Villa Minette is just a short walk from Sant’Agata Sui Due Golfi which is a small community nestled above Sorrento. On one side lies the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius, on the other lies the Gulf of Salerno with the Galli islands and Amalfi coast, and just off the beach is the famous and glamorous island of Capri.
Locally, the Monastero del Deserto has charmed travellers such as Stendhal and Goethe, and the church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, which is known for its opulent inlaid altar, laid with marble and mother of pearl.
The region has a robust gastronomical heritage, with some multiple starred restaurants including Don Alfonso and Lo Stuzzichino, as well as cheese dairies which offer tours.
The magical, historical site of the Bagni della Regina Giovanna - famous for the legendary tale of Queen Giovanna; a natural seawater lagoon inside the old Roman ruins is worth a visit, while the area around Sorrento is rich with culture, and the beautiful Amalfi coast offers so much.
For a taste of the dolce vita Positano is a beautiful picture-card perfect day trip with stunning coastal roads.
Pompeii requires a full day (and plenty of cooling drinks in the heat of the summer.) This ancient preserved town has been crystallised in time; the statues are a sobering and unforgettable sight. Parents of toddlers should be aware that the streets are cobbled; the cafe offers a good selection of ice lollies, however.
Capri is a fun boat trip away, with smart restaurants and beautiful, excellent sandy beaches.
Naples itself is buzzing, and bustling working city; the markets, the narrow streets with their outdoor washing lines and cobbled alleyways offer an authentic taste of southern Italian colour and life, along with plenty of history, beautiful churches and allegedly the best pizza Italy has to offer.
Sorrento itself looks over the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula; sitting on the clifftops that separate the town from its busy marinas, it is renowned for its sweeping water views across the waters and central Piazza Tasso, the cafe-lined square.
The centre of Sorrento is steeped in history; within a warren of narrow alleys the Chiesa di San Francesco is a sight to behold; the 14th-century church in rich, opulent Italian style with tranquil cloisters.
Amalfi itself is so attractive with its ochre tones, set in a fertile region known for its fresh produce, boat trips and long sandy beaches are the tones of the day. Seafood restaurants are aplenty, as are small, little authentic towns set within the cliffs.
Whether it be hiking, fine cuisine or historical sites, this part of Italy offers opportunity in abundance. The Lattari mountains hug the Sorrentine peninsula impressively. Jazz concerts in the open air are popular in the summer months, and the renowned Museo Correale di Terranova is a must-see for art lovers.
The Region
Sorrento, a charming coastal town nestled on the southern shores of Italy, is a captivating destination that beckons visitors with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. With a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and breathtaking sea views, Sorrento boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.