BEACHES
1. Procida
This small island (see Procida) has several good beach options. One of the longest stretches from Chiaiolella Marina to Ciraccio, called the Lido, is the island’s most popular beach so expect crowds. From here a bridge leads to the nature reserve of Vivara, which has rocky access to the sea. To the northeast, Pozzo Vecchio also has a beach.
One of many beaches on Procida
2. Posillipo and Beyond
The nearest beaches to the centre of Naples that are of any appeal can be found at Posillipo, although most are shingle, not sand, and the water isn’t quite immaculate. Further away, at the ends of the Cumana and Circumflegrea railways, there are more attractive sandy beaches, although, again, they are not entirely pristine.
3. Sorrento
In this resort town (see Sorrento), bathing platforms have been constructed, with lifts or steps leading down to them from several hotels, but unless you are a hotel resident you will have to pay for this option. Elsewhere along the peninsula there’s a fine beach to the east, at Meta di Sorrento, while to the west, there’s a small sandy beach at Marina di Puolo and another at Marina di Lobra.
4. Capri
There’s very little in the way of sandy beaches here, although there are small ones around Marina Grande (see Capri). A popular pebbly choice is Marina Piccola, where facilities include restaurants. The adventurous should head down to the bottom of Via Krupp, where huge flat stones lie along the shore.
Scenic view over the bay, Capri
5. Ischia
To gain access to any beach here (see Ischia) – at least the good parts – you will need to pay, but for around €15 to €20 per day, you receive the use of a sunbed and an umbrella. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, including sandy stretches in Forio and Ischia Porto. More out-of-the-way options include San Montano and Sorgeto.
Sant’Angelo, Ischia
6. Amalfi
Lined with colourful umbrellas, the Marina Grande beach at Amalfi has a free area popular with locals. Or take a short boat ride to the rocky Santa Croce beach.
Marina Grande beach, Amalfi
7. Positano
At the beach resorts of this town (see Positano), payment is necessary for a sunbed and an umbrella. For something more independent take the path to the west, around the cliff, to the beach at Fornillo – it’s smaller and rockier but more relaxed.
8. Marina di Praia
This small cove, just beyond Positano, has a bit of beach you can generally call your own. However you will share the cove with local fishing boats, a couple of bar-restaurants, a diving centre and the coast’s premier disco, Africana.
9. Marina di Furore
A very precipitous path goes straight down to this dramatic, tiny beach set between the cliffs. A few fishermen’s homes cluster here, with their boats neatly moored along one side, and there’s a bar-restaurant.
10. Erchie and Cetara
The beach at Erchie is a small cove graced by a watchtower, fishing boats and a few houses. At Cetara, bathers share the narrow rocky strip with boats, but it’s good for a dip.
TOP 10 SPAS
1. Terme di Agnano, Naples
Via Agnano Astroni 24
A spa since ancient times. Mud-baths and mineral waters.
2. Giardini Poseidon, Ischia
Via Mazzella
Saunas, Jacuzzis, pools and treatments.
3. Negombo, Ischia
Via Baia di S Montano, Lacco Ameno
Surrounded by beautiful gardens with volcanic springs.
4. Terme di Stabia, Castellammare di Stabia
Viale delle Terme 3/5
Mud, mineral waters and massage.
5. Terme Belliazzi, Ischia
Piazza Bagni 122, Casamicciola
Mud treatments and massage.
6. Terme di Cavascura, Ischia
Via Cavascura, Serrara Fontana
Built into the cliffs, with a cave sauna and baths in sulphurous water.
7. Terme della Regina Isabella, Ischia
Piazza Santa Restituta, Lacco Ameno
Luxury massage and treatments.
8. Capri Palace Hotel
Anacapri’s top hotel also has a spa and beauty treatment centre (see Capri Palace Hotel and Spa).
9. Hotel Capo La Gala, Vico Equense
Via Luigi Serio 8
Enjoy the mineral water swimming pool.
10. Parco Termale Aphrodite Apollon, Ischia
Via Petrelle, Sant’Angelo
Pools, saunas and massage.
Parco Termale Aphrodite Apollon
