Naples is one of the unmissable stops of any trip to Italy thanks to its fascinating history, local folklore, picturesque streets, and typical food. This city alone is worth a trip, but there are many other amazing destinations just a few miles away! Here’s a list of the best day trips you can plan when visiting Naples and Campania!
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Table of Contents
11 Day Trip Ideas from Naples
Pompeii
This ancient Roman town became worldwide famous because of one of the worst natural disasters in history: the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
What to see:
Roman Forum: the heart of the ancient city with shops, arcades, government buildings, and temples.
House of the Faun: it was the residence of a nobleman, and it’s incredibly large and luxurious. It also features several works of art, like the bronze statue of a dancing faun that gave the name to the entire villa.
Villa of the Mysteries: it’s located on the outskirts of the city, and it might have been the summer residence of Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus.
How to get there:
By train: take the Circumvesuviana line in Naples and get off at the station named “Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri.” The entrance to the archeological park is within walking distance. Cost: 2,60 euro. More information at Orario Na-So e Na-S G -NA.xls.
By car: highway A3 Napoli-Salerno. It’s a 30-minute drive from Naples.
You might like: How to get from Naples to Pompeii.
Tips:
Don’t rush your visit; save at least 4-5 hours to explore this ancient city.
Don’t forget to get a map in order not to get lost!
Recommended Tours:
From Naples or Sorrento: Full-Day Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Tour
Pompeii: Small-Group Skip the Line Tour with an Archeologist
Small-Group Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour
Herculaneum
It’s lesser-known than Pompeii, but it was also destroyed in 79 AD. It was a small town, and you can visit its archeological park in a couple of hours.
What to see:
House of the Skeleton: it’s one of the best-preserved buildings in town, and it takes its name from the corpse buried by ash found inside.
Baths: you can still see the beautiful marble decorations and frescos that made the local baths so fancy in the past
House of the Mosaic Atrium: it’s named after a large and perfectly preserved mosaic on the floor
How to get there:
By train: take the Circumvesuviana line in Naples and get off at the stop named “Ercolano Scavi.” The cost is 1,60 euros. More information at Orario Na-So e Na-S G -NA.xls.
By car: highway A3 Napoli-Reggio Calabria. It’s a 25minute drive.
Tips:
If you only have a couple of hours, skip Pompeii and visit Herculaneum!
Recommended Tours:
Herculaneum Priority Entrance Ticket
Small-Group Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour
Amalfi Coast
One of the most iconic destinations in Southern Italy combines relaxation, glamour, history, and nature.
What to see:
Positano: the favorite destination of local celebrities and the most romantic setting on the coast.
Amalfi: the largest town on the coast is worth a visit thanks to its beautiful Cathedral and its Cloister of Paradise
Path of the Gods: if you feel like spending a day in nature, enjoy this 7km hike on top of the Lattari Mountains. It’s really scenic and relatively easy!
How to get there:
By car: highway A3 Napoli-Salerno or Road 163 which is a great scenic drive starting in Meta di Sorrento and ending in Vietri sul Mare.
By train/bus: you can reach Sorrento by train, then take a SITA bus to reach your chosen destination. More information here.
You might like: How to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast.
Tips
Even if Road 163 is great for taking some pictures and enjoying the landscape, it turns into a giant traffic jam in summer and over the weekend!
If you’re planning some hikes, choose May or September to avoid local hot weather.
Recommended Tours:
From Naples or Sorrento: Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip
From Naples: Boat Tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
Sorrento
A colorful and vibrant town where you’ll be able to experience local folklore and taste some specialties like Limoncello
What to see
Tasso Square: the heart of the town and a busy place both day and night. It’s a bit touristy, but you cannot miss it
Valley of the Mills: a rocky gorge in the old town, which makes an impressive view. It takes its name from the ruins of an old mill still visible at the bottom of the gorge.
Villa Comunale: enjoy one of the best views of the entire Amalfi Coast from its lush garden
How to get there:
By train: take the Circumvesuviana line from Naples. The cost is 3,60 euros. More information at Orario Na-So e Na-S G -NA.xls.
By boat: take the ferry from Molo Benevello in Naples to reach Sorrento in about 40 minutes. The cost is 20 euros. More information at Aliscafo Napoli Sorrento biglietti e orari – Traghetti Napoli
Tips:
In Sorrento, you cannot miss a taste of Limoncello (a liquor made with local lemons) and gnocchi alla sorrentina (gnocchi seasoned with tomato, basil, and mozzarella)
Recommended Tours:
From Naples: Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi Full-Day Tour
Caserta
It’s mostly famous for its Baroque Royal Palace, but there are a couple of other attractions nearby that are worth the detour.
What to see:
Royal Palace: a true masterpiece that can compare with the Palace of Versailles. Don’t forget to save enough time to also visit its park.
Belvedere di San Leucio: this architectural complex was the residence of the Bourbon family in the XIX century, and it was used as a hunting lodge
Casertavecchia: a medieval village just outside Caserta which is worth a visit for its picturesque alleyways
How to get there:
By train: the cost is 3,50 euros. Check the timetables at IT – Trenitalia
By car: it’s a 40-minute drive from Naples
By bus: the cost is between 3 and 6 euros according to the bus companies. More information at CTP – Compagnia Trasporti Pubblici di Napoli
Tips:
It’s best to get a ticket online and in advance to skip the line at the entrance of the Royal Palace.
When planning your visit, consider that the Royal Palace is always closed on Tuesday.
