Ancient Spas and Picturesque Beaches: the Two Best Kept Local Secrets in Naples
- thereseholland
- Oct 14, 2015
- 3 min read
Would you be surprised if I told you that there is a historic, natural, luxury spa in Naples? What if I told you that a Roman Caesar built it? Or what if I told you that my friends who’ve visited Naples preferred the local beach club more than the Amalfi Coast beaches?
That's right—and somehow no one seems to know about these places, except for the Neapolitans.
So let’s start with the spa...
One of the most amazing experiences I've had in Naples, Italy has been my visit to le Terme Stufe di Nerone, an old, natural spa using the heat from the volcano Vesuvius.
These spas have been around since the second century AD, and were created as a high class, exclusive relaxation spot for the Ancient Roman elites.
The spa is an undiscovered oasis—I’ve visited in both Summer and Winter—and I've never seen another tourist. It consists of various indoor and outdoor pools, mud baths, volcanic saunas, and restaurants with various fresh local foods and cleansing juices. It sits up on a cliff, where there are lovely views of the bay and nearby islands.
I highly recommend a visit to Stufe di Nerone after hours of sightseeing. If you happen to be in Naples and feel a cold coming on, definitely head to the sauna, where I completely cleared my winter sniffles in a matter of moments.
Unfortunately, as you can imagine, due to the heat and humidity of the spa, I have few pictures of my favorite part of le Stufe, which are the Stufe (ovens/heat rooms) themselves—heated rocky rooms fueled by the volcanic rock of the nearby Vesuvius.
There is very fresh water that flows from the Volcanic area, freely available. This is especially important in the heated spa (again, not fully pictured).
The spa is located in Bacoli, Napoli, primarily accessible by car or taxi. Entry fees require that you purchase a multi-day pass. Afterwards, visit the nearby town of Pozzuoli for colorful city streets and beautiful views of the bay of Naples.
If you decide to go, be sure to wear a bathing suit and a change of clothes after getting wet in the pools. It’s also advisable to bring a bathrobe or towel. There are plenty of changing rooms and facilities there.
If you’re not impressed with these spas, might I introduce you to Rocce Verdi, a spot that made my friends question the undisputed beauty of the Amalfi Coast? That’s right, this perfect beach spot is hands down proof that Naples is more beautiful than people tend to think.
The beach is located in a private beach club, where visitors must pay a fee (€12, less during off season or off-peak hours). It’s very much worth it.
Located in Posillipo, quarter of SW Naples, the beach will provide its visitors with stunning cliffs, beautiful views of the Sorrentine Peninsula and Capri, and personalized service. Waiters greet guests individually, and will take any drink or food orders directly to your beach chair.
Additionally, one may visit the pool which sits above the beach. There, you can swim, grab a coffee at the bar, and enjoy the view across the Mediterranean of Capri.
There are private curtained beach tables as well, near the changing rooms.
Additionally, right on the beach, you can rent stand up paddleboards and kayaks for about €5-10. It’s rare to find SUP in Italy, seeing board rental was a huge surprise for me!
If you plan to visit Naples, I urge you to visit Rocce Verdi. Be sure to bring cash for beach drink service, and don’t forget your bathing suit!
This area is so lovely, that when my friends from the US came to visit me in Naples, they said that Rocce Verdi was their favorite place. We had also visited Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri.
If you’re looking for a peaceful oasis in the South of Italy, definitely spend a day at Rocce Verdi or Stufe di Nerone. You won’t be disappointed. You will certainly be pleased by the beauty Naples has to offer, when you visit the local favorite spots!
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