Travelnotesfromtheworld

One of my favourite spots in the South of Italy is Sorrento, a charming seaside resort in what is known as Italy’s ‘boot’. Situated just across the bay from the city of Naples, Sorrento is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. It’s a charming little town full of ancient history and magnificent scenery, warmth and a simple charm. In Sorrento, people lead a traditional life as they have done for centuries. Although the town itself is tiny, there’s lots to explore in the vicinity along the Sorrento Peninsula. Here are my five favourite spots to visit…

1. Sorrento Old Town
Piazza de Curtis is the centre of Sorrento’s historic old town. It’s a picturesque square full of restaurants, cafes and shops and is also home to a park, called the Villa Comunale, which is a great, tranquil respite from the busy surroundings. In the square you’ll find the remains of the ancient Temple of Venus, as well as the Church of San Francesco, where concerts and art exhibitions are held every summer in its cross-vaulted cloister. Visit the city’s cathedral, the Romanesque Duomo on Corso Italia, which, dates back to the 15th Century and see some of its many treasures, including some beautiful wooden choir stalls and a bishop’s throne carved out of marble.

2. Sant’Agnello
Located between Piano di Sorrento and Sorrento you’ll find this little resort that was popular with Royalty and nobility for centuries. Take a look at the lovely botanical garden, the Parco dei Principi, which was first established in 1792. It’s now part of an hotel that bears the same name, and it offers panoramic views across the Bay of Naples.

There is a lot to explore in Sant’Agnello, including the Town Hall, or Palazzo del Municipo in Piazza Matteotti, which also boasts a War Memorial. There’s the 19th Century Church of the Most Holy Prisco and Agnello, dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s Pure Heart, which is home to some beautiful paintings. The heart of the little town is the bustling Piazza Sant’Agnello.

3. Massa Lubrense
This tiny little fishing village is located right at the tip of the peninsula on a beautiful stretch of land from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Island of Capri. The peaceful coastline is also home to little hamlets and picturesque fishing villages, which you can explore on foot. Nearby you’ll find Marina di Puolo, a lovely area with bars, restaurants and excellent bathing beaches. From the marina you can take a boat to explore some pebble beaches and pretty coves further off the cape.

4. Termini
The little village of Termini is located 10km from Sorrento and from its main square you can enjoy some beautiful views of the Bay of Naples and the Isle of Capri. From the village you’ll find some excellent walking trails to nearby villages on the Sorrento Peninsula, as well as some pebble beaches and the Jeranto Bay National Park. If you like, you can visit Punta Campanella to see Saracen forts, or dine at one of the nearby restaurants. You can also visit the beach at Marina del Cantone, which also boasts some excellent trattorias.

5. Sant’Agata sui due Golfi
Sant’Agata sui due Golfi translates in Engish to St Agatha on the Two Gulfs. It’s located on top of a little hill, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of both the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Sant’Agata forms part of Massa Lubrense town. Visit the Church of Saint Agatha in its main square, which is home to a former Carmelite Convent, which contains a magnificent 17th Century altar, which is decorated with mother of pearl and marble. Sant’Agata is famous for its excellent traditional food – the lemons grown here are cultivated for their aromatic peel, which are then used in the local cuisine.

Most holidaymakers visit Naples en route to explore Southern Italy. But the city itself certainly has a lot to offer. So if you’re on holiday in one of the seaside resorts in southern Italy, why not spend some time discovering Naples’ delights? Sharon Preston did just that – and these are five of her most favourite sights to explore when you’re next in town…

1. Historic City centre
Naples’ historic city centre is located near the famous Ingresso Ai Decumani, three ancient city streets originally built in the 5th Century BC. Here the streets run parallel to each other and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you’re exploring this fascinating area, you’ll discover many interesting palaces, churches, monuments and archaeological sites worth exploring here, including the Museo Archeologivo Nazionale, home to one of the best collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the world. Many of the items on display were found during excavations at various archeological sites including Pompeii and Herculaneum. In front of the amuseum is the Galleria Principe Di Napoli, the oldest shopping arcade in the city. With a cast iron and glass roof that is decorated with a number of beautiful sculptures.

2. Castel dell’Ovo
One of Naples’ most famous sights, this ancient castle in Santa Lucia’s oldest district of was erected in the 9th Century. Its name relates to an egg, because, according to legend, the poet Virgil is believed to have placed a magic egg under the castle’s foundations. The castle was rebuilt more than once, and has been home to the Royal family for centuries. Today the Museum of Ethno-Prehistory is housed here and you can visit it too. There are a number of masterpieces to see including the Hall of the Columns, and don’t forget to enjoy the breathtaking views from two of the castle towers.

3. Capo Posillipo
The road, Via Posillipo, is a main road that starts at Mergellina port and travels parallel to the spectacular coastline. Along Via Posillipo you will discover Veduta Panoramica, which offers a spectacular view of Naples. You’ll also find some excellent restaurants in the vicinity. There’s nothing quite like dining on superb Italian food with one of the most breathtaking views as your backdrop.

4. Discesa Marehiaro
For another spectacular view, head for Discesa Marehiaro, which is also located in Posillipo. The Window of Marechiaro has a fascinating legend attached to it: apparently a woman called Carolina used to stand for hours gazing out to sea. There’s a red carnation in the window – it’s believed to have been the inspiration behind a love poem called Marechiare written by local poet Salvatore Di Giacomo in 1885. For the best view of this window, you must be on the water. If you like, you can take a ride on a fishing boat to view the window as well as other exquisite scenery.

5. Boat trip to explore 3 islands in the Bay of Naples
When you’re in Naples, you must take the time to explore the three exquisite little islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, all located in the spectacular Bay of Naples. Procida, the smallest, is so scenic that a number of movies have been shot here. It boasts quiet beaches and a little town filled with charming churches and ancient buildings. The largest island, Ischia, has a fascinating old section. You must visit Ischia Porto, a little fishing town on the island. Also here is the Aragonese Castle, that dates back to 474BC, plus the ancient Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta, home to some exquisite frescoes painted by Italian master, Giotto. Of course, the isle of Capri is the most popular of the three islands. It’s famous for the Basilica di San Giacomo, the lush Gardens of Augustus, and many other fabulous sights.