All posts by Richard Edwards
Ravello Festival
(July to August)
A Summer festival of orchestras, ensembles, duets, individual performers, ballet, modern dance and much more. All taking place in that divine setting between sea and sky called Ravello. A truly unique experience.
Official 2023 Festival Programme.
Prosit | Full of local flavour
Prosit, an abbreviation of (Prosciutteria and Italiana), is located on the quieter part of the Corso Italia just beyond the Villa Fiorentino. Racks of Parma ham and a cold counter full of traditional meats and cheeses may lead you to believe this is just a shop for local produce. Indeed it will be no surprise to learn that the Pollio family, owners of this new venture, have been involved in providing quality food to Sorrento since 1939 and in the late 60’s introduced the first “modern” supermarket in the whole Peninsula.
The quality and presentation of produce, from a charcuterie board to a full course menu, reflects three generations of sourcing and preparation of the finest local ingredients. With such an excellent selection of regional meats, cheeses and wine, Prosit offers visitors the opportunity to sample the very best of local produce in comfortable surroundings.
Traditional craftsmanship and materials have been used to create eating environments suitable for different occasions, friendly informal or more intimate. Perhaps a charcuterie board or simple pasta in the upstairs dining area or a more substantial lunch or dinner in the downstairs restaurant. Whichever you choose, the bar will always be on hand to serve a cool beer, glass of wine or cocktail… Mine’s an Old Fashioned. Salut!
PROSIT
8 Corso Italia
Sorrento
Website
SyArt Contemporary Art Gallery
SyART is a gallery dedicated to the promotion of up and coming contemporary artists, national and international, and is located at the entrance of the Villa Comunale in the heart of Sorrento. With visitors from all over the world, Sorrento offers artists a perfect location from which to showcase their work.
Many of these works are for sale directly from the gallery with packaging and delivery arranged if required. A wider selection is also available online under the title Affordable Art with prices from 250.00 euros.
Artist: Antonio Di Viccaro
Artist: Emanuel ZoncatoSyArt’s influence extends beyond the gallery’s four walls with works of art erected in public places, or Sorrento’s Open Museum, such as Piazza Sant’Antonino pictured below. Art installations can also be found in hotels and restaurants, examples being the Il Buco restaurant, Art Restaurant CuCù and Antonino Esposito Pizza e Cucina.
Artist: Carmen NovacoThe gallery is also the driving force behind the SyArt Festival and 2023 sees its seventh year and takes place at the beautiful Villa Fiorentino from June to October. Rossella Savarese and Leone Cappiello organise the festival and are responsible for its promotion nationally and internationally. Their vision and passion for contemporary art together with support from the Sorrento Foundation and like minded partners have resulted in the festival attracting worldwide attention.
Rossella Savarese: Gallery manager & Art Curator
Leone Cappiello: FounderThis recognition is demonstrated by the number of artists from many countries submitting their work for the opportunity to exhibit at the festival. Successful entries not only benefit from the associated publicity and public wiewing but also for continued exposure in the SyArt Gallery long after the event. It has become evident that the SyArt Gallery and Festival are ‘must see’ attractions for visitors and sit perfectly with Sorrento’s art and cultural heritage. Incidentally, SyART is an acronym for Sorrento Young ART.
You will find more information about Rossella and Leone, the Gallery, artists and online Affordable Art at SyArt Gallery
Festival details can be viewed at SyArt Festival
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Fiore Fashion
My ideal clients are between 18 and 90 years old!”
Antonella’s family has had a retail outlet in Sorrento for 50+ years, originally selling furniture and household accessories. As the needs and expectations of the local community changed together with an ever increasing tourist market, so did the business. The family’s younger generation rose to the challenge and opportunities this presented by establishing Fiore Fashion.
While the products being sold may have changed the one important thing that hasn’t is the personal service. This is reflected in the continued support from the local clientele and worldwide visitors who maintain contact and supply through Antonella’s strong social media presence and online store.
