Baia di Ieranto

Baia di Ieranto is one of Massa Lubrense's natural highlights, protected within the Punta Campanella marine area and reached only along a scenic trail. Clear water, pale rocks, and views toward Capri's Faraglioni repay the walk; bring water and comfortable shoes.

Baia di Ieranto is one of the most wild and spectacular natural bays in all of Campania, about 20 minutes by car from Villa Lorelei: park in Nerano, then follow a marked 6 km trail, 45-60 minutes of medium-easy walking, down to the bay. Alternatively reach it by sea, kayaking from Marina del Cantone or joining an authorised tour with Cooperativa Sant'Andrea, the only operator permitted to enter the protected cove. The walk is part of the experience and rewards you with one of the most pristine coves on the peninsula.

It is a white-pebble cove with deep blue water, managed by the FAI (the Italian National Trust) and protected by the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve. According to legend, this is where Ulysses encountered the Sirens during his Odyssey, and the remote, hauntingly beautiful atmosphere does nothing to dispel the myth. There is no beach club or road, only nature, pale rocks to swim from, an old tonnara, and the remains of past mining works, with a famous view straight toward the Faraglioni of Capri.

Mamy Lucia's tip: leave early in the morning to avoid the midday heat on the trail, and bring water, a hat, sturdy trekking shoes, sunscreen, and a swimsuit, because there are no facilities at the bay. Choose the lower swimming point for the clearest water and the best Capri view.

Late spring and September are ideal, comfortable for the hike and warm enough to swim, while midsummer can be hot on the exposed path. Quiet and unspoiled, it is a rewarding adventure for active couples who enjoy earning their swim.

Good to know: there are no shops, bars, or sunbeds at the bay, so carry everything in and take all your rubbish out, as this is a protected reserve where mooring and free anchoring are prohibited. The FAI visitor point near the trailhead offers information and occasional guided walks. The path has some uneven, exposed stretches, so it is not suited to small children or anyone with limited mobility, but the reward is a swim in near-pristine water.