6 of the best beaches in Naples, Italy

Most visitors seek out Naples’ thrillingly chaotic streets, fabulous food, archaeological treasures and world-class museums. Yet even though the city’s history, culture and cuisine have been tied to the Mediterranean Sea for millennia, few non-locals know much about the string of beaches that dot the Gulf of Naples, all within the city limits.

Unlike the gorgeous but thronged Amalfi Coast just to the south, you won’t find chic resorts or endless, Insta-perfect vistas on Naples’ beaches. Instead, you’ll find a series of strands heavily favored by locals, many of them private, and each with its own appealing vibe. Most of the best are in the ritzy waterfront district of Posillipo, southwest of the city center and easily reached by public transit. 

Tempted to add a day of lying out and splashing in the water to your next city getaway? Read on for a guide to the best beaches in Naples, Italy.

1. Bagno Elena

Best beach for families with children 

A private beach with a splendid location, Bagno Elena is adjacent to the 17th-century palace Palazzo Donn’Anna in Posillipo. Bathers have been catching rays and swimming the deep blue Mediterranean Sea at this urban resort since it first opened in 1840. (Oscar Wilde was a regular.) The beach is divided into three main areas. The central pier is dotted with comfortable sun beds for lounging under the Mezzogiorno sunshine. The two side beaches are ideal for families thanks to shallow calm waters, as well as plentiful umbrellas and sun beds.

Planning tip: Enjoy an espresso at the beach bar, or sit down to a lunch featuring regional seafood specialties at Il Ristorantino, located on the pier.

2. Bagno Sirena

Best beach for waterfront dining

Steps away from Bagno Elena, on the other side of Palazzo Donn’Anna, Bagno Sirena is a smaller beach where you can relax on comfortable sun beds and swim in the crystal-clear sea – without the maddening crowds. Both Bagno Elena and Bagno Sirena boast incredible views of Mt Vesuvius across the bay; the main draw at the latter is the beachside restaurant, where you can enjoy top-notch Neapolitan cuisine.

Local tip: Try the house speciality, impepate di cozze: fresh mussels prepared with tomatoes and white wine.

3. Mappatella Beach

Best city beach

On the city’s downtown lungomare (waterfront), Mappatella Beach (also known as La Rotonda Diaz) is the most centrally located stretch of sand in Naples. Such convenience means it does get crowded. Also, since it’s so close to Naples’ bustling port, the sand isn’t always sparkling, the sea isn’t the clearest and the passing ships can be noisy. Nonetheless, Mappatella is simply ideal if you’re looking to catch a couple of hours of sunshine after sightseeing, take a quick swim to cool off from the summer heat, or enjoy a cold beer while you dip your toes in the sea. And the people-watching can’t be beat.

Planning tip: After lying on the sound, count on setting out along the lungomare for a passeggiata, the evening walk that is a Naples ritual.

4. Rocce Verdi 

Best beach for diving into saltwater pools

When the sun shines on the submerged rocks at this stunning beach in Posillipo, they take on a green hue – hence its name, Green Rocks. While you’ll have to pay an entry fee, Rocce Verdi has a lot of perks. Catch some rays on a comfortable sun bed situated on the rocky coast, or head to the top of the beach’s water-hugging cliff, where you can dive into one of the two large saltwater pools overlooking the bay. In the distance, you can see the island of Capri and the entire Sorrento peninsula.

Planning tip: Kayak rentals are available if you wish to paddle the tranquil bay. The beach also is a venue to a range of wellness activities, including daily yoga and Pilates during the summer months.

5. Gaiola Beach 

Best beach for snorkeling

Gaiola Beach (Spiaggia di Gaiola) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Naples. Popular with locals during the summer months, the beach is always free (you’ll want to arrive early to beat the crowds). Located along the Posillipo coast, the beach forms part of the Parco Sommerso di Gaiola, a protected national marine reserve.

Thanks to a ban on motorboats and fishing, the Mediterranean Sea is wonderfully clear and calm here, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. You can swim out to two tiny, rocky islands in the near distance or snorkel the submerged ruins of a Roman-era villa. Bring a dive mask or swim goggles, for plenty of colorful fish call this crystal-blue corner of the Baby of Naples home.

Planning tip: The park is divided into two zones. Zone A is a protected nature preserve; Zone B is limited to 100 visitors a day. 

6. Scoglione di Marechiaro

Best beach for a peaceful swim

While the Scaglione di Marechiaro (Marechiaro Cliffs) isn’t a full-service beach, it’s one of the best spots in Naples for a swim in the sea. On a small cape jutting out from the Posillipo coast, the volcanic-rock beach can only be reached from the water; boats depart all day long from the small fishing port at Marechiaro. Significantly less crowded than other nearby beaches, Scoglione in Marechiaro is a beach for swimmers who crave crystalline waters. A stand rents sun beds, which can be set up along the rocky cliff. Enchanting views await.