Sorrento

Sorrento today is definitely the hub of tourism in the Gulf of Naples.

Looking at the map of Campania; an offshoot of territory immediately jumps out at you, defining both the lower limit of the Gulf of Naples; which is called the Sorrento Peninsula, and the upper limit of the Gulf of Salerno; which is called the Amalfi Coast.

Punta Campanella, with its Marine Reserve, constitutes the furthest point of the peninsula, from which the island of Capri can be distinctly observed. In ancient times, Punta Campanella and the island of Capri were united and the subsequent rise of the seas separated them.

The geological backbone of the Sorrentine Peninsula is the Monti Lattari; whose lush nature and highly suggestive paths make it one of the most popular destinations for trekking enthusiasts.

The sea that laps the Sorrento Coast has always inspired the ancients, who had located the mythical land of the Sirens; right among the small beaches and hidden coves of this coastline. Crystal-clear waters and outcropping rocks provide an ideal habitat for many sea creatures and are a true delight for divers.

Another strong point of the “Costa delle Sirene” is the rich culinary tradition that has produced recipes known everywhere; such as gnocchi or spaghetti alla sorrentina or stuffed cuttlefish alla sorrentina.
Walnuts, wine, limoncello (lemon-based liqueur), the traditional pasta of Gragnano, the dairy products of Agerola; and the local cured meats where the pork is treated with orange peel, complete an offer capable of satisfying even the most difficult gourmets.

Today, the Sorrento Coast is full of starred restaurants and excellent places with a fair price-quality ratio. The traditional pizzerias, with wood-fired ovens, are also excellent.

Sorrento is the capital of the peninsula and is the most famous and cited municipality but no less rich in history; other towns are beauties and traditions such as: the popular seaside resorts of Vico Equense, Massa Lubrense and Meta;

ancient Stabiae buried by the eruption of Vesuvius together with Pompeii and Herculaneum and currently known as Castellammare di Stabia; Agerola, where the famous Path of the Gods starts, and Pimonte, whose name means village among the mountains; Lettere and Gragnano known for their delicious pasta; Sant’Agnello and Piano di Sorrento.

Fantastic to explore are all the little villages that embrace the centres of the peninsular towns. Of them all, the delightful hamlet of Maiano, and the panoramic village of Casarlano (where an extraordinary Living Crib is set up during the Christmas period) certainly stand out.

Then there are all the seaside villages scattered along the coast: Maria Aequa, Seiano, Alimuri, Marina di Cassano, Marina Grande, Marina di Puolo, and Marina della Lobra.

Sorrento, geographically, occupies an extremely advantageous position. Situated on a tuffaceous bank 50 metres above sea level, it can offer tourists a suggestive ‘balcony’ from which to observe the entire Gulf, including Naples; the island of Capri and the unmistakable profile of Vesuvius.

Once you reach Castellammare di Stabia you have access to the motorways leading to the most famous places in Campania; such as the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum or the excavations of the Greek polis of Paestum and Velia.

From Sorrento you can easily reach the Amalfi Coast and its famous resorts such as Amalfi; capital of the maritime republic of the same name; Positano the fashionable and Ravello, a place of inspiration for many artists and home to the prestigious music festival.

Sorrento is a fantastic destination to visit, especially during the festive season. At Christmas, Sorrento is cloaked in lights and colours, while all the streets and shop windows are festively decorated.

Holy Week, leading up to Easter, also marks the beginning of the tourist season on the Sorrento Peninsula. The poignant rites of ancient origins are surrounded by an aura of mystery. The poignant processions always involve thousands of people and leave an indelible memory.

La Terrazza Family Holidays, is located in the heart of the Sorrento Peninsula, in the quietest and most panoramic area of Sant’Agnello.

It is well connected to the Amalfi Coast, while remaining off the most chaotic roads of the Peninsula.