Punta Campanella
Massa Lubrense
KnownNature

The story
The furthest tip of the Sorrento peninsula, a wind-beaten marine reserve between the two gulfs, with its watchtower and Capri an arm of sea away.
Access
trail
The story
Punta Campanella is the far tip of the Sorrento peninsula, the cape that divides the Gulf of Naples from that of Salerno, opposite Capri. A place of myths — antiquity placed here a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena — and of watchtowers, it gives its name to the Marine Protected Area established in 1997, which protects over forty kilometres of coast and more than one thousand five hundred hectares of sea.
What to see
The promontory, with the tower and the ancient remains, offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the coast, facing Capri. But the real treasure is the sea: seabeds and waters among the richest in Campania, protected by the marine area.
Hours and prices
Free entry.
Tips
The promontory is reached on foot by a path from the villages of Termini or Nerano: suitable shoes and water. At sea, the area is protected with a zoning: in the strict-reserve zones swimming, navigation and anchoring are forbidden or strongly limited, elsewhere specific rules apply. Check on the site of the Marine Protected Area what is allowed before swimming or navigating.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area?
A marine reserve established in 1997 that protects over 40 km of coast and more than 1500 hectares of sea between the Sorrento peninsula and Positano, with a zoning that regulates activities.
Can you swim at Punta Campanella?
It depends on the zone: in the strict-reserve zones swimming and navigation are forbidden or strongly limited; elsewhere specific rules apply. Check on the site of the Marine Protected Area.
How do you reach Punta Campanella?
On foot, by a path from the villages of Termini or Nerano, on the Sorrento peninsula.
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At the tip of the Sorrento peninsula the trail reaches Punta Campanella, where a watchtower gazes at Capri opposite, across a narrow, blue arm of sea.
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