Sitting high upon the cliffs overlooking the Bay ofNaples, Sorrento is a rustic tourist spot thatoffers visitors fantastic views. Centuries ago Roman emperors, Italian noblesand artists flocked to the province of Campaniato soak in its inspiring beauty. Today, its cobblestone streets, magnificentvillas, fishing ports, pleasant Mediterranean climate and citrus trees pull inholidaymakers from all over the world.
Sorrento is easy toreach, no matter where you’re coming from. Fly in to Naples,which is less than an hour away from Sorrento, andmake the journey by car or train. Even the trip from the airport is stunning,passing the spectacular mountainous scenery that runs all along the coast. Themain attractions of Sorrento are all withinwalking distance of the central square of the city, Piazza Tasso, meaning youcan explore the city itself by foot. But if you fancy giving those feet a rest,you can always hop on a tourist bus.
The city’s Piazza offering incredible views downthe Vallone dei Mulini (Mill Valley), a deep gorge with spectacular ancientruins, partly overgrown with ferns. Visit the Chiesa di San Francesco and thecity’s other Romanesque and medieval churches and admire the frescoes in theSedile Dominova, once a meeting place for the nobility. Look for souvenirs inthe narrow streets, and then watch how they are made as the artisans processthe wood and leather, just as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago too.
Enjoy a sunny day with a cappuccino at an outdoorcafe, just as the locals love to do. Indulge in a little people watching andthen go looking for a good place to swim. Head to the tip of the peninsularefresh yourself in the beautiful Regina Giovanna Baths.
Don’t fancy venturing too far from the town? Whynot sunbathe and swim at one of Sorrento’s ports,the Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. This part of the Sorrentocoastline is made up entirely of limestone, but at Marina di Puolo you willfind a fine sandy beach. Enjoy the olive trees and lemon groves that line thepath to this fishing village and visit the orchards at Giardina di Cataldo totaste all kinds of citrus treats and see how the famous liquor Limoncello ismade.
Then when you’re done, chill at sunset in the VillaComunale Park and watch the sky change colour above the crater of the activevolcano, Vesuvius,in the distance.
