Steeped in history and charming in every respect, Sorrento is the quintessential Italian seaside town that unashamedly embodies la dolce vita. Forming the southern reach of the Amalfi Coast, the discerned traveller is simply spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining, luxury accommodation and high-class culture.
Sorrento boasts a beautiful Old Town and cathedral, as well as an unsurprising amount of first class eateries. Its narrow streets wind around a wealth of Romanesque churches and Renaissance Palazzi, and at its hub is the bustling Piazzo Tasso, a hotspot for watching the elegant, neatly groomed masses parade by.
When it comes to accommodation there really is something for everyone, from grand spa resorts to architecturally elaborate boutique hotels. If sea views are your bread and butter, then a stay at the cliff-clinging La Maison Minervetta should not go amiss. The sophisticated boutique hotel has awe-inspiring views over the Bay Of Naples towards Vesuvius. Quietly removed from the flocks of tourists, its tranquil location is just a short amble down the hillside to the charming Marina Grande, the picturesque fishing port that forms the west part of Sorrento.
If you prefer to be closer to the action, the Hotel Bellevue Syrene offers five-star luxury and a spa that’s hard to drag yourself away from. Housed in a former aristocratic villa, it’s just a short hop to the cathedral and Museum Correale. The rooms scream Italian chic and the suites boast private plunge pools or whirlpool tubs. There are two excellent restaurants with panoramic terrace vistas and its super indulgent spa has private beach access.
Just a scenic 20-minute ferry trip from Sorrento is the heavenly island of Capri. Its mild climate, rugged landscape and dramatic coastlines have been attracting the world’s elite for centuries. Explore the quaint towns of Capri and Anacapri, peruse Roman ruins, take the cable car to the island’s heights or splash some cash in one of its many upmarket and exclusive designer shops. There’s also the famed Blue Grotto, a mesmerising natural attraction where the sea glows electric blue.
And if you have a little more time to kill, Pompeii, perhaps the world’s most famed archaeological site, is just a 45-minute drive from Sorrento. Guided tours can be arranged from Sorrento, and while you may have seen endless pictures and shows on the ancient city, nothing comes close to sauntering down its eerie and perfectly preserved pathways.
Written by Thea Carley
