Last Updated on 28th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Between coastal escapes and ancient cities lost for centuries under the ash of super volcanoes, the area surrounding Napoli is awash with adventure, history, and unforgettable beauty. Read on to find out some of the incredible day trips from Naples you should definitely consider visiting when staying in the city of the sun!
The city of Naples in southern Italy, is warm both in its friendliness and climate. This vibrant city filled with intrigue and beauty also acts as the perfect base for taking day trips and exploring more of what Italy has to offer.
If it’s your first time in Napoli, check out our guides on how to spend one day in Naples and the best hidden gems of Naples.
Getting around Campania
Getting around much of the larger destinations in Italy is pretty straightforward thanks to the abundance of buses and trains which crisscross the region. Driving around Naples is pretty legendary for how chaotic it is and many people describe driving in the city as ‘pleasurable chaos’.
I personally don’t really enjoy driving around Napoli as it just stresses me out! but my Parisian husband revels in it and so takes over the steering wheel when we explore southern Italy. If you’re looking to rent a car to some of the destinations detailed below, check car rental comparison prices here in advance.
Guided Excursions from Naples
If you’re thinking about seeing a number of attractions but wish to have all of the stressful planning taken care of for you, then you can book a guided excursion which will often take you to several tourist hot spots in the region surrounding Naples. Here are some of our top picks:
Best day trips from Naples
Capri
Of all the day trips from Naples listed here, the most famous is undoubtedly the beautiful, mountainous island of Capri.
Famed for its fascinating rock formations, stretches of dramatic coastlines and crystal clear waters, the natural beauty alone is enough reason put Capri on your bucket-list of places to visit!
Aside from its breathtaking natural beauty, Capri is abundant with things to see and do. The island is scattered with churches, museums, delicious cuisine and world-class shopping, making it a highly desirable destination for visitors.
There’s too many things to list in a small article when thinking of Capri, so here a few of our top suggestions:
- Piazzetta, watch the world go by on the main square.
- Garden of Augustus, a terraced garden sprinkled with statues, overlooking breathtaking views.
- Blue Grotto, a popular attraction, this magical sea cave is illuminated by the sun.
- Via del Pizzolungo, a scenic coastal path walk taking you to the Natural Arch.
- Via Camerelle (a paradise for shopaholics!)
The easiest way to reach Capri as a day trip from Naples is by taking the ferry. Alternatively, you can book this full day tour with lunch if you want the details taken care of for you. Another option is to book this guided tour which includes a visit to Capri, Anacapri, and the Blue Grotto.
Sorrento
While many people miss out on the charming town of Sorrento and simply pass through it in order to get to Capri, this would be your first mistake.
Perched on a cliff above the Mediterranean sea lies a paradise of historic buildings, picturesque cobbled streets filled with pastel coloured houses, and dazzling views of turquoise blue (and the mighty Mount Vesuvius in the distance!).
A popular sight when visiting Sorrento is the Church of San Francesco, best known for its beautiful 14th century cloisters that makes it the perfect romantic setting for weddings!
The town is lined with waterside bars and restaurants where you can enjoy tucking into tasty local cuisine while admiring the spectacular views. Sorrento is also home to trees bearing huge sun-soaked lemons, making it the best place to try Italy’s famous sweet and zesty liqueur, Limoncello.
The easiest way to reach Sorrento from Naples is by taking a train. There’s a direct train and the journey is roughly an hour and a quarter. Just be sure to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train to avoid a fine!
Bacoli
Bella Bacoli! This small coastal town known by the Romans as “Bauli” was a popular destination for wealthy Romans, who built luxurious villas along the bay. Nowadays this scenic beauty is rich with history and archaeological sites, making it the perfect spot for lovers of myth, history and nature.
Start your trip with experiencing an incredible piece of history, Piscina Mirabilis. One of the largest ancient cisterns built by the ancient Romans and and absolute must-see when visiting Bacoli!
Nearby, submerged in water is the sunken wonder, the city of Baia! Baia Archeological Park welcomes visitors to see the important ruins of precious mosaics, marble statues and imperial baths, by snorkelling or taking a special glass bottomed boat tour. There’s also a large complex of ruins to explore by foot.
This hidden little gem of southern Italy is less than an hours drive away, making it the perfect day trip from Naples! The easiest way to reach Bacoli is by catching a bus from Naples. You can take a bus fro near Piazza Garibaldi in Naples direct to Bacoli (and back).
