It is literally impossible to find a more evocative, romantic and secluded place than the Bagni della Regina Giovanna. The surprising natural triangle-shaped pool enclosed by rocks and vegetation known as Bagni della Regina Giovanna can be reached with a nice 30-minute walk from the center of Sorrento, or 10 minutes by bus.
The place is located on the cliffs of Capo di Sorrento where the remains of the imposing Roman villa of Pollio Felice (1st century AD) stand, one of the many built on the Sorrento Coast, a sought-after holiday resort for the rich people of Campania, of whom descriptions from chroniclers of the time.
Moreover, with the transfer of the imperial court to Capri, commissioned by the emperor Tiberius, this was an area particularly sought after by the Roman aristocracy.
Today the Bagni della Regina Giovanna can be accessed freely from the land path. As this has been said previously, the path can be reached in 10 minutes by bus from the Circumvesuviana station in Sorrento. It must be kept in mind that this is an archaeological area: here you will not find restaurants or any type of commercial activity. We are in nature, so food and water must be brought if necessary.
The site is made up of two parts: the natural pool and the external side. In both points you can place your towel and then simply enjoy a day at the beach in total relaxation in contact with nature.
The best time to enjoy the wonder of this protected oasis is the beginning of summer, when the Baths are not yet too crowded and the milder temperatures make the return walk, which is uphill, less demanding.
Origin of the name “Bagni della Regina Giovanna”
Joanna II of Anjou-Durazzo, also known as Joanna II of Naples (1371–1435), daughter of King Charles III of Anjou-Durazzo and Queen Margherita of Durazzo, succeeded her brother Ladislaus I on the throne of Naples, who died without of legitimate heirs. She was queen of Naples from her brother’s death in 1414 to hers in 1435.
The name of the site is linked to the sovereign of Naples. It is said that between 1371 and 1435, Joanna II came on holiday to the sea accompanied by her young lovers with whom she used to spend time bathing in these waters. In essence the site was her “private pool“. Hence, therefore, the origin of the name “Bagni della Regina Giovanna“.
Joanna II of Anjou should not be confused with Johanna of Castile (1479 –1555) known as “The Madwoman“.
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