Parco Sommerso di Gaiola - Area Marina Protetta
Parco Sommerso di Gaiola - Area Marina Protetta
Parco Sommerso di Gaiola - Area Marina Protetta
4.5
About
The Gaiola Underwater Park is a Marine Protected Area established in 2002 along the Posillipo coast, in the northwestern Gulf of Naples. The Park owes its singularity to the fusion of volcanological, biological and archaeological aspects inserted in one of the most attractive coastal landscape in the Gulf. Many ancient roman remains (I Century b.C.) lie underwater because of a geological phenomenon (bradyseism). It’s possible to visit it by glass-bottom boat, snorkeling and diving tours.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Parco Sommerso di Gaiola - Area Marina Protetta and nearby attractions
The area
Neighborhood: Posillipo
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
346 within 3 miles
Attractions
869 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
766 reviews
Excellent
587
Very good
111
Average
30
Poor
10
Terrible
28
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Simon F
Southampton, UK92 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The area is nice enough by there are rules every where.
You can’t take plastic down so you can’t take drinks but also no where to buy drinks (or food) so didn’t drink for hours in 30 heat. There are officials watching you like hawks and it’s very cramped. Felt a bit like some type of beach prison.
You have to book ahead but the beach name on Google doesn’t match up which is spiaggia della gaiola. We found it very confusing.
You can’t swim where the ruins are my partner tried not knowing that and got screamed at.
Each to their own but we felt it was a day wasted. One of the officials seemed more interested in a group of young girls.
You can’t take plastic down so you can’t take drinks but also no where to buy drinks (or food) so didn’t drink for hours in 30 heat. There are officials watching you like hawks and it’s very cramped. Felt a bit like some type of beach prison.
You have to book ahead but the beach name on Google doesn’t match up which is spiaggia della gaiola. We found it very confusing.
You can’t swim where the ruins are my partner tried not knowing that and got screamed at.
Each to their own but we felt it was a day wasted. One of the officials seemed more interested in a group of young girls.
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
norma m
2 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
I would have liked to describe the beauty of the beach but unfortunately we were not allowed to enter, even though we had booked!
We went on May 10th with two people, we had booked the morning shift, until 1pm, unfortunately we arrived close to the time because we missed the bus and took the wrong turn, being the first time and coming from outside the region we can to stay. We arrive at the park entrance at around 12.45pm and the guardian tells us that it is now late as the morning shift ends at 1pm. Obviously we couldn't book for the afternoon, because we hadn't canceled the morning reservation in time and therefore couldn't make another one. The good thing is that in the meantime a girl who was with us booked to enter in the afternoon and the website still showed around 160 empty seats, this means that there was no one on the beach! If the guardian wanted, he could let us down even for just a quarter of an hour! Also because there was no one on the road leading to the beach and at 1pm only a small group of ten kids were returning from the beach. Unfortunately the guardian was adamant. I thought I was in Naples not in front of a Swiss guard! In my opinion, there should be more openness towards tourists, given that they are often people who wake up at 4 in the morning and take trains/buses/metro to reach certain places! The beach was certainly beautiful but unfortunately I won't be going back. I recommend that if you go there, even if in the low season, be precise because if they can avoid letting you in they will.
We went on May 10th with two people, we had booked the morning shift, until 1pm, unfortunately we arrived close to the time because we missed the bus and took the wrong turn, being the first time and coming from outside the region we can to stay. We arrive at the park entrance at around 12.45pm and the guardian tells us that it is now late as the morning shift ends at 1pm. Obviously we couldn't book for the afternoon, because we hadn't canceled the morning reservation in time and therefore couldn't make another one. The good thing is that in the meantime a girl who was with us booked to enter in the afternoon and the website still showed around 160 empty seats, this means that there was no one on the beach! If the guardian wanted, he could let us down even for just a quarter of an hour! Also because there was no one on the road leading to the beach and at 1pm only a small group of ten kids were returning from the beach. Unfortunately the guardian was adamant. I thought I was in Naples not in front of a Swiss guard! In my opinion, there should be more openness towards tourists, given that they are often people who wake up at 4 in the morning and take trains/buses/metro to reach certain places! The beach was certainly beautiful but unfortunately I won't be going back. I recommend that if you go there, even if in the low season, be precise because if they can avoid letting you in they will.
Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
giunovecento
Naples, Italy98 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
The place is spectacular. It's a shame that the management leaves something to be desired. Zone A which includes the cliff in front of the island of Gaiola, (the most beautiful area) is now off-limits. While previously it was possible to enter at least with a limited number of people, it is now completely closed. At most they allow you to take a selfie from the wall. Among other things, the volunteers ruin the quiet of the place with continuous and useless calls to the boats or people who pass harmlessly in their kayaks along the stretch of water in front of the islet.
The "free" beach is currently limited as if the pandemic were still there and to book you need incredible luck, and among other things you can only stay for a time slot (which among other things never includes sunset).
I had been there before Covid and, apart from July-August, I enjoyed it peacefully without these absurd and excessive rules. Since 2020, apart from this brief parenthesis, I have never been back.
Maybe they should think about environmental protection more seriously than telling kayaks to go offshore.
I hope for the future that there will be a participated competition for the assignment of this wonderful place.
The "free" beach is currently limited as if the pandemic were still there and to book you need incredible luck, and among other things you can only stay for a time slot (which among other things never includes sunset).
I had been there before Covid and, apart from July-August, I enjoyed it peacefully without these absurd and excessive rules. Since 2020, apart from this brief parenthesis, I have never been back.
Maybe they should think about environmental protection more seriously than telling kayaks to go offshore.
I hope for the future that there will be a participated competition for the assignment of this wonderful place.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dora V
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
Terrible situation. I want to make a reservation for Saturday and Sunday and every time I access the site it's full? Even a week earlier but then is it a SCAM? And shockingly, I've never been able to go there because of this thing. There's something underneath.
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah B
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
If you’re looking to swim and snorkel right by the ruins, you are not able to. I asked if we could go over there, and was told “it is an impossible dream.” Lol. It’s only open to the tours they provide on weekends due to being a protected area. You can swim in Zone B which is the opposite side of the office/you cannot see the ruins from here. It’s still a beautiful swimming spot and was not too crowded when we went. You can still take a photo with the ruins from behind. We snorkeled in Zone B and could see some fishies, though not a tropical setting. The water was nice on a very hot July day! But a challenge to get there and back from Naples.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chris s
10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I was looking up best beaches to go in Naples and come across this one! Absolutely stunning! It is limited to 200 people and you have to pre book but arrive early enough and you won’t be disappointed. The water is crystal clean and great for snorkelling.
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gennaro G
Florence, Italy70 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A corner of life, cared for with grace and pragmatism, by a group of "artisans of beauty", to remind this city that "ordinary" beauty is possible, it is not a miracle that comes from outside, but a human fact, a fact by humans who believe in the beauty of what is right.
A public place, but for ALL the public, without shortcuts and favoritism.
A free place, but in the sense that IT IS ALREADY PAID FOR.
A well-organised place, managed with intelligence and tenacity.
Impossible not to recommend it.
A place complementary to the archaeological visit.
In short, here it becomes clear that the Partenope Mermaid is certainly not a legend.
And if it really is a legend, it will be because this place is legendary...
A public place, but for ALL the public, without shortcuts and favoritism.
A free place, but in the sense that IT IS ALREADY PAID FOR.
A well-organised place, managed with intelligence and tenacity.
Impossible not to recommend it.
A place complementary to the archaeological visit.
In short, here it becomes clear that the Partenope Mermaid is certainly not a legend.
And if it really is a legend, it will be because this place is legendary...
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davide B
Caserta, Italy459 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
I spent a wonderful day at the Gaiola Underwater Park and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. The beach offers a relaxing and peaceful environment, perfect for relaxing under the sun and enjoying the sound of the waves.
The crystal clear water and the air you breathe create a heavenly and magical atmosphere, ideal for taking a refreshing swim or going canoeing (highly recommended). Additionally, the area is well maintained and clean, which helped make my time there even more enjoyable.
I highly recommend this wonderful cove to anyone looking for a place to relax and have fun in a natural and evocative environment. Naples and its places to be discovered!
The crystal clear water and the air you breathe create a heavenly and magical atmosphere, ideal for taking a refreshing swim or going canoeing (highly recommended). Additionally, the area is well maintained and clean, which helped make my time there even more enjoyable.
