The beaches in Campania are some of the best anywhere in Italy (in our opinion!) and are one of the reasons why we have taken vacations here for years. While the beaches near Naples are great, these beaches beyond Naples are extra special!

Places like the Amalfi coast, Sorrento and Capri are iconic summer vacation destinations for good reasons. Everything from the food to the sunsets to the gelato makes this part of Italy the perfect spot to relax, and of course the beaches play a huge part!

While we’ve made it clear before that we love Sorrento for our vacations, there are some other excellent beach destinations nearby as well. So, in this guide I’ll be telling you about:

• Our favorite beaches in Sorrento and the Sorrentine Peninsula
• The best Amalfi coast beach options
• Capri beaches you should visit
• The top beaches you can visit on the Neapolitan islands of Ischia and Procida

Looking for beaches closer to Naples? Check out this guide for all the details you need!

You won’t find long stretches of golden sand anywhere along the Sorrentine Peninsula, but the beaches here are still excellent. The crystalline sea is perfect for swimming and the beach clubs have made the most of the limited space at the base of cliffs, building platforms out into the water.

Here are our favorite beaches in and around Sorrento:

The main beach in Sorrento is part of the Marina Piccola, which starts at the port where ferries from Naples dock and stretches along the base of the cliffs. There is a mix of beach clubs and also a free beach.

The sandy area is not large so each beach club has their own bathing platform area where sunbeds and beach umbrellas are set up to extend the available space. These platforms have steps directly into the water so if you are traveling with children you’ll probably want to stay on the sandy beach itself.

At the water’s edge it is shallow but the sea floor rapidly goes down so it is very deep further out. Pay attention to the boundary lines in the water which keep swimmers from going out too far and boats getting too close!

The four beach clubs are:

• Peter’s Beach
• Marameo Beach Club
• Leonelli’s Beach
• Bagni Salvatore

Each one is pretty similar, with changing facilities, bathrooms and a restaurant and bar on site so take a walk and see which one you prefer.

Location: The beaches listed here are all reached along a path that goes from the port along the base of the cliff.

How to get there: You can take a short walk from the port area, walk down the winding road built into the cliff from the Villa Communale or take the elevator from the same point. For just a couple of euro we always take the elevator, it’s just so convenient!

Important information: These beaches are not huge so in the summer they are very busy with both tourists and locals, particularly the small free public beach area. Booking ahead for the beach clubs, especially for weekend days, is always a good idea.

The Marina Grande in Sorrento is one of the oldest parts of town and easily one of the most picturesque places you’ll find anywhere in Campania.

Here you’ll find a range of beach options, from clubs such as Bagni Sant’Anna to small sections of free/public sand.

If you arrive by walking down the narrow lanes through the cliffs, continue along the main road in the marina to access the beaches here.

If you arrive by bus, look straight ahead and to your left when you get off and you’ll see the club and free beach options.

Location: Marina Grande is at the edge of Sorrento town.

How to get there: The marina is around a 15 minute walk from Piazza Tasso or you can take bus 008 which drops off right in the center of the Marina Grande area.

Important information: Consider that Marina Grande is a working port, meaning there is constant boat traffic and activity along the waterfront. Therefore here might not be the best option if you’re looking for a relaxing beach day. You should know also that the free sections of beach are small and will fill up fast during the busier summer months – get here early to secure your spot therefore!

While technically not a beach, the Baths of Queen Giovanna are a favorite spot for bathers among locals and visitors alike.

What draws people to this location is the fact that this is a secluded natural pool with a single entrance from the sea, which protects bathers even when the water outside is choppy.

This location didn’t go unnoticed in ancient times where an impressive Roman villa was built here (you can see some of the mosaics here still) to take advantage of the natural pool. The same thing drew Queen Giovanna of Naples (1373-1435) here in search of some privacy, who this landmark is now named after.

Location: Traversa Punta Capo, Sorrento

How to get there: This beach is around a 45 minute walk from central Sorrento but I would not advise walking the whole way. Take either the 008 or 5070 bus and get off at the stop ‘Sorrento – Capo’. From here it’s about a 15 minute walk down to the baths.

