From the great city of Naples, gateway to the sun-blessed Italian south, beneath the brooding triangle of Vesuvius, and past the remains of once-great Roman Pompeii, the road stretches round the blue Bay of Naples towards one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular corners; the wooded Sorrentine Peninsula, jewel of the Neapolitan Riviera. Long a favourite with discerning travellers, this beautiful area is now being discovered by more and more folk drawn to the blend of perfect climate and Southern Italian hospitality of its principal town, the bustling colourful resort of Sorrento.

Perched atop its rocky cliff, Sorrento - which has counted the likes of Wagner, Ibsen and tenor Enrico Caruso amongst its more celebrated former guests - seems built between the sea and the sky, and one of the chief pleasures for relaxing visitors is the ever-changing spectacular view out across the bay, best seen from shaded terraces above the resort's tiny ports. Ancient Marina Grande with its fishing boats, surrounded by apartments, is a colourful locale, while larger Marina Piccolo is more workmanlike, being the place from where the ferry and the hydrofoils ply their busy trade across the Bay. Along the shore are small beaches and several boardwalks dotted with loungers and deckchairs catering to sun-worshippers, while out on the water, pleasure-craft of all shapes and sizes, as well as ritzier launches and the occasional cruise ship, add to the colourful scene.

Stylish and Charming

Sorrentine life is centred on bustling Piazza Tasso, as typical a southern Italian square as you could find. By day, its bars and cafs are filled mainly with visitors, perhaps enjoying a break from the rigours of sightseeing, while by evening - now pedestrianised - the Piazza becomes a focal point for locals taking part in the nightly passeggiata. This ritual stroll, dressed in 'Sunday best', is punctuated by a stop in a bar or coffee shop, while crowds mingle and window-shop down stylish Corso Italia with its designer stores, or in the maze of narrow alleyways crammed with smaller shops, bars and restaurants. In the cool of the evening, the parks and gardens of the town, some with views over the Bay, draw romantics of all ages. Everywhere, as well as stunning plants and flowers, are lemon and orange trees, the fruit of the former celebrated in everything from ceramics and linen-ware to limoncello, the deliciously more-ish but deceptively strong local alcoholic drink.

Away from it All

Just six miles from Sorrento, but half a world away, lies the smaller, quieter village of Sant' Agata del due Golfi, so called for its views of both the Bay of Naples and south to the equally stunning Bay of Salerno. Here, in this wonderful location, yet only a short bus ride from the bustle of Sorrento, the pace of life is altogether slower, perhaps due to the beauty of the setting, or simply because its inhabitants settled here purposefully to avoid town life!

The area is a walkers' paradise, and the Peninsula offers a series of marked trails - mostly not too arduous - which offer some spectacular views and lead to tiny coves and beaches. Spend the morning walking, enjoy a long lazy lunch, than catch a bus back - a perfect day!

Day Trips

There are plenty of excursion possibilities for those not content with putting their feet up or who like to venture further afield. Just a short ferry or hydrofoil ride away is the celebrated Isle of Capri, one-time haunt of artists and writers, and unashamedly chic haven of the well-heeled and bronzed. Take a tour of the island whose charm and breathtaking beauty, away from the designer stores of Capri Town, does not disappoint.

The hair-pin bends of the famous Amalfi Drive are best negotiated by an experienced coach driver, although some passengers probably don't open their eyes until they reach exquisite Positano, ancient Amalfi or the achingly beautiful hilltop town of Ravello, all highlights of an unforgettable day.

Of course, the haunting, fascinating ruins of Roman Pompeii are a major attraction, best seen and experienced in the company of a knowledgeable guide, who will bring to life the startling tale of a city that was almost instantly destroyed, yet miraculously 'preserved', by the cataclysmic eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD.

The Sorrentine Peninsula offers something for most visitors - with Sorrento's colour and warmth at its heart. Those choosing to holiday here cannot fail to be captivated by a truly very special part of the world!

Holidays to Sorrento and the Neapolitan Riviera are available through Newmarket Air Holidays

0845 226 7766 quoting code RMW.