Patrizia Pepe, Sandro Ferrone, Le Streghe, Kontatto, Albano and Hinnominate are just some of the influential designer labels that Antonella brings to her clientele and gained her a reputation for traditional and ‘personal statement’ collections, for all ages and occasions. The above outfit has shoes from Albano, clothes from Kate by Laltramoda and Penny Black.
Fiore Fashion
Corso Italia 210
Sorrento
Website
Exclusive Wine Tastings
Exclusive Wine Tastings
Friends of Sorrento offers visitors an opportunity to taste some of the finest wines and cuisine from the Campania region in settings as unique as the wines themselves. On a short stay or cruise stopover there is often not enough time to travel to the major vineyards for leisurely tastings or pairings, so we bring their wines to the heart of Sorrento.
“We sampled some outstanding wines from the regions and enjoyed an exquisite luncheon at the 5* Excelsior Vittoria”
Monty Preiser from Napa Valley, California. Sept 2022.
The Venue
The majestic 5* Luxury Excelsior Vittoria commands an imposing location overlooking the Bay of Naples across to Vesuvius and Naples. Careful restoration and conservation have retained an atmosphere of period elegance and grandeur throughout. It captures memories from the Grand Tour era but with all the modern refinements. Gardens with lemon groves create an oasis of calm just an olive stone’s throw away from Sorrento’s main square.
The Wines
The finest wines from Campania are stored in a Roman cave converted to a wine cellar which will be seen during the visit. The wines listed below were chosen and presented by Natale Sicignano, Head Sommelier, for a recent tasting. There were three DOCG wines and a world famous ‘extreme’ wine from the Amalfi Coast.
Greco di Tufo Devon 2021
Antonio Caggiano
Fiano di Avellino Contrada Arianiello 2017
Fuedi di San Gregario
Taurasi Riserva Radici 2015
Mastroberardino
Costa d’Amalfi Fiorduva 2018
Marisa Cuomo
World famous “extreme wine”
The Cuisine
Dishes supervised by Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Antonino Montefusco, and served in the hotel’s Terrazza Bosquet gourmet restaurant, pictured above.
This menu is an example from a recent tasting.
Prawns in almond crust
with mixed salad and orange sauce
Mezzi Paccheri pasta
with seafood, sea pesto
and dried cherry tomatoes
Sea Bassa au gratin
with herbs, mashed potatoes in oil
and Sorrento lemon sauce
Pistachio parfait
with red fruit gel
Coffee and liqueurs
Enquiries
If you would like to organise a group tasting during your visit to Sorrento please use the form below. Our exclusive tastings are available in May/June and Sept/Oct for group sizes of 10 to 16 guests. Transfers are available from central hotels and the ports of Naples and Sorrento. In addition to the afternoon tastings we can organise morning guided tours of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius or Positano.
Sorrento Wine tours and tasting
This tailor-made 8 day Wine themed holiday offers an exclusive opportunity to visit wineries in the Campania region to taste some of its most famous wines. From Sorrento you will experience vines on the slopes of Vesuvius, inland towards Avellino and the Apennine mountains and on terraces perched high above the Amalfi coast, each location as unique as the wines themselves.
Full itinerary and availability here
Bellevue Syrene
A five-star hotel perched on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius. Careful and respectful renovation has maintained its many traditional Roman features whilst offering modern amenities to guests throughout the year. Centrally located close to the centre of Sorrento and minutes away from the picturesque fishing harbour of Marina Grande. Access to its private beach and bathing facilities is provided by lift.
For the rest of the story just sit back and enjoy Gian Mario Russo’s presentation of the hotel’s origins dating back to 2nd century BC.
Credits
Bellevue Syrene website
Ristorante ‘O Parrucchiano
Entering the Ristorante ‘O Parrucchiano from the main road is an experience in itself, with steps leading up to a magical garden environment full of different seating arrangements, each with its own character. We visited in the evening when the candle lights made it even more enchanting.
