"The day was extremely fine: the view of Castellammare and Sorrento that seemed so close was delightful.
My companions were quite rapturous in praise of their native place: some asserted that without a sight of the sea it was impossible to live.
To me it is quite enough that I have its image in my soul, and so, when the time comes, I shall safely return to my mountain home"
Between the sea and the mountain
The name “Castel-a-mare” was firstly used in the Middle Ages when a majestic castle was built in the shadow of the Faito mountain to overlook ‘the city by the sea’. The mountain, 1100 m high, offers stunning sights of the city and seascape, and can be easily reached by cable car in about 8 minutes.
Archaeology
The ancient city of Stabiae (this was its Latin name) was an important center from the Archaic period up until the eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 AD. Until then, Stabiae had hosted prestigious villas inhabited by Roman aristocrats who owned luxurious residences on the Gulf of Naples and the coastline of the Sorrento Peninsula. Today you can visit Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna, on the hill of Varano, that were buried in volcanic ash during the eruption but still retain the ancient rooms and marvellous frescoes that have made Stabiae famous all around the world.
The Royal Palace
The city houses a prestigious royal palace, now open to visitors, whose current appearance dates back to the intervention of King Charles III of Bourbon (1716-1788) who chose to reside here during the summer days because of the healthy and fresh air of Castellammare.
Thermal waters
The extraordinary thermal waters of Castellammare were already used by the ancient Romans for their healing properties. In fact, the city hosts as many as 28 springs! This, along with its scenic and archaeological beauties, was one of the main reasons why Castellammare di Stabia was chosen as a one of the Grand Tour stops. The modern city offers a wonderful thermal park that is temporarily closed.
The Amenities
On the promenade and by the harbour there are numerous restaurants and fish taverns. Here you can choose from a wide variety of restaurants offering sophisticated as well as local cuisines. You will also find bars, pizzerias and gelaterias renowned throughout the region for their excellent Italian gelato. Along the coast connecting Castellammare to Vico Equense there are numerous beaches, great for swimming and sunbathing.
Where we are
The city where the journey starts, where it ends and also where to stop by when discovering other destinations…
Castellammare di Stabia rises within the Gulf of Naples and is located between the city of Pompeii and along the access road to the Sorrento Peninsula. As in the Roman age, when the city used to be a strategic center for the connections between the sea and the hinterland, Castellammare still represents, alternatively, a starting point, the end of the journey and also a place where to stop by when discovering other destinations. From here, Naples is just 25 km away, Sorrento is 18 km, Amalfi is 30 km, Positano is 25 km … and Pompeii is only 4 km!
“Chiaja art & relais” is located at the beginning of the city’s waterfront, in a strategic but quiet position, away from the noise of city traffic. Close to the beach, it is only one kilometre away from “Marina di Stabia”, the city’s little port.
During the summer, “Le Vie del Mare” provides transportation service from/to the Amalfi coast and Sorrento Peninsula. By taking the Alilauro ship, you can quickly reach Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Naples Beverello, Torre Annunziata, Seiano, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi.
Walking along the seafront, you will get to the harbour where ferries leave daily for Sorrento and Capri. A 15 minute walk brings you to the Circumvesuviana, a train service that allows you to easily reach Pompeii, Oplontis, Ercolano, Naples and Sorrento. In few minutes, you can also take the highway without driving through the city center.
