BOSCOREALE

Boscoreale is located north of Pompeii on the slopes of Vesuvius and may have been the ancient zone of Pagus Augustus Felix Suburbanus. A fertile spot it was too good to be left abandoned after the eruption of Vesuvius and the Romans subsequently built many villas, cultivating of vines, olives and cereals. It must have been idyllic. The sites of the Villa Regina can be visited, although Villa of the Pisanella and Villa Fanio Sinistore are of note.

How to get there: Via Settetermini 15, loc. Villa Regina - Boscoreale (Na). Take the CircumvesuvianaNapoli-Poggiomarino, get off at Boscotrecaseand take the bus to Villa Regina)

OPLONTIS

The site of Oplontis is situated in the center of modern day Torre Annunziata, still an urban network between Pompeii and Herculaneum. The original site is only known to us thanks to a 13th century copy of an ancient map of the zone. Digs have revealed many victims of the volcanic eruption here, but in particular the UNESCO listed 'Villa of Poppea'. Poppea was Poppaea Sabina, the Emperor Nero's second wife. Unfortunately for her, the villa was undergoing restoration when Versuvius blew its top. She probably did as well.

How to get there: Circumvesuviana Napoli-Sorrento or Napoli-Poggiomarino or Napoli-Torre Annunziata (stop Torre Annunziata )

STABIA

As far back as the 8th century BC Stabiae was an important strategic and commercial settlement and was at its most prosperous in the 10 years prior to the famous eruption. Sumptuous villas were built complete with spacious living quarters, baths, porticos and nymphaea. There were collectively known as the villas of 'otium' and constructed as 'des res' on the brow of the hill of Varano overlooking the sea.

How to get there: Via Passeggiata Archeologica, Castellammare di Stabia (NA). Take the Circumvesuviana Napoli-Sorrento and get off at Via Nocera, then take the Bus 1 Rosso.

See also How to visit Pompeii and Herculanum