We have stayed several times in Meta, in an apartment in an orchard, in a historic building and perched high up on the top of the cliff. In all of these, we had lovely holidays. This time we decided to be nearer the Circumvesuviana station and within easy walking distance of our friends that live in Piano. Grazia`s apartment fulfilled all our requirements.

On a sunny, somewhat blusterous day in the last week in April, Grazia met us at the station, which is a few minutes’ walk from the apartment. Her husband and daughter were also there to show us around and explain how everything worked. This is where the family lives a lot of the time, in the summer. During the four weeks we stay here, we lived as we do at home, preparing most of the meals ourselves and eating out two or three times a week. For this, the apartment is well equipped. There are several food shops within a short walking distance. Crai supermarket in Via Caracciolo has a fairly good selection, especially fruit and vegetables. There is a small Deco supermarket on the main road, Corso Italia and a little further along there is a very good fish shop, a butcher, a bakery, a lady’s hairdresser, a barber and towards Piano, there is a Carrefour supermarket, beside Banco di Napoli with an ATM. A further ten minutes’ walk along the main road and you come to the large Sisa supermarket in Piano. They have a very big selection of food and wines, including a good butchery and ready prepared take-away food.

It costs just € 1,20 on the train or bus into Sorrento. The bus stop is right outside the apartment. There are several good restaurants in Meta; three of our favourites being La Conca, Tico Tico and Golden Beach – all of these are down beside the beach. Another lovely restaurant, with reasonable prices, is Il Cantuccio in Massa Lubrense. It is away from the rather overcrowded Sorrento and has magnificent views towards Capri. Simply take Bus A from the stop opposite the apartment and get off at the last stop in Massa Lubrense. The restaurant is just a few yards from the bus stop. If you are first in Massa Lubrense, the walk down to the little harbour is very rewarding.

The apartment is comfortably furnished and the terrace with lots of lovely flowering plants, is sunny most of the daytime but also has a nice shaded area for dining. The TV has the Sky package and it was nice to follow the Giro d`Italia and watch the odd football game.

Thank you Grazia and look forward to seeing you again.