Just steps from Piazza del Plebiscito, this public sandy stretch is Naples’ most accessible swim spot. Its calm, shallow water is protected by rock barriers, making it ideal for a quick dip after historic sightseeing. Crowds are local, friendly, and light. It’s basic, free, and ideal for those who want a simple seaside stop without leaving the city.
Getting There: 10-minute walk from central plazas
Unique: Only true public sand beach inside Naples limits
Facilities: Basic showers, no rentals, occasional street food
Tucked beneath Posillipo’s cliffs, this marine reserve is a gem of clear, blue water and submerged Roman ruins. Entry is free but limited to a fixed number of daily bookings. Swimming ladders let swimmers access clean water framed by protected sea life. The setting feels ancient and serene.
Access: Booking required via online portal; limited slots
Type: Rocky marine reserve with snorkeling & diving opportunities
Nearby: Gardens of Poseidon and archaeological coastal trails
Set beneath the elegant ruins of Palazzo Donn’Anna, Bagno Elena is one of Naples’ oldest beach clubs—offering sandy patches and wooden deck sections over the sea. The water here is clean and usually calm, and the club atmosphere feels refined yet relaxed. Ideal for couples or families after comfort with a view.
Entry Fee: ~€20–25 includes sunbed
Facilities: Restaurant, shower, lockers, beach gear rentals
Highlight: Scenic location with views across the Gulf
Right adjacent to Bagno Elena, Lido Sirena is for visitors who prefer a quieter, slightly more upscale beach club experience. The elevated deck is a perfect perch for lunches overlooking the water. Service is seamless but low-key, and the beach itself is smaller, offering a tranquil vibe.
Entry Fee: Similar to Elena, around €20 per person
Facilities: Loungers, shower, casual bar service
Vibe: Refined and peaceful
Not a sandy beach, but a massive flat tufaceous rock emerging from the sea—a local favorite spot for cliff jumping and sunbathing. Water is deep, clear, and inviting for swimmers who want to dive or float. There are a few rental chairs, but amenities are minimal.
Access: Boat from Marechiaro pier (~€3–5) or swim from shore
Type: Natural cliff platform, no sand
Remember: Bring swim shoes and water
These long sandy beaches are about 40–50 minutes outside Naples and among the finest in the region. They offer a mix of free public access and paid lidos, with calm water, seafood stands, volleyball courts, and shaded lawns. Mistakes in transit aside, it’s a go-to for full-day family outings.
Transportation: Cumana train to Torregaveta + local bus or shuttle
Facilities: Free areas, beach clubs, bars, showers, parking
Crowds: Mixed tourist and local, busiest in July–August
On the Sorrentine Peninsula but easily reached from Naples, Marina di Puolo offers a pebble beach with remarkably clear water and Blue Flag quality. It’s more subdued and scenic than many, with simple chair rentals but no large complexes—making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon swim with sea views.
Location: Sorrento Coast, ~1 hour drive or ferry + taxi
Type: Pebble beach, crystal water
Facilities: Umbrellas and lounger rentals only; no showers
Naples may not be a beach resort city, but within and beyond its limits you'll find coastal spots each with unique appeal—from accessible urban sand and historic beach clubs to secluded limestone dips and long stretches of sand beyond the Bay. Whether you're craving convenience, culture, or pristine water, Naples offers a seaworthy adventure within easy reach.