Nightlife

The narrow streets of Sorrento's centro storico are alive with cafes, clubs, and restaurants, which become positively crowded during the sweet nights of summer. Locals as well as newcomers love sitting on the terrace of the Fauno Bar, Piazza Tasso 13 (tel. 081-8781135; www.faunobar.it; closed Nov), for an aperitivo (aperitif) and people-watching till late into the evening. Other popular venues for pre- and postdinner drinks are, of course, the romantic terraces of the many historic hotels.

Spring and summer are a special time in Sorrento, as music festivals and other musical programs are staged in venues throughout town. Some of the most popular are the concerts at the Albergo Cocumella, Via Cocumella 7, Sant'Agnello (tel. 081-8782933; www.cocumella.com), and those at the cloister of San Francesco, Piazza Francesco Saverio Gargiulo. Contact the tourist office for a schedule of events, including those staged at many restaurants and taverns in town.

For dancing and more lively entertainment for a more mature clientele (40s and up), head to Piazza Tasso and the nightclub Fauno Notte Club (tel. 081-8781021; www.faunonotte.it; cover 23€). It also offers a colorful Tarantella Show, the frenetic traditional folk dance, between stretches of DJ music (Mar-Oct; daily 9-11pm). Li'Ly, Via Fuorimura 47 (tel. 081-8773236, www.lilysorrento.it), is a classic disco lounge attracting younger crowds.

Sorrento Musical is a revue of Neapolitan songs hosted by Teatro Tasso, Piazza Sant'Antonino (tel. 081-8075525; www.teatrotasso.com; tickets about 21€ depending on show; Mar-Oct Mon-Sat 9:30pm). Live music (a changing menu of pop, folk, jazz, etc.) can also be heard at Circolo dei Forestieri, Via Luigi de Maio 35 (tel. 081-8773012; closed Nov-Feb).

For more leisurely entertainment (à la drinks with some background music), we love the laid-back atmosphere at Chantecler, Via Santa Maria della Pietà 38 (tel. 081-8075868; www.chanteclers.com); there's some dancing on weekends, and always some food. Other choices are Chaplin's Video Pub, Corso Italia 18 (tel. 081-8072551) and the English Inn, Corso Italia 55 (tel. 081-8074357); located across from each other, both stock a good selection of beers and maintain a lively atmosphere -- sometimes even too lively on summer weekends. Depending on the season, the crowd can be a mix of nationalities.