Southern Italy boasts some of Italy’s finest food and drink and a trip here wouldn’t be complete without trying:
Top Food Italy
FRESH SEAFOOD:
If the aquamarine waters don’t convince you then walk past any restaurant and smell the delicious aromas emanating from it - the seafood here is amongst the freshest and tastiest in Europe. Try ‘spaghetti alle vongole’ (with clams), ‘spaghetti marinara’ (with a mix of shellfish), calamari, simple grilled fish or any other sea creature that takes your fancy, you won’t be disappointed.
PIZZA:
A big battle exists throughout Italy as to who has the best pizza, but it originates from Naples and the Campania region (where Sorrento is situated) and it is here that the most delicious pizza is said to exist. The pizza here is fluffier, fresher and more delicious than anywhere else, loaded with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella and, at around 5€ for a huge magherita, is a culinary experience you shouldn’t miss.
DELICATESSENS:
The delicatessens in Southern Italy are full of the freshest locally produced produce that they are only too happy to allow you to sample. The finest example is in Ravello where a huge panino full of creamy mozzarella, prosciutto, sundried tomatoes and succulent artichoke will set you back a whopping…4€ - snacktastic!
GRANITA:
A traditional Southern Italian drink/dessert, this mix of crushed ice and lemon is the most refreshing way to cool down in the Sorrentine heat. Also available in coffee flavour for an explosive start to the day.
LIMONCELLO:
This potent liqueur is traditionally made from the zest of Sorrento lemons and 96% alcohol! Said to aid digestion, it is available in wide variety of flavours including Lemon crème, melon, chocolate and liquorice but the original one (my favourite) is plain old lemon and it will knock your socks off! There is a myriad of Limoncello shops to chose from, but the venue for our Limoncello tasting on the first night creates Limoncello to a traditional recipe and quality and, when its available for as little as 10€ a bottle, is a fab souvenir (but may not survive the journey home un-drunk!)
WINE:
I’m a huge fan of Southern Italian wine and coming on the adventure and not sampling a few drops would be a crime against your palate for any wine lover. If you don’t like wine then try it here, it really might change your mind. The local grape of the region is the Aglianico grape (red) but any wine merchant worth his salt can offer you expert advice on local wines at a range of prices to suit you (for more info see highlights!)
Top Bars Italy
CHANTECLERS:
Sorrento parties in the same way it lives, relaxed. Chanteclers is a little bar with a penchant for Hemingway, hidden down one of the side streets off the main square. Luigi, an expert bar man who had his own bar in London for 8 years, will mix you up any of a huge range of gorgeous cocktails for just 5€ each, more than cheap enough for us to pick up the pace a bit and party Busabout style, hooray!
IRISH BAR:
No-one really knows its name, but it’s loud, proud and full of expats. If the pace at Chanteclers is a little too chilled out for you after a few Capirinhas head on down here for a few pints of the black stuff, some cool music and a bit of intercultural exchange via the emerald isle.
PLUS ROMA BAR:
The late night bar at Plus Camping Roma is the perfect place for us to finish off our final night on the Italian adventure – work off those sausages after the bbq and head to the bar and Marco, Christian and Roberto’s well priced drinks, live music and the chance to mingle with the other campers and discover a whole new adventure waiting to happen, alla Romana!
PLACES FOR COFFEE:
CAPRI PORT:
Go to one of the many cafes along the sea front for excellent Capuccino. Alternatively try the super strong coffee granita and teem it with a white chocolate croissant (‘cornetto’) – delicious!!
CAPRI TOWN/ANA CAPRI
Head away from the main squares and indulge in a coffee whilst people watching, the ultimate Italian pastime.