BEST PARADISE BEACHES IN NAPLES, ITALY
Naples and its surroundings are full of scenic beaches, where you can both relax and adventure yourself in the incredible natural environments without necessarily spend thousands of money on transportation and bathing establishments.
Being born in Naples and having spent so many summers in the city, I became an expert in recognizing the best cheap and less crowded beaches to survive the melting temperatures. I still love vacationing there for a few weeks during the summer and relax on the picturesque beaches framed by the crystalline water. I listed for you the best spots for an unforgettable summer holiday!
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Baia Di Ieranto
The enchanted Bay of Ieranto, with its turquoise crystalline waters and its savage scenic view it’s definitely something you can’t miss during your Neapolitan holiday. This paradise offers a view made even more spectacular by the Faraglioni, Capri’s iconic towering rocks.
The spot is also full of myths and legends: it is here, in fact, that Ulysses was seduced by the Sirens. While you walk through the suggestive path, you might still hear them singing! The bay is unspoiled and therefore reachable only by foot. In fact, there are no roads and no phone line there… It’s just you, nature and the sea!
The trail is of moderate difficulty and not suggested for the elderly and people with reduced mobility. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as the rocks can sometimes be slippery, especially in the last part when the path goes downhill. Avoid climbing back up in the hottest hours and plan instead to come back in the late afternoon.
How to get there
By foot: Start from Nerano’s square and take Via Jeranto to start the walk. Enjoy the path paying attention to the numerous panoramic and breathtaking stops, starting from Villa Rosa, where Norman Douglas wrote “Siren Land”. At a certain stage, the path is divided into two: on the left, you can go uphill and reach Punta Penna and Torre di Montalto, while on the right, you can go downhill and finally get to the bay.
By sea: Now, you know I love walking and adventuring in natural paths, so I suggest you reach the bay by walk. However, if you feel a bit lazy or unsure about the trekking path, there is the option to reach the bay by sea. One of the best tours that combine everything is this one, which offers you the possibility to visit the Bay of Ieranto and to discover the scenic Emerald Grotto and the towns of Amalfi and Positano, all accompanied by snacks, drinks and a swim in the sea.
Getting from Naples to Sorrento: If you’re reaching the Bay from Naples, you need to get to Sorrento first. Take the train from Piazza Garibaldi to Sorrento (1h 13 min). The ticket is about €6-€10, and you can buy it at the train station.
Getting from Sorrento to Nerano:
Take the bus 5070 towards Nerano del Cantone (55 minutes).
You can buy the tickets onboard. Price: €2-€5.
Editor’s note: The beach of Ieranto is public and therefore free of amenities. Make sure to bring all you need (food, towels, LOTS of water). Public toilets are available in the FAI centre. Because of the uneven and slippery ground, hiking shoes would be perfect; however, normal training shoes would do just fine if you don’t have them.
La Gaiola
La Gaiola is a hidden gem located in Posillipo. Featured by one of the most attractive landscapes of the Gulf, the Gaiola Underwater Park is a Protected Area definitely worth a day of your holiday.
The Cursed Island
This small scenic island, just like many other Neapolitan attractions, is not free of myth. In fact, the locals consider this an unlucky place. The island has witnessed many unfortunate events, including suicides, disappearances, millionaires going bankrupts and car accidents involving the owners and occupants of Villa Bechi, Pollione’s ancient residence. One of the explanations offered by the locals dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when the nephew of the owner of the Villa at the time (Giuseppe Paratore) discovered a mural representing Gorgone, the ancient mythologic greek monster. The uncle, convinced of its bad luck, had it bricked up. Many affirm that in the past the mural had the power to protect the island from the enemies, and moving it generated its misfortune.
If you’re not too scared after reading about this legend, keep scrolling for more info about the Submersed Park!
The Gaiola’s Sumbersed Park
The protected area covers about 42 hectares, and it’s characterized by numerous archaeological remains and very important biology formed by the most originals plants and animals of the Mediterranean.
If you love adventure (and I know you do!), you can explore these waters diving or snorkelling. Otherwise, you can also admire the archaeological park with a glass-bottom boat (Acquavision). The price for the boat tour is 12 euros per person. You can book all the activities on the official website.
How to reach from Naples
Unfortunately, La Gaiola is not easy to reach. From Naples, the best way to get there is by taxi (better if you can share it!).
