time traversing the streets of Sorrento.