Praiano · The sun beach
Gavitella Beach
The only Amalfi Coast beach with sun from morning till sunset, with a direct view of Positano and Capri.
The Coast's Exception
Gavitella Beach — or simply "La Gavitella" to those who know it — is the beach that breaks all the rules of the Amalfi Coast. While all other coastal beaches lose the sun by 4-5 PM — shadowed by the high cliffs behind them — Gavitella, facing west, enjoys full sun from morning until sunset.
This uniqueness, combined with a spectacular frontal view of Positano, the Faraglioni of Capri on the horizon, and the Li Galli islands offshore, makes it one of the most sought-after beaches by coast connoisseurs.
The Panoramic View
Ahead, on the horizon, the Faraglioni of Capri. To the right, the Positano bay with the majolica dome of Santa Maria Assunta framed among pastel houses. To the left, Punta Campanella at the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. Offshore, the three rocks of the Li Galli islands, Homer's "Siren islands" from the Odyssey. It's one of the most complete views on the entire Coast.
Gavitella Sunset
When the sun begins its descent west, Gavitella Beach transforms. Golden light illuminates the limestone cliffs behind, the water shifts through a palette of colors — from turquoise to old pink — and the Capri Faraglioni silhouette becomes the perfect subject for any photograph. In summer, the sun sets around 8:30 PM; in spring and autumn, by 7 PM.
Gavitella's beach clubs — particularly La Gavitella Beach Restaurant — organize evening aperitivos with sunset view. Cocktails, seafood appetizers, and the sun dipping into the Tyrrhenian: hard to find a better combination in all of Campania.
From Fishermen's Cove to Cult Beach
The name Gavitella comes from local dialect for a small sheltered landing. Until the 20th century, the beach was used exclusively by Praiano fishermen to haul boats and for summer longline fishing (the coast's traditional summer catch). Access was so difficult that the beach remained virtually unknown to tourism until the 1970s.
The turning point came when Gavitella's sunset began being photographed by the first travel photographers. Fame grew slowly, fueled by word of mouth and the unveiling of the beach's "unique" qualities: sun all day, incomparable view, distance from the crowds. The 2000s saw the first organized beach clubs, but the beach's authentic character remains intact.
Today Gavitella is considered by many the most well-known "secret beach" on the Coast — a paradox that is itself part of the charm.
400
access steps
100%
sun all day
3
Li Galli islands visible
€30
lounger (from)
Local Tips
- Walk down in the morning when it's cool (15-20 min, 400 steps), then take a taxi boat up to avoid the climb in the afternoon sun.
- For sunset: book a table at La Gavitella Restaurant the night before. The sunset aperitivo is an unmissable experience.
- Extra sunscreen: the sun is strong and there are no cliffs to create natural shade. Hat required.
- Beach clubs have fewer spots than Positano: book at least 2-3 days ahead on July/August weekends.
- Best season: June or September. Strong but bearable sun, warm water, no crowds.
How to Get There
Taxi Boat ⭐
From Praiano or Positano
€10–20 per person. Recommended for the return climb and families with kids.
On foot
From Praiano center
400 steps down (15-20 min), 25-30 min climb up. Sneakers, plenty of water.