The beaches of the Sorrento Peninsula are among the most loved destinations in Campania, thanks to a unique mix of crystal clear sea, breathtaking views and villages overlooking the Gulf of Naples. From Sorrento to Vico Equense, passing through Meta, Sant’Agnello, Piano di Sorrento and Massa Lubrense, the area offers free beaches, equipped beaches, hidden coves and historic marinas perfect for every type of experience.
In this guide you will find the best beaches of the Sorrento Peninsula, with useful information on how to reach them, where to swim, which are the most beautiful beaches in Sorrento and which locations to choose for relaxation, aperitifs by the sea or family days. A complete itinerary among the most evocative bays of the Sorrento Coast, ideal for those looking for the most beautiful sea near Naples.
All the beaches in the Sorrento Peninsula
From the famous beaches of Marina Grande and Marina Piccola in Sorrento to the bays of Marina di Puolo, Recommone, Ieranto and Marina del Cantone, the Sorrento Peninsula holds some of the most evocative coastal views of Campania. There is also no shortage of perfect beaches for those seeking relaxation, kayak excursions, snorkelling or seaside clubs where you can experience the summer nightlife.
The Beaches of Vico Equense
Starting from Vico Equense, we find:
- Montaro Lido, in which we still find the ancient limestones where stones were baked to make lime, an indispensable element for ancient building and today the site of a historic bathhouse;
- The very old “Cape Point La Gala” where an ancient watchtower once stood and was later demolished;
- The Scrajo, from whose aquifers thermal water always gushes out;
- the Turtle Beach, named after a rock whose shape resembles, precisely, this reptile, reachable only by sea;
- The volcanic-sand Marina di Vico, also known as “Le Postare,” because in ancient times the postal steamer from Naples landed there every day and today is home to a number of bathing establishments;
- The Castle Beach, accessible only from Castle Giusso via a private cove and reserved only for guests of the aforementioned. It is not visible from land but only from the sea;
- The beach “del Vescovado,” also an ancient lido that has now become a private establishment;
From here and up to Punta Scutolo is the entire coastline of Marina d’Aequa, which takes its name from the ancient medieval village of Aequa. Here we find:
- The free beach “del Pezzolo,” accessible on foot or by car near the central church of St. Cyrus.
- Marina di Sant’Antonio (commonly known as Marina di Seiano);
- Free beach “Le Calcare,” all pebbles with a renowned private establishment next to it;
- Lastly, Tordigliano/Chiosse, in pebbles, which is on the side of the Gulf of Salerno (the municipality of Vico Equense extends from the Gulf of Naples to the Gulf of Salerno!).
Vico Equense: Blue Flags
The sea of Vico Equense has obtained the coveted Blue Flag recognition for 2026.
The Beaches of Meta
Continuing on to Meta, we find the vast beach “conceptually” divided into two sides: one known as “Meta Lido,” sandy, and the other commonly referred to as “Alimuri Beach,” mostly stony.
It is said that the name “Alimuri” comes from the dialectal exclamation “Ali muori!” shouted by a brave Metis against a Saracen general, Ali, as he mortally wounded him during a bloody battle. From here, then, Alimuri.
Meta beach is among the busiest on the Sorrento Peninsula, as it is especially suitable for families, thanks to the presence of bathing establishments equipped for the little ones.
The Beaches of Piano di Sorrento
Piano Di Sorrento, on the other hand, has two distinct beaches:
- Marina di Cassano, sandy
- The free beach always known as “Caterina” also sandy but belonging to the neighboring municipality of Sant’Agnello, although the latter can be reached by land only from the Piano descent.
Before the restyling to the port area of the beach, which saw much of the sandy shoreline sacrificed, the marina looked quite different, although some sections have remained unchanged over time. Today Marina di Cassano is an active marina and its new conformation has also seen the emergence of private establishments made up of only large solariums, thus meeting the needs of a youth audience.
Piano di Sorrento: Blue Flags
The beach of Marina di Cassano has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag recognition also for 2026.
