Sweeping Sea Views and Saffron Sunsets at Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento
Few places rival the evocative charm of Sorrento. It begins to enchant you before you even arrive, on the journey from the bustle of Naples airport. Lemon and olive groves cling to cliffs, pastel-hued villages seem to tumble gracefully to the sea which shimmers in a tapestry of brilliant blues, Capri beckons in the distance and majestic Mount Vesuvius dominates the horizon – a constant reminder that beauty here has always come with a little drama.
Situated on the Sorrentine Peninsula, just north of the celebrated Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is known for its giant lemons used to make the iconic Italian liqueur, Limoncello, and stunning sea, mountain and volcanic peak views. Its legendary association with the sirens who once lured sailors to their death adds an air of mystic intrigue. It’s little wonder visitors are irresistibly drawn here, especially, as we soon discover, if you’re staying in the grandeur of the Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento.
Perched on a cliff at the city’s edge, the hotel’s vantage point captures those unforgettable vistas in their full splendour. Inside, it’s glamour redefined – from the moment we cross the threshold into the sunlit foyer, an ineffable elegance seems to pulse through the air. We instantly feel infused with the spirit of Sorrento.
Of course this is echoed in our stunning, deluxe sea-view room. Light spills across the airy space, dressed in soft shades of blue and neutral tones, with doors that open onto a balcony perfectly aligned with the sapphire sweep of the sea. It’s the kind of room that begs for a bottle of Prosecco to be uncorked and some time to breathe in a little bit of Sorrento magic that somehow defies words. So we do, lingering long, Prosecco in hand, watching the day dissolve into that unforgettable view.
When we can finally bring ourselves to venture beyond our enchanting home, the temptations of Sorrento await, only a 15-minute walk away or a few minutes’ drive in the courtesy car. A guided walking tour reveals the city in all its historic layers, winding alleyways opening onto grand piazzas and a lively tapestry of boutiques and delicatessans spilling onto the streets. Displays of irresistible edible delights and souvenirs beckon from every doorway. It’s shopping heaven.
When it’s time for dinner we meander downstairs to Il Buco, tucked away in a former monks’ cellar, right in the historic centre. Candlelight glows against ancient stone walls and plate after delectable plate arrives – handmade pastas, delicate sauces, fresh seafood and produce that tastes like it was picked an hour earlier. This is what dinner in Italy is all about – and of course, accompanied by exceptional local wine. It feels dreamlike and yes, you’ve guessed it, heavenly.
Of course, there’s more to come, with the gasp-inducing vertiginous beauty of the neighbouring Amalfi coast to explore. So when day dawns, bright and sparkling, we’re ready for a Positano adventure
The (rather narrow) road south coils along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, one of the most cinematic drives in the world. Bougainvillea spills over balconies, pastel houses cling impossibly to rock faces, and every bend seems to reveal another view worth pulling over for. It’s the kind of journey that makes you want to hold your breath – for many reasons.
Then suddenly, Positano comes into view. Tumbling down the mountainside in a cascade of peach, apricot and terracotta buildings, all flowing toward a little beach at the bottom. Exploring Positano on foot is part treasure hunt, part workout. Narrow stairways reveal hidden boutiques, ceramics painted in sun-bright yellows and blues, and tiny chapels tucked between homes.
Lunch comes with a view at La Tagliata, a family-run trattoria perched high above the village. The food arrives generously and continuously – it feels less like a restaurant and more like someone’s nonna insisting you eat just one more plate.
Back at Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento, our day continues with sundowners at Vista Sky Bar, the hotel’s glamorous rooftop bar. Aperitivo hour here is pure Italian theatre. Cocktails glow orange in the sunset while the sky slowly fades from pink to indigo over the bay.
Dinner unfolds just below at Vesuvio Panoramic Restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the volcano across the water. The food is fabulous, the service sublime and all with that hypnotic view. The perfect finish to another day in this idyllic Italian setting.
Our final day is spent chilling around the sparkle of the pool, surrounded by lush gardens and lemon trees (naturally). When it’s time for lunch we join Benito in the Aqua Lounge to tailor-make our own pizzas, before heading for the hotel’s spa for revitalising facials.
As the sun sets, we cross the road to Terrazza Mediterraneo Italian Bistrot, where the evening unfolds at an indulgent pace. We sample plates of the freshest local fare accompanied by the occasional burst of rousing Italian song. Inevitably, a few glasses of Limoncello punctuate the night. A sweet and celebratory farewell to this Sorrentine haven of boundless beauty.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
Fact Box
Find out more at www.mediterraneosorrento.com
Restaurants
https://www.ilbucoristorante.it/en/home
https://www.mediterraneosorrento.com/vesuvio-panoramic-restaurant-sorrento
https://www.terrazzamediterraneo.com
As one of the top lifestyle magazines in the UK, Crave brings you fresh ideas on food, health and travel.