Bagni della Regina Giovanna

The Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a natural sea pool on the Punta del Capo headland west of Sorrento, in Campania, Italy, and one of the town's best-kept swimming secrets. It sits in a rocky cove at Capo di Sorrento, below the remains of a Roman villa, and is formed by an arched opening in the rock through which the sea flows to fill a calm, transparent basin. The water has a deep turquoise colour and is sheltered from the swell, making it feel like a private lagoon. The site is reached by a signed footpath that descends from the road, a walk of 15 to 20 minutes from the bus stop for Capo di Sorrento, and the final stretch is steep and rocky, which keeps numbers lower than at the organised beaches of the town. Visitors normally spend two to three hours, swimming, sunbathing on the flat rocks and exploring the ruins on the cliff above. Water shoes are strongly advised because of sharp and slippery rock, and there is no lifeguard, so swimmers use their own judgement. The best photo angle is from the path above, showing the arch and the pool, and mornings give the clearest light. There are no facilities, so water, snacks and sun protection must be brought. The place is free, open all day and best between May and October. Weekday mornings in May, June and September are the calmest; summer weekends fill up from late morning. From the town, the walk takes about 40 minutes, the local bus to Massa Lubrense takes less, and a taxi takes roughly ten minutes.