SORRENTO Sorrento is not part of the Amalfi Coast in a geographical sense, but instead is located on the Sorrentine Peninsula. It is a popular choice to use as a base for visiting the entire surrounding coastline and nearby sights and islands because it is well connected to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. From Naples, you can reach Sorrento by using the Cirumvesuviana rail line, or by taking a ferry from the Naples port or direct bus from the airport. From Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast, there are public Sita buses and ferries.

"Vir ' o mar quanto è bell, spira tanto sentimento!" (Look at the sea, how beautiful it is, it inspires so many emotions!) is the most famous line from the classic song Torna a Surriento, one of many tunes dedicated to Italy's famous coastal town of Sorrento Since the elegant time of the Grand Tour, Sorrento has been one of the most popular destinations in southern Italy. With its picturesque coastal cliffs rising dramatically above the Mediterranean, its bustling town centre, and its sweeping views over the water, this resort town attracts thousands of visitors each year. It is both an unforgettable town to explore and a convenient base for touring the surrounding coastline and sights. Sorrento's colourful, sun-faded facades cascade down from green hills and cliffs to the Bay of Naples' gently lapping waters. The perfect base for exploring this Italian corner of outstanding natural beauty, venture to the curvaceous roads of the Amalfi coast - or enjoy leisurely jaunts across the shimmering waves to Capri's gem of an island. An unashamed resort, Sorrento is nonetheless a civilised and beautiful town. Even the souvenirs are a cut above the norm, with plenty of fine old shops selling the ceramics, lacework and intarsio (marquetry items) that are famously produced here. The main drawback is the lack of a proper beach: the town straddles the cliffs overlooking the water to Naples and Mt Vesuvius. Sorrento makes a good base for exploring the region's highlights: to the south is the best of the peninsula’s unspoilt countryside, to the east is the Amalfi Coast, to the north lie Pompeii and other archaeological sites, and offshore is the fabled island of Capri. Piazza Tasso is the locals’ main meeting spot and a starting point for a wander through the picturesque streets. Throw back a quick espresso caffeine kick at a standing cafe, or sip a cappuccino, before strolling through Corso Italia - Sorrento's spine - which is lined with boutiques, museums, bars and restaurants. The historic Church of San Francesco blossoms with colourful celebrations of weddings, which spill out into its gorgeous ivy-tangled cloisters. Or head down to relax by the small beach and fishing-boat filled harbours. The looming, cloud-wisped cone of Mount Vesuvius is unlikely to escape your attention, and this now docile volcano was responsible for a famous tale of destruction when it wiped out the ancient city of Pompeii in a heartbeat. If you’re feeling a little peckish, enjoy quick and delicious flame-cooked pizzas of oil, basil, tomato, and buffalo mozzarella. The volcanic soil imbues the local wines with rich flavour – soak in the waterfront views while savouring Taurasi and Lacryma Christi flavours. Or sample the luminous lemony-hit of ubiquitous limoncellos.

Along the lanes lined with shops and artisan workshops, you can also tour the town's monumental churches like the Cathedral and the Basilica di Sant'Antonino, historic Medieval palazzos, and the remains of the ancient defensive walls which once protected the city from attack.

What to buy in Sorrento?

A bottle of Limoncello An inlaid wood box Leather accessories

If you would like to take a traditional souvenir from Sorrento home with you, the shops in the centre of town are worth a browse. Shop along the main thoroughfare of Corso Italia for clothing and fashion boutiques and the lanes of the historic centre like Via San Cesareo and its cross streets for workshops making inlaid wood, leather goods, artisan limoncello, and shops selling local gourmet treats. Where to Eat Restaurants, cafes, gelaterias, delis, pastry shops, and wine shops .. .in Sorrento, there is an unlimited variety of places where you can stop to eat or drink. For an espresso or glass of wine, the most popular cafes are those which line Piazza Tasso, the town's main square. Here is where you can while away an hour sipping a drink and people-watching. For a fish or seafood dinner, you'll need to head down to Marina Grande at the bottom of the cliff. This lovely fishing village on the waterfront has a number of informal and fine dining restaurants overlooking the bay. Three dishes to sample in Sorrento:

