Continuing her short series of articles, Germaine Stafford suggests ten fun ways to enjoy this region famous for its gastronomy
1. Spend a weedend at Positano's Hotel San Pietro
Soak yourself in the timeless beauty of this jewel of a hotel, set in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Chef Alois Vanlangenaeker will ensure that dinner enjoyed on the hotel’s famous terrace will be an event to remember. (Via Laurito, 2 (+39) 089 875 455 www.ilsanpietro.com).
2. Be a beach bum
Arm yourself with some eggs and potatoes and head across Ischiato the pretty thermal beach at La Baia di Sorgeto. Pop your provisions into one of the steaming 90°C pools near the shore and enjoy a mud treatment while lunch cooks. (www.ischiaonline.it)
3. Walk with the Gods
The Sentiero degli Dei is a mountain pathway linking Agerola to Positano that no trekking enthusiast should miss. A picnic is a must in this, some of the most breathtaking countryside in Italy. (www.giovis.com/sentdei.htm).
4. Read your Bible
Carla Capalbo’s extraordinary book The Food and Wine Guide to Naples and Campania has fast become a bible for food lovers all over Campania. Read it! (Pallas Athene Publishers).
5. Discover Procida
After a morning’s sightseeing on this beautiful island, stop off for lunch at Ristorante Gorgonia at the bay of Corricella. Try their spaghetti alla procidana with sea urchin and lemon. (Closed Nov. – March.)(Via Marina Corricella, 50 (+39) 081 8101060)
6. Shake it all about!
Time to kill between trains at Napoli’s central station? Hide your wallet in your undies and nip outside for an excellent café frappé at Bar Mexico, fifty metres away in Piazza Garibaldi. (Piazza Garibaldi, 71).
7. Visit a mozzarella farm
La Tenuta Vannulo near Paestum is an organic farm that produces some of the best mozzarella in Campania. While stocking up on cheese, take a seat and enjoy some of their luscious yoghurts and ice creams, all made on the premises. (Contrada Vannulo (+39) 0828 724765, www.vannulo.it).
8. Chill out
At Gelateria Gabriele in Vico Equense, construct yourself a wickedly wonderful lunch. Fill a tub with limoncello-soaked babàs, and top with scoops of freshly made ice cream. Decorate with whipped cream, chopped nuts and tiny wild strawberries. (Corso Umberto I (+39) 081 8016234).
9. Savour Sorrento
Visit Il Buco,a gem of a restaurant whose warm welcome and seriously good food will have you coming back for more. In summer, eat outside at tables surrounded by jasmine. (II Rampa Marina Piccola, 5 (+39) 081 8782354 www.ilbucoristorante.it)
10. Buy a bottle
Near the Reggia di Caserta sits one of Italy’s most respected wine shops, Enoteca La Botte. Let owner Vincenzo Ricciardi help you choose from the 20,000 labels on offer. (Via Nazionale Appia 168 (+39)0823 494040 www.enotecalabotte.it)