I highly recommend this wonderful cove to anyone looking for a place to relax and have fun in a natural and evocative environment. Naples and its places to be discovered!
Written April 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gianpaolo I
Naples, Italy30 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
This morning for the first time I visited the marine protected area and I can only congratulate you for what you have done to make it usable. The ascent as expected has been tough , but good things must be a little uncomfortable . The security officer very courteous to everyone and careful to enforce the rules of the area in the right ways. Bravo.
Gianpaolo Iannone
Gianpaolo Iannone
Automatically translated
Written August 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
927nataliyay
Oslo, Norway16 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
My teenage son and I visited Gaiola while on vacations in Naples. To get free tickets is a challenge as they disappear from the website (that also hangs from time to time) very fast. To get to Gaiola from Naples Centre is another challenge. It takes quite some time with the collective transport (metro + bus), in addition to a 20-30-minute walk to the area, which under July heat feels a bit overwhelming.
We expected a good beach and marvelous views (as shown all over internet). Instead we got a small stripe of the beach with no facilities whatsoever. No place to buy water, no changing rooms, a dirty shower, and stinking toilet. Water could be only filled up from the sink next to toilet, and the smell made us wonder if it is drinkable at all.
The beach is small and not very clean. There are plenty of broken glass on the ground, so one has really to walk carefully. However the water is crystal clear!! One cannot deny that. The stones are very slippery, so it is really recommended to use aqua shoes.
The beach is really small and gets filled up with people very fast. Many visitors do not care about the social distance and just drop their towels 20-30 cm from you. So if you come from a culture where social distance is important, be aware of that.
All in all, I would say that it is not worth the hassle to visit the place.
We expected a good beach and marvelous views (as shown all over internet). Instead we got a small stripe of the beach with no facilities whatsoever. No place to buy water, no changing rooms, a dirty shower, and stinking toilet. Water could be only filled up from the sink next to toilet, and the smell made us wonder if it is drinkable at all.
The beach is small and not very clean. There are plenty of broken glass on the ground, so one has really to walk carefully. However the water is crystal clear!! One cannot deny that. The stones are very slippery, so it is really recommended to use aqua shoes.
The beach is really small and gets filled up with people very fast. Many visitors do not care about the social distance and just drop their towels 20-30 cm from you. So if you come from a culture where social distance is important, be aware of that.
All in all, I would say that it is not worth the hassle to visit the place.
Written July 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quando ci sono stato c’erano delle bici parcheggiate all’ingresso del percorso, dove controllano l’entrata, direi che si può.
Written September 7, 2024
C'è uno stabilimento per affittare ombrellone e lettini?
Written June 25, 2023
Ciao! Volevo sapere come si puó arrivare a Gaiola da Napoli, se è comodo affittare una macchina oppure ci sono buoni mezzi pubblici e più o meno la tempistica
Written December 12, 2022
Con il permesso d'invalidità è possibile scendere giù alla caiola?
O c'è alternativa ad una spiaggia vicina?
Written August 4, 2022
Con il permesso d'invalidità è possibile scendere giù alla caiola?
O c'è alternativa ad una spiaggia vicina?
Written August 4, 2022
Fabiana A
Cimitile, Italy
Non mi arrivano i biglietti via mail ma ho il codice di prenotazione, è valido comunque?
Written July 31, 2022
Salve,volevo sapere se la ZTL è effettivamente attiva da Giugno fino al 19 Settembre.
Domenica 26 sono sceso con il motorino(inutilmente perchè non sapevo della prenotazione obbligatoria)fidandomi del cartello ad inizio discesa.
Ho preso( inutilmente :D) una multa,o davvero il 19 finisce?
Grazie
Written September 28, 2021
Buongiorno,non sapendo (mea culpa) della prenotazione,ieri volevo scendere in spiaggia per delle foto.Con il motorino mi sono fermato prima della ZTL ma leggendo che era in vigore da Giugno fino al 19 Settembre,essendo ieri 26 sono sceso.Inutile dire che il personale non mi ha fatto accedere alla riserva e sono risalito.Potete confermarmi che la ZTL è inattiva o inutilmente ho preso la multa?Grazie
Written September 27, 2021
C'è solo il divieto di accesso per i non residenti e nessuna telecamera per la ZTL
Written August 28, 2024
…
Showing results 1-10 of 62
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing