Bagni Regina Giovanna

Beach and Roman Site in Sorrento

Bagni Regina Giovanna Sorrento
©

At Capo Sorrento, you’ll find the Bagni della Regina Giovanna (Queen Joanna’s Baths), a natural pool with crystal-clear waters set in a wild and romantic environment. Legend has it that Queen Joanna of Naples used to bathe here with her young lovers, enjoying the stunning views.

The Bagni della Regina Giovanna is located on the promontory of Punta Capo, within the Protected Marine Area of Punta Campanella. This enchanting lagoon is surrounded by limestone rocks, eroded by the wind, and connected to the sea by a narrow passageway crowned by a spectacular arch formed by the cliffs. The pool itself has calm, clear water and a pebbly seabed. However, caution is advised when venturing towards the open sea, where the seabed deepens, and the currents become stronger.

The beauty of this spot lies in its untouched nature; there are no bars, restaurants, umbrella rentals, or beach facilities. Visitors will find only small, rocky terraces. If you plan to stay for several hours, bring water, provisions, and essential rock shoes. For more comfort, you can head to the nearby Lido la Solara, just a few hundred meters away.

The Legend of a Libertine Queen

Queen Giovanna II D’Angiò-Durazzo, who ruled Naples from 1414 to 1435, is immortalized in a statue in the Church of San Giovanni Carbonara in Naples. According to legend, she was a captivating and libertine woman who enjoyed bathing in the Bagni della Regina Giovanna with her much younger lovers. Some say these lovers met a bloody end.

The Villa of Pollio Felice

The promontory also hosts the ruins of a villa built by the Romans, dating back to the first century B.C. and belonging to the Roman nobleman Pollio Felice. This archaeological site showcases the remnants of an immense estate, once spanning at least 30,000 square meters, with additional residences connected by tunnels and underground passages used for fishing and farming.

How to get to Bagni Regina Giovanna

The Bagni della Regina Giovanna can only be reached on foot. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from Capo Sorrento, following signs for the Ruderi Romani (Roman ruins). The walk is pleasant, offering views of the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula, and the islands of Ischia and Procida, as well as Vesuvius and Capri. Early morning and sunset provide the most spectacular views.

You can take the number 5070 bus and get off at the Caposorrento stop, from which it is a ten-minute walk of approximately 750 meters.

The Bagni Regina Giovanna appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Sorrento!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Visiting Bagni Regina Giovanna

Address: Bagni Regina Giovanna, Traversa Punta Capo, Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Duration: 20 minutes

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs