Amalfi Holidays, Italy A charming cluster of pastel houses, shops, cafés and watchtowers, Amalfi seems little more than a village. However it was a great naval power and a wealthy trading republic in medieval times. Its dramatic setting in jagged cliffs cloaked in vineyards is best seen from a boat. Amalfi’s star turn is a gorgeous cathedral with great bronze doors and lacy cloisters. The nearby village of Atrani is quiet and pretty, with a fine Byzantine church.
Capri Island Holidays, Italy Ever since hedonistic Roman emperor Tiberius built baths and pleasure palaces here, Capri has attracted celebrity visitors including writers, artists, film stars and political activists. Today, day trippers besiege this enchanting limestone rock to wander through the cobbled lanes of chic boutiques, and explore its stately villas in lush gardens. Most visitors take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, a sea cave filled with vivid fluorescent waters.
Ischia Island Holidays, Italy The largest Neapolitan island, Ischia has lovely scenery, sandy beaches, and is famed for its wines and thermal spas. Active fumaroles and hot springs indicate its volcanic origins. The main harbour is an ancient crater, the highest peak (Monte Epomeo) an extinct volcano. High above the fishing village of Ischia Ponte stands a renovated castle. The rest of Ischia is rugged but fertile. Forio and Sant’Angelo are two of the prettiest villages.
Positano Holidays, Italy A desirably picturesque tourist haunt, Moorish-style houses cling to Positano’s steep hillsides. It’s a pleasant walk down to the small grey beach and fishing harbour via narrow, flower-decked alleyways and steps, but the return journey takes some effort (luckily there’s a bus). A domed church is Positano’s main landmark. The town celebrates the Feast of the Assumption on 15th August by re-enacting a famous victory against the Saracens.
Ravello Holidays, Italy Balcony views are plentiful along this beautiful coast, but little matches Ravello’s panoramic seascape. Steps from the main square of Piazza Vescovado lead to the cathedral of San Pantaleone– don’t miss the fine marble pulpits. Two villas in lovely gardens also deserve a visit. Villa Rufolo holds a summer festival of classical concerts. The belvedere views from the English-style gardens of the Villa Cimbrone are breathtaking.
Sorrento Holidays, Italy Prized since Roman times for its wines, balmy climate and lovely setting amid citrus groves, Sorrento enjoys sweeping views towards Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples. Eighteenth-century villas nestle in the wooded cliffs, while the 1960s package holiday boom brought more hotels along the tiny strips of volcanic beach. But Sorrento is still charming. Tiny shops sell lace and porcelain around Piazza Tasso and the baroque church of San Francesco.
