A splendid and famous holiday resort, Sorrento stands on a terrace rising steeply above the sea on one of the most spectacular points of the Campanian coast. Because of its enchanting position and mild climate, sheltered by the surrounding hills, Sorrento has been a favourite resort since Romans times, (Agrippa, Augustus and Antonius all had villas here) and it became an elite tourist resort from the eighteenth century, its hotels welcoming such luminaries as Ibsen, Wagner and Nietzche.

The high position above the sea and the consequent absence of a true sea promenade create its extremely original nature. In fact, the port, the Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, picturesque bays with a beach and the harbour, are reached by steps and narrow alleys, which offer panoramic views of incomparable beauty of the coast, the surrounding hills covered in olive-groves and citrus fruit trees, and the crystal-clear sea. Linked to the enchanting beauty of the place is the tradition whereby the name of Sorrento originates from the mythical mermaids whose soft singing tempted Ulysses and his crew in the Odyssey. The site, on which the town stands, probably founded by the Greek colonies, was already inhabited in prehistoric times.

The town is situated at 26Km from Naples. The nearest station is the Circumvesuviana on the Sorrento-Napoli line. There are daily runs to Naples, the Pompei ruins and to the Ercolano ruins. The town can also be reached by public bus-line of SITA on the Sorrento-Salerno line with runs to Positano, to Amalfi and to Salerno. It is possible to get to Sorrento by sea with departures from the dock of Marina Piccola. It is also only 1hr and 30minutes by train to Rome.

Excursions:

Capri:

The main attraction is La Brotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto, perhaps the most famous cave in all of Italy. Unless you swim there you must take the costly boat ride. The water there appears to glow and make the walls shimmer with blue. Follow the hiking trails for lovely panoramic views of the island. Villa San Michelle is a villa in Anacapri worth seeing for its sculptures, 17th-century furniture, and gardens with outdoor concerts. Villa Jovis can be reached by walking about an hour from Capri proper. It~s a Roman villa which can now be toured in all its ruined glory, the bathrooms, the living quarters, the gardens, and the halls.

Ischia:

The largest town is Ischia Porto, but there are many other small towns and beaches throughout the island, including the tourist-ridden Forio, Casamicciola Terme~s thermal waters, and others. The Castello d~Ischia is a group of castles on an tiny island near Ischia, including several churches dating from the 14th century. Ischia Ponte is one of the most beautiful and least crowded of the towns. Sant~Angelo is also recommended because no cars are allowed in the town. The islands are a short hop from Ischia Ponte. Many visitors take the challenge of hiking up the island~s tallest mountain, Monte Epomeo. The most popular beaches are Maronti, Citara, and Sorgeto, the latter two of which have hot springs with supposedly healing properties.

Amalfi Coast:

Sights: The Fontana di Sant~Andrea is a fascinating fountain centered on a female nude, in the shadow of the elegant Duomo di Sant~Andrea. Much of the town life centers around this 10th-century church, whose bronze doors were manufactured in Constantinople in 1066.
Also visit the Chiostro del Paradiso (Cloister of Paradise), a 13th-century cemetery built in the Arabic style. The Arsenal, built in the 9th century, contains artifacts, including artifacts from the city~s maritime glory days. Finally, the two working paper mills, both on Via Cartoleria, should be viewed.

Travel Details:

The airport Naples services this area. To explore beyond the area public transport operates along the coast and ferries sail to the islands of Capri and Ischia.

Currency:

Euro

Visa:

Not required by Irish Passport Holders.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations required

Time

GMT + 1 Hour

Temperature Details (Degrees)