Italy is renowned for its natural beauty but it's also well-known for its heaving tourist numbers.

       As summer makes its way to Europe, so many Brits will be flocking to Italy, however, there’s a lesser-known spot that offers all the hallmarks of a perfect Italian break - that’s free from the crowds.

       An Italian travel expert has offered her inside knowledge, declaring this region as being a little-known coastal haven, minus the tourists.

       The expert shared the secret of this secluded spot holidaymakers should visit the next time they’re on the Amalfi Coast.

       Pippa Butcher at the travel company, Jules Verne, said Meta di Sorrento should be your next Italian port of call for a host of special reasons.

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       "From winding through the breathtaking Italian dolomites in search of an unspoilt picnic spot, to stumbling upon local restaurants carved into the cliffs of Meta di Sorrento, Italy is a spectacle like no other,” said Butcher.

       Adding: "Whilst during the summer months tourists flock to the Amalfi coast in their thousands and temperatures soar to beyond bearable, spring's cooler climate and empty towns make it an ideal time to venture away from the popular sights and delve under the skin of Italy’s charm."

       Butcher recommends a visit to Meta di Sorrento, or simply ？Meta, which is a quaint town on Italy's Sorrento Peninsula, which lies along the Gulf of Naples in the Campania region, a mere hour drive from the heart of Amalfi.

       The region serves up some idyllic turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines and warm welcomes felt throughout.

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       Meta is found only three miles from the centre of Sorrento and is a stark contrast compared to its more illustrious neighbour in terms of crowds.

       This peaceful spot even serves as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast and is divided into two distinct areas, namely an upper and lower part.

       At the higher part you will find the Mulino is the higher part, that centres along the Corso Italia, whereas the lower part, known as Casale, features a host of narrow lanes located near the town's coastline.

       It's the lower part where tourists will often flock to with the region’s largest beaches on the Sorrento Peninsula attracting a host of visitors.

       A visit to this spot and you’ll be met with some of the most magical views of the Mediterranean Sea and is generally less crowded compared to Amalfi Coast towns.

       Must-visit sights here include the religious building known as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Lauro or a gander around the old town with Baroque-style buildings to marvel at including the Villa Liguori and Palazzo Maresca.

       Nearby there’s also the hamlet of Alberi offering shaded trails to soak up the nature with mountain biking opportunities available too.

       One review on TripAdvisor wrote of this stunning Italian gem saying: “Well worth a visit, I would highly recommend.”