Are you wondering if there are any beaches in Naples, Italy, that you can hit while visiting the city? The answer is a resounding “yes.” There are, indeed, beaches in Naples — and nice ones, too.
While the Southern Italian city of Naples sits on the Mediterranean coast, it is not considered the best destination for beach bums. Instead, it is better known for Vesuvius, Posillipo, Nisida, Phlegraean Fields, and of course — the world-famous pizza, which was born here.
The beaches in Naples, however, may just as well provide some of the most unforgettable beach experiences.
The capital of Southern Italy’s Campania region has a number of “secret” beaches waiting to be discovered. The best beaches in Naples offer one a chance to see the city in a different perspective.
5 Best Beaches in Naples, Italy
Let’s jump into our list of 5 beaches in Naples, Italy, you should visit when in the city.
Other beach articles you may also be interested in:
- 10 Best Beaches in Puglia, Italy
- 10 Best Beaches in Sardinia, Italy
- 10 Best Beaches in Campania, Italy
- 10 Best Beaches in Tuscany, Italy
1. Spiaggia della Gaiola
Discesa Gaiola, 14, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy
Spiaggia della Gaiola (La Gaiola Beach) on the northwestern edge of the Bay of Naples is a lovely place in Naples that’s almost hidden from visitors. However, as one of the most gorgeous beaches in Naples, La Gaiola is flocked by locals during summer.
Located in Posillipo, getting to La Gaiola can be quite challenging as the district is perched on a hill and the beach is, well, at sea level. There are also no resorts around, which means the beach lacks the amenities like public toilets and baths.
The beach doesn’t collect entrance fees. However, please note that since La Gaiola is also a protected area, the number of people they allow is limited to 100 per day. Come early to beat the crowd.
The best way to enjoy La Gaiola is to snorkel the crystal clear waters, or you can also simply laze around and get a tan. Of course, the marine reserve Parco Sommerso di Gaiola (Underwater Park of Gaiola) is part of the deal when you come to the beach. You must not miss the submerged Roman ruins and the rising bubbles from an underwater volcanic crater for a truly unique experience in Naples.
All you need is show them an ID to get an access to the underwater park. Besides snorkeling to see the underwater ruins, you can also go paddling and kayaking here.
To get to Spaggia della Gaiola from the Naples city center, take the bus 140 to Capo Posillipo. From there, go down Gaiola Descent; it will take you straight to the Gaiola Park.
Fun Facts:
- The Italian word gaiola means “bird cage.” The name La Gaiola, however, is believed to come from the Latin caveola, meaning “little cave.”
- Isola della Gaiola, located in the immediate vicinity of Spaggia della Gaiola beach, is notorious for being a cursed island. This is thanks to the series of bad luck that befell most if not all of its owners over the centuries – some getting broke, some simply vanishing and never seen again, and others dying under mysterious circumstances.
2. Bagno Elena
Via Posillipo, 14, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy
Bagno Elena is a 19th century bathhouse on a small sandy beach, now used as a popular venue for weddings and other special events. The beach, which is actually volcanic, goes by the same name. It is sandwiched by the impressive Palazzo Donn’Anna and the Palazzo Guercia.
Bagno Elena is a lovely beach to spend a day on without the need to travel for hours from the city of Naples. There are amenities for your convenience such as toilets and showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar. You can also rent lounge chairs or sun beds for lolling around and just taking in the experience.
Conveniently located by the L2 subway, it is easily within reach if you’re staying in Naples and want a quick beach detour. You can take the train and then walk to the beach which probably takes a good 20 minutes from the Mergellina station. You can also grab a cab from the train station if you do not like (or have no time for) walking.
Fun Fact:
- Back in the mid-1800s, Bagno Elena was an extremely famous destination, frequented by celebrities the likes of Richard Wagner, Oscar Wilde, and Eduardo de Filippo.
3. Il Gabbiano a Marechiaro
Via Marechiaro, 115, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy
An enchanting corner in the heart of Naples, Il Gabbiano a Marechiaro is a private beach that is absolutely recommended for all ages.
Offering fantastic views of the Gulf of Naples and equipped with a swimming pool, great parking, a nice restaurant with quick service and delectable menu, and all the amenities, Il Gabbiano a Marechiaro is not to be missed even if you’re staying just one day in Naples.
- ALSO READ: 10 Best Restaurants in Naples, Italy
Il Gabbiano a Marechiaro is ideal for families with young kids, thanks to the pool that’s surrounded by greenery and with terraces where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the crystal clear waters.
In addition, there is a stilt house to dive into the waters – perfect for a day of relaxation!
Il Gabbiano is one of the historic beaches in Naples with a charm of the olden times. Its elegant setting makes it a favorite for weddings and parties, both indoors and outdoors.
The beach is only a few minutes away by car. The best way to get here if you have no car is to take a taxi. However, if you’re taking the bus, the 140, C1, and C3 buses have routes that pass near Marechiaro.
Fun Fact:
- “Il Gabbiano” is translated as “the Seagull.”
4. Marechiaro Lo Scoglione
Calata Ponticello a Marechiaro, 38, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy
Any true Neapolitan knows Scoglione Marechiaro by heart.
Marechiaro Lo Scoglione is on the other part of the small village of Marechiaro and can be reached by boat. The entire place is made of tuff that plunges into the gorgeous Gulf of Naples in Posillipo.
Marechiaro Lo Scoglione, which means “the big cliff of Marechiaro,” is dubbed a place “where heaven touches the earth and the divine marries the profane.”
Fun Fact:
- Marechiaro is where the water of the Gulf of Naples is the cleanest, hence, the name which translates to “clear water.”
5. Baia di Trentaremi
Via Tito Lucrezio Caro, 22, 80123 Napoli NA, Italy
Baia di Trentaremi, or Bay of Trentaremi, is in the Posillipo district of Naples, within the limits of the Parco Sommerso di Gaiola. This scenic spot is a wonderful place for sightseeing and for a dose of the city’s Roman past. Baia di Trentaremi is also a must-not-miss for photography enthusiasts.
On the bay’s promontories, you can find the imperial villa of Posillipo and its impressive ampitheater. On the bay lookout, you will enjoy the stunning views of the cliffs and the gorgeous waters. Best time to visit is during sunset.
If you want to enjoy the waters, go swimming or kayaking. You can also explore the caves nearby, but you must take extra precaution because the waves can be dangerous. Also please mind the signs warning of landslide danger as the place is mainly made of tuff.
Baia di Trentaremi is an enchanting remote area that can only be reached from the sea.
Fun Fact:
- Tuff is a light, porous rock made from volcanic ash or cinder. It is the stuff with which Naples has been building itself for millennia.