Beaches near Naples

The Italian city of Naples could hardly ask for a better location. Located on the glittering Bay of Naples with the volcanic Mount Vesuvius rising above the city, Naples is a place of astonishing natural beauty that is only enhanced by the Renaissance and Baroque churches and palaces that make up the historic heart of the city. The birthplace of one of the world's most popular foods, pizza, Naples is also a city of incredible history and artistic heritage. And thanks to the warm southern Italian weather in the presence of the sea nearby, it's also a great place to spend some time on the beach.

When the weather gets hot in Naples, locals head to the water to cool off, and a beach trip only a short distance from the city offers a great way to decompress from what can sometimes be a chaotic place. The waters of the Mediterranean are swimmable from around June until at least October, and if you're used to cold water, you may be able to swim year-round.

Note that in Italy, there's a difference between beach clubs and public beaches. Many of the beautiful beaches in the area will be dominated by beach clubs that will rent you a lounge chair and an umbrella, and many provide restaurants, bars, changing rooms, and other amenities. However, if you want to save money, by law every beach has an area of free beach that is open to the public with no services where you can put down a towel and enjoy your own bit of the Italian Riviera.

The 3 best beaches near Naples

The volcanic geology of the area around Naples gives it a combination of rocky beaches with astonishingly clear water and some of the best sandy beaches in Italy. And when you factor in incredible places like the island of Capri or the legendary Amalfi coast, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a wonderful beach near Naples.

Gaiola Beach

Gaiola Beach is located in the Posillipo district of Naples, a scenic area known for its stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Gaiola Beach sits within the Gaiola Underwater Park (Parco Sommerso di Gaiola), a protected marine area that allows you to explore both natural and archaeological wonders yourself or through organized tours. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Naples city center, and you can reach the beach by car or bus. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended, and a short walk or hike down to the beach may be required.

Gaiola Beach is unique for its secluded atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and the rich history that surrounds it. The beach is relatively small and made up of rocky inlets rather than sandy shores. It's a picturesque setting for a peaceful, natural beach experience. The clear waters and proximity to the underwater archaeological park make it a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming. Beneath the surface, visitors can explore ancient Roman ruins, submerged villas, and structures that date back thousands of years. It's not everywhere you can swim over Roman ruins, so this is definitely an experience worth having. The area’s marine life is also protected, so it’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and a great place for scuba diving.

The beach gets its name from the nearby Gaiola Island, a small, rocky island connected by a narrow bridge. The island is part of a larger network of Roman ruins and is visible from the shore, adding to the historical intrigue of the beach. The island and the underwater park tell the story of ancient Roman life, with remnants of villas that once belonged to Roman aristocrats.

Due to its location within a protected marine area, Gaiola Beach is well-maintained, but it has limited facilities. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas for rent, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own towels, beach gear, and snacks.

If you prefer staying on land, the surrounding area is perfect for hiking, with trails that provide stunning views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast in the distance.

Although it feels like a long way away, this is one of the most accessible of the many beaches in Naples and its surroundings, with a Metro line taking you most of the way and a bus closing the gap to the Mediterranean Sea. You can reach this protected marine reserve almost as soon as you arrive in Naples, but first, you'll want to drop off your heavy bags. Let Bounce provide you with a place in Naples to leave your things in total security so you can hit the beach faster.

Marina Grande, Capri

Marina Grande is the main port and one of the most famous beaches on the island of Capri, located on the northern side of the island. It’s easily accessible from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast via ferry, with regular services arriving directly at Marina Grande. Once you arrive, the beach is just a short walk from the ferry dock, so it's a convenient first stop for anyone visiting Capri.

Marina Grande offers soft pebbles, turquoise waters, and colorful fishing boats dotting the shoreline. The beach has views of the Bay of Naples, and in the distance, you can see Mount Vesuvius. The beach is relatively spacious compared to other Capri beaches. The clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming and are especially family-friendly due to the gentle waves.

One of the unique aspects of Marina Grande is its vibrant, lively atmosphere. As the main port of Capri, it’s a bustling area with plenty of activity, from ferries coming and going to tourists exploring the shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent, and there are changing rooms and showers. It has all the amenities needed for a comfortable beach day. Pro tip: get a Caprese sandwich from Aldo's Salumeria - you won't regret it!

In addition to its beach appeal, Marina Grande is also a great place to explore Capri’s maritime culture. You’ll see fishermen bringing in their daily catches, and you can often find fresh seafood in the nearby restaurants. Many visitors stop for lunch or a drink at one of the waterfront cafes, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and Italian classics with beautiful sea views.

Marina Grande is also the departure point for several boat tours around the island, including trips to the famous Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri’s iconic sea cave. These boat tours are a must for visitors who want to explore Capri’s dramatic coastline and hidden coves. You can also rent a private boat or take a guided boat tour from Marina Grande to explore the island's beauty from the water.

Capri is a great place to visit for a few days or longer, but good accommodation can be hard to find on this island, especially during the summer season. If your hotel or vacation rental can't hold onto your bags, don't worry. Bounce provides multiple locations on Capri where you can store your belongings in perfect safety while you head to the beach.

Spiaggia di Citara

Spiaggia di Citara is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island of Ischia, on the island’s southwestern coast near the town of Forio. It’s easily accessible by car or public bus from Ischia Porto, the main port of the island, which is about a 20-minute drive away. For visitors arriving by ferry from Naples, public buses run frequently from the port to the beach, and parking is available near the beach for those who prefer to drive.

Spiaggia di Citara has a wide, sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming in one of the beaches in the area. It's set in a picturesque bay surrounded by lush hills, with views stretching out over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

One of the standout features of Citara Beach is the combination of natural beauty and thermal springs. The beach is adjacent to the famous Poseidon Thermal Gardens, one of the largest and most well-known thermal spa complexes in Europe, which adds a unique wellness element to the beach experience. The complex offers a range of thermal pools, saunas, and spa treatments, all set in beautifully landscaped gardens with panoramic views of the sea. Visitors can spend the day alternating between the beach and the thermal baths, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of Ischia’s natural hot springs.

The beach itself is divided into public and private sections. The public areas are free to access, while private sections offer sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachside services for a fee. The water is calm and shallow, ideal for families with children and anyone looking for a relaxing swim. Citara Beach is particularly known for its soft sand and clean, warm waters, which are heated by the island’s volcanic activity.

In addition to its natural beauty, Spiaggia di Citara offers plenty of amenities, including beach bars, restaurants, and cafes where visitors can enjoy local Italian cuisine, seafood, and refreshing drinks. Many visitors enjoy grabbing a meal at one of the beachside trattorias, where you can dine with stunning views of the sea and watch the sunset over the horizon.

This is a great place to spend a day enjoying the scenery, but if you had to move from one location to another, you may be dragging your bags with you. Leave them behind with Bounce instead so you can bring only what you need to the beach and pick up your belongings later.