
Known as the “Land of the Sirens”, Massa Lubrense is a sunny and lively town on the Sorrento Peninsula that draws visitors with its stunning beaches and breathtaking natural scenery. Bathed by both the waters of the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Sorrento, Massa Lubrense is a territory rich not only in history, myths and traditions but also in spectacular natural heritage.
According to legend, the coastline of this charming town was home to the mythical sirens who attempted to seduce Ulysses during his journey back to Ithaca. In reality, the city was first a Greek colony and later a territory dominated by the ancient Romans, who built numerous villas here to spend their summers.
The name Massa Lubrense, however, has a truly distinctive origin. Massa derives from the brief Lombard domination and the Lombard term “mansa”, which indicated a place suited to cultivation, whilst “lubrense” comes from delubrum meaning temple, and was added later due to the presence of a cathedral church that stood on Fontanella beach.
Comprising 18 hamlets, the town of Massa Lubrense is a locality truly rich in history, set within a fascinating natural setting. The town boasts an extensive historical, architectural and natural heritage that allows you to alternate relaxing days at the seaside with days dedicated to walks and excursions.
Massa Lubrense was originally a small village that has, however, managed to preserve its authenticity and simplicity intact. Among the first stops to make in town is certainly the charming hamlet of Marina della Lobra1 and its lovely little harbour. Marina della Lobra is about 2 kilometres from Massa Centro and here the buildings have been constructed in Mediterranean style without spoiling the natural setting that characterises the territory. The Marina della Lobra port is very busy in summer and has also been home to a sailing club since 1973.
Right in front of the town harbour stands a large rock known as Scoglio Vervece2, which is a destination for diving and boat trips. Every September, a solemn ceremony is held here to remember those who have died at sea, during which a wreath is placed on the underwater statue of the Madonna located 11 metres deep.
Among the sites of interest not to be missed is the Area Marina Protetta di Punta Campanella3, which is home to the beautiful Baia di Ieranto (see below), a truly marvellous inlet on the coast that can only be reached on foot.
The territory of Massa Lubrense is crisscrossed by an extensive network of trails stretching over 100 km. Among these are ancient paths that are over two thousand years old. Many of these routes connect the various hamlets of the town, whilst others lead to the discovery not only of enchanting natural landscapes but also of archaeological remains, religious buildings and coastal towers.

Massa Lubrense boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Campania, which have repeatedly earned the Blue Flag award. This stretch of coast features predominantly pebbly beaches and small bays surrounded by lush vegetation.
Marina del Cantone is one of the largest beaches on the Sorrento Peninsula and is characterised by pebbly shores bathed by clear and crystalline seawaters. An ideal spot for those seeking a shoreline where they can sunbathe in peace, Marina del Cantone alternates areas of free beach with stretches equipped with beach clubs and various amenities.
At Marina del Cantone there are also numerous hotels and restaurants featuring beautiful terraces overlooking the sea from which to admire extraordinary views of the Gulf of Salerno.
The aforementioned Baia di Ieranto is a marvellous inlet nestled between Punta Campanella and Punta Penna. The beach, surrounded by lush and verdant vegetation, is made up of pebbles and is bathed by turquoise seawaters.
Considered the jewel of the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area, the bay cannot be reached by any type of motorised vessel to protect both the ecosystem and the flora and fauna heritage that it hosts, which includes rare fish and migratory bird species. It can only be reached on foot, along a beautiful trail starting from Nerano that offers marvellous views, or by canoe.
Thanks to these restrictions, the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano – Italian Environmental Fund) has been able to preserve this truly unspoilt area over time. The FAI also organises guided tours and nature activities to discover this veritable natural paradise.
Cala di Mitigliano is a peaceful beach of rocks and stones that offers fantastic views of the Island of Capri and Punta Campanella. The sea is clear and crystalline and along the coast you will find a cave much favoured by diving enthusiasts. In summer there is a small kiosk where you can buy sandwiches and drinks.
Cala di Mitigliano is reachable on foot or by car from the hamlet of Termini and is the ideal spot for those wishing to enjoy relaxing beach days whilst admiring truly breathtaking panoramas.
The beautiful Recommone beach is a stretch of shore approximately 65 metres long and characterised by small, light-coloured pebbles. This stretch of coast hosts an excellent restaurant and a beach establishment that rents sunloungers and umbrellas.
Along this section of coast there are several inlets, quarries and caves; the most famous is the Recommone Cave, also known as the Fishermen’s Cave because it provided them with shaded shelter where they could anchor during hot days.
Reachable only on foot from the hamlet of Torca, the Fiordo di Crapolla is an inlet that features a beautiful pebbly beach. The path to this corner of paradise winds through lush and at times wild vegetation and holds artefacts dating back to the Roman period.
Being nestled between two tall rocky cliffs, except during the central hours of the day, this fjord is mostly in shade.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Massa Lubrense is a town that boasts a wide choice of accommodation for its guests. If you are in Massa for a seaside and relaxation break, the recommendation is to choose one of the properties located beachfront that offer easy access to the beach. However, the town also offers excellent accommodation in the more inland areas.
From luxurious hotels, small bed and breakfasts to campsites, Massa Lubrense is able to offer the ideal accommodation for various types of travellers. There are many properties that offer an enhanced level of service and feature splendid private pools and rooms with stunning panoramic views.
Massa is a town that is very busy in summer, so the advice is to book your accommodation in advance so that you can find the one best suited to your needs.
We offer a selection of hotels at Massa Lubrense to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Massa Lubrense, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Massa Lubrense. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Massa Lubrense are in high demand.
Massa Lubrense is easily reachable by car from both north and south via the A3 Naples-Salerno motorway, exiting at Castellammare di Stabia and then continuing on the SS145 towards Sorrento.
The nearest railway station is Sorrento, which can be reached from Naples via the Circumvesuviana line. Once you arrive in Sorrento, you can reach Massa by SITA bus services.
What's the weather at Massa Lubrense? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Massa Lubrense for the next few days.
Massa Lubrense is a charming town on the Sorrento Peninsula, positioned right at the border with the renowned Amalfi Coast. The town lies 7 km from Sorrento, 58 km from Naples and 65 km from Salerno.