Recommended Tours:
Caserta: 3-hour Shared Tour of the Royal Palace
From Naples: Royal Palace of Caserta Half-Day Trip.
Capri
One of the most popular Italian islands is glamorous and elegant other than extremely crowded. Anyway, it offers some amazing seascapes that are worth the trip!
What to see:
Faraglioni: three giant rocks emerging from the sea just in front of the shore. These rock formations are a true icon, and you cannot miss a boat tour to watch them closely and take some pictures
Blue Grotto: famous since Roman times for its incredibly blue water, it’s one of the most picturesque locations in Capri
Mount Solaro: it’s 600m high, and it offers the best views of the sea and the cost, other than a pleasant walk in nature
How to get there
By ferry: you can take it from both Molo Benevello and Calata di Massa in Naples. The cost is between 20 and 45 euros according to the companies.
Tips
Capri is worth a weekend to fully enjoy its festive atmosphere!
Recommended Tours:
From Naples: Island of Capri Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Ischia
If you want to spend a relaxing day at the spa or on the beach after visiting Naples, then choose Ischia even if it’s not summer!
What to see:
Aragonese Castle: this iconic fortress located in the village of Ischia Ponte is only connected to the land by an artificial isthmus, making it look like it’s emerging from the sea.
Spas: Ischia is rich in spa resorts, and its waters and mud were already popular among the ancient Romans
Church of Soccorso: this white church in Mediterranean style looks like a Greek or Spanish building and it’s a popular wedding location.
How to get there:
By ferry: you can take it from Molo Benevello, Calata di Massa or Mergellina in Naples. The cost is between 11 and 26 euros according to the companies.
Tips
It’s best to book your ferry well in advance!
Recommended Tours:
If you only have one day to visit Ischia, take this guided tour from Naples: Ischia Day Trip with Lunch from Naples.
Procida
This tiny island featuring lovely colorful buildings and crystal-clear water is quieter and more peaceful than Capri and Ischia
What to see:
Marina Grande: the port is picturesque and vibrant, making it the perfect place to get in touch with the local lifestyle
Terra Murata: a fortified settlement located 90m above sea level and dominated by the majestic Avalos Palace.
Marina della Corricella: the oldest village on the island is entirely pedestrianized and incredibly peaceful
How to get there:
By ferry: you can take it from Molo Benevello or Calata di Massa in Naples. The cost is between 10 and 20 euros according to the companies.
Tips:
Don’t miss Vivara Nature Reserve, a tiny island connected to Procida by a footbridge. Procida is so small you can cross it in 40 minutes on foot!
Recommended Tours:
From Naples: Procida Island Day Trip with Lunch
Vesuvius
One of the most famous volcanos worldwide has been active for more than 40.000 years!
What to see:
Looking inside the crater is a great experience, and there’s a trekking trail leading you up to its lower edge at 1175m
How to get there:
By car: highway A3 until Herculaneum. You just need to follow the signs to reach the National Park of Vesuvius. It’s a 20minute drive from Naples.
By train/bus: you can get to Pompei Scavi, then take the shuttle bus leading you to the entrance of the National Park. The cost of the shuttle bus is 2,70 euro and you can check the timetables at Orari autobus Scavi di Pompei – Vesuvio 2022.
Tips
Wear your hiking boots and comfortable clothes, and ensure you’re equipped to face a day in the mountains. To enter the National Park, you’ll have to pay a fee of 10 euros.
Recommended Tours:
From Naples: Day Trip to Mount Vesuvius
From Naples or Sorrento: Full-Day Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Tour
Pozzuoli
This charming small town is famous for the natural phenomena of bradyseism. The town’s ground rises and regularly falls thanks to the underground volcanic activity, and these changes are visible in some areas.
What to see:
Temple of Serapide: it was a Roman market, but it was mistakenly named “temple” because of a statue representing Serapide. It’s the best location to watch the effects of the bradyseism since its floor is occasionally flooded when the ground falls under sea level.
Solfatara: the Phlegraean Fields are hot areas where gas and magma constantly bubble underground occasionally revealing some mud pools.
Promenade: the favorite place of locals and tourists to spend some time watching the sea and having a drink
How to get there
By car: it’s a 30-minute drive from Naples
By train: the cost is 2,20 euros. Check the timetables at IT – Trenitalia
Tips
You can stay overnight to enjoy some nightlife on the promenade and take a ferry to Ischia or Capri the next day.
Recommended Tours:
Learn more about the local volcanic activity with this guided tour Pozzuoli and Phlegraean Fields: Guided Walking Tour.
Cilento Coast
The Southernmost tip of the Campania Region is one of the best areas where you can enjoy some beach life far from the glamour and the crowds of the Amalfi Coast.
What to see
Paestum: its archeological park features a few remarkable Greek temples
Capo Palinuro: its crystal-clear water and its sandy beaches make it the perfect destination for a day by the sea
Marina di Camerota: one of the most popular destinations on the Cilento coast. It’s a vibrant town offering several facilities and some great beaches
How to get there:
By car: highway A3 to Paestum, just follow the signs to reach your favorite destination. It’s a 1h30 drive from Naples.
Tips
Choose May and September to enjoy some beach life in a quieter environment.
Stop at one of the many dairies nearby to taste local mozzarella!
Recommended Tour:
Make the best of your visit to Paestum with a guided tour like this: Paestum: 2-Hour Greek Temples & Archaeological Museum.