Bagni Regina Giovanna: Guide to Sorrento’s Hidden Pool
The first time I went to Bagni Regina Giovanna (in English Queen Giovanna Baths), I wasn’t completely sure what to expect.
I had heard about a hidden natural pool near Sorrento, but I didn’t realize how beautiful the place actually was until I walked down the path and saw the small lagoon opening under the cliffs.
I’ve visited twice now, once in May and again at the end of September. Both times the water was incredibly clear, and even though it was a bit too cold for me, plenty of people were happily swimming in the natural pool. My friend Arianna jumped in without hesitation while I stayed on the rocks enjoying the view.
Located at Capo di Sorrento, about 10 minutes down a small trail from the road, Bagni Regina Giovanna is a natural swimming spot surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, Roman ruins, and dramatic coastal views. It feels very different from the beaches near town, quieter and much more rugged.
If you’re planning your trip, this is one of the places I recommend adding to your Sorrento itinerary. It’s also one of the most unusual spots on the coast and easily deserves a place on any list of the best things to do in Sorrento.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to get to Bagni Regina Giovanna in Sorrento, what you’ll find there, and a few practical tips before you go.
What Are Bagni Regina Giovanna?
Bagni Regina Giovanna is a small natural lagoon located at Capo di Sorrento, a few kilometers west of the town center. The cove is connected to the sea through a natural rock arch, creating a small sheltered pool with very clear water.
What makes this place special is not just the natural setting, but also the ancient Roman ruins that surround it. The entire area was once part of Villa Pollio Felice, a massive seaside villa built in the 1st century BC by a wealthy Roman family. Today you can still see fragments of terraces, walls, and arches scattered around the area above the cove.
The name “Bagni Regina Giovanna” comes from a much later legend. According to local tradition, Queen Giovanna II of Naples used this secluded lagoon as a private bathing spot during the 15th century. Stories say she came here with her lovers, far from the eyes of the court, which is why the place became associated with her name.
What I love about Bagni Regina Giovanna is that it’s a mix of nature and history. You can explore the Roman ruins, walk along the cliffs, and then climb down to the natural pool where people swim in the incredibly clear water.
How to Get to Bagni Regina Giovanna from Sorrento
Bagni Regina Giovanna is located at Capo di Sorrento, about 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from the center of Sorrento. The lagoon sits below the cliffs and can only be reached by walking down a short path from the road.
Walking from Sorrento
Walking to Bagni Regina Giovanna from the center of Sorrento takes about 40 to 50 minutes.
The walk to Bagni Regina Giovanna is simple. You mostly follow Via Capo, the coastal road that leads toward Massa Lubrense. Along the way you’ll get beautiful views over the sea.
When you reach the sign for Ruderi della Villa Romana, turn toward the ruins and follow the path that leads down to the coast. From the road, the walk to the cove takes about 10 minutes.
The path passes through Mediterranean vegetation and the remains of the Roman villa before reaching the lagoon.
Taking the Bus
If you prefer not to walk the whole way, you can take an EAV 5070 bus from Sorrento toward Massa Lubrense as I did.
In Sorrento, we waited for the bus in Via degli Aranci 12, but you might have another stop closer to you, for example, in Via degli Aranci 41.
Get off at the stop called Capo di Sorrento, the driver will let you know when you’re there if you ask nicely when you get on. From there, the walk to Bagni Regina Giovanna takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
If you’re organizing your days, I’ve put together a detailed Sorrento itinerary that includes Bagni Regina Giovanna and other great spots nearby.
Visiting Bagni Regina Giovanna by Kayak, Paddleboard, or Boat
Another way to experience Bagni Regina Giovanna is from the water on a boat, kayak, or paddleboard tour. The cove is part of the Sorrento coastline, so several kayaking and boat tours from Sorrento pass by it and usually stop here for a swim.
This can be a great option if you want to enjoy the views of the cliffs from the sea or prefer not to walk down to the lagoon.
*Prices are approximate and may change depending on season and availability.
Kayak Tour from Sorrento to Bagni Regina Giovanna
One of the most fun ways to reach the lagoon is by kayak. This guided kayaking tour starts near Sorrento and follows the coastline toward Capo di Sorrento, passing cliffs, caves, and hidden swimming spots along the way.
The guide will bring you to Bagni Regina Giovanna where you’ll have time to swim in the natural pool before paddling back.
