Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)
Campania, Italy: Excellent water quality
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) is a Blue Flag beach in Campania, Italy, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Blue Flag operator is Anacapri. July sea temperature is 25.8°C. Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (NAP), 36.9 km. Recorded facilities: toilets and parking nearby. The European Environment Agency class…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) is a Blue Flag beach in Campania, Italy, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Blue Flag operator is Anacapri. July sea temperature is 25.8°C.
Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (NAP), 36.9 km. Recorded facilities: toilets and parking nearby. The European Environment Agency class for 2025 is Excellent. Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Campania, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Italy certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) faces east toward Tyrrhenian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 15°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 14°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 14°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 16°C | Med |
| May | 18°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jun | 22°C | 23°C | Med |
| Jul | 25°C | 26°C | High |
| Aug | 26°C | 27°C | High |
| Sep | 23°C | 25°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 22°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 19°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 17°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
The best time to visit Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 25.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 25.8°C in July.
How crowded does Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Italy, Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)
Is Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) safe to swim?
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
Peak water temperature at Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) reaches around 25.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12°C.
What is the beach like at Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) on the Campania coast of Italy. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Transport
Getting to Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)
How do I get to Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) by car?
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) is located in Campania, Italy. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
The nearest airport is Naples International Airport (NAP), approximately 36.9 km away.
Can I get to Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Campania. The nearest recorded bus stop is 128 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) lists Marina Grande (Funicolare di Capri) as the nearest railway station, 3.03 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)
Open the map or get directions to the Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
On the beach
Facilities at Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)
- Toilets
- Yes
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 93 m away
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | May – November |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.1 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 128 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.5611°N, 14.2039°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Italy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) FAQ
Is Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) suitable for children?
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) has a child-friendly score of 3/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Italy. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Gradola (Grotta Azzurra). Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Campania, Italy, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
The best time to visit Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 25.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)?
Gradola (Grotta Azzurra) is located in Campania, Italy. The nearest airport is Naples International Airport (NAP), 36.9 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Italy, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Gradola (Grotta Azzurra)
- FEE Italia
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.