Sorrento is a perfect setting for your 2017 holiday. Situated on the gorgeous Sorrentine Peninsula, jutting out into the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento has magnificent views of the bay of Naples, the Isle of Capri, a green head in the blue ocean, and the looming figure of the grand Mount Vesuvius. Begin your exploration at the Cathedral of Sorrento, centrally located in the Corso Italia (Little Italy district). The Duomo, the inside of the Cathedral, is worth a peek. Wander the old town after your Cathedral visit, where the narrow streets and quaint buildings will lead you to such gems as the complex of San Francesco and the Basilica of Sant’Antonio. Plan your exploration of the rest of Sorrento whilst relaxing in the Piazza Tosso, the heart of Sorrento, and the perfect place to enjoy a cold beverage. Venture out of Sorrento and explore more of the Neapolitan Riviera, or head down the coast to stunning beaches of the Amalfi Coast.

Sipping drinks is an important way of life on the Neapolitan Riviera, so you better join in. Coffee is big in Italy, did you know? An “un caffe” is the most popular with the locals, just a little cup of espresso, usually sipped at the counter. For something a little more…alcoholic, we recommend partaking in the Apertivo, a long-lasting cocktail hour, followed by a sipped shot of Limoncello, Sorrento’s traditional lemon liquor, made from locally grown lemons. Food is just about one of the most important factors in Italian life, and Sorrento boasts all the Italian and Neapolitan treats you can imagine. Freshly made pizza dough, topped with fresh, locally grown tomatoes? Yes please! Enjoy the fruits and vegetables of the Riviera in a traditional Italian setting.

Although there are none of the sandy beaches that you might expect from a family holiday to Majorca, or Tenerife, Sorrento is still a great place to visit with the kids in tow. Italians value family and love kids. Your little ones will be treated like royalty! The locals are friendly and the town is safe, true Neapolitan Riviera hospitality! Kids can explore the winding streets and make friends, enjoy the rocking boat trips around the coastline, and hunt for shells on Grande Marina’s small beach, whilst you a sip a cold drink and watch from one of the seafront bars. Remember, if the kids are craving a beach, you could always head down to the Amalfi Coast on a day trip. Try the ferry from the Grande Marina to Positano, the kids will love it and the views are stunning!

One of Sorrento’s best outdoor activities is the hike along the Lattari Mountains. Here you can bask in the delightful views of the bays of Naples and Salerno. These cliffs hug the Sorrentine and Amalfi coast and offer up a wonderful tableau of natural sights. The routes vary in difficulty, but there are plenty of smooth walks for the whole family. To get a glimpse of untouched natural Neapolitan beauty hop on a boat – a tour or your own hired boat – and visit the Island of Capri, look at the hidden caves and the clear waters. On shore, wander the small community of Capri and enjoy the beautiful views of Sorrento. More adventure awaits just down the road on the Amalfi Coast. You can get the ferry from Sorrento’s Grande Marina and approach Pasitano from the sea, where you can enjoy the true splendor of the coast. Likewise, travelling to Pasitano by car from Sorrento is a thrill, curling around mountain roads with sweeping views of the landscapes.

There’s no beach in Sorrento. Not exactly. Only decking areas for bathers and loungers that are suspended over the sea. Near the Grande Marina, Sorrento’s seafront, there’s a little bit of black volcanic sand. There is a beach in Meta, which is only 10 minutes away on the train. The village of Meta itself is worth visiting, and there’s stunning views of Napoli from the Playa de Meta. There are other beaches along the Neapolitan Riviera and the Amalfi Coast, one in Nerano, further along the Sorrentine Peninsula, and some in the lovely Ischia. Further down the coast, in Amalfi, there’s Positano which boasts a beach and is the best place to start your exploration of the Amalfi area. We recommend visiting Meta, as it’s the closest, and booking a hotel in Sorrento with a swimming pool, for those lazy, lounging moments.

Sorrento has heaps of bars, restaurants and cafes that stay open long into the warm nights. Along the Marina Grande there are bars with seafront views and the strip has a buzzing, party atmosphere: not too quiet, not too loud. Further into town visit the Corso Italiano for some true Italian hospitality and fun, there are dozens of cafes here, better known as bars! To feel at the centre of Sorrento’s buzzing nightlife heart, take a seat in the Piazzo Tosso, listen to some music, sample some delicious Neapolitan pizza and wine, and enjoy another beautiful Sorrento evening.

A romantic holiday to Sorrento makes perfect sense. Close enough to fantastic day-trip destinations such as Pompeii, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento boasts cheaper flights and hotels than its competitors, but comes with all the fantastic qualities of the Neapolitan Riviera. Take the bus to Herculaneum and wander through the Roman past, ride a cool ferry to Positano and explore the Amalfi Coast, before heading back into Sorrento in the evening to dine in Sorrento’s buzzing Corso Italiano, and enjoy a Limoncello in the Piazzo Tosso. If you want mega romance, book a hotel with a view of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the bay of Naples and enjoy all that Neapolitan charm.

Sorrento is made up of different elements of many civilizations, including the seafaring Greeks, the roaming Romans and the industrious Italians. The most significant museum in Sorrento is the Correale Museum, and it’s here that you’ll be able to discover Sorrento’s eclectic past in beautiful detail. In terms of architectural history, the Church of San Francesco is a must-see. Peaceful cloisters allow a quiet moment in the otherwise bustling heart of Sorrento, so take a moment in the shade and plan the rest of your exploration. Another tranquil spot is the Sorrento Cathedral, but don’t stress about hunting these sights down. Amble the streets and discover them for yourself at your leisure. Sorrento is situated within view of Vesuvius, which means both Pompeii and Herculaneum are just a short distance away.