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Sorrento.
Sorrento is undeniably one of the true gems of Italy. Perfectly positioned on the dreamy Sorrentine / Amalfi coast with it’s serpentine roads snaking around the dramatic cliffs, Sorrento becomes a firm favourite of all who visit. The main square, the Piazza Tasso represents the very heart of Sorrento, filled with friendly bars and restaurants (including some of the best fish restaurants) for both natives and tourists alike. Although perched on a cliff top, it is still possible for sunbathers to soak up some Italian sun away from the hustle and bustle of the town. There is the choice of either one of the small sunbathing areas made up of volcanic sand and small pebbles, or one of the many wooden jetty-like sunbathing platforms – although there will be a small charge for use.

Sorrento in itself is a stunningly gorgeous place, but it is also a strategically fantastic destination for visiting nearby must-sees. A short jaunt across the water is the beautifully enigmatic island of Capri for a touch of designer shopping. For the culture vultures, there are the nearby ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the tragic victims of the Vesuvius eruption of AD79. Alternatively, it is a great idea to rent a scooter from one of the many rental outlets in Sorrento. This way it is possible to explore Sorrento to it’s fullest and even take a coastal ride up to the picturesque towns nestling along the rugged Amalfi coastline such as Ravello, Positano and Amalfi itself. Sorrento encapsulates the feeling of a traditional Italian seaside resort; it has an indescribable ambience mixed with a unique sophistication that really shouldn't be missed.

Isle of Capri.
The Isle of Capri sits enigmatically off the Amalfi Coast and is easily accessible from Sorrento. It is possible to take either one of the small ferries (traghetti) or the hydrofoil (aliscafi). From Sorrento the journey takes about of 20mins. The journey is relaxing and gives some spectacular view of both the Amalfi Coast and Capri on approach and departure. A trip to Capri is almost essential when visiting the Amalfi Coast and the trip is just as good as getting there.

Pompeii.
Destroyed in 79AD by the merciless eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii is the most famous ancient town ever to be preserved by a natural disaster and gives a fascinating insight into Roman urban life. To wander through the roads lined with houses, shops, bakeries, bars and even a brothel is awe-inspiring to say the least. Check out the forum, the bath houses, the temples and also Pompeii’s amphitheatre which still hosts events. Houses such as Casa dei Vettii are stunning examples of domestic life replete with interior décor and beautiful peristyle garden. The body casts of the ancient Pompeiians who died trying to flee the town add an emotional edge to the town and remind the visitor that they were just ordinary people like you and me. Pompeii is one of those wonderful places on earth that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

Cefalu.
Protectively overshadowed by the Madonie Mountains, Cefalu enjoys incredibly dramatic surroundings. Situated on the north coast of Sicily it is one of the island’s most romantic port towns. Fishing has been a major part of Sicily’s culture and economy for centuries and this is truly evident in Cefalu. With stunning panoramic views, there are countless restaurants whose menu’s are crammed with deliciously fresh seafood. Indeed, there is no better place to enjoy the fruits of the ocean than at one of the harbour side eateries near the old gate to the medieval city wall. Here, the fishermen of Cefalu hang out and add to the ambience of this traditional Sicilian fishing port. It gives eating seafood in Cefalu a whole new dimension.

Positano Town.
Known as the city pearl of Coastal Amalfitana, Positano is perhaps the archetypal Italian city nestling along this rugged coastline. Interwoven with narrow windy roads and steps of extreme gradients, the hillside is patterned with whitewashed and pastel coloured Moorish-style houses set in lavish gardens. Peppered with chic little cafes, restaurants and quirky designer boutiques, this Moorish hillside spread is dominated by the impressive dome of the church of S. Maria Assunta. The dome of this magnificent church is covered in polychrome majolica and contains a rare 13th century Byzantine Black Madonna. And, after a little sojourn into the cultural world, it is only a short stroll to the Spiaggia Grande – Positano’s beautiful beach to soak up some idyllic Amalfi Coast sunshine.

Mountainside Villages above Amalfi.
Along the serpentine roads cut into the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi coast are a peppering of beautiful mountainside villages, the likes of which are usually only found on postcards. The white and pastel painted box-like houses almost seem like a natural projection of the cliffs themselves. Hugged by dark green trees and neatly laid out agricultural plots, the villages gaze out towards the sea. The altitude is a lot higher than many think and the villages are often swathed in an ethereal mist. The tourist industry has done little damage to the character of these towns and whether exploring the coast on scooter, or hired car, it always feels like you have hit upon an undiscovered gem of this idyllic coastline.

Stylish Beauty of Sorrento.
The word ‘resort’ is perhaps a little too shabby when it comes to labeling the captivating and sophisticated town of Sorrento, characterised by beautiful architectural features, a delectable culinary scene, stunning coastal gems and a general atmosphere that exudes class and luxury. Still, embarking on Sorrento holidays in Italy will offer up the typical pleasures of a coastal resort retreat, but with all the elegance associated with the splendour and extravagance of the country.

Located along the country’s idyllic Neapolitan Riviera, the romance of this region shines through in Sorrento’s character; whether in the form of the colourful buildings that hang precariously from dramatic cliffs, the light bobbing of a shiny yacht on the marina’s waters, or the tangible aromas that seep from each cafe and eatery that lines the streets – all stirring images only met in escapism and fantasy, but discovered in reality during holidays to Sorrento.