The menu offers a wonderful selection of traditional cuisine and the basket of fresh breads was a clear indication of good things to follow and we were not disappointed. It was founded in 1868 and they have a leaflet which tells its fascinating history. To finish the evening try their own limoncello !
In this video Enzo Maniello presents a wonderful history of his family’s 150 years of ownership against a background of the restaurant’s beautiful settings. He is also owner of La Favorita 5* Hotel in Sorrento, link provided below.
Credits
Ristorante ‘O Parrucchiano website
La Favorita website
Friends of Sorrento online
Let’s talk about your holiday
Friends of Sorrento provides a 15 minute private online meeting to help plan your holiday to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. We have been organising customised holiday and tour itineraries for over 15 years to visitors travelling independently or through tour operators.
Our in depth knowledge and first hand experience of the region enables us to answer general queries, recommend hotels, restaurants, tours and more, allowing visitors to choose a holiday that suits their expectations and budget. The Sorrento office provides information and advice with 24/7 support throughout the visit.
Just select a date, time and holiday of interest from the form below and you will receive confirmation by email and an invitation link for your chosen time slot. A reliable internet connection is essential.
Book a meeting
Starting from 17 January online meetings will be available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings.
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Sofia Loren – Photo Exhibition
(30 March to 31 December)
Photographic Exhibition of Sofia Loren.
More than seventy photos of the star from the private collection of Raffaele Celentano from Sorrento charts the career of the actress who acquired world fame through the big screen. Photographs from the 50’s when she was a young extra to those taken with some of the greatest Italian actors such as Marcello Mastroianni and Vittorio De Sica. Others taken with cinema and music stars including Clark Gable and Elvis Presley show Sofia as an internationally acclaimed actress and personality.
Visitors may recognise some of the location shots in the Sorrento’s fishing harbour, Marina Grande, for the famous film “Pane, amore e…”, also known as “Scandal in Sorrento”. It is a 1955 Italian comedy film directed by Dino Risi, the third film of the trilogy, formed by Bread, Love and Dreams in 1953, Bread, Love and Jealousy in 1954.
Entry fee is 7.00 euros. Opening times 08.00 to 20.00.
Above Photo Credit: (Stills 11993) Sophia Loren in “Man of la Mancha” by Arthur Hiller, 1972
Other exhibitions at the same venue include:
The Italians – Gli Italiani
Thirty years of black and white photos representing Italian people in everyday life.
The Sirens’ Cave
Sirens beached and scrambled along the tuff rock walls, symbols of timeless beauty and of the mystery of life.
For further information on these exhibitions visit the official website
Art Exhibition – Monet to Gauguin
(June 1 to Sept 4)
Journey into Impressionism, from Monet to Gauguin
A wonderful opportunity to admire artists, such as Monet, Manet, Sisley, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Courbet, Bonnard, Corot, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cézanne, Pissarro, Gericault, Delacroix, Gauguin and many others.
An exhibition dedicated to the artistic movement born in France at the end of the 19th century. With 130 artworks, including watercolours, etchings, oils on canvas, inks on paper, photo-aquatints, woodcuts, lithographs, books, some unpublished from private collections.
Tickets cost € 10 and, in addition to “Journey into Impressionism” exhibition, it’s possible to see the photographic exhibitions about Sophia Loren and The Sirens Caves (by Raffaele Celentano) and the permanent exhibition of Carillons.
Opening times: 10:00 to 21:00
For more details click here.
Canta Napoli Sorrento
(Until 31 Oct)
Opera, Pulcinella e Neapolitan Songs
The fusion of Neapolitan tradition and the great Italian Opera takes place in the heart of Sorrento, in the splendid Villa Fiorentino, a neoclassical pearl that stands out in the main street.
