Villa Arpino at Campania

The Neighborhood

Half an hour by car from Naples airport, on the southern side of Mount Vesuvius from the city, Villa Arpino sits serenely on a hillside alongside other villas and houses. Local shops, a restaurant and bar are a handy short drive away, while the bustling coastal town of Sorrento is half an hour away by car. One of the many advantages of the location is the villa’s proximity to Seiano Circumvesuviana Train Station, reachable on foot from the villa. Skirting around the marginal edge of Mount Vesuvius, the Circumvesuviana train connects Naples to Sorrento so is ideal for accessing some of the area’s best sights. Jump on a train towards Naples and stop off at the fascinating archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Sorrento is the next stop along the line in the other direction, from where you can hop on a hydrofoil to the gorgeous island of Capri for the day. 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 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. Along the coast is an array of beaches to try, including a little sandy beach at Seiano itself, a short drive from the villa. The area around Sorrento is rich with culture, and the beautiful Amalfi coast offers so much. 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. Be sure to visit Positano for picture postcard views. Seafood restaurants are aplenty, as are small, little authentic towns set within the cliffs. 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. 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. 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.