DK Travel : Naples & the Amalfi Coast : Outdoor

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Procida

This small island has several good beach options. One of the longest stretches from Chiaiolella Marina to Ciriaccio; called the Lido, it is the island’s most popular beach so expect crowds. From here a bridge leads to the nature reserve of Vivara, which has rocky access to the sea. To the northeast, Pozzo Vecchio also has a beach.
Ravello

A beautiful little town to visit nestled in the mountainside above Amalfi - it is a lovely walk through the town and then up through lemon groves to get there. Ravello has some lovely gardens and a beautiful church you can visit or you be treat yourself to a drink in one of the posh hotels, have a gorgeous Italian icecream or sample the amazing local pizza!
Regattas

A more picturesque body of water to hold a splendid regatta on would be hard to imagine, and this stretch of the Tyrrhenian Sea has its share. These include the Vela Longa in May, open to all sailboats, and the “Regatta of the Three Gulfs” namely Gaeta, Naples and Salerno, held in early June. Every four years the traditional “Regatta of the Maritime Republics”, which include Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice, also occurs in June – the next one is scheduled for 2005. The colourful scenario generally involves each former republic sending out its galleon in mock combat, then they race alongside other craft.
Royal Naples

For regal edifices, including castles and palaces and elegant cafés and shops, this is a choice part of town and recently renovated to be more pedestrian-friendly. A good place to start is at the Fontana di Nettuno on Via Medina (see Fontana di Nettuna, Naples) and then head down towards the sea and west. This arc will take in many highlights, including Castel Nuovo, Teatro San Carlo and Galleria Umberto I.
Sorrentine Peninsula

If you take the funivia (cablecar) from Castellammare di Stabia up to Monte Faito there are startling views from the top, as well as the beginning of numerous nature trails, some of which eventually lead as far as Positano.
Sorrento

In this resort town bathing platforms have been constructed, with lifts or steps leading down to them from several hotels, but unless you are a hotel resident you will have to pay for this option. Elsewhere along the peninsula there’s a fine beach to the east, at Meta di Sorrento, while to the west, there’s a small sandy beach at Marina di Puolo and another at Marina di Lobra (see Sorrento).
Sorrento to Positano

Follow the signs to Santa Agata sui Due Golfi and then Colli di Fontanelle. Eventually, you will get your first glimpse of Positano.
Spaccanapoli

The colloquial name of this ancient street means “Splits Naples”, which is exactly what it does, cutting the oldest part of the city right down the middle. Beginning at the western end in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, a straight line takes you past some of the city’s finest monuments. In addition, there are shops, bars, cafés and pizzerias (see Spaccanapoli to Capodimonte).
Swimming

The best places for swimming in the sea are away from Naples proper, either at beaches and coves on the islands or along the coast around Sorrento and Amalfi (see Beaches).
Tennis

Tennis is very much in favour among Italians, and there are good clay courts in Naples, as well as plenty on the islands. Some are beautifully landscaped garden spots and are floodlit at night as well. Most welcome non-members for a reasonable hourly fee and rent equipment of all kinds. Some provide rackets free of charge and will also line you up with a partner if necessary.