Sentiero Baia di Ieranto — Attraction in Massa Lubrense

I recently discovered this incredible place thanks to some local friends — and I’m truly grateful they brought me here. Baia di Ieranto, near Nerano, is a natural reserve managed by FAI (the Italian Environmental Fund), located on the Sorrento side of the Amalfi Coast. It’s a destination with a soul, rich in nature, history, and silence.

Before becoming a protected marine area, this bay was home to a quarry that supplied stones to the former Italsider steel plant in Bagnoli. You can still see the remains of the old stone crusher building, as well as a large iron pier once used for loading ships. Today, the pier offers stunning views — and for the adventurous, it’s also a dramatic diving spot into crystal-clear waters.

The area is off-limits to motorboats, which preserves its pristine beauty. The sea here is transparent, perfect for snorkeling or taking part in eco-friendly activities organized by FAI, like canoe trips or guided walks.

Getting there requires some effort. From Nerano, the main trail takes about 40 minutes downhill (and the same to come back up), depending on your fitness level. There’s a shortcut known as la Scala dei Minatori — a steep, exposed staircase once used by quarry workers — but I wouldn’t recommend it, especially in the heat or if you’re with children. I hiked the main trail with my 11-year-old son, and while it’s manageable, it’s not ideal for elderly visitors or anyone unaccustomed to hiking.

A few tips: wear proper trekking shoes, bring plenty of water, sun protection, food, and possibly a beach umbrella — there are no services down there. Come early in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy the cooler temperatures and breathtaking sunset views. On clear days, you can even see the Faraglioni rocks of Capri in the distance.

Baia di Ieranto is not easy to reach, and that’s precisely why it remains so untouched and magical. The beach is small, intimate, and never crowded — a rare find on the Amalfi and Sorrento Coasts. It’s not just a beach: it’s a little miracle of nature and history, a gem that deserves to be visited at least once in a lifetime.

Highly recommended for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone in search of beauty beyond the usual...

Si arriva solo a piedi e sono tre km. Richiede tanta fatica, scarpe idonee, acqua e almeno un ora e mezza all'andata e lo stesso tempo al ritorno. La metà é la spiaggetta spettacolare e non attrezzata di ieranto. Si parcheggia sopra alla frazione (pochissimi posti gratis per i pochi fortunati e pochi a pagamento per gli altri). Alternativa bisogna andare a parcheggiare lontano. Il percorso é segnato dal Fai con strisce rosse e gialle di pittura. Ad un certo punto c'è un bivio. A sinistra percorso rosso migliore che consente una tappa intermedia al punto FAI area picnic che si accede con un afferta. Andando invece dritto al bivio verso la scalinata di minatori, percorso giallo, si tratta di scala ripida e pericolosa e soprattutto faticosa e sconsigliata per il ritorno. Non adatto ad anziani, cardiopatici, bambini piccoli, grassi e sfaticati. Spesso gente si sente male ed i soccorso in elicottero é complicato . Potete chiedere una guida del FAI al telefono oppure sul posto all'inizio del percorso,...

Beautiful walk that ends in a small, idyllic beach. The walk is about 40 minutes each way. When you get to the green signpost, you can choose between two paths. The one going down to the right is steeper but shorter, the one to left is a bit longer but not as steep. Good walking shoes...