The hidden beaches of Sorrento: from Marinella to the secret coves of the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento is famous for its lemons, its breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples, and the Amalfi Coast just a stone’s throw away. But there is one aspect of Sorrento that many visitors discover by chance: its beaches. Hidden, often reachable only on foot or by sea, they are little paradises where crystal-clear water meets sheer cliffs, sandy coves and ancient history.

Forget the organised beaches with neat rows of sun loungers and music blaring at full volume. We are talking about a different kind of sea here: the authentic one, the kind that requires a little effort to reach, the kind that rewards you with transparent waters and breathtaking views. Whether you are looking for a romantic beach for two, a cove for the family or a secret corner all to yourself, Sorrento has the perfect beach for you. Here are the most beautiful ones, with our tips on how to reach them and make the most of them.

Marina Grande: Sorrento’s seafaring village

Marina Grande is the maritime soul of Sorrento. It is not exactly a hidden beach — it is one of the most photographed villages on the peninsula — but it absolutely deserves a visit. This small fishing village is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Sorrento, yet it feels like a world apart. Colourful houses, boats pulled up on the pebble beach, fish restaurants with tables directly on the sand, cats sleeping in the shade of the nets.

The beach: Mainly pebbles, with some free stretches and historic bathing establishments. The sea is clean, the water crystal-clear, and the view over the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the background is spectacular.

How to get there: From the centre of Sorrento, follow the signs for Marina Grande. You can walk down (about 10–15 minutes — bear in mind that the climb back up is demanding in the summer heat) or take the SITA bus that stops right in the village square.

Marinella: the local beach

Marinella is the beach “dei sorrentini” — the locals’ beach. Less touristy than Marina Grande, more authentic, it is where the people of Sorrento come to swim. It is located just outside Sorrento, in the direction of Sant’Agnello, and is characterised by wooden platforms built on the rock (the classic Sorrento “bagni”) and a few small stretches of free beach.

The beach: Rocks, wooden platforms, deep and crystal-clear water. It is not suitable for families with young children (there is no sand), but it is perfect for those who love diving from the rocks and swimming in transparent waters.

The bathing establishments: Bagni Salvatore and Lido Marinella are the most historic. They offer sun loungers, parasols, showers and a small bar. Honest prices, a family atmosphere.

How to get there: From Sorrento, you can walk in 15–20 minutes along Via del Capo. Or take the SITA bus towards Sant’Agnello and get off at the Marinella stop. From the main road, descend a long flight of steps (around 200 steps — factor in the climb back up).

Bagni della Regina Giovanna: the most beautiful natural pool

This is the hidden jewel. The Bagni della Regina Giovanna are a natural pool carved into the rock by the sea, with the ruins of a first-century Roman villa as a backdrop. A natural and archaeological wonder all in one. Legend has it that Queen Giovanna d’Angiò used to come here to bathe with her lovers. It is probably just a romantic legend, but the place is truly enchanting.

The pool: A natural inlet sheltered by rocks, with a rock arch that opens onto the open sea. The water is crystal-clear, cold even in summer, and an incredible shade of turquoise. Varying depths — some areas are suitable for children when supervised.

How to get there: From Sorrento, take the SITA bus towards Massa Lubrense and get off at Capo di Sorrento (about 10 minutes). From there, follow the signs on foot to the Bagni della Regina Giovanna. The path descends through olive and lemon groves (20 minutes of walking, easy but downhill — factor in the return climb).

Please note: There are no facilities (no bar, no toilets, no sun loungers). Bring water, sunscreen and everything you need for the day. The area is wild, and that is precisely what makes it so fascinating.

The beaches of Meta and Piano di Sorrento

Just outside Sorrento, the neighbouring towns of Meta and Piano di Sorrento offer wider, better-equipped beaches, perfect for families with children.

Meta di Sorrento: Meta’s beach is mainly sandy, with shallow water and gently shelving seabeds. Perfect for children. The bathing establishments (Lido Metamare, Bagni Salvatore) offer all the services: sun loungers, parasols, bar, restaurant and showers.

Piano di Sorrento: Marina di Cassano is a beach of dark volcanic sand, less touristy and frequented mainly by local families. Clean water, basic facilities, lower prices than Sorrento.

How to get there: Both are reachable by Circumvesuviana (the local train connecting Naples to Sorrento). From Sorrento it is 5–10 minutes by train. From the stations, the beaches are reachable on foot in 10–15 minutes.

Nerano and the Baia di Ieranto: for the more adventurous

If you are willing to venture a little further from Sorrento, the Nerano area and the Baia di Ieranto offer some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches on the peninsula.

Nerano: A small fishing village about 20 minutes by car from Sorrento, with a pebble beach and exceptional fish restaurants. Taverna del Capitano and Lo Scoglio are two institutions for spaghetti alle zucchine (the local specialty).

Baia di Ieranto: A protected area managed by the FAI (Italian National Trust), reachable only on foot via a path of about 45 minutes from Nerano. The bay is wild, with transparent water and rich seabeds perfect for snorkelling. No facilities, unspoiled nature.

How to get there: Car or scooter are the best options. Alternatively, take the SITA bus from Sorrento to Nerano (limited services — check the timetables). Or a taxi boat from Marina Grande.

The coves reachable only by sea

The Sorrento coastline is jagged, with dozens of coves and caves accessible only from the water. A boat trip is the best way to discover them.

Organised tours: From Marina Piccola, several boat tours depart to circumnavigate the Sorrento peninsula. Stops for swimming in hidden coves, snorkelling, lunch on board or at a waterfront restaurant. Prices: €40–80 per person depending on the type of vessel.

Kayak: For the more sporty, renting a kayak allows you to explore the coastline independently, enter sea caves and reach coves inaccessible to larger boats.

Sorrento’s beaches are not the postcard kind you find in Sardinia or Puglia. Do not expect fine white sand or kilometre-long stretches of beach. Here the sea is experienced differently: more intimate, more authentic, harder to reach — but for precisely that reason, more rewarding. Every cove has its own story, every beach its own character. Marina Grande with its fishing village atmosphere, the Bagni della Regina Giovanna with their archaeological charm, the Baia di Ieranto with its wild nature.

Choose your beach according to your mood for the day: romantic, adventurous, relaxing or family-friendly. Sorrento can offer all of these experiences — you just need to know where to look. And remember: the most beautiful beaches are the ones you have to earn with a walk, a long staircase, a little effort. The reward is a crystal-clear sea all to yourself and a memory you will carry in your heart.