Hotels in Sardinia

Sorrento holidays put you in the heart of the beautiful Neapolitan Riviera, with its low valleys, high mountains and hillsides, dotted with groves of colourful fruit. Perched on a cliff along a beautiful stretch of blue coastline, say ciao to one of Italy’s most exclusive holiday resorts. Here, you can delve deep into Italian culture as you explore medieval relics in timeless museums, before getting lost among the market-filled streets in its Old Town. But for heritage in the form of age-old recipes, you must sample Campanian cuisine! And if the key to your heart is through your belly, then the region’s most popular comfort food, gnocchi alla Sorrentina (a baked dish of little Italian dumplings in a tomato sauce) should be your go-to.

Still need convincing? Holidays to Sorrento will see you sipping limoncello at Piazza Tasso’s snazziest cocktail spots. That’s when you’re not making your way through 30 different flavours of gelato at Gelateria Davide, of course! Or exploring the Baroque Church and Cloisters of San Francesco. Plus, when you fancy a day trip you’ve got the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Capri all at your fingertips. 

Things to do

Away from the lemon-lined cobbles and pizzerias is a serious art scene. The Museum Correale is full of Neopolitan crafts, European ceramics and an incredible collection of paintings themed around the Posillipo district, all housed in an 18th-century villa. Meanwhile, the SyArt Gallery represents new and upcoming artists with a contemporary flair. When you want your history fix, a guided walking tour of Sorrento’s Old Town will place you amidst the spectacularly ancient Valley of the Mills and the San Francesco Cloister.

Head a little further along the Amalfi Coast and you’ll discover the exclusive resort of Positano. Wander through steep streets of elegant boutiques and romantic restaurants. See the town's Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, a 13th-century church with an impressive 1920s dome. Or take a ferry to the striking Greek ruins of Paestum. 

And if you want to tick off multiple resorts in one go, boat excursions to Positano, Ravello, Praiano, Atrani, Minori and Maiori are just some of the highlights. Head further afield to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which will take at least a full day to explore, but is certainly worth the time and effort. 

Plus, did you know there are three waterparks in the region? Green Island is perfect for thrill-seeking families with its kamikaze drops and black cannon chutes. Those travelling with younger tots should make a beeline for Aquafarm. Kids below 105cm tall go free - do we need to say more? Meanwhile, Valle dell’Orso lies in the heart of the Vesuvius National Park with a wave pool, relaxation zones and anaconda shaped slide.

Beaches

Sorrento’s beaches are made up of small coves with wooden bathing platforms built over the sea, perfect for daredevil divers. Marina Piccola Beach, in particular, is a stretch of volcanic sand backed by a variety of beach clubs mixing up classic Negroni cocktails and providing a VIP sunbathing experience. Head off the beaten track to Regina Giovanna, a beauty spot where the ancient Roman ruins of Villa Pollio Felice still stand. But most importantly, there’s a turquoise-tinted lagoon daring you to take a dip. Families will appreciate the shallow water at the coastal hotspot, Puolo. And for camera-worthy vistas, the bay of Loreto sits at the tip of Sorrento’s peninsula overlooking the island of Capri.

History and culture

It was the Greeks who first founded Sorrento in the 6th century BC - it then became a part of the Roman Empire in the 4th century BC. Today, Sorrento is a popular holiday resort etched into the cliffside with a maze of cobbled streets, traditional buildings and striking rocky landscapes.

Down its narrow alleyways are quaint cafes, pasta-filled restaurants and shops that sell locally crafted goods such as jewellery, leather shoes and clothes, satisfying those curious about the culture. And don’t be surprised to see decorated murals, bell towers and remains of 16th-century defence walls, orginally built to protect the region from pirates.

Nightlife

Sorrento’s evening entertainment revolves around eating and socialising, so you won't find many nightclubs in the area. There are, however, lots of great bars and restaurants open late when you fancy an evening tipple. Think cosy cocktail spots serving up Aperol Spritz, live bands, cabaret and dance performances. The Filou Club is one of them. Set between the ancient walls of Via Santa Maria della Pietà, it hosts a busy line-up of pianists, singers and DJs. 

When you do want to turn the partying up a notch (by a notch, we mean dancing until 3am), head over to Piazza Tasso and follow the sound of chart remixes and techno tunes at Fauno Notte Club. 

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Check out our other Italy destination guides, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia  | Sicily | Venetian Riviera | Venice

You find the small, medieval town of Malcesine on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, surrounded by rolling hills. At the centre of its network of cobbled streets and pastel-painted buildings, you’ll find the imposing Scaligero Castle, which offers some of the best views of Lake Garda from its tower. If you’re taking your holidays to Malcesine with the intention of exploring the neighbouring towns dotted along the shore, you can catch a ferry from the town’s harbour and go sightseeing.

