One of southern Italy's most highly recommended restaurants, this Relais & Châteaux member occupies a turn-of-the-20th-century faux-Pompeian building adjacent to Santa Maria delle... more
This review already contains more than 120 words. As a Ciao member you could earn up to £5 with this review.
One of southern Italy's most highly recommended restaurants, this Relais & Châteaux member occupies a turn-of-the-20th-century faux-Pompeian building adjacent to Santa Maria delle Grazie, the centerpiece of the hamlet of Sant'Agata, perched more than 366m (1,200 ft.) above sea level. The chef/co-owner, Alfonso Iaccarino, makes it a point to hire as many international assistants as possible, many of whom spend a year here. Alfonso's wife, Livia, directs the dining room and maintains the award-winning wine cellars.
Advantages: Pleasant old town, beautiful scenery Disadvantages: Few proper beaches, inflated prices
...- until you see the same things again and again. Don't get me wrong, Sorrento is lovely but it almost feels as if it's all been manufactured so that day trippers can take it all in in one day - a kind of micro tourist town with just a bit of everything thrown in.
What I could see, though, is why Sorrento proves so popular with package holiday-makers. It is in a great position to facilitate easy travelling around an area that has alot to offer - Naples, the Amalfi coast, the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, the islands of Capri and Ischia and many more.
If you must go to Sorrento and, please do not be discouraged by me, do not expect a packed itinerary or even a varied range of options for sightseeing. See it and enjoy it whilst having a glass of locally made limoncello but like this sharp and refreshing citrus...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Interesting town, great weather, good base to explore the area Disadvantages: Traffic and pollution
...views over the bay by day and night. Someone described the quality of service to me as reminiscent of Raffles in Singapore, but not having had the pleasure of that establishment I’ll have to take her word for it. Food is excellent and reasonably priced for lunch and dinner, or you can just drink and socialise, but if you don’t like loud music I would stay clear in the evenings. This advice also applies to choosing a hotel in the vicinity. It’s really loud.
THE PEOPLE
I couldn’t finish this review without mentioning the lovely people of Sorrento. Of course, you occasionally run into one who bucks the trend, but in general I found them to be very welcoming, particularly those who work with the tourists. Hotel and shop staff were very helpful and friendly, and almost without exception had enough English to meet my needs. Attempts...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Beautiful, picturesque, loads to see, hot hot hot Disadvantages: not enough time to see everything
...Having holidayed in Sorrento the last couple of years I cannot recommend it enough. there is something for everyone in Sorrento and the surrounding area.
Take a trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum for a wonderful experience. Pompeii is much larger than imagined and we visited it over two days but don't go on the organised tours which can be costly. Take the local train, it runs half hourly and only costs a couple of euros. Take the train to Herculaneum which is much smaller but better preserved. The trains stop very near to the excavation sites.
For a slice of how the other half live take a ferry or hydrofoil across to the beautiful island of capri- you never know you might spot a hollywood star!
The Amalfi coast is renowned for being the most beautiful coastline in Europe and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Visit Positano...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
My family and I have now stayed at Johanna Park Hotel twice. Once in June 2005 and again in June 2008. This hotel is simply excellent. Johanna and her fantastic staff make you feel right at home and couldn't be more helpful. It's like no other hotel... more