With its mild climate, spectacular shoreline, rich cultural history, and gastronomic delights, the Amalfi Coast and Neapolitan Riviera are fascinating regions not to be missed.

The Sorrentine Peninsula is a rocky point of land jutting into the sea and is dominated by the high mountains of Monti Lattari, which stretch for about twelve miles. This finger of land points toward Capri, which is only three miles away at Punta Campanella, the closest point, and divides the Gulf of Naples to the north from the Gulf of Salerno to the south.

The gateway to the Sorrento Peninsula is Castellammare di Stabia, a modern town and thermal resort built over the ancient Roman settlement of Stabiae. Sorrento is the main town of the peninsula opening onto the Gulf of Naples. On the mountains above Sorrento and on the cliffs beyond are many villages connected by winding and bumpy narrow roads, which are almost inaccessible. On the other side of the mountains is a little-explored stretch of coast. Harsh and rocky, it is the continuation of the famous Amalfi Coast and of the Sorrentine peninsula's southern shore.

Undeniably, the sea is the queen of this region with her intense colors and her coastline with its many bays, coves, cliffs and rock faces: natural elements that have created an enchanting and enticing landscape. This region is a paradise made even more alluring by the flourishing Mediterranean vegetation. Terraces sloping towards the sea are used for the cultivation of citrus, olive trees and vines; their gardens perfuming the air with heady scents of oranges, lemons and orange-blossoms.

Before being conquered by the Romans, who enjoyed the area as a summer playground, the entire coastline around Sorrento was a Greek colony and the legendary site of Homer's sirens. It has maintained a reputation as an exclusive resort destination ever since as it boasts a mild climate and spectacular vistas.
Visitors come to this region for many reasons: to hike rugged paths, discover rural villages, explore ancient ruins and sample a cuisine rich with locally produced ingredients, including cheeses and cured meats so good that they don't make it to the rest of the mainland.

On a quick trip, give the entire area a minimum of three days. With Sorrento as your home base, you should spend a day in Naples, a day exploring the Amalfi Coast and a day split between Pompeii and the town of Sorrento. If you have more time, Paestum (Greek temples), Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum (an ancient Roman site like Pompeii) and the island of Capri are also worthwhile destinations.