Sorrento is an idyllic Italian coastal town in the Bay of Naples - dominated by the impressive sight of Mount Vesuvius. Conveniently within reach of Naples, the Amalfi Coast and the ancient ruins of Pompeii, Sorrento is packed with old buildings and museums and churches, as well as more outdoor destinations like Capri and Vesuvius itself. The sheer variety, Mediterranean climate and laidback Italian lifestyle means it is great for kids, and renting a villa or apartment means it can be a low cost destination too.

Sorrento itself has a small town centre which is easy to walk around (though there are some steep slopes to climb), and you can spend hours exploring the shops and narrow streets. Limoncello is a local speciality, as is intarsia - an incredible artform consisting of inlaid wood. There are also many excellent restaurants in the town to suit every budget (La Lanterna Due's Seafood Platter is amazing), and no day can be complete without a glass of prosecco in one of the bars on Tasso Square. Sorrento's beaches are largely private, but with two ruined cities to discover (Pompeii and the more recently discovered Herculaneum in the suburbs of Naples), Vesuvius to climb and the picturesque island of Capri just a short boat trip away, there's far too much to do to sit on the beach!

With villa rentals for a family of four starting from around £500 a week (often complete with private pool), Sorrento is a great place for a family holiday and this self-catered accommodation can work out much cheaper than a hotel. The extra space available in villas around the outskirts and outside the town gives the kids plenty of space to run around and let off steam, without distubring the older people who tend to make up the bulk of guests in the area's hotels. Also, self-catered accommodation gives you the money saving option to prepare packed lunches and occasional evening meals without having to eat out all the time. Not having to stick to a hotel's breakfast times also gives you greater flexibility for long day trips which might require an early start!