It’s been popular for centuries (From Swindon Advertiser)

It’s been popular for centuries

5:30pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in Holiday Reviews

STEVE BUTT takes in the history and the luxury of Sorrento and its famous neighbours during a trip to Italy

TOWERING high over the Bay of Naples and with Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop, it’s not hard to see what attracted the Ancient Romans to Sorrento.

This small Italian town boasts a long history which dates back to 600BC and includes the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Greeks first inhabited Sorrento before the Romans officially recorded its foundation some time later. Many fierce battles for control of the picturesque seaside town ensued before Sorrento eventually became part of the Neapolitan Republic in 1799.

But while Sorrento’s past is a colourful one, so too is its present day.

Nestled in steep limestone cliffs and looking out onto clear blue waters, Sorrento’s panoramic views leave tourists from all over the world astounded.

The cliffs above the busy marina offer many vantage points across the bay with the Island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

Many hotels are cleverly carved into the cliffs while narrow winding cobbled streets slowly drop down from the town’s centre to the marina.

Sorrento is surrounded by acres of fruit groves and is famous for its many lemon plantations.

Lemons are a regular theme in Sorrento and appear throughout the many shops and market stalls in the town. Limoncello, a liqueur made from the zest of lemons, is a favourite with the locals and is served morning, noon and night.

Inland from Sorrento’s spectacular coastline is the town centre, Piazza Tasso. Here you’ll get a real taste of Italian life.

With an endless supply of cafes, restaurants and bars, there’s always a seat free to relax and watch life go by while supping your cappuccino or taking a bite out of your pizza.

I recommend doing just this before you explore the many cobbled streets, shops and sights of Sorrento.

Sit yourself in the square at Piazza Tasso and you’ll be fascinated by the chaotic life of the town whizzing by in front of you.

In stark contrast, life could not be any more laid back inside the town’s bars, cafes and restaurants. No doubt you’ll have a favourite during your stay but you won’t be left with a bad taste in your mouth while your explore.

And exploring is a must in Sorrento. Its many cobbled streets wander through multi-coloured traditional Italian architecture while the hundreds of shops and boutiques are sure to keep ‘the wife’ busy.

A reminder of the town’s history is never far away. The ancient cathedral and its clock tower is one of Sorrento’s most distinctive characters along with a statue of its patron saint S.Antonino and the Cloister of St Francis, where many couples choose to get married.

Cast your net further afield from Sorrento and there’s plenty more to explore.

Just a stone’s throw away is the Amalfi Coast which stretches 55km from Sorrento and Salerno passing the ancient fishing villages of Amalfi and Positano along the way.

Excursions along the Amalfi Coast run daily by bus or boat.

While the Amalfi Drive offers a scenic route through the region’s colourful vegetation and narrow cliff roads, travelling by sea offers far more.

Various boat trips are on offer at reasonable cost from the marina including a cruise which takes in the sights of Capri and stops at either Amalfi or Positano.

Smoking over the Bay of Naples is Mount Vesuvius and to ignore a visit to the only active volcano in Continental Europe would be like going to Egypt and not visiting the Pyramids.

It would be wise also not to ignore one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world – Pompeii, the ancient roman city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius’ devastating eruption in 79BC.

Trips to both Vesuvius and Pompeii are breathtaking but also extremely demanding so don’t try to attempt both in a day despite their close proximity.

Excursions to both can be arranged direct from your hotel but it’s cheaper and well worth taking the train to Pompeii and booking your trip there.

Having burned hundreds of calories walking up Vesuvius and around the ruins at Pompeii, you’ll be more than ready for your evening meal.

The choice of eateries in Sorrento is overwhelming – but you can’t really go wrong.

Two of the best restaurants are O Parrucchiano La Favorita and La Vela Bianca.

Just a short walk from the town square, O Parrucchiano La Favorita sits modestly in the street like any other Italian restaurant. But inside, O Parrucchiano is a grand garden-terraced restaurant covered by lemon groves. And the food itself lives up to its surroundings. Try the cannelloni – the restaurant is famous for inventing the dish. And don’t be scared to sample the restaurant’s local wines – just ask for their recommendation.

La Vela Bianca is situated down by the marina and unsurprisingly specialises in fish cuisine. All their produce is freshly caught that day and their staff, especially manager Michele Trombetta, treat diners like royalty.

While fish is Vela Bianca’s speciality, their carpaccio dish is second to none. After stumbling on Vela Bianca we dined there most nights and were never disappointed. A free shuttle bus service also runs to and from La Vela Bianca which is also a very classy touch. Both the quality and service at La Vela Bianca puts the restaurant up there as one of, if not the best, in Sorrento.

O Parrucchiano La Favorita and La Vela Bianca are recognised as two of the best restaurants in the town and bearing in mind Sorrento isn’t the cheapest place, both are extremely reasonably priced and worth the money.

The pace of life is sedate

During our break in Sorrento, we stayed at the luxurious five star Grand Hotel La Pace which sits 2km outside of the busy town centre. However, while Grand Hotel La Pace offers peace and quiet from the chaotic town centre, a free shuttle bus means getting around is easy.

The hotel offers a magnificent marble and stone lobby and the theme of magnificence runs throughout the hotel which is classically decorated with antiques and art work. All rooms are fully furnished, spacious and luxurious with many offering a view across the Bay of Naples. The hotel’s Windows Restaurant offers Italian cuisine at a fixed price while the Velvet Lounge and pool side White Star open air bar are alternative places to lounge.

A stunning open air pool looks out across the bay while the hotel also has a fully equipped fitness and beauty centre.

Grand Hotel La Pace was the perfect place to stay during what was a perfect break. Many just visit Sorrento for a weekend but I’d recommend staying for at least five nights as there is so much to do and see. If Sorrento isn’t on your ‘places to visit before you die’, list then it should be now.