Campania, Italy

Vietri Beaches

Overview

As the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare offers a distinctly different beach experience from its famous neighbors. While much of the region is known for dramatic cliffs and small pebbly coves, Vietri provides some of the largest and sandiest shores on the coast. This makes it a popular and more traditional seaside destination, especially favored by families looking for accessible and spacious beaches with a relaxed, local atmosphere.

Vietri's shoreline caters to every preference, from exclusive coves to bustling public spaces. The town's main beach, Marina di Vietri, is the largest and most lively, split into private lidos and free sections. For a more iconic and intimate setting, Crestarella is a picture-perfect private beach set beneath a historic watchtower. Nearby, the pristine cove of Spiaggia del Cauco offers stunning scenery for those seeking seclusion. While Vietri is a destination in itself, it also serves as a perfect base for day trips to the glamorous Positano Spiaggia or to Spiaggia di Maiori, the longest sandy beach on the entire Amalfi Coast.

The town's authentic charm is its main draw, providing a laid-back alternative to the more tourist-heavy resorts along the coast. The beaches here reflect that character, offering a mix of vibrant, fully-equipped beach clubs and simple, free areas where you can lay down a towel. Whether you are seeking a quiet swim in a scenic bay or a lively family day by the sea, our guide explores all the best spots Vietri has to offer, from its most famous shores to its hidden gems.

FAQ

Are the beaches in Vietri sul Mare sandy or pebbly?

The beaches in Vietri sul Mare are typically a mix of dark, volcanic sand and small pebbles. The main beach, Marina di Vietri, is known for being one of the few on the Amalfi Coast with a significant amount of sand, although it gets more pebbly closer to the water. Smaller coves like Crestarella and Marina di Albori also feature a combination of sand and pebbles.

Is the water clean enough for swimming in Vietri sul Mare?

Yes, you can swim in Vietri sul Mare. While some travelers note that the water may not be as sparklingly clear as in more secluded parts of the Amalfi Coast due to its proximity to the commercial port of Salerno, the main beaches are popular for swimming. For the clearest water, you might consider visiting smaller coves like Crestarella or taking a boat to bays that are only accessible from the sea.

Are there free public beaches in Vietri sul Mare, or do you have to pay?

Vietri sul Mare offers both free public beaches (spiaggia libera) and private beach clubs (lidos). The main beach, Marina di Vietri, has free sections where you can lay down your own towel, typically located on either side of the Bonea river. However, these free areas can get very crowded, especially in high season. The private lidos offer sunbeds and umbrellas for a daily fee, which usually ranges from €20 to €40.

Is Vietri sul Mare a good choice for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Vietri sul Mare is often considered one of the more family-friendly towns on the Amalfi Coast. Its beaches are larger and more accessible than many others in the region. The presence of sandier shores and amenities at the beach clubs make it a practical choice for those with children. Additionally, the town is easier to access via car and train, which is a significant advantage for families traveling with luggage and kids.

Is it better to stay in the upper town or down by the Marina?

Choosing where to stay depends on your priorities. Stay near the Marina di Vietri if your main goal is easy beach access and you want to be close to waterfront restaurants. Stay in the historic upper town (centro storico) to be immersed in the town's ceramic culture, with easy access to the train station and panoramic views. The upper town offers a more authentic village atmosphere, while the marina is focused on beach life.

How does Vietri's beach scene compare to Positano or Amalfi?

Vietri sul Mare offers a different beach experience compared to Positano or Amalfi. Vietri's beaches are generally larger, sandier, and more accessible, making it a more traditional beach resort town. It has a more local, laid-back vibe and is less crowded with international tourists. In contrast, the beaches in Positano and Amalfi are smaller, more pebbly, and set against dramatic cliffside backdrops, often feeling more exclusive and crowded.

What's the best time of year to visit Vietri for a beach trip?

For a beach-focused holiday with ideal swimming conditions, the best time to visit Vietri sul Mare is from mid-June to early September. During this period, the weather is hot and the sea is warm. If you prefer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, consider late spring (May to early June) or early autumn (September to early October), though the water might be cooler.

How do you get to the beaches from the main town of Vietri?

Vietri sul Mare is split into two levels: the historic center on the hill and the Marina di Vietri at sea level. To get to the main beach, you can walk down from the center, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, a local minibus (numbers 68 or 69) runs between the upper town and the marina area.

People Also Ask

Which is the best beach in Vietri: Crestarella or Marina di Vietri?

The choice between Spiaggia della Crestarella and Marina di Vietri depends on what you're looking for. Marina di Vietri is the main, large public beach with both free areas and numerous lidos; it's lively and has more amenities. Spiaggia della Crestarella is a smaller, more exclusive private beach club set in a scenic cove under a historic tower. It's generally quieter and less crowded, but you must pay for entry and it can fill up quickly.

Are there hidden or less crowded beaches near Vietri?

Yes, for a quieter experience, you can visit Marina di Albori, the beach of the nearby hamlet of Albori. It's a small, charming bay accessible via a long staircase from the main road or by a local bus. While it has beach clubs, it's generally less crowded than the main Vietri beach. You can also hire a boat taxi from Marina di Vietri to take you to small, secluded coves between Vietri and Cetara that are inaccessible on foot.

Is parking available near the beaches in Vietri sul Mare?

Vietri sul Mare has more parking than most Amalfi Coast towns, but it can still be challenging in high season. There are several paid parking areas near Marina di Vietri, along the waterfront. Rates are typically charged by the hour. It's advisable to arrive early in the day during summer and on weekends to secure a spot.

Is Vietri sul Mare or Cetara better for beaches?

Vietri sul Mare is generally better if you're looking for larger, sandier, and more accessible beaches with more facilities. Cetara is a smaller, traditional fishing village with a charming main beach (Marina di Cetara) and smaller coves. While beautiful, Cetara's beaches are smaller and more pebbly. Vietri offers more of a classic beach resort feel, while Cetara provides a more intimate, picturesque fishing village atmosphere.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Vietri: Weather Today

πŸ“… Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today might not be ideal for the beach. There's a chance of thunderstorms, so keep an eye on the sky. The maximum air temperature will be 30.5 Β°C, with a sea temperature of 28.6 Β°C. The waves will be moderate. Expect a fair amount of cloud cover. The wind will be light but could be stronger at times. The UV index is only 5, so protection may not be needed.
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Air

Low / High22.2Β°C/30.5Β°C
Feels Like (High)33.3Β°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature28.6 Β°C
Wave Height0.8 m
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Rain

Rain Chance65%
Rainfall2.4 mm
Rain Duration3 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:52/20:22
Sunshine Hours6.2 hrs
UV Index5.25
Cloud Cover73%
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Wind

Speed14.1 km/h
Gusts49.3 km/h
DirectionNW

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