Located on a promontory, Sorrento was a major port for centuries and is known for its gentle climate, elegant streets, gardens, and friendly inhabitants. The city has welcomed travelers for millenni and proudly carries on this tradition.
Sorrento was first established during the reign of ancient Rome and soon grew into a busy harbor. During the Greek period, the city was named "Sireon" (the mermaid's song). In the Roman era, the city grew so rapidly that it became an important port. The Romans captured Sorrento during the war with the Phoenicians and were so impressed by its beauty that they granted it municipal status. Originally, most of the residents were war veterans who received their land in return for their service.
The population of Sorrento is estimated to reach 1,536 by 2020. The population is growing at a rate of 0.72% per year and is up 1.45% since the 2010 census. The average household income is $70,007, and the poverty rate is 6.19%. The median cost of renting a house is $825 per month. The median age is 33.1 years, and males are slightly older than females.
The medieval history of Sorrento is not well known. The town became a duchy under the protectorate of Naples in the VII century. Later, it was conquered by the Goths, Saracens, and Byzantines. It was later annexed by the Normans and incorporated into the Kingdom of Sicily in 1137.