Swimming in Naples

Naples looks out at the sea with the ease of someone who can't live without it: the endless coastline, the shifting colors under the sun, the salty breeze in the air. But the sea here isn’t just a scenic backdrop — it’s a space to live, to feel beneath your feet, and to dive into.

Don’t think of Naples as a “beach city” with long stretches of sand like other seaside destinations; here, the coast is made of coves, rocky inlets, and small landings that gently open into the water.
And yet, if you know where to look, you’ll discover that the sea in Naples isn’t a boundary — it’s an invitation.

Diving into Posillipo

At the start of the day, when the air is still cool and the scent of coffee lingers in the early light, there are places that seem made for the first swim.
In Posillipo, a small natural beach hidden among the rocks — known as Spiaggia delle Monache — feels like a quiet miracle.
It’s a corner of rock and clear water, where the sea becomes a painting completed only by your dive. There are no services, no umbrellas — just you and the sea.

A little further down, along the stretch of coast facing Mergellina, two historic beach clubs offer a different experience: a comfortable gateway to embrace the sea in style.
Sunbeds, umbrellas, and a restaurant perched on the rocks make this the perfect spot for those seeking relaxation without straying far from the city's rhythm.

The Gaiola

As the day warms up, the Gaiola Underwater Park becomes a natural stage of incredible colors.
It’s not a traditional beach, but its crystal-clear waters and seabed rich with ancient history draw in snorkelers and those who want to truly experience Naples’ most authentic sea.
Here, every dive is also a meeting with Roman ruins — a story that rises from the blue.

The beach of Rotonda Diaz

Continuing along the Caracciolo seafront, Rotonda Diaz Beach is a spontaneous invitation for those strolling by and feeling the call of the water.
It’s not a long or equipped beach, but here the sea is so close to the city that all it takes is slipping off your shoes to feel the sand underfoot and the sea embracing you.

Marechiaro and Coroglio

In the heart of the afternoon, the sea of Naples glows — and so do the rocky bathing spots of Marechiaro, where seaside life blends with restaurants perched right over the water. Here, you can dive from the rocks, feel the water flowing around your legs, then climb back up for a plate of freshly cooked seafood, with views of the headland and the colorful houses overlooking the Gulf.

Further west, toward Bagnoli, small coves and stretches of beach — like the former Lido Pola and the nearby shores of Coroglio — tell of another Naples: less polished, less equipped, but rich in color and atmosphere.
It’s an area undergoing regeneration, with swimmable sections of coastline near the northern beach of Coroglio.