Travel Journal · Hidden places
7 Places You Can Only Reach by Boat
There are corners of this coast that give themselves only to those who arrive by sea — here they are, one by one.
The famous villages of this coast have roads, buses and queues. Its most beautiful corners have none of those — they face the open sea, guarded by cliffs, and the only key is a boat. These are the seven places we take our guests that you simply cannot reach any other way.
1. Queen Giovanna's Baths (Bagni della Regina Giovanna)
Minutes from Sorrento's marina, a hidden natural pool enclosed by rock, connected to the sea by a stone arch. Legend says Queen Giovanna of Anjou bathed here with her favourites in the 1400s. From land it's a long scramble down a path; from the water, you glide straight in. Often you'll have it all to yourselves.
2. Ieranto Bay
The wild, protected bay at the very tip of the Sorrento Peninsula, facing the Faraglioni of Capri across open water. It's a marine protected area — no buildings, no roads, just olive terraces, an old quarry and some of the clearest water on the entire coast. One of our favourite swim stops of all.
3. Li Galli — the Sirens' islands
Three tiny private islets between Positano and Capri where, Homer's legend says, the Sirens sang to Ulysses. Rudolf Nureyev owned them; today they're off-limits ashore — but the water around them is a dream, and passing them under sail-quiet engine is pure myth made real.
4. The fjord of Furore
A crack in the cliff wall, a huddle of old fishermen's houses and a high bridge above — the fjord of Furore is the coast's most photographed secret. Cars rush over it without seeing it; from the sea, you float right into the postcard.
5. The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)
Near Conca dei Marini, the Amalfi Coast's answer to Capri's Blue Grotto — here the underwater light turns everything a deep glowing green. Entry is by small boat with a local guide (ticket paid on site), sea conditions permitting, and it pairs naturally with an Amalfi Coast day.
6. Capri's other grottoes — Green and White
Everyone knows the Blue Grotto; almost nobody knows its sisters. The Green Grotto and White Grotto on Capri's quieter flanks have no queues and no tickets — your boat simply noses in, the water glows, and you swim where the big tour boats never stop.
7. Beneath the Faraglioni
You've seen the three rock giants of Capri in a thousand photos — but seeing them rise from the water right beside you, so close you can read the texture of the rock, is something only a boat can give you. It's the moment every camera comes out.
How to see them
Every tour we run is private, so there is no fixed route: tell your skipper which of these places call to you, and he'll shape the day around them — sea conditions permitting. The Amalfi Coast & Capri full day passes the most of them; the Capri tour and Amalfi Coast tour each take their own share.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit these places on a standard tour?
Yes — our tours are private and flexible. Tell your skipper what appeals to you and he'll weave these stops into your day, sea permitting.
Can you swim at all of these spots?
At most, yes — Ieranto, Queen Giovanna's Baths, Li Galli and the coves near Furore are wonderful swim stops on a calm day.
Is the Emerald Grotto entrance included?
Like the Blue Grotto, it has its own small ticket paid on site, and openings depend on the sea.
Which tour covers the most of these places?
The full-day Amalfi Coast & Capri tour — but any private tour can be shaped around the places you care about.
Which one called to you?
Tell us — we'll build your private day around it.