Important information: One of the best ways to see this incredible site is via kayak with Kayak Sorrento. It always features on their itinerary and you’ll have an opportunity to swim in the natural pool and explore the Roman and medieval ruins.

At the very edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula as it turns into the area of Massa Lubrense you’ll find the Puolo beach.

Very popular with locals, the beach here is quite long and sandy, with shallow water and calm waves. With the small fishing village of the same name in the background this is a lovely place to relax. There are a few bathing establishments and free beach sections as well – these are more rocky than the beach clubs.

Combined with great restaurants and stunning views, we think Puolo is worth the extra effort to get to!

Location: Via Marina di Puolo, Massa Lubrense

How to get there: As with the Bagni di Regina Giovanna, take the 008 or 5070 bus from Sorrento. Get off at either the ‘Sorrento SP7 – Baia Puolo’ stop (if on the 008) or ‘Via Capo 118 – Hotel la Solara’ stop (if on the 5070). From both stops it’s around a kilometer to the beach.

Important information: This beach is extremely popular in July and August with locals so it’s a better option in June and September as you’re far more likely to find space to set up for the day.

Closer to Naples is the town of Vico Equense, which is one of our favorite places to stay outside of Sorrento. Perfectly located for sightseeing in Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum, one of the best beach clubs is also here.

The Antico Bagno Conca delle Sirene is part of the Marina di Vico Equense, which also has a few other beach clubs and a free beach area. The reason we love this particular beach club so much is that the staff are lovely, there are different sunbed and beach umbrella options to choose from and there is a lot of space on their bathing platform.

Additionally, there is a fantastic restaurant for lunch and a separate bar serving snacks and drinks all day. They also offer a service where you message via WhatsApp what you would like to order and they bring it directly to your sun lounger. What’s not to like!

Location: Via Cristoforo Colombo 16, Vico Equense

How to get there: From Sorrento (or Naples) take the Circumvesuviana train, which also stops at Pompeii, to Vico Equense. From the station it is a steep 15 minute walk down the cliff to the beach club. You can also take the small local bus for the Marina di Vico if you prefer, tickets can be bought from the driver. For the return journey the bus picks up at the same place where it drops off.

Important information: Because of the tall cliffs, part of the bathing platform and beach is in the shade for a good part of the day. When booking your sunbeds, go for the ones further out to ensure you get sunshine all day!

The entirety of the Amalfi coast is dotted with coves and beaches, so you have a lot of different options to choose from.

The beaches we’ve listed below are our top choices along the Amalfi coast but it’s tough to go wrong here!

Close to where the ferries and boats drop off people for Amalfi town is the Spiaggia Grande, a very popular beach.

Made up of a mix of private beach clubs and a small stretch of free beach, this is one of the larger beaches of the Amalfi coast. Yes, it gets very busy but if you’re in Amalfi and want to have a swim and relax this is a great beach option.

Location: Viale della Regione, Amalfi

How to get there: If you’re in Amalfi already, simply walk down to the port and then turn left along the promenade. To get to Amalfi, the best route is by ferry for this beach as the buses from Sorrento and other places along the Amalfi coast drop off further away.

Important information: The beach here is mainly made up of large pebbles so I’d highly recommend bringing water shoes with you to wear when walking around and going in the sea.

If you’re after something a little calmer in Amalfi, try the Lido delle Sirene club. Located away from the main part of the town, there are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire along with a restaurant and bar. You can also pay a small fee to have use of the bathrooms and changing facilities if you don’t want to use the sun loungers.

Location: Piazzale dei Protontini 4, Amalfi

How to get there: Once you’re in Amalfi, head right from the port away from the town and walk along the coastal path for about 10 minutes.

Important information: This is not a large beach so make sure to arrive early to ensure you get a spot for the day.

Similar to the Spiaggia Grande in Amalfi, Positano’s main beach is close to the ferry drop off point and the start of the busy town.

