Campania: Artecard 3 - 7 Day or Gold/Lite 365 City Pass
Discover Campania and Naples with a pass to visit 40 cultural sites and public transport (included only in the 3-day pass).
From 27,00 €
Amongst dream bays, celebrated tourist destinations and charming fishing villages, Campania boasts beaches that are true natural masterpieces. Here, a jagged coastline meets crystalline waters, creating not only breathtaking landscapes but also the ideal setting for those seeking holidays defined by paradisiacal beaches.
From sandy shores to pebbled coastlines, from long stretches of sand to hidden coves, Campania offers an extensive choice of beaches to suit every preference. Some are just a stone’s throw from the city centre, others are easily accessible by car, whilst the most secluded are only discoverable by sea or via steep stone staircases. Over recent years, many of these beaches have earned the coveted Blue Flag award for exceptional water quality.
Here, then, is a quick guide to Campania’s finest beaches, to help you find those best suited to your needs.
A bay nestled among rocks near Nerano, a hamlet in the municipality of Massa Lubrense, and characterised by a pebbled beach. According to Pliny the Elder’s account, the Ieranto Bay is where Odysseus is said to have encountered the sirens during his homeward voyage to Ithaca.
Perfect for those who love relaxing on a beach that retains its wild character, surrounded by a unique natural setting, from this stunning inlet you can admire a breathtaking panorama ranging from Punta Campanella to the Faraglioni rocks of Capri. To reach Ieranto Bay, you’ll need to follow a scenic footpath of almost 1 km through the Mediterranean scrubland.
The Crapolla Fjord is a small inlet, roughly 160 metres deep, that opens onto the Gulf of Salerno. Accessible on foot via a stone staircase of nearly 700 steps, this marvellous cove is where nature merges with an extraordinary historical and archaeological heritage. Here you can see artefacts dating back to Roman times, including an ancient villa and several cisterns used for rainwater collection.
Enclosed between two towering rock faces, the Crapolla Fjord features a pebbled beach that remains largely in shade, except during the hottest hours of the day.
Queen Giovanna’s Baths, nestled in pristine natural surroundings and blessed with clear, crystalline waters, form a genuine natural swimming pool. Legend has it this was the favourite spot of Queen Giovanna of Anjou, who would frequent this beautiful bay with her lovers, thanks to its hidden and sheltered position.
Located at Sorrento’s headland, the Baths are accessible via a scenic walking route along a panoramic staircase that leads to a lagoon where you’ll find a splendid natural arch. The seabed is mostly pebbled, so we recommend wearing water shoes.
Nature and history blend beautifully here, as the ruins of Villa Pollio Felice, an ancient Roman building, stand on the very promontory of Sorrento’s cape. Our tip: watch the sunset from here for a truly unforgettable experience!
On the island of Ischia you’ll find beautiful natural thermal springs, completely free to use, known as Sorgeto Bay. To reach the Bay, you’ll descend a staircase of 250 steps leading directly to these special natural pools where warm thermal waters, with their soothing and rejuvenating properties, blend with the sea.
Due to the water temperature, you can swim at Sorgeto Thermal Springs all year round. For those who prefer not to make the journey on foot, summer boat taxis depart from Sant’Angelo. The Bay also hosts bars and restaurants serving excellent local cuisine.
A true gem nestled in the Cilento region, Buondormire Beach, near Palinuro and accessible only by boat or swimming from Marinella, is a natural paradise that has earned the Blue Flag award. Surrounded by tall rocky cliffs, some richly vegetated, the beach features golden sand meeting the emerald green waters, creating a unique landscape. The shore is free of charge and there are no facilities, so you’ll need to bring everything you need with you.
A sea with intense colours ranging from blue to green, a pebbled beach from which you can admire a magnificent panorama stretching from the Isles of Li Galli to the Island of Capri: this is what the beautiful Gavitella beach offers. Given its westward exposure, the sun shines on the beach until sunset, which, viewed from here, provides truly romantic vistas.
This hidden cove nestled between rocks, despite having a beach club offering excellent facilities, has managed to retain its somewhat wild character. The beach is accessible via a staircase that offers splendid views of the Amalfi Coast, or by water taxi provided by clients of the La Gavitella beach establishment. The facility hosts an excellent restaurant open in the evenings and a bar where you can enjoy sunset drinks or a cocktail after dinner.
Amongst the majestic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast lies the famous Furore Fjord, a small beach of around 25 metres formed by the flow of the Schiato river from Agerola down to the sea. This coastal inlet is bordered by two imposing rock faces connected by a bridge standing nearly 30 metres high, over which runs the Amalfi Coast State Road. Access to the beach, just over 25 metres long, is via a small road carved into the rock, starting from the bridge and leading down to the little beach.
Punta Licosa Beach is located in the municipality of Castellabate and falls within the Protected Marine Area of the Cilento National Park, Vallo di Diano and Alburni. Awarded the Blue Flag, Punta Licosa is characterised by azure seas with rocky seabeds and several pebbled shores offering beautiful views of Licosa island. Far removed from busier, more chaotic resorts, Punta Licosa is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, perfect for those who love spending leisurely days on a quiet, still somewhat wild beach surrounded by unspoilt nature.
The Punta Licosa promontory is accessible only on foot or by bicycle via the San Marco road, or by sea, mooring at the small, characterful jetty. Punta Licosa features several small coves where you can sunbathe and wonderful waters for snorkelling.
The island of Capri, long synonymous with exclusive holidays, is home to the beautiful Marina Piccola beach, which offers splendid views of the famous Faraglioni rocks. Warm and sunny, Marina Piccola’s lido is well sheltered from the wind, being protected by a tall rock face. The beach is easily accessible by bus, car or on foot via the stairs on Via Mulo.
The shoreline consists of small pebbles and the sea has shallow depths, making it ideal for families with children or less confident swimmers. Split into two by the Sirens’ Rock, the beach offers both equipped areas and free beach sections.
Wild, unspoilt and exclusive, Cala Bianca beach is located at Marina di Camerota and is considered one of Italy’s finest beaches. White pebbles mixed with sand meet crystalline waters whose depths are perfect for snorkelling.
You can reach Cala Bianca by sea from Marina di Camerota or on foot via the Infreschi trail. Due to its remote location, this beach is not easily accessible and therefore remains pleasantly peaceful and uncrowded. The shore is free, with no facilities or amenities, so remember to bring everything you’ll need.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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