Margaret Hussey takes a trip to the Amalfi Coast, visiting the beautiful towns of Sorrento and Positano, and enjoying some of the best food and shopping in Italy

Where is it?

I stay at Villa Delfina in Nerano, a small fishing village about a 40-minute drive from both Positano and Sorrento, and an hour and a half south of Naples.

What’s the accommodation like?

A beautiful six-bedroom luxury modern villa set over many levels. Villa Delfina is exceptionally well furnished and kitted out, and includes a roof terrace with a hot tub, exercise bike and treadmill, as well as an outdoor heated pool.

There’s a wood-fired pizza oven, and you can book a chef to cook on nights when you want to stay in and chill. On-hand staff will also help with laundry, taxis and recommending restaurants and local spots, as well as providing the most delicious breakfasts.

What did you eat and drink?

Some of the best food and drink in Italy, from local speciality spaghetti alla Nerano (made with courgettes, provolone and basil) to the freshest tomatoes and seafood. Squid, prawns, octopus and sea bass are in abundance.

Lemons are everywhere, too. The local limoncello liqueur and limoncello spritz are must-haves, as is the lemon sorbet served in a scooped-out lemon – a tourist favourite in Amalfi.

Other specialities include graffe – a doughnut made with potato, flour and sugar, which tastes surprisingly better than it sounds. And lupini – beans used as a snack – which are now viewed as a superfood.

What is there to do?

Swimming and sunbathing at the local secluded beaches, and sailing along the coast to admire the beautiful pastel-coloured houses, villas and jaw-dropping scenery.

Shopping in Sorrento is fantastic for beautiful leather bags, belts and shoes at great prices, as well as really good olive oil and chocolate.

What do I need to pack?

Walking shoes – there are a lot of hilly roads – and water shoes for the beaches, as they’re mostly pebbly. Temperatures can hit 40 degrees in the summer, so think cool linen and other light fabrics, plus a throw/wrap for chillier evenings.

Lasting memory

The people, food, culture and attitude to life. Everyone embraces la dolce vita and their happiness is infectious.

Sainsbury’s magazine insider tip

Take a big bag if possible. You’ll want to bring back the delicious and reasonably priced wine, olive oil, honey and pesto – and the hand-luggage limits will frustrate you.