For thrill-seekers, Lake Garda’s waters offer a variety of water sports, while if you prefer more leisurely Malcesine holidays you can simply lace up your walking boots and take a stroll around the coastal path. Alternatively, spend your days relaxing in the warm Italian sun in a piazza café. Whatever you want from your holidays to Malcesine, you can make your downtime your own.

Things to do

Malcesine holidays can be as busy or as laid-back as you want them to be. Monte Baldo offers great fun for anyone passionate about the Great Outdoors, including cyclists, climbers and photographers. The central structure of Castello Scaligero offers superb views and a dip into the towns medieval history. The charming harbour is as pretty as a picture, and it’s easy to while away the hours in a café, watching the boats bob about on Lake Garda. Shoppers can flex their bargain-hunting muscles in the town’s squares, or hop on a water taxi across the lake and visit the surrounding villages for some boutique shopping.

 Majestic scenery

From mountains such as Monte Baldo to colourful fishing towns on the edge of Lake Garda, every way you turn you’ll be faced with incredible photo opportunities. There are many ways for you to enjoy the superb views: get on the lake on a boat excursion, head up a mountain by cable car, hire a car or bike or simply take a stroll. The historic Scaligero castle is Malcesine’s most visited attraction, which is no surprise as it is perched on a cliff over the lake and has been kept in great condition. As you explore your beautiful surroundings look closer and you should be able to spot a variety of wildlife including birds and insects.

 Fantastic outdoor activities

There is no end of walking routes from Malcesine taking you up hills and mountains or beside the lake. You don’t need to go far before you reach other towns, where you can then rest in a lakeside café. The bay of Val di Sogno is known for its clear water and is a lovely spot for swimming. In the height of summer the lake is buzzing with activities. Watersports on offer include sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing but they aren’t suitable for everyone, whereas elalpaca trekking on Monte Baldo is popular with all ages.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

Calabria holidays are full of rustic charm. From its dramatic cliff top villages, to its ancient olive groves and those sugar-white sands, this hidden gem is the lesser trodden toe of Italy’s boot. Full of spectacular sights, much of the region remains untouched, leaving you with vast areas of lush greenery and “the purest air in Europe”. Hike the Apennine mountain range that curves down to the tip of Sicily, explore the castles, monasteries and sleepy squares of Tropea, and taste the freshest, sweetest produce in Italy. That’s when you can tear yourself away from the quiet, paradisiacal beaches.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily will amaze you with its ancient monuments, pretty piazzas, and varied landscapes. Ideal for couples, families and adventurers alike, this picturesque region boasts some of the most spectacular sights in Europe. Explore its fascinating history on a day trip to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, browse the stylish boutiques of Taormina, or soak up the Mediterranean sun on the sandy shores of Cefalu beach. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not climb the slopes of a volcano? No matter what you decide to do on your holidays to Sicily, don’t leave without tasting a glass of the local vino!

Things to do

Sicily is famous for the Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house. Dating back to the end of the 19th century, it was featured in the film 'The Godfather, Part Three', and is near the heart of the historic Sicilian capital, Palermo. With a capacity of nearly 1,400 and exceptional acoustics, it's a must-see if you're an opera fan. Just a few minutes away is the Museo archeologico regionale "Antonino Salinas", an archaeological museum with a fascinating collection of Phoenician and Ancient Greek artworks.
Then, take some time to explore the resort and ancient Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina on the east coast, or see the wonderful Castello di Venere fortress near Erica in the far west of the region. 

Excellent beaches

Sicily has a range of beautiful beaches, some with soft sand, others are pebblier, so you can tailor your beach day accordingly. Large larva rocks speckle the warm shallow waters of Sicily’s coast adding to the striking scenery. The costal town of Taormina is mainly known for its long stretch of sandy shores. Enjoy reclining on sun loungers under parasols, taking in the picturesque views of the turquoise coast against the golden sand. There’s plenty of opportunity for water sports where you can paraglide, hire a pedal boat or snorkel in the shallow mangroves.

History and culture

Sicily has a rich, complex history, which can be seen through its ancient ruins that have a wide range of cultural influences taken from Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, French, German, Spanish and Italian civilisations. Visitors can see Greek temples, Roman villas, Norman cathedrals and traditional Italian architecture on the island. Sicily became a part of Italy in 1860 but only converted to an autonomous region in 1946 with help from the Italian Republic. The region has a heavy religious culture with a number of festivals celebrated throughout the year.

Nightlife

Sicily is extremely traditional so the nightlife typically follows the same pattern of being quite low key. You’ll find bars and clubs that stay open late in certain areas, but the majority of nightly entertainment is focused in the restaurants and hotels. Enjoy a delicious Italian meal with a glass of local wine at a hillside restaurant whilst the sunsets over the beautiful coastline.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice