The
Resort
There are many superb destinations in Italy and one of the best for
a Summer break is Amalfi and combined with the Hotel Saraceno makes
it the perfect holiday. This particular part of Italy has so much to
offer without having to travel more than a few miles. My
family have holidayed in the area for over forty years now and we never
tire of the sights and beautiful coastline that the Neapolitan
Riviera has
to offer. There must have been a few changes during this period but
none that we would notice. There
is just so much to see that you need to spread your sightseeing over
a number of visits otherwise you do not get to appreciate Amalfi itself.
Within a ten mile radius you have: Pompeii, Herculaneum
and Paestum for the ‘culture vultures; Revello
and Capri for the scenery; Vesuvius
for the steaming volcano and views and finally Sorrento for its classic
buildings and unique shopping; not forgetting Amalfi with its magnificent
cathedral dominating the town square and the affluent town of Positano
nearby, where the stars in the sky are not the only stars to be seen.
All of these places
are literally on your doorstep and all accessible by local transport.
There are a number of good hotels in Amalfi but the one that we have settled for and has, in our view, the most going for it is the Hotel Saraceno. This is a four/five star establishment and, with its supurb gardens leading down to the sea and amazing architecture, is without doubt a real eye stopper! It is designed as a castle and viewing it from the sea gives you the stunning picture of the fortifications leading down to the waters edge with a mountainous background.
The
hotel interior is equally impressive, with Moorish décor throughout.
As hotels go, this establishment is not large with about sixty rooms
at the last count.
The hotel has its own bay and taverna so swimming is very exclusive….none of that ‘beach towel’ business of booking your space etc.The gardens that lead down to the shore are full of tropical plants and the views across the sea and along the coast are stunning. Breakfast is generally served on the terrace overlooking the sea while dinner is held in the restaurant that is full of character and atmosphere. As I mentioned, there are plenty of other hotels, some more expensive but to my mind the Saraceno is the tops!
Must See Attractions
Positano is a fascinating little town set in a picturesque setting with some beautiful hotels that are hidden behind deceptive entrances, leading though narrow streets full of chic shops and boutiques down to the sea. Yes, this is a place much frequented by the rich and famous with a few starlets thrown in for good measure! You can get there after a short ride by bus from Amalfi or even take the boat from Amalfi harbour.
Revello is situated up in the hills and once again is only a short bus ride away from Amalfi, be it all up hill. This is a stunning area with beautiful gardens and magnificent views, where many artists come to create their pictures.
Capri is well worth a visit despite the crowds and we would recommend that you take the boat from Amalfi harbour (it’s the same one that stops at Positano), where you will really be able to appreciate the amazing architecture of the Hotel Saraceno. You will find the harbour and lower areas of Capri pretty crowded with tourists but make a point of getting up to Anna Capri by one of the small buses(an experience in itself) and then take the ski lift to the top of Capri for some stunning views over Naples harbour, Vesuvius, Capri etc. The island has plenty of charm and you can well understand why the rich and famous visit and live on the island.
Pompeii/Herculaneum. You can get a train from Sorrento that takes you right there with no hassle. There are plenty of guide books around to explain all that is on view.
The Amalfi Drive. You will encounter this amazing road should you travel to and from Sorrento by car or bus. It’s an amazing trip with hairpin bends all the way and is much used by car companies promoting their latest ‘go faster stripe’ motors! Many films have been shot using this road and I can assure you that the best seat on a bus is in the front opposite the driver, particularly on the trip from Sorrento to Amalfi……not for the ‘faint at heart’ mind as you seem to be suspended over the cliff as you hit the outer bends; you have been warned !
- 133 maps including full-colour Rome map section
- know your Romanesque from your Renaissance: colour special section on Italian art & architecture
- covers the unmissable sites, on and off the beaten track
- the lowdown on where to eat, drink and be merry, whether you crave pizza in Palermo or music in Milan
- easy-to-use, comprehensive language chapter