The Best Beaches in Naples – 7 places that you need to visit

People might assume that you need to take a day trip from Naples city to find a dazzling Italian beach experience. However, they would be wrong. There are some amazing beaches in Naples for swimming, sunning and even kayaking or scuba diving. And, sometimes you need an escape from the city’s sometimes chaotic nature, so heading to the beach for a while is a perfect plan for the warmer months!

Italy is renowned not only for its cuisine but also for its stunning beaches. Photo credit: Harold Wainwright

There are a few beaches in Naples right in the city, and others just a short bus or metro ride away. This guide will start in the center of the city and move outward to cover all the main beach spots in the Naples metropolitan area. Andiamo al mare!

Insider’s tip: When visiting the beach in Naples (or any part of Italy), it’s good to know that there are two options: free, public beaches, and upscale beach clubs known as “lidi” (singular: “lido“).

Central Beaches in Naples – Mergellina and Posillipo

Lido Mappatella

This is one of the popular public beaches in Naples, offering lovely views of the Bay of Naples. It has rock barriers which create sheltered swimming areas for visitors to enjoy. To reach Lido Mappatella from the center of Naples you can easily walk.

• Directions: Take the scenic route along the lungomare to really enjoy the stroll. Otherwise, take the metro Line 2 to Mergellina station and walk from there. It tends to get quite crowded on the weekends in summer months, but it’s always an option for a quick dip right in the city.

Andiamo al mare! Photo credit: Nick Fewings

Bagno Elena

Bagno Elena is in the ritzy Posillipo neighborhood, a short bus or train from the center of the city. It’s a large stretch of sand with a lido where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. It’s also home to one of the best restaurants in the city, the Michelin-starred Palazzo Petrucci. For a quick lunch, there’s a cafè right on the beach.

• Directions: To get to Bagno Elena from the center of Naples, take the metro Line 2 (Linea 2) to Mergellina station and then walk for about 15 minutes along Via Posillipo until you reach the beach.

Bagno Sirena

Right around the corner from Bagno Elena is the smaller Bagno Sirena. These two beaches in Naples are divided by the semi-abandoned but stunning Palazzo Donn’Anna. Bagno Sirena is a private beach with a sandy section and a wooden pier, both with umbrellas and sunbeds available to rent. You can also rent a kayak to explore the coast! Head to the right when you launch your kayak to reach the beautiful waters of Marechiaro (for more intel on Marechiaro, read on).

• Directions: To get to Bagno Sirena from the center of Naples, take the metro Line 2 to Mergellina station and walk for about 20 minutes, or take bus 140.

Lounging or kayaking…never a dull day at the beach in Naples. Photo credit: Eugene Chow

Take A Bus Ride to Paradise

Marechiaro

Marechiaro is a tiny fishing village surrounded by rocky beaches, both public and private. The area has some of the clearest water in Naples. The main public beach is less of a beach and more of a massive rock—its name scoglione translates to “big rock.”

Private beaches include Lido Marechiaro, which offers some of the best seafood in Naples, and Baia delle Rocce Verdi, where you can rent kayaks for the day. Make sure to book kayaks online in advance, as they tend to run out in the summer months.

Sun, sand, and seafood galore. Photo credit: Liubov Ilchuk

Gaiola Beach

The other main public beach in the Marechiaro zone is Gaiola Beach. It’s part of a larger protected marine area called the Underwater Park of Gaiola. It’s an excellent spot for scuba diving because of the various underwater archeological ruins. The beach itself is characterized by a now-abandoned villa, rumored to be cursed because of the untimely deaths of its various owners throughout the 20th century. It’s now owned by the Campania Region.

• Directions: To reach Marechiaro from the center of Naples, you can take the 140 bus. From there it’s a short walk down to the beach (usually involving stairs).

Insider’s tip: Because of the small size of the beach and its protected status, there are limited spots available, so book a spot at Gaiola ahead of time online.

Gaiola Underwater park is out of this world and offers an amazing scuba diving experience. Photo Credit – Visit Naples

Quick Train Rides from Naples to the Beach

There are two beaches  in Naples worth mentioning that are just a short train ride away from the city, perfect for a half-day or full-day trip.

Lucrino

Lucrino beach is a soft sandy strip to the west of Naples, easily reached by the La Cumana (a commuter railway in Campania) from Montesanto station.

While Lucrino beach is a public beach (and therefore free of charge), there’s often someone near the entrance renting out umbrellas during the summer months. Lucrino is great for those who want to avoid a walk to the beach, visitors can almost literally step off of the train and onto the beach. Entering the beach on the right, there’s a private beach club called Lido Napoli for those who want a more comfortable beach day with sunbeds and a café.

Torre del Greco

Situated along the coast, the little suburb of Torre del Greco offers a mix of public and private beaches along the coastline. Spiaggia del Cavaliere is a cute little free beach with dark volcanic sand unique to the area. To get to Torre del Greco from the center of Naples, you can take the regional train from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi or from Montesanto station.

Insider’s tip: Torre del Greco is also the birthplace of one of the best gelato chains in Naples called Mennella. Satisfy your gelato craving or try an authentic Neapolitan pastry after your beach trip!

Gelato and the beach: the perfect combination. Photo credit: John Lodder

In Naples, you can expect a vibrant beach culture with locals and tourists enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Plus, views of Vesuvius and Capri don’t disappoint! Whether you want a quick dip right in the city or a relaxed beach day just outside the center, Naples has lots of options for relaxing, beach restaurants, and activities like kayaking.

Just don’t forget your sunscreen—that Mediterranean sun is no joke! And if you do head up the coast later, check out our guide for visting the Amalfi Coast.

FAQ´s – Best Beaches in Naples

Can I book sunbeds and umbrellas in advance in peak season?

It’s highly recommended in July and August, when Naples beaches and private clubs fill up quickly. Booking ahead ensures you’ll secure a spot with a sunbed and umbrella, especially at popular Posillipo clubs or protected zones like Gaiola. Free public areas also reach capacity, so early arrival or online reservation can help guarantee access.

How much does it cost to use the beach clubs (lidi) around Naples?

Most private beaches in Naples (lidi) charge for access and amenities. For example, Bagno Sirena typically charges about €15 per adult for entry including a sunbed and umbrella, with children often free. Bagno Elena and similar Posillipo beach clubs generally cost around €15 to €25 per person, with umbrellas and loungers often bundled together. Prices also rise on weekends and in peak season of July/August, and extra services like showers or changing rooms can cost a few euros more. Check online in advance.

How much does public transport to the beaches cost?

Public transport in Naples is inexpensive. A standard bus or metro ticket within the city typically costs around €1.10 to €1.50 per ride and can take you close to central beaches like Mergellina or Posillipo. For coastal spots further out like Lucrino or Torre del Greco, regional trains (such as the La Cumana or Circumvesuviana) run from central stations and may cost around €2 to €4 each way, depending on distance.

What a view… the sprawling coastal city of Naples, overlooked by Mount Vesuvius.

Ready to turn your trip to Italy into an unforgettable experience? 

Discover the full range of expertly led experiences at Walks Of Italy, where passionate local guides bring history, stories, and iconic sights to life. From world-famous landmarks and museums to immersive food and cultural experiences, these small-group guided tours offer deeper insight, seamless access, and unforgettable moments you’d miss on your own.

Explore Italy with experts who know it best—and see the country through local eyes.