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Nature to explore

About half of Relais Regina Giovanna is covered with olive trees, from which we produce our own oil according to the DOP standards. All our trees, over 4,000 of them, belong to the local “Minucciola” variety and thrive thanks to the fertile soil and the rich biodiversity of the surrounding environment. Three of them are centuries-old trees, affectionately known as our “patriarchs,” and are estimated to be around 700 years old!

The remainder of the land is divided between vegetable and fruit production—for both our restaurant’s kitchen and for preserves—and ornamental gardens interwoven with patches of Mediterranean scrub, the native evergreen ecosystem that, when left undisturbed, fosters biodiversity.

Many of our walking paths border extensive areas where Mediterranean scrub has been actively restored to enrich the habitat—benefiting both the wild flora and our agricultural plots. Planted species include myrtle, mastic, strawberry tree, rosemary, rockrose, buckthorn, spurge, and downy oak—plants once native but reintroduced here to balance natural and cultivated areas and to enhance the rural landscape. Our restoration project was selected and funded by the Campania Region under the National Rural Development Plan.

This scrubland also provides refuge for wildlife: many bird species reside here year‑round, while others pause during migration to rest, feed, and continue onward. We host birds free of charge!

 

Lemons & preserves

Scattered throughout the estate are countless lemon trees, cultivated under the “IGP Lemon of Sorrento” regulations. To achieve staggered ripening, many trees are sheltered beneath traditional Sorrentine pergolas—chestnut‑wood poles covered with dark nets that protect against winter winds and provide springtime shade, delaying fruit maturation so that fresh lemons are available “out of season” in summer. From these lemons we produce both our signature limoncello and the jam that makes our restaurant’s desserts (and more) truly special.

 

Orchards & vineyards

On leisurely strolls you will encounter plum, apricot, fig, pomegranate, apple, and walnut trees—continually expanded with new varieties to enhance biodiversity and increase our home‑grown fresh fruit supply, which we serve to guests and transform into preserves.

At a sunny high point of the estate, vineyards of Aglianico and Piedirosso grapes stretch across gentle rows, yielding fruit for our estate wines.

 

Animal family

In a sheltered, elevated area you’ll find our stables and pastures, home to our spirited equine trio—Talento and Sugarina, two lively, intelligent horses, plus Fiocco the pony and Giusy the little donkey.

Nearby, four sheep graze peacefully in a meadow while Cleopatra, our large Maremma shepherd dog, stands guard—mildly but attentively, recognizing every corner of the estate and each call, even those of our barn cats. Princess, Zarina, Spilla, and Lilly roam freely, perching on stone walls and appearing whenever they please, as only country cats can.

 

A scent of earth, wood, life, and sea

Relais Regina Giovanna is a place where time passes slowly, yet every moment is rich—with the scents of soil, firewood, living creatures, and the sea weaving together in an unforgettable tapestry of rural charm.

Discover also
Decorative greenery: Margaret’s garden

In 2022, some 3,000 m² of the property were entrusted to landscape designer Margaret Scaramella.

Organic agriculture

We manage our grounds according to the principles of organic farming, minimizing environmental impact.

Glimpses of Sorrento