Campania is a stunning region in southern Italy renowned for its dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, and world-famous cuisine. Home to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the islands of Capri and Ischia, it offers an unrivaled mix of history, natural beauty, and gastronomy. The birthplace of pizza and mozzarella di bufala, Campania captivates visitors with its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Campania.
-
- Glamorous, social, photogenic
- sunbed rental
- beach bars
- restaurants
- showers
- lifeguard
- boat rentals
Marina Grande, Positano
Positano's main beach of dark volcanic sand and pebbles is set against the backdrop of the village's pastel-colored houses cascading down the cliffs. One of the most photographed beaches in Italy, it's best enjoyed early morning before the day-trippers arrive.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid peak crowds from day-tripper ferry services
-
- Romantic, secluded, dramatic
- beach bar
- restaurant
- sunbed rental
- diving center
- showers
Marina di Praia, Praiano
A tiny beach tucked into a vertical-walled cove between the cliffs with an ancient Saracen watchtower. Accessible via steep steps, Marina di Praia catches sun until sunset (unlike most Amalfi Coast beaches that lose sun by mid-afternoon) and has excellent diving and kayaking.
Editor’s tip. Arrive from 2 PM onward to benefit from the longest afternoon sun exposure available on the Amalfi Coast
-
- Family-friendly, spacious, relaxed
- sunbed rental
- beach clubs
- free public sections
- restaurants
- showers
- lifeguard
Maiori Beach
The longest sandy beach on the Amalfi Coast at almost 1km, Maiori is a popular choice for families who want a proper sandy beach rather than pebbles. It faces south into the open Mediterranean and receives afternoon sun unlike many more sheltered coves.
Editor’s tip. Park on the seafront promenade early in the morning during July and August, as spaces fill by mid-morning
-
- Local, relaxed, authentic
- beach clubs
- free sections
- restaurants
- showers
Minori Beach
A 250-meter south-facing sandy beach popular with local families rather than international tourists. The Historic City of Taste (home of scialatielli pasta) has a pleasant beach with a ferry pier at its western end and a more authentic atmosphere than neighboring Amalfi.
Editor’s tip. Visit on a weekday for a genuinely local beach experience with predominantly Italian families and minimal tourist activity
-
- Classic, scenic, busy
- beach clubs
- restaurants
- showers
- sunbed rental
- boat rentals
Marina Grande, Capri
The main beach of Capri at the ferry port combines pebble beaches with beach clubs offering sunbeds and restaurants. The dramatic cliff walls and views of the Faraglioni rocks from the water make it particularly scenic despite the crowds.
Editor’s tip. Arrive on an early morning ferry to enjoy the beach before day-tripper crowds peak between 10 AM and 4 PM
-
- Glamorous, scenic, exclusive
- beach clubs
- restaurants
- sunbed rental
- boat rentals
- water sports
Marina Piccola, Capri
Capri's most beautiful beach area on the southern coast, with clear turquoise water and views of the Faraglioni sea stacks. The beach clubs here are glamorous and expensive but the setting is extraordinary.
Editor’s tip. Take the bus from Capri Piazzetta to the Via Marina Piccola stop and descend on foot — taxis are expensive for this short journey
-
- Natural, unspoiled, thermal
- beach clubs
- free sections
- restaurants
- boat service
Spiaggia dei Maronti, Ischia
Ischia's longest beach at 1.5km, with warm volcanic thermal water seeping up through the sand in some sections. Accessible by boat from Ischia Porto or by bus plus a walk down steps, Maronti is less developed than northern Ischia beaches.
Editor’s tip. Take the water taxi from Ischia Porto to Maronti rather than the bus-plus-steps approach — faster, cheaper on effort, and more enjoyable
-
- Relaxed, spa-adjacent, family
- Poseidon thermal park adjacent
- beach clubs
- restaurants
- sunbeds
Citara Beach, Ischia
The location of Poseidon Thermal Gardens right on the beach makes Citara unique - you can swim in the sea and then soak in volcanic mineral pools at the thermal park. The broad sandy beach faces west for spectacular sunsets.
Editor’s tip. Arrive at Poseidon Gardens when it opens to secure a thermal pool position before midday crowds arrive
-
- Authentic, uncrowded, local
- basic facilities
- fishing boats moored alongside
Corricella Beach, Procida
A small pebble beach at the base of Procida's most picturesque fishing harbor, framed by the colorful pastel-painted houses. The most authentic beach experience in the Gulf of Naples with genuine fishing village atmosphere.
Editor’s tip. Visit early morning when the fishing boats return to harbor and the pastel facades catch the warmest light
-
- Local, sandy, relaxed
- beach clubs
- restaurants
- free areas
Chiaiolella Beach, Procida
Procida's best sandy beach in the calm Chiaiolella bay, popular with local families for its gentle clear water and more sheltered conditions. Feels completely non-touristy.
