Meta is the first town on the Sorrentine Peninsula that you reach after taking on the curves along Punta Scutolo from Vico Equense, which offer unforgettable glimpses of this picturesque stretch of coast that features dramatic cliffs rising directly above the sea all the way to Punta Campanella and the island of Capri on the horizon.
Like the other towns on the Amalfi Coast, Meta is divided into two areas, one higher (Mulino) that centers along Corso Italia, and one lower (Casale) that is a warren of narrow lanes descending towards the water's edge.
Meta di Sorrento is the town with the largest beaches on the peninsula and the only sandy beach in the area. These sandy beaches make it a popular destination in the summer months for both tourists and locals.
Sights in Meta
As soon as you arrive in town, you'll be struck by the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria del Lauro, dedicated to the Madonna del Lauro, patron saint of sailors. Since the 9th century, Meta has been known for its sea-faring local, and these traditions continue today. Heading down towards the sea, you can explore the narrow lanes in the historic center until you reach the town's beaches, by far its most popular attractions. Be sure to take a moment to visit the Chiesa dell'Assunta and the Cappella degli Angeli Custodi, both also located in the historic center of town.
Should I stay in Meta?
Meta is ideal if you plan on spending your holiday relaxing on the beach. It's the only town on the peninsula with hotels and B&Bs directly on the water's edge or just a few steps away. It also is well-connected by public transportation and you can easily get to Sorrento.
To get around by public transportation, you can:
take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples, and Sorrento
take the Sita bus to the Amalfi Coast (there are direct routes to Positano and Amalfi)
take the EAV bus to Sorrento and Massa Lubrense
Unfortunately, the town has no port so to reach Capri or take a boat tour you need to depart from Piano or Sorrento. There are a number of boat companies that offer the option of hotel pickup in Meta.
Dining in Meta
Tavernetta 58: a gourmet restaurant in a historic palazzo with a secret internal garden where you can dine al fresco
Try: the chef's tasting menu
Location: Via Angelo Cosenza 56
Tel: 081 8086605
Da Ninuccio: landmark local pizzeria that also serves traditional dishes
Try: their famed giant crocchè, served in a variety of ways
Dove: Casa Iaccarino 37
Tel: 081 5321436
La Conca: a beach restaurant in Meta where you can dine on the water's edge
Try: the fish and vegetable millefeuille and other fish and seafood dishes
Location: III Traversa Alimuri, Via del Mare
Tel:081 5321436
Beaches in Meta
The beaches in Meta are among the most popular on the Sorrentine Peninsula because they are spacious and sandy, not the tiny rock-lined inlets in Piano di Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, and Sorrento.
Meta's seafront is divided into two areas: “Alimuri” and “Resegone”. Alimuri has a pebble beach while Resegone has sand. Both have beach clubs and small free beaches. Parking is available in both areas (but fill up early each morning) and there's a footpath that connects the two areas. In high season (mid-June to September), you must book your spot on the beach in advance. Some beach clubs like La Marinella offer online booking systems.