Sorrento: From the Greeks to Caruso, Passing Through the Romans

A Long Weekend to Discover the Pearls of Campania

By Massimo Terracina

Many songs have been dedicated, in every era, to Sorrento—“Là dove il mare luccica e spira forte il vento…”—and every note brings us back to the famous tenor, Enrico Caruso.

Just before Sorrento, overlooking the Gulf, in the neighboring municipality of Sant’Agnello, where the scenery includes Vesuvius, Naples, Capri, Punta Campanella, the Gallo Lungo islands, Catelluccia, and Vetara Rock—in the same sea where Ulysses met the Sirens and gave rise to the Greek colonies—there is a jewel of hospitality: the 5-star Hotel Mediterraneo.

Grandmother Etta’s House

From one of the terraces of the old house of Achille Lauro’s sister, Antonietta (“Grandmother Etta”), we imagine the great tenor gazing at the Gulf, moved by the beauty of the landscape. Although in reality, Caruso, disheartened by Neapolitan audiences who once booed him, never returned—except to die in his hometown, staying instead in Sorrento.

Today, that house in Sant’Agnello is not just a hotel—it is the 5-star Mediterraneo.
«My great-grandmother's house was converted into a hotel by her six children. For a long time, the Terminus (that was its name) was a 3-star hotel, then a 4-star. When we took over in 1999, we completely renovated it into this, let me say, 5-star jewel», explains Pietro Monti, Marketing Director.

With only 61 rooms, including 4 Junior Suites and 4 Family Rooms, the hotel offers a warm, timeless welcome. Half the rooms overlook the back park with its winter garden and swimming pool, while the others face the Gulf of Naples with stunning views of Vesuvius and the islands.

Key elements of the Monti family’s hospitality include the Vista Sky Bar, Vesuvio Restaurant, and the cozy Le Pietre Spa.

Sorrento Like Miami and New York: Rooftop Life at the Vista Sky Bar

«We opened the rooftop to share this breathtaking view of the Gulf,» says Francesco Monti, Resident Manager.
Finger food, drinks, live music, DJ sets, spectacular sunsets, and breezy evenings create the perfect prologue to dinner at the restaurant, run by young Chef Nicola Celentano, our culinary reference. There's also the outdoor pool, where you can try Sorrento-style pizza by Benito Iaccarino, now in his 53rd season. Expect unexpected flavors—from pumpkin seeds and ricotta to lemon zest and more.

A strong sense of belonging is found in the passion of those who guide you through the city and its surroundings.

Back to Surriento…

Sorrento should be explored not just for the filming locations of “Bread, Love and…” starring Sophia Loren and Vittorio De Sica, but for its vibrant charm. A walking tour starts at the Piazza Tasso, perched atop tuff cliffs, hiding lush valleys below.

«Walking and discovering the city is a must», says Monti. The landscape is filled with citrus groves, gardens, and seascapes. Lucio Dalla, who loved Sorrento and performed there when young, is remembered in graffiti on the road to Marina Grande: “he came from the sea”.

Marina Grande now features colorful houses and quaint restaurants, replacing the old shipyards. Marina Piccola is the main port, linking Sorrento with the Gulf and nearby islands. Let’s not forget—Torquato Tasso, the famous poet, was born here.

Everything here evokes citrus, majolica ceramics, and vibrant colors—white, blue, green, yellow—with central streets full of shops selling local products.

Local Culinary Experiences

In Campania, food is an art—and you feel it at the Hotel Mediterraneo. The Terrazza Mediterraneo Bistrot offers Italian cuisine with 100% Italian ingredients (even the caviar comes from Brescia).

From Carciofi alla Giudìa (Roman-style artichokes) to Vitello Tonnato, Milanese Cutlet, and Eggplant Parmigiana, the menu—crafted by Chef Alessandro Bisconti—is a perfect introduction for international guests to the regional diversity of the Bel Paese.

Dinner at the Vesuvio Panoramic Restaurant, on the hotel’s upper floors, offers something different. Here, Chef Nicola Celentano creates refined dishes using local IGP and DOP products from the Sorrento Peninsula, reimagined with innovative techniques and artistic flair.

Notable dishes include the Signature Vesuvio—a soft ricotta heart inside a fried zucchini flower resting on a potato chip—and the Finto Pomodoro, a “fake tomato” that reveals a mousse of eggplant parmigiana. For simpler tastes, there’s Oro di Mare: Gragnano linguine with sea urchins, razor clams, and a fennel aroma balanced by bittersweet broccoli.

Pizza & Gelato Lessons

You can even learn how to make pizza under Benito’s expert guidance. His creations—featuring lemon peel, zucchini flowers, and stracciatella—are unique.
«Sorrento pizza is lighter than Neapolitan pizza—lower crust, crispier slice—thanks to wider ovens and a different climate», says Benito.
He also uses the local “Sorrento braid” mozzarella, made from cow’s milk, which adds to its distinct taste.

Or join Tersa at the Bouganville Gelateria on the main street, where in one hour she’ll teach you how to make artisan gelato at home—no special equipment needed.

Beach & Sea

An elevator carved into the rock takes you from the hotel to its private beach, La Marinella, where you can relax or board a typical gozzo boat to explore Capri, Positano, Amalfi, and more.

A Whole Different Story

You’ll return home with a new perspective on all that Campania—too often underestimated—has to offer. And you’ll understand why the hotel’s slogan is so fitting:
“A whole different story!”