Santa Croce Beach - a beach with palm trees and a body of water
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Santa Croce Beach

4.2
·451 reviews·Amalfi, Italy

A secluded beach cove on the Amalfi Coast, accessible by boat, offering fresh seafood and stunning coastal views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

September

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Santa Croce Beach - a beach with palm trees and a body of water

Santa Croce Beach

Best Time

September

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A secluded beach cove on the Amalfi Coast, accessible by boat, offering fresh seafood and stunning coastal views. Reddit

4.2
(451 reviews)

"The staff was AMAZING and so kind and accommodating. Seafood is the name of the game. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚤 Book Your Boat Transfer

Arrange your boat transfer from Amalfi in advance for a seamless arrival.

☀️ Reserve a Shaded Table

Insist on a table in the shade when booking, especially during high season.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Beach Club Experience

The Beach Club Experience

Santa Croce Beach

Enjoy a day of sun, swimming, and delicious grilled seafood at this charming beach club.

Reddit
Freshly Grilled Seafood

Freshly Grilled Seafood

Restaurant Santa Croce

Savor the catch of the day, expertly grilled and served with local specialties.

Reddit
Secluded Coastal Views

Secluded Coastal Views

Santa Croce Beach

Experience the beauty of the Amalfi Coast from this picturesque and less crowded beach.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Arrival by Boat is Key

Santa Croce Beach is primarily accessible by boat, with many visitors arriving via private boat tours or water taxis from Amalfi. Booking a table at the restaurant in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a shaded spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Seafood & Serenity

This secluded beach offers a tranquil escape with delicious seafood and refreshing swims. While some find it a tourist trap, many praise the fresh ingredients, friendly service, and stunning coastal views. Reddit

Best Times

When
September
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I love Capitola, the colorfull houses are so cute. #california #capitolabeach #capitola #sanfrancisco #santacruz #bayarea #californiahiddengems #bayareahiddengem #centralcoastca #photospot #visitcalifornia
@sofiapiassitiktok
261.3K likes • 3.2M views

🚤 Book Your Boat Transfer

Arrange your boat transfer from Amalfi in advance for a seamless arrival. Reddit

☀️ Reserve a Shaded Table

Insist on a table in the shade when booking, especially during high season. Reddit

New favorite Bay Area beach 🦈 #sf #sanfrancisco #bayarea #beach #santacruz #travel #california #norcal
@dianaexploressf
26.6K likes • 493.4K views
Hidden gem on California coast 🌿 📍 Fern Grotto Beach 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, California Located in Wilder Ranch State Park It is a 2.5 mi round trip flat trail with beautiful coastal views, beaches, and wildlife (we saw birds, seals, rabbits). This unique cave is at the back of the beach with ferns draping down over the entrance. It is small but pretty. Notes: * Access is be easier during low t...
@asyatravels
25.3K likes • 339.9K views

🍽️ Consider a Full Meal

While appetizers can be small, a full meal offers a better value and taste experience. Reddit

💰 Check Your Bill Carefully

Review your bill for accuracy, as some visitors have reported discrepancies. Reddit

Save for your Santa Cruz weekend getaway planning! My honest review of Santa Cruz is that it’s a beautiful coastal town but I also have mixed feelings. It has some of the most interesting attractions around and made for a unique travel experience. However, Santa Cruz is not very van friendly so for me it was difficult to feel fully comfortable and at ease during my stay. They also have a lewd co...
@pang__bang
22.8K likes • 685.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚤 Book Your Boat Transfer

Arrange your boat transfer from Amalfi in advance for a seamless arrival. Reddit

☀️ Reserve a Shaded Table

Insist on a table in the shade when booking, especially during high season. Reddit

🍽️ Consider a Full Meal

While appetizers can be small, a full meal offers a better value and taste experience. Reddit

💰 Check Your Bill Carefully

Review your bill for accuracy, as some visitors have reported discrepancies. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Enjoy a Refreshing Swim

The water is lovely for a dip before or after your meal. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(451 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Santa Croce Beach offers a picturesque escape accessible primarily by boat, praised for its fresh seafood and accommodating staff by many. However, some visitors find it to be an overpriced tourist trap with inconsistent service and value. Booking ahead is recommended for the best experience. Reddit

"Great little place tucked away on the Amalfi course. We had a large storm redirect our boat tour to this great little beach club and restaurant. The staff was AMAZING and so kind and accommodating. Seafood is the name of the game and plenty of grilled seafood and gnocchi to fill our appetite. Cocktails and Desert were fantastic. Can’t say enough about the service and staff."

Nima Nabavi

"Nice help with the buoy, and immediate transfer to the restaurant. We had to insist to get a table in the shade - the restaurant was busy and we did not have the chance to reserve upfront. The food was good, service friendly. Water is also nice for a swim. May be it is worthwile to make a booking upfront in high season. Overall we enjoyed our stop here during our daily boat trip/"

Selma Aldemir

"Restaurant Santa Croce was AMAZING - including the staff, food, and location. We contacted the restaurant 48 hours before hosting a post-wedding event for 30 people in September 2024 and they jumped into action. (The location we originally booked never confirmed and we had to scramble!) You would never know they organized last minute. The short boat ride from the main dock in Amalfi was coordinated for us and easy. The staff were welcoming – including drinks as we got off the boats and snack baskets on the beach. After we swam and relaxed, the staff (with nonna!) prepared a delicious lunch with fresh ingredients including local specialities that included vegetables, fish, meat, pasta, dessert, and drinks. We returned to the beach after lunch and enjoyed the sun, water, and additional beverages before heading back to Amalfi. We highly recommend Restaurant Santa Croce!"