Otherwise, the cheapest way is by bus. Take the bus n.140 from the city centre (you can catch it near the Funicolare at Mergellina) and get off to the second-to-last stop, before Capo Posillipo. However, remember that buses in Naples are not reliable at all, especially during summer when they can get very busy!
Editor’s note: Because of the new COVID-19 rules, a reservation is required to access the beach. Here you can book your slot either for the morning (9:00-13:00) or for the afternoon (14:00-18:00), for a maximum of two reservations per week. The beach is public and preceded by a long flight of steps. It is free and it is often required an ID. It is prohibited to bring food or drinks on the beach.
Sorrento
One of my preferred summer destinations, Sorrento’s beaches will not disappoint you. Here, the crystalline waters are framed by scenic landscapes and numerous delicious restaurants.
There are many private establishments that will cost you a fortune (especially in the hottest months). However, the public beach of Marina Piccola is free to enjoy, despite it being really busy in July and August. And, if you decide to give Sorrento’s beaches a chance, don’t lose the opportunity to explore its characteristic historic centre full of typical small boutiques!
How to get there
One of the reasons Sorrento’s beaches can get really busy in certain periods is that they are very easy to reach. To get there from Naples, all you need to do is take the Circumvesuviana from Piazza Garibaldi and get off to Sorrento. The tickets are about €4-€6.
The public beach (and some private establishments) is reachable by foot from the train station, and the street’s panoramic view will keep you entertained during your route.
Vico Equense
Another easy-reachable beach with limpid waters is the public beach of Vico Equense. You can get there with the same Circumvesuviana that brings you to Sorrento.
Hoever, this beach can get REALLY crowded, and therefore I suggest you take the shuttle boat from the public beach (only 3 euros per person) to get to the Spiaggia della Tartaruga. This beach with a turtle’s shape is less busy and characterized by even more crystalline waters, and it will definitely not let your expectations down!
Phlegraean Islands
In the list of best beaches in Naples and surrounding, it’s impossible not to mention the beaches of Capri, Ischia and Procida, easily reachable by ferry from Naples.
In fact, if you have enough days to spend in the city, take the chance to visit one of its famous gems.
Procida
Procida, nominated “Capital of Italian Culture” for 2022, is reachable in only 40 minutes from Naples. The ticket is about €19-€23, and you can buy it at the dock.
Its charm is evident from the sailor village and its colourful architecture which contribute to the island’s unique character and appears in numerous Italian movies like Il Postino and Il Talento di Mr Ripley. Therefore, besides its wonderful beaches, it is worth a visit to the island’s historic centre.
Ischia
Ischia is the biggest of the Phartenopean islands. and it is famous for its green landscapes (which gave it the title of “green island”), its beaches, its thermal parks and, obviously, its nightlife!
If you are looking for a full day of complete relaxation, then Poseidon Park is what you are looking for. The thermal park is open from 9 am to 7 pm and offers over 20 pools with a breathtaking panoramic view. The tickets are €35-€40 per person for a full day, depending on the month you’re visiting.
If you have the chance, spend at least two days on this island to enjoy all it has to offer, including the tranquillity and the nightlife, and don’t forget to visit the medieval Aragonese castle!
To get there, you can catch the ferry that will get you there in 1h 8m from Naples and pay a ticket of about €18-€25, depending on the time.
Capri
Famous for its elegance, the enchanting island of Capri offers numerous beaches that, despite being small and very crowded, are always characterized by crystal clear waters and breathtaking landscapes. So, if you don’t mind the chaos and want to benefit from a magnificent sea, then Capri is for you.
Capri is definitely not cheap, but you can find some public beaches worth a visit, like the Punta Carena lighthouse. This is not a typical beach, as it is known for its rocky cliffs from where you can access the water directly (ladders available). You can also find some waterfront restaurants to enjoy your meal with live music while enjoying the view!
Capri is also known for its unique Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), visited by A LOT of tourists every year. The fabulous cavern is naturally lit by an azure light with silver reflections, which make this Grotta one of the most known throughout the world. The guided tour lasts for 1-2 hours and the boat will take you into the sea cave with the possibility to have a swim in crystalline waters while learning about the island’s myths. The price is €16-€17 per person, and included is a tour around the island as well.
Do you want to know more about day trips and tours from Naples? Check out my guide to find out the best Neapolitan attraction!
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Kikka
EDITOR IN CHIEF