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Travel

Christmas in Sorrento

On the first day of December, the magnificent Christmas tree in Sorrento’s main square, Piazza Tasso, is switched on to herald the start of festivities that last until 7 January. Every building and tree on the square is decorated with lights to create a magical setting and holiday spirit that flows through the surrounding streets and narrow lanes.

Santa’s Village, a Snow Village, traditional nativity scenes, stalls and musicians all waiting to be discovered. Add Christmas-themed events including concerts, shows and the festive mood is complete, well almost.

Finding the perfect Christmas present is all part of the festive spirit and there is no shortage of ideas in Sorrento. From Italian fashion boutiques along Corso Italia to artisan shops in the lanes of the old town, you will find that ‘something special’ for your nearest and dearest.

Should the idea of visiting Sorrento at Christmas get your jingle bells ringing, then we can offer a customised itinerary with time for shopping in Sorrento, Positano and Naples or Capri.
View our Festive Itinerary

We thank ProWalk Tours for sharing video clips from their excellent “Sorrento, Italy Christmas Lights Walking Tour” from 2021. View the full 50 minute walk, and others, on ProWalk’s YouTube Channel.

xmas-ribbons-reverse

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Vale Pre-Loved


Fashionistas love to view the latest collections by leading fashion designers in Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazzar and other magazines. Some search the internet hoping perhaps to discover some of these creations becoming available as a result of wardrobe downsizing or updating. The finds can often be tempting, but what about the fitting, condition and true colours?

ralph lauren top
Ralph Lauren
tweed jacket
Holland Cooper

Imagine if some of those fashion pieces and accessories were brought together under one roof to be viewed up close and tried for size. Labels such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Prada, Saint Laurent, Cartier, Dior, Burberry et al, waiting to be appreciated and loved again.

gucci boots
Gucci
dolce cabana handbag
Dolce Cabbana

Well, such a cornucopia of high fashion exists under the name Vale Pre-Loved located in the heart of Cowbridge. Elizabeth Lewis, or Liz to many friends and customers, used her entrepreneurial experience to establish a source of designer labels available to everyone. At the same time providing a high street and digital presence for quality fashion merchandise seeking new owners.

Moschino
Needle & Thread

A full range of seasonal fashion statements for all occasions is continually updated with accessories by Gucci, YSL, Versace and other leading brands. To keep customers up to date with new arrivals Liz makes regular video presentations as well as posting photos on Facebook.

Who knows, you may even discover the very item you fancied while browsing through those fashion magazines. After all, style and quality always remain in vogue.

So why not treat yourself to a Bella Figura day in Cowbridge with time for a cappucino or a negroni cocktail.

Elizabeth - Owner

Vale Pre-Loved
13 High Street
Cowbridge
CF71 7AD
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Travel

Friends of Sorrento


Friends of Sorrento brings you first hand experience and local knowledge after 23 years of visits to Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. Discover places to visit, where to eat, fashion hotspots, best locations for cocktails at sunset, events, cooking classes, wine tasting and lots more to make your holiday an experience to treasure. We have built an enviable reputation for a very personalised service before and during visits. This has been achieved by working directly with the leading providers of accommodation, transport, tours and associated services based in Sorrento.

Tours to Pompeii Vesuvius and Herculaneum
Capri cruise from Sorrento

In addition to hotel accommodation advice we offer 28 carefully selected excursions for visitors to experience the very best of Sorrento, Amalfi coast and the Bay of Naples. Just select those of interest and we will email prices and availability for the days of your visit. Bookings and secure online payment are made directly with our provider based in Sorrento (Est 1957) with whom we work exclusively and where our information desk is also located. Friends of Sorrento offers discounts on multiple choice, family and group bookings with full refunds on cancellations made 24/48 hours before the excursion. Here is the link to the excursions page.

If you are thinking of visiting Sorrento and the Amalfi coast we will be pleased to answer any queries you may have.

Ciao for now

Richard Edwards
Friends of Sorrento
Cowbridge

Travel, Well Being

Travel vaccination

Money, tickets, passports. Vaccinations ?!

For holiday destinations requiring vaccinations it’s never been easier to seek advice. Cowbridge Pharmacy offers a one-stop shop to make the whole process part of the holiday preparations. The details are provided below and should you require more information regarding the the necessary injections for your destination we have also provided links at the bottom of the page.

Now that didn’t hurt a bit. Bon voyage !

cowbridge pharmacy

Country list

NHS Guidelines

Sorrento Exclusive Holidays

Archive

Cowbridge Music Festival

cowbridge-music-festival-2020

Cowbridge Music Festival has been an outstanding success (with recordings on BBC Radio) and every year promises another lineup of world-class performers providing classical, contemporary, jazz and folk music to suit all tastes.

Here is the programme of events for 2026.