Vico Equense Holidays

Romans were the first tourists attracted to this humble, clifftop town – building their grand summer villas here. Fast forward thousands of years and this place is still charming holidaymakers with its panoramic views, authentic restaurants and cliff-backed beaches. Plus, it’s got some big-name neighbours – half an hour’s drive in either direction will get you to Sorrento and Pompeii.

Vico Equense may be perched on top of a cliff, but it doesn’t fall short in the beach department. There are a couple of coves cut into the craggy shoreline below, which you can reach via steep steps or the bus. The closest is a sand-and-shingle stretch, with calm, sheltered waters and lounger-loaded jetties. Trace the coastline north and you’ll stumble upon even more, including one fed by thermal waters.

This place goes heavy on the views, so have a camera ready at all times. The 7th-century necropolis just outside of town is worth a snap, too. A handful of stops up or down the train line, you’ve got buzzy Sorrento and time-frozen Pompeii. Plus, it’s just 15 minutes’ drive to Castellammare di Stabia, where you can hop on a cable car up the towering Monte Faito.