Wanting to discover more of the Campania region than just Naples? Look no further! This city rich in culture is a gateway to numerous fascinating day trips. From ancient ruins to picturesque coastal towns, there’s something in here for everyone!
1. Pompeii
Coming up at number one is the must-see archaeological site of Pompeii. These intriguing ruins offer a glimpse into ancient Roman life before it was buried under the volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You can explore the preserved ruins of numerous things such as homes, temples and public buildings.
The easiest way to access Pompeii from Naples is to take a train from Napoli Centrale station to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. This journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around four euros each way. We advise buying your entry tickets to Pompeii beforehand to avoid the queue, and these cost 16 euros for adults. The site covers 44 hectares and offers little shade, so we suggest visiting during spring or autumn when the weather is a little cooler.
2. Mount Vesuvius
If Pompeii interests you, you may want to also visit the volcano that turned it and Herculaneum to ruins. Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world and visitors can hike right up to the crater to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape including Ischia, Capri, Naples and Herculaneum. The walk up and down takes approximately three hours and is seen as a relatively easy hike with a steep start.
To reach Mount Vesuvius from Naples, we suggest taking a train from Napoli Centrale to Ercolano Scavi station. You’ll then need to follow this with a bus or taxi to the volcano’s entrance. The last entry to the volcano is at 3pm and it closes at 5pm, depending on the weather, so please check timetables before you visit.
3. Capri
Fancy a shopping trip with beautiful views? Why not visit Capri, a picturesque island known for its natural beauty and lovely atmosphere? You can spend time wandering the town or you can take a boat tour around the island’s fascinating grottos and one of its best-known sites – the Blue Grotto. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a hike up to the scenic point of Monte Solaro?
To reach Capri, you’ll need to take a ferry or hydrofoil from Molo Beverello port in Naples. This journey takes around 40 minutes and costs between 20 and 40 euros round-trip, depending on the season.
4. Sorrento
Ever heard of the famous Sorrentine pizza? Sorrento is the place to find it! This charming town offers beautiful views of the Bay of Naples as well as historic sites, limoncello and other delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood. You’ll have a chance to explore the streets of the old town and admire the beautiful architecture, visit the Comunale gardens to relax and enjoy the views, or do some shopping on the high street.
To reach Sorrento, you can take the train from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento station. This takes approximately one hour and costs around four euros each way.
5. Amalfi Coast
Looking for those Instagram-worthy pics? The Amalfi Coast is the place to go, renowned for being breathtakingly beautiful with colourful towns and crystal-clear waters. You can start by exploring the town of Amalfi where you can relax and maybe enjoy a lemon sorbet served in a real lemon! From here, it’s only a short bus ride to the picturesque village of Positano, where you can relax on Spiagga Grande Beach and enjoy one of Italy’s most romantic spots!
To reach the Amalfi coast from Naples, you can take the bus or the ferry from Molo Beverello port. The journey varies depending on the destination you choose but generally takes around one to two hours. The ferry costs approximately 20 to 30 euros round-trip, while bus tickets cost around ten to 15 euros each way. The buses here can get very busy during high season, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Posted: 6th Oct 2023.