The ‘Costiera Sorrentina’ is a stretch of coast north of the Sorrento peninsula, which overlooks the Gulf of Naples; it is bounded by Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi to the east, which acts as a divider between the Sorrento and the Amalfi coasts, and by Vico Equense to the north-west.
This stretch of coast, famous all over the world for its beauty, scenery and gastronomy, takes its name from Sorrento, the most important town in the area. The Lattari mountains form the background to the coast, which is also known for some typical products, such as limoncello, a liqueur made from lemons from the Sorrento and Capri area.
A major attraction of the Sorrento coast is the chance to sunbathe at some beautiful beaches. Here are some of the prettiest.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna looks like a natural swimming pool; it’s enclosed between the rocky beach and the limestone cliffs of Sorrento and has a majestic natural stone arch that allows access to the cove.
Marina di Puolo beach, between Sorrento and Villazzano, is small, with gray sand mixed with pebbles. The highlight here, besides the crystalline water, is the view over the Vesuvius volcano.
Bay of Ieranto is one of the most popular beaches of the area for its beauty. This is where Ulysses, the hero of Homer's epic poem the ‘Odyssey’, met the sirens.
The small beach of Marina di Cassano is black due to the volcanic nature of this part of the coast, and it is all the more fascinating for the intense blue color of the sea.
Only reachable by sea on small boats, the small Spiaggia della Tartaruga (Turtle Beach) takes its name from a rock that recalls the shape of a turtle. This is an ideal spot for those preferring a quiet location.
Cala di Mitigliano is a large bay surrounded by high cliffs with crystal clear waters and a fantastic view over the island of Capri and Punta Campanella.
Sant’Agnello is an ancient seaside resort located between Sorrento and Piano di Sorrento, with caves and cliffs; there’s no shortage of beach resorts, some positioned on platforms on the sea.
Another location with beach resorts and many services is Meta di Sorrento, which features wide and easily accessible beaches reached with the Circumvesuviana local train, making it a popular destination with locals.
