One of the most spectacular coastlines in the world, the Amalfi Coast runs south from Sorrento and winds along the Bay of Salerno. Stunning views, a wonderful climate, sophisticated hotels, excellent cuisine and delicious local wines combine to make this one of Italy's favourite holiday destinations. This superbly lush area of southern Italy is the perfect destination whether on Sorrento holidays, or holidays to the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento
Set on a spectacular headland, Sorrento boasts wonderful views across the Bay of Naples to Capri and Ischia. The old town is full of character with a wealth of restaurants and bars and the main street is lined with elegant boutiques. Life centres around the Piazza Tasso and at dusk you can watch the town come alive from one of the many pavement cafes. Good value, high quality restaurants abound and although Naples, home of the pizza, is only 55 kilometres away, the Sorrento area is most famed for its spaghetti dishes. With its fabulous location, Sorrento is less chaotic and more slower-paced then Naples but with the main city just a short journey away it is an ideal place to stay.
This close proximity to Naples allows guests on Sorrento Holidays to enjoy all that the province has to offer. Home to some of the most famed archaeological sites in the country there is no shortage of captivating things to do. The ancient Roman city of Pompeii buried by ash and rock from Mount Vesuvius, is located approximately half-way between Sorrento and Naples and is a truly exceptional and fascinating place to visit.
As one of the world’s most famous and currently active volcanoes, guests on holidays to Sorrento can venture up to the summit of Mount Vesuvius, for spectacular views of the crater and the surrounding area.
Positano
Approximately 20 kilometres from Sorrento along the Amalfi Drive, perches the exclusive cliff-side fishing village of Positano with its pink, cream and yellow villas dramatically clinging to the terraced mountainside. Positano is a romantic spot ideal for honeymooners and romantics on Amalfi Coast holidays, with its spectacular views overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. In the village itself, narrow cobbled streets and flights of steps lead up and down past fashionable boutiques, bars and excellent restaurants. With its nearby location, Positano can also be enjoyed by those on Sorrento holidays, or vice versa, as a day trip.
Amalfi
Just 15 kilometres east of Positano tucked between the mountains and overlooking the glittering Bay of Salerno is the charming small fishing village of Amalfi where you can easily while away hours at the seafront watching the boats come and go. In the old part of town, pavement cafes and quaint shops abound along the narrow stepped streets and there is a multitude of excellent restaurants specialising in fresh fish dishes. With this picturesque setting, Amalfi Coast holidays are a pleasant, leisurely affair.
Ravello
Inland and high above Amalfi, perches Ravello boasting some of the most magnificent views across orange and lemon groves and out to the sea. Slightly off the beaten track and famed for its gardens and links with Wagner, Ravello is ideal for those who love peace and quiet. Unusually most of the best dining in Ravello is in the hotels although there are a few excellent restaurants to be sought out and the main square is the perfect setting for an aperitif or after dinner coffee.
Cuisine
The gastronomy of Southern Italy is essentially inspired home cooking based on fresh ingredients including fresh bunches of basil, perfect plum tomatoes, fennel, artichoke, aubergine, onions, garlic, and fragrant lemons still attached to their leaves. Undoubtedly it is therefore recommended on holidays in Sorrento and, the Amalfi Coast that you try and sample the wealth of local produce.
Traditionally pasta is served as a first course, and Neoplitan classics include a delicious variation of sauces such as alle vongole (clam sauce), aglio e olio (oil, garlic and parsley) and alla siciliana (chilli peppers), followed by meat or fish as a second course.
Desserts range from a simple fruit salad to more elaborate affairs such as coviglie al caffe, a rich and coffee-flavoured cream, and a number of delicious pastries and cakes can be found in the local pasticcerie.
Elegant restaurants abound where Neapolitan and International dishes are served with a sophisticated Italian flourish, and there is nothing better than dining al fresco in the shade of a vine arbour or on a quay where the fishing boats rock on the tide, or beside a wood-fired oven that brings forth a sizzling Pizza Margherita washed down with local red wine.