There’s a bustling marina with a small beach and plenty of restaurants nearby. Choose from a free public beach accessible at any time and beach establishments where the entrance fee includes rent of sunbeds and an umbrella.

Location: Via del Brigantino, Positano

How to get there: The beach is easy to find, once in Positano simply head for the port and you’ll see it!

Important information: This beach is perfect for anyone looking for a lively beach day but I would not recommend it if you want a peaceful environment. Loud music plays through the summer and there are lots of people playing games and partying here.

Less than 10 minutes walk from the Marina Grande of Positano along the cliffs of the Amalfi coast is Fornillo beach, where it feels like a different world!

Much quieter and far more relaxing, the beach is a mix of volcanic sand and pebbles. Choose from any of the clubs and enjoy your peaceful day!

Location: Spiaggia di Fornillo, Positano

How to get there: Fornillo is a short walk from the port but Google Maps will tell you 20 minutes and take you along a much longer road. Disregard their directions and instead take the footpath which winds along the coast – there are some steps at different points along it. Find the start of it just behind the row of various boat company stalls, near a white-fronted bar selling gelato, heading up a slight slope to the left.

Important information: Because of the angle of the cliffs you’ll want to get here early in the morning for the best sun – later in the afternoon most of the beach gets shady.

The town of Maiori has some of the best beaches outside of the most popular Amalfi coast destinations. It is a little harder to reach from places like Sorrento but worth the effort, especially if you prefer a sandy beach!

Maiori has a long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Unusual for the Amalfi coast, the sand and shallow water make this one of the most popular beach options for locals and families so it does get full fast in August.

The majority of the sand is taken up by beach clubs but there are two public beaches at either end.

Location: Via Giovanni Amendola, Maiori

How to get there: It is not straightforward to reach Maiori from Sorrento or Naples so I would recommend saving this beach for when you stay on the Amalfi Coast or in Salerno. The 5120 bus goes all the way along the coast from Amalfi town to Salerno, or you can take local ferries depending on where you are based.

Important information: There are no bathing platforms here so the area by the water’s edge gets very busy during the summer – try swimming out a little further for more space.

The island of Capri is an iconic Italian destination. The stunning scenery, excellent shopping and dining options and of course the wonderful Blue Grotto attract visitors from all over the world, but what about the beaches?

As you might expect from a rocky island, Capri does not have much in the way of soft sand beaches. Generally you can expect small, rocky coves which can be difficult to reach, but the beautifully clear water is worth it!

Here are our top picks for where to go to the beach when on Capri:

The Marina Piccola area is our preferred beach destination in Capri. Located on the opposite side of the island from the port and the crowds of tourists, the beaches here are more relaxing.

The protected bay means the water is generally calm and from the beaches you have an incredible view of the Faraglioni sea stacks. You’ll find a series of beach establishments along the coast offering sunbeds, and there are a couple of small public beaches framed by the rocks.

Early risers can see the sun rise from here if you’re staying on the island, which is a really special experience and makes for amazing photos!

Location: Via Marina Piccola, Capri

How to get there: From the port of Capri where all ferries dock, take the funicular up to Capri town. From here you can get a local bus to the Marina Piccola or you can walk. It’s about 20 minutes downhill – I find it easier to walk down and then get the bus back up.

Important information: Local swimmers dive directly into the water from the rocks but I would not suggest copying them. There are a lot of rocks around and the water depth can vary a lot so the risk of something going wrong is pretty high!

This is the largest beach on the island, which combined with its proximity to the port makes it very popular during the high season.

Despite being next to the port, the water of the Marina Grande beach is crystal clear. Popular with families, the beach has excellent facilities including accessibility-friendly access and a fairly decent size free public area.

Location: Via Marina Grande, Capri

How to get there: Whether you’ve come from the Amalfi coast, Sorrento or Naples, all ferries drop off and pick up right here. Get off the ferry and head right, away from the people heading up towards Capri town. The free public beach accessible to all is the first section, and then you’ll see a number of beach club options.