Soprano and Tenor will perform the masterpieces that have made Italy famous all over the world, in this unique occasion accompanied by an hilarious living Pulcinella that moves on the notes of tradition: mandolin, violin, cello and piano!
In this unique concert, in the elegant frame of the Neoclassical Villa, artists of unquestioned quality will leave you breathless. Pulcinella will accompany you to discover the most famous Opera arias from La Traviata, Rigoletto and Tosca, and the Neapolitan tradition, with the beautiful O Solo Mio, Funiculì Funiculà and Torna a Surriento.
This unforgettable concert will leave a wonderful memory of your journey to Sorrento!
Friday evenings at 8.30 pm to 10.00 pm until 30 September (except 15 July to 29 Aug)
Tickets cost 50.00 euros for front seats and 25.00 for back seats.
Full details and booking information can be found on the official website
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Procida City of Culture 2022
Procida was chosen as Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022 and will be organising a wide range of activities and events throughout the year. This includes 44 cultural projects and 150 events with 350 artists from 45 countries around the world.
Website and official programme of events. Please note the introduction page is in Italian but the individual category events are in English.
You can also see our feature on Procida.
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La Dolce Vita Holiday
Experience 8 days of La Dolce Vita with tours to Pompeii, the Amalfi coast, Capri and Naples together with time to relax and explore Sorrento itself and its many attractions. The private transfer to your hotel will provide a tantalising glimpse of places to be visited and views to be enjoyed with cocktails on the terraces. Friends of Sorrento will provide recommendations for restaurants, walks and events based on your personal preferences and will be available to offer advice and assistance throughout your stay.
Full itinerary and availability here
D’Anton Designer Bistro
If you are looking for a source of inspiration for interior design, an intimate table with a film-set decor, traditional snacks using local produce, cocktails with attitude (try the limoncello cocktail made from Francesca’s secret recipe), or just the perfect cappuccino then D’Anton is the place. Gabriel and Francesca will be pleased to welcome you.
D’Anton Design & Bistro
Piazza Sant’Antonino
Sorrento
Art Exhibition
(4 June to 9 July)
Il Mare chiama chi ama il mare:
The Sea calls those who love the sea.
An exhibition at the Villa Fiorentino celebrating a love for the sea through the creative eyes of 14 artists. In 2019 the first edition of “The Sea calls those who love the sea” was held in Naples at the Casina Pompeiana and this year has been brought to Sorrento.
Exhibitors
Catherine Bilabini, Milanese painter
Dino Maccini, piacenza mosaicist
Veniero, painter also of Piacenza
Sergio Williams, Neapolitan painter
Isabel Lemaitre, Belgian painter
Mariagrazia Manfredi, ceramist
Betty Surico, ceramist
Gianfranco Capodilupo, photographer
Antonio Schisano, ceramist
Marco Gargiulo, photographer
Raffaele Mellino, ceramist
Alexander Ottone, ceramist
Brunello Sepe, sculptor
Olga Iossa, special Neapolitan guest
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Sorrento + Gardens
Sorrento’s streets are full of trees dripping with oranges and lemons, tall palms rise above buildings and provide shade for the piazzas. Bougainvillea cascades everywhere and each piece of spare ground seems to support an olive or lemon grove. Flower pots are found at entrances, balconies, rooftops and courtyards and all these add colour to an already colourful town. Add to this parks and public gardens to be found on the Amalfi coast, Ischia, Capri and Caserta and you have the perfect destination for lovers of plants and gardens.
What’s included
- 4/5* Hotel
- Private transfers from Naples airport
- Amalfi coast with visits to Villa Cimbrone and Rufolo in Ravello
- Ischia with visit to La Mortella gardens.
- Caserta Palace and the English Gardens
- Capri with visits to the Augustus Garden and Villa San Michele
- Optional tours and activities, see list below
- Friends of Sorrento support before and during visit
Availability
May and Sept
Price on request based on two people sharing a double room.
Group size: Minimum 4. For larger groups please get in touch.