Paddleboard Tour to Bagni Regina Giovanna
If you prefer paddleboarding, there’s also a SUP tour from Sorrento that follows the same beautiful stretch of coast. You’ll paddle along the cliffs of Sorrento, reach the lagoon from the sea, and stop for swimming at Bagni regina Giovanna.
Boat Tours That Stop at Bagni Regina Giovanna
Another easy way to see Bagni Regina Giovanna is by boat tour from Sorrento.
The Sorrento Sunset Cruise is one of the most relaxed ways to experience the coastline. The boat leaves in the late afternoon and follows the cliffs toward Capo di Sorrento as the light starts to soften. Along the way you’ll pass Bagni Regina Giovanna and other scenic spots along the coast while enjoying drinks on board.
The Sorrento Coast Cruise with Swim and Limoncello, although shorter, is a bit more active and usually includes a swimming stop near Bagni Regina Giovanna or another nearby cove. During the cruise you’ll have the chance to jump into the water and later taste limoncello, the traditional lemon liqueur of the region.
What To Expect at Bagni Regina Giovanna
From the bus stop and the road, the final walk down to Bagni Regina Giovanna takes about 10 minutes. The path begins near the entrance to the Roman ruins of Villa Pollio Felice and gradually leads toward the sea through Mediterranean vegetation.
As you get closer to the water, the trail becomes rockier and you’ll reach a staircase that leads down to the lagoon. It’s not a long descent, but the steps are uneven and can be slippery, so it may not be ideal for people with mobility issues.
At the bottom, you’ll find the famous natural pool. The water here is incredibly clear and many people jump in from the rocks to swim through the arch that connects the lagoon to the open sea.
Bagni Regina Giovanna is free to visit. One thing to know is that there isn’t really a proper place to sit or leave your belongings around the lagoon. The area is mostly made of rocks, so people usually leave their bags on the flatter stones nearby. When it’s crowded, space can be limited.
For this reason, comfortable shoes are important, and I highly recommend swimming shoes if you plan to enter the water. They make it much easier to walk over the rocks when getting in and out of the lagoon.
After swimming, I also recommend walking back up and following the trail that runs above the lagoon.
From here you get one of the best viewpoints over the natural pool, and on clear days you can enjoy beautiful views across the Gulf of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
There is also a small rocky beach along the open sea, just outside the lagoon area. If you want to spend more time relaxing, this is usually a better spot.
The lagoon itself is perfect for swimming, but the rocky beach tends to be a bit more comfortable if you plan to sit down and stay for a while.
Best Time to Visit
Bagni Regina Giovanna is open all year and there’s no entrance fee, but the experience can change a lot depending on the time of day and the season.
In summer, the lagoon is a very popular swimming spot, especially with locals. If you visit in the late morning or early afternoon, it can get quite crowded and space on the rocks around the lagoon becomes limited.
For a quieter experience, it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light is softer and there are fewer people.
Spring and early autumn are particularly nice times to visit. The weather is usually warm enough to enjoy the walk and the views, and the area tends to be less busy than in the peak summer months.
Sunset can also be beautiful here, especially if you walk up to the viewpoints above the lagoon where you can see the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
What to Bring
Bagni Regina Giovanna is a natural spot with very few facilities, so it’s a good idea to come prepared. Bringing a few basic things will make your visit much more comfortable.
Here are a few things I recommend bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes – the path and the rocks near the lagoon can be uneven.
- Swimming shoes – very helpful for walking over the rocks when entering the water.
- Water and snacks – there are no services near the lagoon itself.
- A towel – since there are no sunbeds or places to sit.
- Swimsuit – if you plan to swim in the natural pool.
- Sunscreen and a hat – the area is quite exposed to the sun in summer.
I also recommend not bringing valuables if you plan to swim. There isn’t really a safe place to leave your belongings around the lagoon, and bags are usually left on the rocks. It’s not so much about theft, but things can easily get wet, fall into the water, or be damaged.
Is Bagni Regina Giovanna Worth Visiting?
In my opinion, yes, absolutely. In fact, I think Bagni Regina Giovanna is the best place you can visit around Sorrento without taking a day trip elsewhere (my husband feels the same way).
Between the natural lagoon, the Roman ruins, and the views over the Gulf of Naples, it’s a really special spot. I’ve visited twice now and both times it felt just as beautiful. It’s one of the best hidden gems in Sorrento.
If you’re spending a few days in Sorrento, I’d definitely add it to your plans.