Whenever visiting Pozzuoli in the summer, there is always an attempt to set aside time for a trip to the beach in the Lucrino area. The drive from Monterusciello is short, and the road is practically memorized by now. This beach feels like a small summer refuge, one that is deeply missed, especially after a long, cold winter.
Bathtub-Warm Water
After a winter that seems to go on forever, the warmth of summer is sorely missed. There is nothing quite like plunging into the water, burying one's feet in the sand, and lying in the sun as it wraps everything in its warmth. The smell of the sea calls out, salty and alive, while the cries of seagulls overhead fill the air. They do not sing, they simply fly, they are simply there. And all of it fills a person with a sense of calm, as if returning home, even when the city is not far away at all. The beach is free of charge, which is wonderful in one sense since it is accessible to everyone. The downside, unfortunately, is that it can sometimes be less than clean, especially on weekendswhen the crowds arrive. That is why arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended: there is still a chance to claim a spot while the atmosphere is quiet, the sand undisturbed, and the sea feels almost entirely one's own. As a reward, the water reaches near-bathtub temperatures at the height of summer.
A Lively Beach in Summer
And of course there are plenty of vendors. Lying in the sun, looking to unwind, and people pass by constantly: some selling jewelry, others toys, others still offering boiled corn, watermelon, coconut, or simply cold water. They may disrupt the peace a little, but in a way they belong there too, bringing the atmosphere to life and giving it an authenticity all its own. This beach may not be perfect, but it feels familiar. And every time one visits, there is that unmistakable sense: this is summer. This is life.
ℹ️ INFO BOX: Lucrino Beach
📍 Address:
Via Miliscola, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
(Beach section near "Lido di Licola" or "Spiaggia libera di Lucrino")
🕐 Best time to visit:
May through October, for sun, swimming, and an Aperol spritz on the beach
🧭 Getting there:
By train (Cumana line) from Naples to Lucrino station
By car: approximately 30 minutes from Naples; parking is limited!
🍝 Nearby:
Local trattorien with fish and seafood
Lago d'Averno (a mysterious volcanic lake, 15 minutes on foot)
Roman ruins of Baiae and Pozzuoli (for a dose of culture)
🌊 Type:
Free public beach and paid beach clubs (lidos)
Dark, volcanic sand
Gently sloping shoreline, family-friendly!