The proximity of the city of Naples (Napoli) to the Vesuvius gives its inhabitants a certain edge. Its reputation as the most vibrant city in Italy can be a double-edged sword, explaining why some tourists like it and some hate it outright. Nonetheless, the charm of Naples resides in its narrow streets with numerous ancient churches, street markets, cafés, bars and restaurants, all leading to a cacophony of sounds and images embodying the spirit of the Italian South.

Amalfi is a jewel of a picturesque seaside resort that has an ideal climate, breathtaking views and unique natural beauties plus the most vibrant, typical Italian atmosphere. It is a graceful place with its cluster of white buildings which amble up the hillside from the water rather than clinging vertically to it like the other towns in the area, making it a bit easier to walk around. The city starts at the water`s edge with a pretty promenade along the Mediterranean and a marina full of colorful boats and their international flags. The focal point of the historic center is the Piazza del Duomo, in front of the striking cathedral. The piazza is clustered with sidewalk cafes and elegant shops, sixty steps lead to the church with its the Byzantine style structure that bears Moorish-influenced arches and decoration. Dedicated to St. Andrew, the Duomo di Sant`Andrea is a truly beautiful structure. Inside is the hidden Cloister of Paradise, dating to 1266, with a forest of columns, Arabesque arches and an amazing fresco. The crypt is highly decorated and worth a visit, too.

MUST SEE`S:
The Emerald Grotto is one of Amalfi`s natural wonders, at Cape Conca. It emits an eerie emerald hue that emanates from its depths thanks to an underwater crevice that refracts sunlight.
Convento di San Francesco (now Hotel Luna Convento). Its 16th-century watchtower over the cape to the east of town is an annex of the hotel. Here you can visit the well-conserved 13th-century cloister and the attached church.

Distances: Naples - 45 miles, Sorrento - 20 miles, Positano - 12 miles

The best-know town on the Neapolitan Riviera is Sorrento, which is situated in a stunning location, on a long cliff amid lemon and olive groves overlooking the sea. Sorrento offers charming cobblestone streets, alluring lungomare (seafront promenade), colorful and fragrant flowers, matchless vistas, and lively cultural scene. The old town still retains its Roman grid of narrow streets and its centro storico are alive with cafes, clubs, and restaurants, which become positively crowded during the sweet nights of summer. A ravine divides the town with the pretty old town on one side and the suburban area with hotels on the other. Emperor Augustus and his successor, Tiberius, were two of Sorrento`s early devotees. In later years, the town became a favorite destination for artists and writers, as well as tourists.

Sorrento offers seaside splendor coupled with easy access to other points of interest: to the west, the best of the peninsula`s unspoiled countryside and, beyond that, the Amalfi Coast; to the north, Pompeii and the archaeological sites; off-shore, the fabled island of Capri. There are hamlets in the hills that should be explored, too. These time-worn villages maintain their traditions and their charm. Visit Vico Equense, which is dwarfed by the Lattari Mountains that rise up behind it, the village of Seiano, the white-washed town of Priora and Sant`Agata sui Due Golfi, high in the hills. Up here you`ll find natural beauty, hiking trails, tranquility and clean, dry air. The park of the Villa Communale offers a fantastic view across the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Also found nearby are the most famous villas of the Roman Age are Agrippa Postumo`s villa with a water lily fishpond, and artificial wharfs; the villa at Capo di Sorrento (known as Queen Giovanna`s baths); the villa at Punta of Massa; and the villa at Punta della Campanella. Sorrento marks the start of the 43-mile infamously winding coastal road that runs to Salerno.

Distances: Naples - 31 miles, Amalfi - 20 miles

The proximity of the city of Naples (Napoli) to the Vesuvius gives its inhabitants a certain edge. Its reputation as the most vibrant city in Italy can be a double-edged sword, explaining why some tourists like it and some hate it outright. Nonetheless, the charm of Naples resides in its narrow streets with numerous ancient churches, street markets, cafés, bars and restaurants, all leading to a cacophony of sounds and images embodying the spirit of the Italian South.