By David Wickers, editor of 101 Holidays
Sorrento, which has been putting out the welcome mat to visiting Brits for decades, is an ideal resort for those who want to get more from the Med than a sunbed – yet who don’t want to rent a car.
From its main harbour, confusingly called the Marina Piccola (the little marina), you can zip across to the islands of Capri or Ischia by fast ferry, with some services also going along the spectacular Amalfi coast to glittering Positano and Amalfi.
If your stomach can cope with the twists, turns and hairpin bends of the Amalfi Drive, hacked out of the solid rock face, I thoroughly recommend one of the world’s most scenic bus rides, travelling to the medieval streets and casbah-like alleyways of the main town of Amalfi.
Or head up into the lemon and olive groved hills to Ravello, rightly famous for a pair of beautiful gardens (Cimbrone and Rufolo).
A short walk from Sorrento’s central piazza Tasso, you can board a local train service that will take you to the main entrance of Pompeii, to the funicular that travels up the lava slopes of Vesuvius and on into Naples.
GETTING THERE
From Naples airport there are bus services straight to Sorrento, or take a taxi and be sipping that first Campari and soda on your hotel terrace in less than an hour.
WHERE TO STAY IN SORRENTO
At the budget-testing but spectacular Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria (top left), one of Europe’s most authentic grand hotels and host to an A list of royals, statesmen and celebrities ever since it first opened in 1834. It has 5 acres of gardens, an oasis of lemon trees with a large pool and a spa. The views from the hotel terrace, overlooking the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius looming on the far horizon, are to die for.
WHERE TO EAT IN SORRENTO
In the hills above town is the Michelin starred Don Alfonso in Sant Agata. In town, Il Buco is excellent for fish. For no nonsense Italian food served in a huge conservatory setting with a garden at the back, try O’Parrucchiano. For ice cream head for Gelateria Davide or Bougainvillea – my favourite is the vanilla and mango combo. A good place to sample local Campania wines is the Bollicine wine bar on Via dell’Accademia.
BEST SHOPS
Along the Corso Italia – which is pedestrianised in the evening – and the narrow, flagstoned streets of the old town, especially the traffic-free via San Cesareo.
BEST BUYS
“Tassia” inlaid wooden crafts, the local lemon liqueur, vacuum packed wedges of parmesan.
