NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA - TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Sorrento

The little town of Sorrento sits amid lemon and orange groves on the south side of the Bay of Naples, surrounded by dreamy landscape of rolling hills, dep valleys and the Lattari Mountains. It is a great home base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, as it is well connected to the island of Capri and the historic ruins of Pompeii. The town is filled has a laidback vibe filled with mazes of shop-filled lanes that invite visitors to peek into the true authentic Italian life. And its views are regarded as some of the most beautiful in the world.

In its history, Sorrento has been ruled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, French, and Spanish, and it was sacked by the Turks. You`ll discover these influences in its architecture and even hear hints of Spanish in its dialect. As you wander, look especially for the early 16th-century Sedil Dominova, 14th-century Correale Palace, and the rare 13th-century Veniero Palace with flourishes that reflect late Byzantine and Arab styles.

Massa Lubrense

Massa Lubrense is popularly known as the legendary `Land of Sirens`, who lived along the coast and with their haunting and beautiful voices lured sailors onto the rocks. The town is the center of the Sorrento Pennsula with a triangular form that borders at north-east with Sorrento, Gulf of Salerno on the left and Gulf of Naples on the right. Located about 400-ft above sea level, it comprises a small town center and 17 frazioni (fractions or hamlets) joined by a complex maze of paths and mule tracks. It is an excellent are to enjy walking while taking in the stunning views of the gulf of Naples and Salerno, as well as tasting the sublime olive oil, fresh fruit, grapefruit, dairy products and cheeses of the area.

Sant` Agnello di Sorrento

Located between Piano di Sorrento and Sorrento itself, Sant` Agnello di Sorrento is a quieter alternative to staying in the center of Sorrento. Overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Salerno, and shaped as a squat rectangle, you`ll find unique beauty amongst a relaxed vibe. In the heart of town around Piazza Sant`Agnello are some restaurant and bars, as well as near the coast boasting fantastic views. The small town is characterized by quiet streets and beautiful landscape. Make sure to visit the Marinella panoramic terrace, from which you can enjoy a full view on the Coast. On one side you can see Sorrento, then Naples and on the other side the Nicolini Villa, an eighteenth century mansion overlooking the cliffs.

Castellamare di Stabia

Castellamare di Stabia is a small town in the Gulf of Naples, shaped as a natural bowl among the hills, tthat is situated in the southeast angle of the Bay of Naples. Its name is derived from the Roman resort of Stabiae (just northeast), destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 which buried even Pompeii and Herculaneum, and from a castle built by the Holy Roman emperor Frederick II. It is known for being an extremely fertile area, rich in hot mineral springs and baths, fine beaches and scenic location. It is a popular summer resort and spa. The town is also a commercial and industrial center, with an arsenal and a large shipyard where the bathyscaphe used by the Swiss physicist, Auguste Piccard, for marine exploration.

Vico Equense

If you`re looking for a quiet corner on the coast far from the tourist crowds, this is the place! Vico Equense is the first town along the Sorrentine peninsula, and the perfect destination if you want to explore a coastal town in an area relatively undiscovered by most tourists. The historic center is set on the cliff top overlooking the water, and there are gorgeous beaches along with excellent local restaurants, pizzerias, and gelato shops.

The town is part of the greater Bay of Naples and is a tourist destination. Located on a tuff cliff, it is relatively close to the ferry to the island of Capri, the volcano Vesuvius, the Monte Faito and the ancient town of Pompeii. Vico Equense contains many monuments and places of interest: the Church of the Annunciation - an example of Gothic architecture - the Antiquarium Silio Italico, the Campanian Mineralogic Museum. Among the natural attractions of the area is the Scrajo spa, founded in 1895. At the spa they offer therapies for various diseases, thanks to the several sources of sulfur water that feed into the center.

Seiano

The hamlet of Seiano sits above the sea while at the water`s edge is the Marina di Seiano (also called Marina di Equa, or Aequa). The town shares a similar ambiance of Vico Equense, and despite its small size, it has some charming shops, coffee bars and restaurants to enjoy, and the marina below with a harbor, seafront dining, and beaches.