Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast Luxury Holidays

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Accommodation in this Area

At a Glance

Area Description

The Bay of Naples is one of the richest areas for archaeological, artistic and monumental works, as well as being a land of great popular traditions, renowned for the warmth of the people and their passion for music, dance and the dramatic arts. Visit the village of Pozzuoli, with the Castle of Baia, the pleasant promenade that leads to Cape Miseno with its Lighthouse, the Phlegraean Fields, famous for its archaeological sites, and the Cuma area with the legendary Grotto of Sibilla. Sorrento is very famous, but also the smaller towns and fishing villages on the Sorrentinian Peninsula are fascinating.

Naples is an historic city in southern Italy, the capital of the Campania region and the province of Naples. It can easily be reached from the Bay and is noted for its rich history (listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site), art, culture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,500 years old. Naples is located halfway between two volcanic areas, the volcano Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, sitting on the coast by the Gulf of Naples and is renowned for its beautiful setting and expressive people. The best way to soak up the street-theatre atmosphere of Neapolitan life is to start by walking down Spaccanapoli (literally “split Naples”), the popular name for the long straight street that cuts through the heart of the centro storico. Or you can take a ride on the Circumvesuviana, a small train that starts in Naples with connections to Sorrento, Herculaneum and Pompei. The city is synonymous with pizza, due to the food originating in it. A strong part of Neapolitan culture which has had wide reaching effects is music, including the invention of the romantic guitar and the mandolin as well as strong contributions to opera and folk standards. There are popular characters and figures who have come to symbolise Naples, this includes patron saint of the city Januarius, Pulcinella and the Sirens from epic Greek poem the Odyssey.

The most famous town on the Sorrentinian Peninsula is Sorrento, which is situated in a gorgeous location, rising on white steep cliffs. The park of the Villa Communale offers a fantastic view across the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Sorrento lies on a Tufa terrace and is enclosed by impressive rocks of the Limestone Mountains. For over 2000 years, visitors from all over the world have been attracted to Sorrento by breathtaking sunsets and fragrances of orange and lemon gardens.

Proceeding out of Sorrento, explore the twisting roads of the Amalfi Coast from where you will catch glimpses of little hamlets and bays dotted amidst the brilliant Mediterranean flora. Towns and villages cling to the cliffs which rise from the iridescent blue sea. Here you will find the supremely elegant Ravello and exquisitely beautiful Nerano, and many more delightful towns which face out towards the Gulf of Salerno. In this place of spectacular natural beauty various Mediterranean cultures combine, creating a truly unique atmosphere.

Pompei is perhaps Italy’s most treasured archaeological site; here wander away from the main streets to immerse yourself in the remnants of domestic life still evident in this provincial Roman town, which came to an abrupt end one day in AD 79. Pompei, along with Herculaneum, was destroyed, and completely buried, during a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius. Today, Pompei is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Positano receives mild and dry climate as it is protected from the Northern winds by the Lattari Mountains. The town is known for the production of accessories and clothing, Positano sandals, flip flops, wooden and cork clogs, and cloth slippers with rope soles, are made by famous shoe makers, and by cobblers, who are able to create pairs of shoes, by hand, on request, while the customers wait outside. ‘Moda Positano’ is now a recognised label, from white to floral patterned clothing, all produced locally. The structure of the town is very original; its buildings hug, in tiers to the rock face. The small houses, all huddle on top of each other, so characteristic of Positano, form the subject of endless photos. The vibrant colors; the white of the buildings, forming a perfect canvas for the bright flowers which decorate the houses, and the small artisans', shops with their multihued cloths, present the visitor with a vista which is almost difficult to believe. Then there is the smell of the leather used for making sandals, and the restaurants specialised in fish dishes, and the bustle of every day life...this is a great base to see the area or just enjoy the village life!

Luxury Villa Holidays in association with Luxury Ski Chalets