Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beaches
Campania's aqua offerings are as varied as they are beautiful. While Naples itself offers
metropolitan beaches, you're better off splashing about in the cleaner waters of the bay is-
lands, or the Amalfi and Cilento coasts. As is the case in much of Italy, beaches in Cam-
pania are either private or public. Private beaches are especially prevalent at summertime
hotspots like Capri, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast, offering everything from on-site restaur-
ants and bars to
ombrellone
(beach umbrella) and
lettino
(sunbed) hire. Admission to
these beaches is usually around €10. If you don't fancy paying for a place on the sand,
you'll need to look for a
spiaggia libera
(free beach). Usually signposted, these often con-
sist of crowded, narrow stretches of beach close to the nearest road access or sometimes
right beside the private beach. Some (but not all) free beaches come with shower and toi-
let facilities.
TOP BEACHES
»
Baia di Ieranto
A spectacular beach at the tip of the Punta Penna peninsula south
of Sorrento.
»
Il Sorgeto
(
Click here
)
Catch a water taxi to this toasty thermal beach on Ischia.
»
Spiaggia Marmelli
(
Click here
)
Retreat to a lush, soothing cove on the Cilento
coast.
»
Spiaggia di Fornillo
(
Click here
)
Crystal-clear water awaits at this in-the-know
alternative to Positano's main beach.
»
Santa Maria di Castellabate
(
Click here
)
Velvet-soft sand and powder-blue sea
at a Cilento coast resort.
»
Spiaggia del Castello
(
Click here
)
Catch a boat to a petite beach set beneath a
looming castle in the Campi Flegrei.
Sailing
The region has a proud maritime tradition and you can readily hire a paddle boat or sleek
sailing yacht on the bay islands as well as on the mainland coast. Sailors of all levels are
catered for: experienced sailors can island hop around the Bay of Naples or along the
Amalfi Coast on chartered yachts; weekend boaters can explore hidden coves in rented
dinghies. This is especially ideal given that many of the region's best (and less crowded)
swimming spots are only accessible by boat. Not that you need your own sails to reach
all
