Guide to Sorrento

'With buzzing Vespas winding through narrow backstreets and red chillies hanging from shop doorways, Sorrento offers up an authentic slice of Italy.'

One of the first things you'll notice about Sorrento is its location. Sitting on a cliff that drops sheer into the sea, the town overlooks the Bay of Naples and has a view of Mount Vesuvius to boot. The dramatic coastline gives way to sunbathing platforms and the occasional small pebbly beach where you can soak up the sun. Sorrento life revolves around Piazza Tasso, where tables and chairs spill out of coffee shops onto the cobbles. Here, take your seat to watch the street theatre that is Neapolitan life unfold. By day, nonnas sit crocheting while old men put the world to rights in a flurry of animated hand gestures. By night, the square comes to life with trendy twenty-somethings en route to the late night bars. Away from this lively meeting place, hop on a tour bus to nearby Pompeii or take a stroll down to Marina Piccola and set sail for chic Capri. Closer to home, saunter along the exclusive Corso Italia in search for that all-important pair of designer shoes. And don't miss the old town where you'll find a rabbit's warren of alleyways laced with old-world antique shops and trattorias serving regional specialties. Talking of food, eating out in Sorrento is a delight. From pizzas cooked in wood-fire ovens to heaped platters of seafood linguine along the harbourfront, there's plenty to tempt you out for an al fresco meal under the stars.

At the heart of Sorrento is a labyrinth of cobbled, winding streets which date back to medieval times. A stroll through the old quarter of the town reveals an array of small antique shops and excellent restaurants which specialise in Neapolitan cuisine. Life revolves around the main square, Piazza Tasso, which is the ideal spot to sip a cappuccino and watch the world go by. The square overlooks the picturesque harbour of Marina Piccola where you can take a relaxing boat trip over to the elegant islands of Capri and Ischia. Sorrento's principal shopping street, the Corso Italia, brims with designer boutiques and elegant shops.

Find the cheapest late deals to Sorrento leaving in the next six weeks.