FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS

Soak up some of Campania’s most splendid seascapes on a scenic hike along the promontory of Punta Campanella, the westernmost cape of the Sorrentine peninsula. Jutting out towards the Tyrrhenian Sea, as if attempting to reach out and touch the island of Capri, Punta Campanella offers an unbeatable mix of history, legends and breathtaking panoramas. Hikers with experience at any level will enjoy a pleasant walk on an easy trail through unspoilt nature while listening to the myths and true stories related to this enchanting stretch of coast.

Meet your private guide and driver at your accommodation in Sorrento and relax on the ride to Termini. From here set out on an approximately 2-hour hike that will take you to the furthest point of the promontory and back to Termini. The route has certainly existed since ancient Roman times. Indeed this very same path was trodden by worshippers of the goddess Minerva, whose long-lost temple once stood at the tip of the headland. Today remains of a medieval watchtower mark your destination and stand as a reminder of the olden days of marauding pirates. The tower was originally built in the 1300s as a defence against Saracen attacks. This was an ideal spot from which to survey the bay and, in the event of incursions, warnings could be signalled to the people that lived along the coast by ringing a bell placed on top of the tower – the promontory’s designation may well derive from this fact, since the word campanella means “bell” in Italian. However, according to an intriguing legend, Punta Campanella’s name is associated with a raid and a storm. A long time ago, after landing in Sorrento, Saracen pirates plundered the Church of Sant’Antonio and brought back to their ship everything they could possibly carry, including the bells. As the pirates were sailing past the promontory of Punta Campanella on February 14th, in an attempt to escape with their loot, they were caught in a violent tempest that caused the ship to sink. It is said that since then, every year on St. Valentine’s day, the bells can be heard as they toll from the seabed.

Take a long last look at the sweeping views stretching all the way to Capri’s dramatic cliffs before hiking back to Termini. Your chauffeur will pick you up and drive you to Sorrento after an action-packed morning of tales and trekking.