Monday 6th May 2019
Our delightful rural campsite situated a stone’s throw from the sea and a small busy marina is close to the town of Vico Equense, the first town along the Sorrentine peninsula in a relatively quiet part of this spectacular part of Italy but nevertheless in an ideal position to reach and explore the many tourist sites, such as Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Sorrento, Positano and the beautiful Amalfi coast, as well as Ischia, the island of Capri and the Il Sentiero degli Dei, the Path of the Gods, a walking trail along a mountain ridge high above the sea and if that isn’t enough Scrajo, a spa with large thermal baths, access to the beach and sulphur water pools a drive away.
Vico Equense has superb links by boat, train, road and bus to all these major attractions. Although to access the train or bus you need to first access the main part of the town, the historic centre, which is set on the cliff top, overlooking the sea and the tiny marina and Porto di Seiano, where the campsite is. To that end we decided to take the shortest walking route, which is not along the main approach road but out of along the marina road passed the 2 Michelin Star restaurant, Torre Dei Saracino.
Then along Via Torretta which weaves its way up a series of steep stone steps towards the town. It takes approximately 20 minutes or so and in our case a few pauses to catch our breath on the climb 😉
After reaching the tunnel under the Corso Flangieri road we took the flight of stairs up to the road to follow it around the coast and take in the views, although you can carry on this route and into the town if you prefer.
First stop Villetta Paradiso to admire the spectacular scenery.
Onwards past Hotel Sporting we found Santissima Annuziata viewing terrace and the pretty 14th century Catholic Church with its Gothic architecture and bell tower.
We continued towards the Castello Giusso but discovered that it is now residencies and we weren’t allowed admittance so made our way along narrow shady streets towards our final stop Vista Panoramica Vico Equense at the Piazzetta dei Monumento, not far from the main train station in the town.
Vico Equense was much busier than we had anticipated but as the coast road weaves its way through the town that would be why.
We also sampled the local version of pizza which is sold by the meter or half meter.
This type of pizza is very popular in the area and the original version can still be enjoyed at Da Gigino Pizza a Metro – L’università della Pizza.