italian course in sorrento tips

Italian Course in Sorrento: 5 tips for a genuine experience

Adapting to life in Italy may seem overwhelming. But in Sorrento, the locals will make you feel right at home, and we have some insider tips to make your study experience as genuine as possible! Firstly, we recommend signing up for an Italian course in Sorrento for at least two weeks. This will allow you to learn Italian while also “slow travelling”, exploring hidden corners and interacting with the locals.

Here are 5 tips to prepare you for an authentic study experience on the Sorrentine cliffs of the Amalfi Coast.

1. Italian versus Neapolitan dialect

Living among locals is the perfect way to learn a new language. While in Sorrento, you will hear locals speaking the Neapolitan dialect. What’s the difference? Here is an example: you will hear a lot of “”, which is the Neapolitan version of “ciao.” Italian and Neapolitan are two completely different languages.

The Neapolitan dialect comes from the Spanish and French influences in southern Italy during the century before the unification of Italy. Even though this dialect could initially be confusing or difficult to understand, you will get to experience funny and colourful expressions that will make you feel like a local!

And do not worry… with hand gestures, you will be able to understand most of the conversation anyway!

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2. Local must-try dishes

Sorrento’s vendors and restaurants offer a variety of locally produced products, including fresh mozzarella di bufala, chilled limoncello, and wine produced on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. While you’re here, you should also try the popular dish called gnocchi alla sorrentina.

Mozzarella, cherry tomato sauce, and basil are baked with a particular kind of pasta made of potatoes to make up this traditional meal. Another delicious highlight is the seafood caught right off of the coast. Sorrento’s location in the Bay of Naples provides fresh fish all year round.

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3. The unique sights

Sorrento is known for its picturesque views. Cafes and boutiques line the cobblestone streets, and the town is located on the cliffside overlooking the Bay of Naples. Sorrento boasts a postcard-worthy view of Mount Vesuvius, located only 22 km (14 mi) away. The volcano is visible from the beaches, a great place to study, relax and collect sea glass and seashells.

4. Discover the local heritage in unknown museums

A hidden aspect of Sorrento is its museums. Museo Correale di Terranova is an eighteenth-century home complete with a garden and four floors of art, including paintings, porcelain, and furniture. Don’t forget to check out the library on the ground floor with a collection of southern Italian texts across all subjects.

Did you know that marquetry, or woodwork, is a tradition in Sorrento? Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea displays this traditional inlaid wood in another of Sorrento’s museums. Both museums are less than a ten-minute walk from the town centre!

5. Our insider tip

Want to explore more of southern Italy? The other towns that form the Sorrento Peninsula are easily accessible with public transportation. Breathe in the local atmosphere of Meta, Piano di Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, and Massa Lubrense. Travelling to these close but still stunning locations is a great way to save money and become familiar with more of the surrounding area.

If you have already studied Italian in Sorrento: did we miss any tips in your opinion? Comment below!


Recommended websites for more tips on Sorrento:

mylemonland.com – Discover the land of lemons through the eyes of local blogger Eva.

instagram.com/sorrentofood – A mouthwatering Instagram account with the best of Sorrento’s food and restaurants.

Buon Italiano a tutti!


Do you want to know more about our courses in Sorrento?

Check out our courses in Sorrento or contact us: we will be delighted to assist you by chat, telephone or email. You can also request a virtual meeting to meet us online.

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