Gnocchi alla sorrentina Spaghetti con le vongole Limoncello

Sorrento's Museums Museo Correale: East of the city centre, this museum is well worth a visit whether you're a clock collector, an archaeological egghead or into embroidery. In addition to the rich assortment of 17th-19thC Neapolitan art and crafts, there are Japanese, Chinese and European ceramics, clocks, furniture and, on the ground floor, Greek and Roman artefacts. Here, in the palazzo which is still the family residence, is the art collection of Count Terranova - paintings, archaeological finds, and porcelain from Capodimonte are all displayed alongside the original furnishings dating from 1700.

Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea: Since the 18thC, Sorrento has been famous for its intarsio furniture, made with elaborately designed inlaid wood. Some wonderful examples can be found in this museum, housed in an 18thC palace, complete with beautiful frescoes. There’s also an interesting collection of paintings, prints and photographs depicting the town and surrounding area in the 19thC.

Villa Fiorentino: in the halls of this villa dating from the 1930's, the Fondazione Sorrento organizes modern art exhibitions and thematic shows dedicated to local artisan crafts.

Duomo To get a feel for Sorrento’s history, stroll down Via Pietà from Piazza Tasso and past two medieval palaces en route to the cathedral, with its striking exterior fresco, triple-tiered bell tower, four classical columns and elegant majolica clock. Take note of the striking marble bishop’s throne (1573) and the beautiful wooden choir stalls decorated in the local intarsio style. The cathedral’s original structure dates from the 15thC, but the building has been altered several times, most recently in the early 20thC when the current facade was added. Chiesa di San Francesco

Located next to the Villa Comunale Park, one of Sorrento’s most beautiful churches is surrounded by bougainvillea and birdsong, the evocative cloisters having an Arabic portico and interlaced arches supported by octagonal pillars. The church is famous for its program of concerts featuring world-class performers from the classical school and regular art exhibitions.

Basilica di Sant’Antonino

Named after the patron saint of Sorrento, the oldest church in town dates from the 11thC. A few Roman artefacts have ended up here, as well as some dark medieval paintings and the oddity of two whale ribs. Apparently, the much-loved saint performed numerous miracles, including one in which he rescued a child from a whale’s stomach. The saint’s bones lie beneath the baroque interior in an 18thC crypt.

Marina Grande The closest thing to a spiaggia (beach) is this pleasant sandy stretch at Marina Grande harbour; if you want to just loll in the sun, nearby jetties sport umbrellas and deckchairs. While it’s far smaller than the island of Procida in the Bay of Naples, this former fishing district has a glimmer of similarity, with its pastel-coloured houses, brightly painted boats and fishermen mending nets. There are some earthy seafood restaurants here too, serving fish from the morning’s catch.

Il Vallone dei Mulino Just behind Piazza Tasso, a stunning natural phenomenon is on view from Via Fuorimura. Il Vallone dei Mulino is a deep mountain cleft that dates from a volcanic eruption 35,000 years ago. Sorrento was once bounded by three gorges, but today this is the only one that remains. The valley is named after the ancient wheat mills that were once located here, the ruins of which are still clearly visible. Sedile Dominava Incongruously wedged between racks of lemon-themed souvenir merchandise, this 15thC domed palazzo has exquisite, albeit faded, original frescoes. Crowned by a cupola, the terrace, open to the street on two sides, was originally a meeting point for the town’s medieval aristocracy; today it houses a working men’s club where local pensioners sit around playing cards.

Centro Storico The bustling centro storico (historic centre) ranges along Corso Italia, a major hub for shops, restaurants and bars. Duck into the side streets and you'll find narrow lanes flanked by traditional green-shuttered buildings, interspersed with the occasional palazzo, piazza or church. Souvenir shops, trattorias and some fine old buildings also jostle for space in this tangle of cobbled backstreets.