5 Unique Places to Swim in Campania

From thermal baths, sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, a natural pool and an underwater ancient roman park, you’re guaranteed to enjoy every variety of summer activity.  The great part is that all these gems are near each other so you can try them all.  If you’re staying in Napoli, Sorrento or anywhere near the Amalfi Coast this summer, this article is for you! We tried these places last summer, now it’s your turn 😉

 

Bagni della Regina Giovanna

Queen Giovanna of Napoli had a summer home built near Sorrento in the 1300’s and since she had good taste, she built it above a natural salt water pool, with a cave that comes out into the Mediterranean sea. Since she’s been gone for a quite a while, we now get to use her swimming pool and it’s splendid. Just look at the water!!

 

There are many opportunities to dive from lower and higher rocks as the water can get pretty deep, and you will see the local children jump from the highest cliffs as your heart stops for a second. Since the area is archaeological and situated on cliffs right on the water, it makes for  beautiful hikes. You’ll be happy to end it by taking a dip in the Bagni della Regina Giovanna.

Baia delle Rocce Verdi

When we moved to Napoli, some people told us we had to leave the city and go far to find a good spot to swim. We were happy to prove them wrong and found a gorgeous location right in the Neapolitan neighborhood of Posillipo. After hiking down a steep hill we found Baia delle rocce verdi , a secluded small beach with water so clear and turquoise you immediately forget you’re in a hustling and bustling city. The sandy part is small but unless you go in August you will find room to relax.

They rent kayaks that you can take alone or with a guide to Parco Sommerso di Gaiola, a protected marine reserve with ancient roman ruins found at the bottom of the sea. You will be provided with a snorkeling mask by the kayak rental booth. With the tour they will also show you a phenomenon you can see in the water caused by volcanic activity that is high in the area (don’t worry, nothing big has happened since the Pompei days…). Not expensive and totally worth it!!

On the opposite side of the free beach you will see the entrance to a villa called Villa Fattorusso and  for a small fee you can use their gorgeous swimming pool overlooking Capri and the other islands, and their private rocky beach. They will provide you with lounging chairs and you will have your feet right in the sea. As this is also a wedding venue, the location is pristine and luxurious. We went twice and once spent the day in total relax and the second time did the more adventurous  kayaking and snorkeling tour. We loved both 😉 

 

Lido delle Sirene

Right from the port of Amalfi, a small boat offers a free ride to a  private Beach, Lido delle sirene, as long as you rent a beach chair or get aperitivo (Italian happy hour) at their cafe. The boat ride itself is stunning as you get to see Amalfi in all its glory. As we arrived, the beach was quaint and the water pristine. However, we were really impressed once we started exploring further. A beautiful natural arch leads to another more secluded small beach with a giant cave.

We could not believe we were the only ones there! (again, this was in June. I have seen pictures of the place in August and it was much busier).  As you swim in the area  you will find rocky protuberances out of the water that are very fun to climb and to jump back in. At the end of the day sit at the cafe and make sure to order a refreshing Spritz.

Fiordo di Furore

Another gem in the Amalfi coast, this beautiful location hosts a yearly diving competition from its 28 meter (91 feet) bridge every July. To reach the beach you must walk down many steps, but trust me, the effort is worth it! Each step you take will reveal a new view, as different nuances and shades keep changing as you go down toward the beach to admire the majestic Fiordo. The town of Furore has won prizes as  “borghi piu belli d’italia” – one of” the most beautiful small towns “in Italy.  If you’re coming to spend hours at the beach, come by taxi or bus as there is no parking. If you’re just driving the Amalfi coast and want to check it out you can pull over for a brief stop. Either way, make sure not to miss it!

 

Ischia

Ischia was a very pleasant surprise. Having been in love with Capri, its more famous neighboring island, I was putting off seeing Ischia. Turns out, I loved Ischia even more! First of all, it’s huge. While the other places on this article are day trips, you MUST spend multiple days in Ischia! Second, it has so much history, one of the most breathtaking sight being  the Castello Aragonese. The first part of the castle was built in the year 474 BEFORE Christ which is in itself mind boggling, but the whole ambiance is amazing. The castle is almost on its own little island and inside you will find an entire medieval town complete of churches, gardens, ancient homes, wine presses, and even a cemetery all surrounded by lemon and orange trees and of course the stunning blues of the sea enclosing the castle. You can easily spend hours there exploring. 

Anyway, the 3rd reason I loved Ischia (and the reason it’s on this article about swimming!) are all the natural thermal water springs and pools! Being a volcanic island, it has underground hot sulfuric water which has many health benefits. But mainly, it feels so nice! We went at the end of September while it was still warm out but not scolding hot. Our favorite park was Negombo which is built on a hillside and has more than 14 natural pools, caves, and salt water swimming pools. Ischia also boasts many beautiful beaches which i will write about in the future 😉

 

Please comment which of these you’d love to visit or to share any other unique swimming spots in the area you know of!