Easily reached from Naples Airport (NAP) some 45 minutes away, Sorrento has been a popular tourist destination for decades. The many shops lining the streets are full of curiosities and the bars and restaurants reflect an almost British appeal.

The architecture here has a touch of the colonial mixed with classic narrow Italian side streets where washing hangs over several storeys. Sorrento is a place built upon attracting holidaying couples, though it has successfully resisted all attempts to become a souvenir shop-addled stop-off on the way to somewhere else. That said, and despite the many charms that fill this casual and welcoming town, it is ideally placed to explore some of the nearby delights of the region such as Pompeii, the island of Capri and the stunning Amalfi Coast.

For those who seek relaxation with all the comforts of a small town on your doorstep, Sorrento is a sure-fire hit. Accommodation comes in all forms, as do restaurants - some wondrously excellent Italian restaurants sit happily alongside the occasional British pub, as do marble-lined fine luxury hotels and budget B&Bs.

Eating out may take some pre-planning as Sorrento is awash with choice. The local cuisine, however, is delightful and the menu overflows with pasta and fresh fish. The locally-caught razor clams are a delicacy but be warned that they can often be served live with no more than a squeeze of lemon juice. Of course, the ice cream in this part of Italy is a matter of great pride for the locals.

Many guide books might say Sorrento has no beach to speak of, but for a small fee at Marina Piccolo you can enjoy a day at the tiny beach with a sun lounger and umbrella and take a dip in the cooling waters. You might want to take a taxi or a bus ride to the top of town as the walk back is long and steep. Next to Marina Piccolo is the main port where you can hop on one of the regular ferries to Capri for a day trip or a romantic overnight stay.

The adventurous would not wish to miss out on the nearby sights, so hiring a car is essential if you wish to tick off some of the remarkable destinations right on Sorrento's doorstep. For great deals on car hire and holidays to Sorrento, use the TravelSupermarket search tool.

Sorrento is bathed in sunshine most of the year and enjoys long summers when daytime temperatures from May to September often touch 30C. The sea breeze allows evenings to fall to a pleasant 20C. Winters are much cooler with days around 16C, but night-time lows can be as chilly as 6C.

Festival of St Antonio; February: A three-day carnival to honour Sorrento's patron saint. Get caught up in the dazzling displays of colour as people don costumes for the parades.

Peppe Cappielo Trophy; May: A brush of opulence is painted across town as Sorrento transforms itself into a venue fit for this classy sailing regatta.

Sorrento Jazz Festival; August: The laidback nature of Sorrento and jazz music go together like gin and tonic. Head for the Cloister of Francis where performances by musicians from across the world are laid on all week.

Feast of St Lucia; December: If you like sausages, you'll love this festival - it's dedicated to the humble Italian delicacy.

Romance: Take your lover by the hand, jump on a ferry and spend the night in Capri, or head to the marina for a candle-lit dinner overlooking the Bay of Naples. 

Relaxing: Town centre cafés are ideal places to enjoy a few small dishes of food and a glass of wine as you watch the world pass by.

Shopping: Dispersed among the tourist shops are some great little bookshops where you can pick out the next novel to lose yourself in by the pool. 

Active types: Rock climbing is a popular pastime around the bay, or you can try your hand at parasailing for unrivalled views.

Kids and teens: Head for Pompeii - you'll stumble upon a lifetime of history lessons in one day at one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.