On the stretch of coast between Vico Equense and Massa Lubrense, there aren't many beaches where you can sunbathe for free. Most of the coast is rocky, and the few sand beaches are occupied by beach clubs where there are sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. Here we will list the public beaches on the Sorrentine Peninsula where you can lay out your towel and bask for free.
All the beaches along the Sorrento Peninsula face west, so have are sunny until dusk.
Vico Equense
The beach at Vico Equense can be reached with the Circumvesuviana Napoli - Sorrento rail line. From the Vesuviana stop, walk down to the water's edge or take the public bus (which we recommend for the return trip, as the road back up is a steep climb). The small public beach is sand, but we suggest taking the shuttle boat that will take you to the alla Spiaggia della Tartaruga beach for EUR 3/person, known for its boulder in the shape of the turtle just off shower. The water is lovely here and you can also rent a sun lounger and umbrella, if you prefer.
- Can be reached by public transportation
- Sand and pebble
- Crowded
Seiano
Marina di Aequa or Seiano is a small hamlet near Vico Equense on the shore, and you can reach the beach by taking the staircase down from the center of Vico Equense opposite the church of San Ciro or by driving down the road opposite the Circumvesuviana train station. There is a stretch of wide sand and pebble beach that is free to the public known as “Le Calcare”, but it is often very crowded. You can also rent a sun lounger and umbrella here.
- Can be reached by public transportation
- Sand and pebble
- Family-friendly
Meta
The Meta beach can also be reached with the Circumvesuviana train line, then by foot or public bus. There is a side of the beach that is pebble and other that is sand, and there are a number of small free public areas between the beach clubs. We only recommend this beach in the off season because it is always very crowded in the summer months.
This beach faces west, so has a mild microclimate all year round and many visitors swim here even in the winter season.
- Can be reached by public transportation
- Sand and pebble
- Crowded from June through September
Piano and Sant’Agnello
There are small volcanic (or black sand) beaches here, which are not particularly pleasant for swimming. The best option is the Caterina beach in Marina di Cassano (you can reach it from Piano di Sorrento, though it is technically located in the town of Sant’Agnello). To reach the beach, you can use the elevator on Via Ripa di Cassano opposite Villa Fondi, which can also be used for come back up to town.
Sorrento
Sorrento does not have a main beach, but there are a number of tiny pockets of volcanic sand or beach clubs on platforms above the rocky coast. In Marina Piccola, the small pebble and sand San Francesco beach is shady for most of the day, and gets sun from mid-afternoon to dusk. You can reach it by foot from the port, or by taking the elevator from the Villa Comunale park.
- Can be reached by public transportation
- Very small
- Gets little sun
To find beautiful beaches with crystalline water, you need to go past Sorrento towards Massa Lubrense by bus or with your own car. The best way to explore the beaches along this stretch of coast is by scooter.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna
A few kilometers east of Sorrento at “Capo di Sorrento”, there is a small foot path leading to the “bagni”. The coast here is rocky, and it's not easy to dive into the water, but the landscape is untouched and the views are magnificent. There is a small lagoon here that forms a natural pool connected to the Mediterranean under a stone arch where it is lovely to swim.
If you walk along the rocky coast, you will reach Solara where there is a large stretch of flat rocks along the water's edge where you can lay out your beach towel. It's easier to dive into the water here, and there are ropes attached to the rocks to help you get in and out.
- Can only be reached on foot
- No beach, just large boulders
- Dangerous for children
La Pignatella
Pass Sorrento and continue towards Massa Lubrense: after Capo di Sorrento, there is a road down on the right. Park your car or scooter beneath the olive trees and walk to “La Pignatella”, a rocky stretch of coast with a system of ladders and ropes attached to the boulders to help you get in and out of the water. You can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas here.
Puolo
The same road leading to Pignatella takes you to Puolo: rather than stopping at the parking area under the olive trees, continue downhill until you reach the free beach and beach clubs. The water here is very clean and the beach is safe for children.
- Family-friendly
- Clean water
- Crowded in July and August
Cala di Mitigliano
If you are looking for a beach that is truly “wild”, head to Cala di Mitigliano. Once you reach Termini, follow the signs for Punta Campanella. If you have a car, you will have to park in town; scooters can continue on. Just after the beginning of Via Campanella, there is a gate to the right with a dirt path to the Cala point. This is a private path, so you will have to pay a fee to continue down with your scooter. Park it in the lowest lot and continue on by foot along the dirt path, which leads to a beach with boulders, rocks, and pebbles overlooking crystalline waters and a breathtaking view of Capri. Bring drinking water and any other supplies you need, as there are no beach clubs or cafès here.
- Can be reached only on foot
- Crystalline waters and a breathtaking view of Capri
- No beach club or cafè
Baia di Ieranto
A tiny cove that can be reached by a hiking path.
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