Important information: The free beach is particularly busy as many people who are waiting for their return ferry stop here. If you are planning a full beach day, it’s worth paying for a beach club to be further away from the crowds. This is also a pebble beach so wear appropriate shoes!

The Neapolitan islands of Ischia and Procida are not as popular with visitors as the Amalfi coast and Sorrento, but you are missing out if you do not spend some time here!

Beaches on both islands are absolutely breathtaking, with soft sand leading into deep blue water framed by the natural background. They are quite different to other beaches beyond Naples so if you have time to make the trip here, definitely do it.

Forio is one of the best beach locations in Ischia, but the bay of Citara is our preferred spot. The sandy beach stretches out a long distance and the shallow water is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Facing out to sea and without any cliffs in the way, Citara gets sun all day and is one of the best places to see the sun set. Evening sunset cocktails are a regular feature of our time spent here!

As normal there is a mix of clubs and a free beach area, along with great restaurants, so you can hire beach chairs and umbrellas if you wish. One of the clubs is connected to the Giardini Poseidon which is where you can visit Ischia’s natural hot springs and try their thermal pools – highly recommended!

Location: Via Giovanni Mazzella, Forio

How to get there: If you’re coming from Naples, you can take a ferry direct to Forio. From the port of Forio take bus line 2 which ends at the Giardini Poseidon right on the beach. If you’re coming from anywhere else, your ferry will dock in the main port of Ischia. From here, take the same bus line 2 which will end at the same place.

Important information: It’s a good idea to book in advance if you want to visit the thermal spa as the hot springs are a very popular thing to do on Ischia.

This beach is located between the port of Ischia and the Aragonese castle, so it is much more convenient if you are coming from the Amalfi coast or Sorrento.

Originally it was a harbor for local fishermen and today you’ll still find many traditional colorful fishing boats lined up along the shore. The numerous seafood restaurants facing the water make it a great spot for a quick lunch even if you don’t actually want to lie on the beach, and it’s much more relaxed than other beaches.

You will find a few private beach options as well as a stretch of public beach, but the average price of the clubs are lower so why not hire sun loungers if you’ll be there all day!

Location: Spiaggia dei Pescatori, Ischia

How to get there: From the Porto d’Ischia it’s around a 20 minute walk in a straight line along Corso Vittoria Colonna, or you can take bus line 7 which stops on the main road to the castle from where it’s a short walk to the beach.

Important information: This area is an excellent place to stop on your way to/from the Aragonese castle, with great sea views and places to relax.

Chiaia beach is just beautiful, framed by low cliffs and overlooking the pretty fishing village of Corricella. The dark volcanic sand of this beach and shallow water make it ideal for families with small children but it’s a popular spot with many people.

Luckily, with Procida being on the quieter side compared to places on the Amalfi coast, you won’t struggle to find space to set up for the day. Being at the bottom of a cliff you don’t have many restaurant options but there are a couple of beach clubs which serve food. There is also a free public beach section available.

Location: Via Libertà, Procida

How to get there: Spiaggia Chiaia is on the opposite side of Procida from the ferry port, but the island is so small this is not a problem! It’s around a 20 minute walk or you can take the local bus 137 or 139 to stop ‘Via V. Emanuele’ which drops off close to the beach.

Important information: The beach is at the bottom of a cliff, reached by a fairly steep set of stairs so be prepared for the climb up and down – there is no way to avoid these.

The small beach of Silurenza is the perfect spot if you want somewhere that is easily accessible. Only a short distance from the port of Procida, this beach is excellent if you don’t have much time on the island.

In addition, most of the beach is free with only a small stretch managed by a beach club. We like coming here for a quick swim and relax in the sun while waiting for our return ferry!

Location: Via Libertà, Procida

How to get there: From the docks where the ferries drop off and pick up passengers, Silurenza is only a short walk away, less than 10 minutes.

Important information: This is one of Procida’s busiest beaches, particularly on weekends in the summer so you should arrive early to make sure you get a good spot on the sand.