La Marinella is a small inlet on the Massa Lubrense coast, wedged between cliffs west of Sorrento. It is one of those coves the people of Sorrento know and visitors almost never do: small, quiet even in high season, clean water and no queue for an umbrella.
What it is like
A narrow shingle beach between rock walls, typical of this stretch of coast. No sand — the rule that applies to the whole Sorrento peninsula applies here too: tufa and limestone dropping straight into the sea.
The water is clear and deepens quickly. The cove is enclosed and sheltered, which keeps it calm even when the open sea is not.
Its distinguishing feature is its size: it is small. Which means that in August, when it is full, it is genuinely full — but also that in the other months you have most of the cove to yourself.
Getting there from the B&B
About fifteen minutes by car along the Massa Lubrense coast. As with almost every cove on this coast, you leave the car above and walk the final stretch down.
You can also come from the Sant'Agata area or from Marina della Lobra, on foot, by paths that drop towards the sea. Those are options for people who want the walk: the descent takes time and the climb back takes more.
Parking on the road above is limited: in summer arrive early or expect to leave the car some way off.
What to expect
Little or nothing in the way of facilities. This is a small cove, not a lido: assume you will need to bring water, a towel, and shade if you want any.
You enter the water over shingle, so rock shoes make the day considerably more comfortable.
When to go
June to September for swimming, with the usual advice: early morning and late afternoon are the best moments, both for the heat and for the space.
Because it is set deep between rocks, it goes into shade earlier than other beaches in the afternoon — an advantage in summer, a limitation in the shoulder seasons. If you come in May or October, go in the middle of the day.
Our advice
It is the right choice if you want clean water and quiet and are willing to give up facilities. If you would rather have loungers, a bar and somewhere to eat without moving, Marina di Puolo is a few minutes away and will give you a more comfortable day.
Ask us before you set off: access conditions and parking at these smaller coves change from season to season, and we can tell you how things stand at the time.