The Beaches of Sant'Agnello
In addition to the aforementioned “Caterina” beach, Sant’Agnello has another beach (where there is a private bathing establishment), practically set between the cliffs and reachable from the “della Marinella” terrace either by a lift or by stairs carved into the tuff.
The Beaches of Sorrento
Sorrento‘s beaches, on the other hand, are definitely smaller and also more crowded but still offer just the right amount of relaxation! One must leave the center to reach more pristine and fascinating places.
The first beach we will find along our route is Marina Piccola, with volcanic sand and equipped with private bathing establishments. The lidos can be reached from the Villa Comunale elevator or by walking down from Piazza Tasso.
Continuing on foot to Victory Square and crossing the street of the same name, one reaches the picturesque fishing village of Marina Grande, in which we find a small portion of public sandy beach but also bathing establishments equipped with solariums for relaxing sunbathing…sunbathing! The tan will certainly thank you!
Moving away from the city center and going towards Massa Lubrense, the scenery changes completely, offering the possibility of truly exceptional seaside places but for people who love the sea in its “essence”!
First of all, the Queen Joan’s Baths, a natural oasis named after Queen Joan of Anjou. This enchanting basin can be reached either on foot, from the path from the Cape of Sorrento, or by sea, but only by rowboats.
A little further on, continuing our tour, we find the cove known as “la Pignatella,” which runs along the rocky coast and is a favorite destination especially for young people, thanks in part to the constant breeze to which the area is exposed.
How to reach the beaches of Sorrento
To reach the beach in Sorrento with its various establishments, simply go down by car/motorcycle or bus from Via del Mare, or on foot along the ancient street, Via Marina Grande, which ends with stairs that lead down to the beach, passing through the ancient Greek gate.
The village is enclosed on both sides by ale cliffs, making it a place of rare beauty because of the vastness of the view that can be enjoyed.
In the deep valley where Via del Mare is today, once stood the ancient Roman port, the first in Sorrento, used for nearly two thousand years before the construction of the better-known port of Marina piccola.
Evidence of Roman settlements is confirmed by various sites.
Not only the ancient Greek Gate of Marina Grande (which for centuries was the only access to the city from the sea) but also the remains of a network of nymphaeums and fishponds belonging to what was the enormous complex of the Roman villa of Agrippa Postumus.
It extended over the entire “San Vincenzo” promontory, which separates Marina Grande from Marina Piccola.
Sorrento: Blue Flags
Marina Grande and Riviera di Massa have also been awarded the Blue Flag recognition for 2026.
The Beaches of Massa Lubrense
We finally reach Massa Lubrense, where we find the most beautiful and fascinating places where you can swim. For many consecutive years, Massa Lubrense was the only municipality in Naples to hold the coveted Blue Flag; an award assigned by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) as a reward for the quality of marine waters and the management of the coastal strip as a whole.
In subsequent years, Sorrento and Piano di Sorrento also achieved the same international award recognition for their ‘commitment to improving the state of the environment and promoting sustainable tourism.
Some bathing areas in Massa Lubrense involve long walks and trails of varying difficulty to reach them, but they are absolutely worth it!
For the most part, therefore, these are bathing areas aimed at select users who are not intimidated by physical activity.
Due to its geographical location, Massa Lubrense ‘s coves and beaches all face between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno.
Marina di Puolo, Marina della Lobra and Riviera di San Montano, le Fontane, Baia delle Sirene and Cala di Mitigliano overlook the Gulf of Naples.
Ieranto Bay, Marina del Cantone, Recommone Beach, and Crapolla Fjord, on the other hand, overlook the Gulf of Salerno.
Massa Lubrense: Blue Flags
The Baia delle Sirene, Marina del Cantone, Marina di Puolo and Recommone beach have also been awarded the Blue Flag recognition for 2026.
In conclusion, you are spoiled for choice! Have you prepared swimsuit, beach towel and sunscreen? Summer in the Sorrento Peninsula is a whole different story!