Italy’s gritty port city of Naples has attracted visitors since ancient times.

Today, it’s the gateway to the amazing Amalfi coast, and tourist hotspots like the cliffside village of Positano. And it’s also close to  the ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried beneath the volcanic ashes spewed by Mount Vesuvius, during an eruption nearly 2,000 years ago.  

But a settlement that’s even closer to Naples has been named one of Europe’s best seaside towns.  And, despite its convenient location, it doesn’t get many visitors from Britain.  

The town in question is the Neapolitan neighbourhood of Posillipo. This rocky promontory – with stunning views across the bay of Naples to the island of Capri – was an imperial resort in Roman times.

Today, it’s a classy seaside suburb of Italy‘s third-biggest city.  Its name is derived from an ancient Greek word meaning “respite from worry” – and it still offers some welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Naples.

It’s a popular spot with that vibrant city’s denizens, who decamp to Posillipo at weekends. And it’s easy to see why Conde Naste Traveller has named it one its favourite beach towns in Europe. 

However, it is largely an upmarket residential area and is a hotchpotch of beautiful homes – including picturesque palaces and villas – that are piled atop a peninsula.   Unsurprisingly, these properties don’t come cheap

Villas here can cost £5 million and upwards.  But the inhabitants of these incredible homes can access the sea from private lifts that descend the cliff face. 

And they get to watch the sun set behind Vesuvius. However, you can join them – and accommodation is still available on www.booking.com for next weekend.   

Two nights for two people in a ‘comfort Queen Room’ at the BW Signature Collection Hotel Paradiso can be booked for £334 –  or £361 including a “good” breakfast.