Kevin Ciotta

What People Like

Amazing staff and service
Fresh, delicious seafood
Beautiful secluded location

What People Dislike

High prices, poor value
Inconsistent service
Small portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Santa Croce Beach is primarily accessible by boat. Most visitors arrive via private boat tours or water taxis from Amalfi. Some boat captains may have arrangements with the restaurant. Reddit

No, Santa Croce Beach is not accessible by car. It is a secluded cove best reached by sea. Reddit

The boat ride from Amalfi to Santa Croce Beach is typically short and scenic, offering beautiful views of the coastline. Reddit

There are no direct public transport options to Santa Croce Beach. Boat services are the only way to reach it. Reddit

The main dock in Amalfi is where most boat tours and water taxis depart from. It's advisable to confirm your meeting point with your boat provider. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the beach itself is generally free, but you will likely incur costs for boat transportation and any services used at the beach club or restaurant. Reddit

The restaurant is typically open during daylight hours, especially during the tourist season. It's best to confirm hours directly with the restaurant, especially for evening events. Reddit

Yes, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a table and potentially a spot in the shade. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's common for beach clubs to have associated costs for loungers and umbrellas if you are not dining. Inquire directly with the establishment. Reddit

You can visit the beach area, but most visitors arrive via boat services that are often coordinated with the restaurant. Access might be facilitated through dining or pre-arranged boat tours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, with many grilled options. They also offer pasta dishes and local specialties. Reddit

Prices can be high, as is common along the Amalfi Coast. Some visitors feel it's a tourist trap with high prices for small portions, while others find the quality and experience justify the cost. Reddit

The grilled seafood and pasta dishes are frequently mentioned. The peach wine and limecello are also noted as enjoyable. Reddit

Yes, the restaurant has hosted events like post-wedding celebrations for larger groups, demonstrating flexibility and good service for special occasions. Reddit

A variety of cocktails, local wines (like peach wine), and water are available. Limecello is also a popular choice. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The beach itself offers beautiful coastal views. The restaurant's setting on the water and the boats arriving and departing provide picturesque scenes. Reddit

The beach faces the sea, so it can offer lovely light during golden hour, though direct sunset views might depend on the specific angle and time of year. Reddit

Yes, the arrival and departure of boats add a dynamic element to photos, showcasing the unique access to the beach. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is fine. Be mindful of other guests' privacy if taking close-up shots. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of boats or distant cliffs. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Santa Croce Beach can be a fun outing for families, especially if arriving by boat. The calm waters are generally good for swimming, and the beach offers a relaxed environment. However, parents should be aware that the restaurant can be pricey, and it might be wise to pack snacks for younger children. Reddit

Booking a boat trip that includes a stop at Santa Croce can be an exciting adventure for kids. Ensure your boat provider is family-friendly and that you've secured a table at the restaurant in advance, perhaps requesting a spot with more space. The novelty of arriving by boat is often a highlight for children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Santa Croce Beach is likely not the most budget-friendly destination on the Amalfi Coast. The necessity of arriving by boat and the restaurant's pricing can add up quickly. Reddit

If you're on a tighter budget, consider visiting during the shoulder season (like September) when prices might be slightly lower. Alternatively, focus on enjoying the beach and the swim, perhaps opting for a lighter meal or just drinks, and be very mindful of the bill. Researching boat tour prices in advance is also crucial. Reddit

💖 Couples Seeking Romance

The secluded nature of Santa Croce Beach and its stunning coastal setting make it an appealing spot for couples. Arriving by boat adds a touch of romance to the experience. Reddit

Opt for an early evening visit to enjoy the golden hour light and a more intimate dinner. Booking a table with a prime view and enjoying the fresh seafood and local wine can create a memorable romantic experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Santa Croce Beach Experience: A Tale of Two Views

Santa Croce Beach offers a unique experience on the Amalfi Coast, primarily accessible by boat. Visitors often arrive via private boat tours or water taxis from nearby Amalfi, creating a sense of exclusivity. The beach itself is a charming cove, with a restaurant that serves as the focal point for many visitors. The ambiance is generally relaxed, with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Reddit

However, opinions on Santa Croce Beach are divided. Some travelers describe it as a "tourist trap" with overpriced food and questionable value, citing issues with portion sizes and service speed. Reddit Others rave about the amazing staff, delicious fresh seafood, and the overall enjoyable experience, especially for special occasions like post-wedding events. Reddit The key seems to be managing expectations and understanding that prices on the Amalfi Coast are generally higher. Booking in advance, especially for a shaded table, is a recurring tip to enhance the experience. Reddit

Culinary Delights and Dining Dilemmas

The culinary offerings at Santa Croce Beach are centered around fresh, local ingredients, with a strong emphasis on seafood. Grilled fish, pasta dishes, and traditional Amalfi Coast specialties are commonly featured on the menu. Many reviews highlight the quality of the ingredients and the flavorful preparation. Reddit

Despite the positive notes on food quality, some diners have expressed concerns about the pricing and value. Specific complaints include small portion sizes for the cost, particularly with pasta dishes, and instances where appetizers took an unusually long time to arrive. Reddit It's also been noted that while the view is beautiful, the overall bill can be surprisingly high for what is served. Visitors are advised to carefully review their bills and consider whether the experience aligns with their budget and expectations. Reddit

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