Bagni della Regina Giovanna

Within walking distance of Villa Lorelei, Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a remarkable natural swimming pool of clear water, enclosed by the rocks of Capo di Sorrento and linked to the open sea through a natural arch. Beside the lagoon are the remains of a Roman maritime villa, combining an exceptional swim with the history of the coast.

Bagni della Regina Giovanna, the Baths of Queen Giovanna, are one of the Sorrentine Peninsula's most breathtaking natural features: a large opening in the rock connects a sheltered cove of crystal-clear water directly to the open sea. From Villa Lorelei it is reached in about 10 minutes by car, scooter, or bus to Capo di Sorrento, where you park at Traversa Punta Capo; from there you walk 25-30 minutes along a well-marked 1.5 km cobbled path. Access is free and the gate is open daily.

The site takes its name from Queen Giovanna II of Anjou, who according to local legend bathed here in the 15th century, amid the ruins of a magnificent Roman villa, the Villa of Pollio Felice, still partly visible today. The turquoise-green natural pool is linked to the open sea through a picturesque natural arch you can swim through, a wooden jetty eases access from the rocks, and the panorama sweeps over Capo di Sorrento and the Bay of Naples.

Mamy Lucia's tip: bring trainers with good grip, a beach towel, and plenty of water, because entry into the water is from rock and flip-flops won't work here. Come early in the morning for calm, glassy water, or in the late afternoon when the low sun lights up the arch; the area lies within the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area and is accessible only on foot, which keeps it off the beaten track.

Best from late spring through early autumn, when the sea is warm and the rocks pleasant; avoid days with a swell, which makes the entrance through the arch rough. Wild and atmospheric, it is a memorable swim and an easy, romantic outing in the surroundings of the villa.

Good to know: there are no facilities, sunbeds, or kiosks at the cove, so bring water, a towel, and water shoes for the rocks. The path passes through olive groves and the return is uphill. It is one of the few natural wonders this beautiful within easy reach of the villa, so it makes an easy half-day with a picnic by the Roman ruins.