Mitigliano Beach (Cala di Mitigliano)

It’s a 30-minute hike along a rather wild footpath to make your way down to the beach at Cala di Mitigliano on land, so the cove is best visited by sea. Many boat tours of the Sorrento Peninsula or Amalfi Coast make a stop here so passengers can cool off in the crystalline water far from the throngs crowding the more accessible beaches along the peninsula. Take a dip, snorkel inside the cove’s 50-foot deep circular grotto, relax on the beach next to the picturesque ruins of a lime-producing plant, and take in views of Punta Campanella and the island of Capri.

• Most boat tours depart from the Marina Piccola port in Sorrento, which is also where ferries to Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast dock.
• Travelers with limited mobility should confirm accessibility on boat tours in advance.
• Boat tours that stop for a swim in Cala di Mitigliano are a fun break for kids, especially those who are strong swimmers.
• Be sure to bring your swimsuit, sunscreen and a hat, and a beach towel. Boat tours generally provide snorkeling equipment.

Cala di Mitigliano is located near the town of Massa Lubrense. To reach the cove by land, take the footpath that starts from the Church of Santa Maria di Mitigliano for about 30 minutes. Otherwise, join a private or shared boat tour departing from Sorrento.

The beaches along the Sorrentine coastline are very popular in summer, so consider a trip to Cala di Mitigliano for a welcome respite from the crowds on the more accessible stretches of coast. The weather is quite mild in southern Italy, and you can usually swim in the Mediterranean Sea from spring to fall.

One of the biggest draws along the cove is the circular grotto in the coastal rocks, a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Be cautious, however, and keep in mind that it is only possible to enter the grotto when the sea is calm and the tide is low.