Grand Hotel President

More on Sorrento, Neapolitan Riviera

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 specialities. 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.