The northern part of Campania has always fascinated travellers. Not only does it have Naples, Vesuvius, Pompei and Herculaneum, but also the lovely islands of Ischia, Capri and Procida, and, famous for their breathtaking beauty, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

It conjures up pictures of stunningly beautiful and spectacular coastlines, with rugged cliffs, beaches and aquamarine sea. We recognise images of brightly coloured houses, cascading down hillsides, and narrow alleyways, containing fashionable boutiques, shops, cafés and bars, intermingled with fruit and vegetable shops, butchers, bakers, fishmongers and grocers. There are exclusive resorts, cheek by jowl with interesting and lively working harbours. There are quiet restaurants, looking out over a serene sea and there is bustling nightlife. Every place is photogenic, seemingly straight off a postcard. It can be exciting and busy, romantic and peaceful, a place of dreams.

It is easy to leave the car and get about on the frequent buses, or on the boats, which offer “lifts'' between one resort and another. One can eat very well. Fresh fish is, of course, especially good, as are the pizzas and local wine.

Positano attracts the wealthy, to stroll through its tangle of narrow streets, to the square and beach at the bottom. One of the few large expanses of beach on the Amalfi Coast, it thrives on its reputation as the most fashionable resort and has a fascinating café and restaurant life.

Praiano, only 6km away, is less well-known and is built on a smaller scale, but also has little alleyways, which wind down to the sea and boasts one of the most spectacular views of the coast.

The characterful Amalfi is always a great place to “people watch” and potter. Dominated by the beautiful Duomo (Cathedral) and latticed with little streets, leading down to the harbour and lively promenade, it is quaint and picturesque.

Around the headland is the pretty and quite special Atrani. Smaller and quieter than Amalfi, it is tucked into the coast.

Ravello, sits 355m above sea level and has panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. Many people's favourite place, amongst its winding streets and cobbled, stepped pathways, there are many beautiful old villas and palazzi , with romantic gardens, to explore and stunningly beautiful vistas that stretch all the way down to the sea.

Sorrento, perched high above the sea, and with superb views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, has always been a favourite with the British. Yet, for all its popularity, it has retained its charm. It is a delight to meander through its narrow streets, browse in its many interesting shops and eat in the excellent restaurants. Just a few kilometres out of the town, the Sorrento Peninsula, which reaches out towards Capri, is a rural landscape of lemon groves and olive trees, on terraced hillsides, which tumble down towards the sea.

The lovely island of Ischia is green and varied, with a fertile interior, dominated by an extinct and rugged volcano. Its beautiful beaches, spas, thermal waters, tropical gardens, lively harbours and quaint old ports make it an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Try combining a week on Ischia with a week on the Amalfi Coast, for a really superb treat.

Naples is vibrant and exciting. Dominated by the majesty of Vesuvius and the beautiful bay, the heart of the city is a wonderful place to explore, on foot - the Royal Palace, the Palazzo Plebiscito with the Church of San Francesco di Paola, Castel Nuovo, the Duomo and countless other churches. Go shopping in the famous Gallerie, with their fabulous boutiques. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, reputed to house one of the finest collections of Greek and Roman treasures in the world. Sample some of Naples' delicious food and wines. This city certainly has style.