Follow in the footsteps of a mysterious queen to discover this idyllic beach in the shadow of an ancient ruin.
There are many conflicting tales told in Sorrento about Queen Giovanna d’Angiò, or Joan of Anjou as she is known in English. Secret trysts and murder plots figure in many of them, but the truth is hard to separate from the scandal. However, there is no disputing the fact that one of her favourite spots was this secluded pool on the tip of Cape Sorrento, now named in her memory.The Baths of Queen Giovanna (Bagni della Regina Giovanna) is an enclosed pool of seawater protected from the open sea by a natural archway of limestone cliffs. The Queen of Naples would come here to escape the prying eyes of her subjects, and its relatively inaccessible location means it is still often uncrowded, even in the high season.The sheltered lagoon provides perfect conditions for swimming or snorkelling, with the crystal-clear, shallow water attracting a colourful array of fish. The unspoilt beach surrounded by fern-covered rocks is a pleasant place to while away the hours with a spot of sunbathing or reading.From the beach, a path winds to the end of the peninsula. Here you can explore the remains of an ancient Roman pavilion, said to have been the holiday home of the wealthy historian Pollio Felice. Even two thousand years ago, it seems, location was all-important, and today the site of his luxurious villa still offers the same breathtaking views of the sunset over the Bay of Naples.The Baths of Queen Giovanna can be reached by bus to Cape Sorrento, followed by a short walk along the coast and a fairly steep climb down a staircase to the beach – follow the signs to “ruderi romani” (Roman ruins). There are plenty of shops and cafés on the cape where you can grab a bite to eat or stock up for an al fresco picnic.For picturesque views of the Villa Pollio Felice from the water, catch a hydrofoil to the island of Capri, leaving from Marina Piccola in Sorrento, which passes close by the ruined site and provides some irresistible photo opportunities.
