60km (38 miles) S of Naples

Much less traveled, the tip of the Sorrentine peninsula is also the most authentic. Villages -- sometimes little more than handfuls of houses -- dot the rocky coast and cliffs, and you'll find peace and quiet even in the middle of the summer season. Such a surprising feat has been accomplished via mundane means: terrible roads and transportation. The train stops in Sorrento, and the main loop road (SS 145) passes through Sant'Agata sui due Golfi, but bypasses Massa Lubrense completely, swerving back toward the coast on the other side of the peninsula to rejoin SS 163, the famous Amalfi Drive. The result is a little-visited, though ruggedly beautiful corner that feels more remote than it is. You can easily visit the whole area in 1 day; yet, once you have arrived, you'll hardly want to leave.