Editor’s tip. Take the bus from Procida Porto rather than walking — the route is approximately 3 km and the bus runs frequently in summer
-
- Secluded, rocks-and-sea, dramatic
- basic bar (seasonal)
- no facilities
Santa Croce Beach, Amalfi
One of the most beautiful spots on the Amalfi Coast, accessible only by sea or a challenging footpath. Rocky ledges and tiny pebble patches create natural platforms for swimming in crystal-clear turquoise water.
Editor’s tip. Confirm water taxi availability from Amalfi harbor before departing — services cancel in rough sea conditions without warning
-
- Urban, local, accessible
- beach clubs
- restaurants
- public areas
- showers
Bagnara Beach, Salerno
Salerno's city beach along the 2km Lungomare Trieste promenade offers pleasant swimming without the Amalfi Coast prices or crowds. The backdrop of Mount Lactario and the Cilento coast makes it unexpectedly scenic.
Editor’s tip. Combine a morning at Bagnara Beach with an afternoon ferry to Amalfi or Positano — the ferry terminal is a short walk from the promenade
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Relax
Quiet & peaceful
Corricella on Procida, Santa Croce near Amalfi, and Minori offer peaceful retreats away from crowds
Family
Family-friendly
Maiori's long sandy beach and Maronti on Ischia have gentle water, lifeguards, and good facilities for families
Sport
Active & sporty
Marina di Praia has the best water sports with diving, kayaking, and windsurfing in a dramatic cove setting
Social
Lively scene
Marina Grande in Positano and Marina Piccola on Capri have beach bars, boat rentals, and the most vibrant atmosphere
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Campania memorable.
Snorkeling
Clear Mediterranean water with rocky sea beds rich in marine life. Best spots at Marina di Praia, Santa Croce, and around Capri's rocky coastline
Marina di Praia, Santa Croce, Capri, around Faraglioni rocks
Scuba Diving
Campania offers excellent diving with WWII wrecks, submerged Roman ruins, and rich marine life. Several dive centers operate on the Amalfi Coast and Ischia.
Marina di Praia diving center, Ischia dive sites
Kayaking
Sea kayaking along the Amalfi Coast cliffs, through sea caves, and around the islands. Tours available from several operators.
Amalfi Coast, Capri circumnavigation, Procida
Boat Tours
Private or shared boat tours around Capri's coastline, through sea grottoes, and along the Amalfi cliffs are among Campania's best experiences
From Positano, Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento
Thermal Bathing
Ischia's volcanic springs warm the sea at some beaches. Poseidon Thermal Gardens at Citara Beach offers pools in multiple temperatures.
Maronti (natural), Citara with Poseidon Gardens
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
May-October for comfortable swimming. July-August hottest and most crowded.
Getting there
Most Amalfi Coast beaches are accessible only by boat or steep steps. Buses stop above beaches requiring descent. Maiori and Minori are easiest to reach.
On-beach facilities
Private beach clubs (lidi) offer sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and restaurants for €15-30/day. Free public sections at most beaches.
Costs to budget
Sunbed and umbrella rental €15-30/day at private beach clubs. Some beaches have free public sections. Water taxi transfers €10-20.
Water Quality
Excellent throughout Campania. EU Blue Flag beaches include several on the Amalfi Coast and Ischia.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Campania’s coast.
Is there a free public section at Marina Grande, Positano?
A small free area exists near the central boat ramp, but it fills by mid-morning in summer. Most of the beach is occupied by private lidos that require sunbed and umbrella rental.
From the Marina Grande, Positano editorial.
How does one reach Marina Grande from Positano village?
The most direct route descends the long staircase from Via Pasitea. Alternatively, ferries from Amalfi, Salerno, and Sorrento arrive directly at the beach, eliminating the climb altogether.
From the Marina Grande, Positano editorial.
How do visitors reach Marina di Praia?
The beach is accessed via a steep staircase descending from the SS163 Amalfitana coastal road in Praiano. Ferries from Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno stop at Praiano and provide a practical alternative arrival.
From the Marina di Praia, Praiano editorial.
What makes Marina di Praia different from other Amalfi Coast beaches?
Its south-facing orientation in a sheltered cove means it retains direct sunshine until near sunset, unlike most Amalfi Coast beaches that fall into cliff shadow by early to mid-afternoon.
From the Marina di Praia, Praiano editorial.
Is Maiori Beach actually sandy?
Yes — Maiori has the longest sandy beach on the Amalfi Coast, approximately one kilometer, with fine tan-colored sand. This is notable as most Amalfi Coast beaches consist of pebbles or dark volcanic gravel.
From the Maiori Beach editorial.
How does Maiori Beach compare to Positano and Amalfi beaches?
Maiori is larger, sandier, and less crowded with international tourists than Positano or Amalfi town. It has a more local atmosphere and better public beach access, though it is less dramatically scenic.
From the Maiori Beach editorial.
Is Minori Beach sandy?
Yes — Minori Beach has a sand surface with a gently sloping seafloor, making it suitable for families with young children and non-swimmers.
From the Minori Beach editorial.
How does Minori compare to Amalfi town as a beach destination?
Minori is quieter and less visited than Amalfi, with a more local atmosphere and lower prices. The beach is similar in character but smaller, and the town is less commercially developed.
From the Minori Beach editorial.