Day One
Welcomed at Naples airport where your driver will be waiting to take you to the hotel. Sit back and enjoy beautiful views across the Bay of Naples as you drive through Castellammare di Stabia, Vico Equense, Meta, Piano di Sorrento and Sant’Agnello’
Evening: Free time.
Day Two
After a relaxing full breakfast the day begins with a drive along the Amalfi coast with time to visit ‘picture postcard’ Positano to explore its web of narrow streets with exclusive boutiques and galleries all leading down to the beach. From this level you will really appreciate the beauty of this unique location and enjoy a cappuccino before returning to the coach. Sit back and enjoy the views as you wind your way to Ravello where the garden paths at Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo waiting to be explored.
Evening: Free time.
Day Three
A ferry takes you across the Bay of Naples for a tour around the ‘Green’ island of Ischia including the magnificent panorama of the “Bay of Citara” and a guided tour of the magical Mortella Gardens.
Evening: Free time.
Day Four
A free day to explore the maze of narrow lanes in Sorrento with its myriad of shops and historic buildings or take one of our optional tours and activities, see list below. The fishing harbour in Marina Grande provides a perfect end to a pleasant stroll from the town centre and offers a wonderful choice of restaurants along the small beach and promenade. It’s a superb location for an alfresco lunch or dinner.
On the subject of food, why not book an optional Cooking Class in the morning or afternoon and learn some of the secrets for a perfect pasta dish.
Evening: Free time.
Day Five
A full day to explore the magnificent 18th century Royal Palace (Reggia) which is a listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the Versailles of Naples. Spend the morning exploring the grand rooms, some of which have been used for several famous movies such as Star Wars, Angels and Demons and Mission Impossible III.
In the afternoon you can enjoy the park with its waterfalls, lakes and the very famous English garden. Perfect settings for an Italian style picnic which you could prepare the night before from the Patisserie ‘Bar Rita’ which is just two minutes from Sorrento’s main square.
Evening: Free time to explore Sorrento.
Day Six
Today we cross the Bay of Naples for a guided tour of Capri and Anacapri with opportunities to visit Villa San Michele, take the chair lift to the highest point of the island at 600 metres or enjoy breathtaking views from the Gardens of Augustus. In the famous “Piazzetta” of Capri be amazed by the exclusive boutiques and if time and weather permits, you can take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto.
Evening: Free time.
Day Seven
A day for doing your own thing and to take a walk to Piano di Sorrento or a 10 minute bus ride to Vico Equense and Meta di Sorrento, each with their own attractions. Take a bus in the opposite direction to some of the villages on the Peninsular, including Sant’Agata and Masa Lubrense, and enjoy local cuisine in one of the many trattorias with views of the Neapolitan Riviera. The Sorrento office will provide all the information needed.
You could also consider taking one of our optional tours and activities including a mini cruise along the Amalfi coast or guided tours to Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum or Vesuvius.
Evening: Free time.
Day Eight
In seven days you would have visited beautiful gardens and parks as well as opportunities to explore Pompeii, Positano and Naples. It’s time to relax and just enjoy the moment before your private transfer to the airport.
Hotels
Here is a small selection of hotels available including traditional, contemporary or smaller boutique style depending on your preference for character, views and location. Details and images of these and other hotels can be seen on our featured hotels page.
Subject to availability at time of booking.
5* Excelsior Vittoria
An oasis of luxury in the heart of Sorrento with superb views across Bay
4* Tramontano
Central, cliff edge location, superb views across Bay of Naples
4* Corallo
Located in Sant’Agnello with panoramic terraces and views.
Optional tours and activities
Half day guided tour of Herculaneum
Half day guided tour of Vesuvius
Pompei and wine tasting
Cruise along the Amalfi coast
Sunset cruise with cocktails
Cooking class
Further details
To express an interest in this tour, please use the form below or phone: +44 (0)1446 771220.