Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sant Agnello has moved with the times but has still managed to retain its original charm. Among the trendy, contemporary cafés, bars, and restaurants you'll find fantastic buildings that give some clues as to the village's past. Look out for the lemon and white Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant Agnello: a 15th century church, embellished with glass-smooth plasterwork.
To get to the beach, you'll need to hop into a lift before you reach the black sweep of volcanic sands below the village. While the town might seem quiet and laid back, you'll find that there are plenty of things to do in Sant Agnello, whether you're travelling with the family or escaping for a romantic break with your partner.
Hit the beach
Without doubt, one of the most popular Sant Agnello things to do is to hit Marinella Beach and soak up some sunshine. The spectacularly black sands are lapped by emerald blue waters. A small harbour is lined with bobbing boats and makes an excellent place for a stroll or to grab a light bite and a refreshing drink. If you have children you'll find the beach has everything you need and more with slides and even a small playground. The promenade behind the beach is lined with cafés and restaurants, should you and the family require a relaxing lunch or a romantic dinner.
Volcanoes and clubbing
If you enjoy history, theatre and a great night out, why not combine them all? If you're looking for things to in Sant'Agnello take the hour's drive to the Archaeological Park Of Herculaneum and watch the spectacular show that takes place nightly throughout the summer. The show features more than 40 actors, with lighting and laser effects to bring the 2,000 year old story to life. Although, if you'd prefer to kick your heels up at a club, nearby Sorrento is only an 8-minute taxi ride and is the place to go for buzzing nightlife.
Dining out
If you enjoy food, put eating out on the top of your list of things to do in Sant'Agnello. You'll find the local restaurants arranged in three distinct groups. For traditional, hand-made pizzas, head to the road known as Corso Italia. Prefer to sample home-cooked dishes in a family-run restaurant? Via Crawford is the street to enjoy delicious food.
Closer to the seafront, you'll find authentic Italian restaurants specialising in fresh fish and seafood, offering local wines, and staggering views of nearby Vesuvius.
Book your holidays to Sant Agnello at the end of July and you might be in time to catch the Festival of the Sea. In addition to days filled with weird and wonderful traditions, this is where the locals come to sample outstanding fish dishes from up-and-coming and seasoned, celebrated chefs from across the region.