Pompeii
The infamous history of Pompeii and its ruined city, buried deep beneath a blanket of ash and pumice, immediately leaves you wanting to know more and to actually see it for yourself.
The archaeological site is vast and can be overwhelming! The city is after all synonymous with history, as well as tragedy, so it’s a lot to take in. Pompeii offers you a rare glimpse into the past as you step back in time and learn about what life was like before Mount Vesuvius erupted, while at the same time seeing the devastating effects that natural disasters can bring.
The easiest way to get from Naples to Pompeii is by train and it’s just a short journey of under and hour.
Here’s a list of some of the places you won’t want to miss when visiting Pompeii:
- The Villa of the Mysteries, some of the finest examples of 1st century Roman painting.
- The Stabian Baths, one of the oldest baths in Pompeii, with an Olympic sized swimming pool.
- The Forum, located at the main gate this was essentially the main square, heart of the city.
- The Lupanar, (the Brothel) on the walls you can see depictions of the acts customers might have paid for!
- Garden of the Fugitives, a dark reminder of the final moments for the people of the city.
It’s pretty easy to reach Pompeii via public transportation as there are direct trains between Naples and Pompeii which take around half an hour. With this being said, many people opt to book excursions so that all of the details are taken care of for them.
For example, you could book a simple half day tour like this one or alternatively book a full day tour like this one. If you’d also like to see Mount Vesuvius, consider booking this excursion which includes Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius with Lunch and Wine Tasting.
Paestum
Home to some of the best preserved ancient Greek ruins on mainland Italy, those who love experiencing history should definitely consider making the trip to Paestum when in Naples.
Named a World Heritage Site, this beautiful archaeological park is truly a sight to behold! Upon walking around you can get a sense of how fast the city grew, wandering through the limestone structures of once roads, public buildings, and the remains of art and coins.
Something particularly special about the park is its three Doric temples, considering the fact they date back to about 550 to 450 BC they are in remarkable condition! Unfortunately it can be kind of tricky to reach Paestum via public transport and so you’ll want to rent your own car.
Ercolano (Herculaneum)
Just a short train ride away from Naples and you can find yourself in Ercolano, known to many as Herculaneum, and its another day trip thats perfect for lovers of history!
Did you know that Pompeii wasn’t the only town destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD?
The less visited and forgotten city of Herculaneum is well worth visiting. Though only a fraction of the site has been excavated so far, its evidence shows of a much smaller (also much wealthier) town than that of Pompeii. This makes seeing it all in one day much easier!
Visitors can spend time taking in the rich history of the ancient ruins, with its intricate mosaic floors and well preserved architectural structures. There are also a few great vantage points so you can get a better view of the city as a whole, with Mount Vesuvius looming over in the background.
You can reach Herculaneum by taking a train from Naples to Ercolano Scavi which takes around half an hour. We personally did this trip in a car so that we would have more flexibility with our timings!
Ischia
Tucked away in the Bay of Naples lies the magical volcanic island of Ischia, famed for its mineral-rich thermal waters, this is the ultimate spot for relaxing and its only a short ferry ride from Naples!
One of the most popular spots to soak up the sunshine and take a dip in the warming turquoise blue waters, is the hot springs of Baia di Sorgeto (the Bay of Sorgeto). This sea cove of tranquility is hidden between two cliff faces and only accessible by 300 steep steps, but well worth the walk!
The island also has several interesting buildings to visit! Probably one of Italy’s most photographed sights, sitting on a small tidal island is Aragonese Castle. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, this beautiful castle has withstood several invasions and it was even once a refuge for locals fleeing from volcanic eruptions.
On the same island, you can also follow trails to find the beautiful Church of the Immacolata and the Cathedral of Assunta.
Taste the delicious local cuisine! A typical dish of Ischia that has been around for centuries due to the abundance of wild rabbits on the island is, Coniglio all’ischitana (Ischian Rabbit) a stew.
The island of Ishchia is also the perfect destination to sit and relax, imagine yourself at a bar sipping on a Negroni (or cocktail of your choice!) and watching as the golden sun kiss the water as it sets. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our suggested Ischia itinerary.
The easiest way to get to Ischia is by taking a ferry from Naples. Once on the island I highly recommend organising your own method of transportation to get a little off the beaten path. We personally rented a scooter as car parking can be tricky on the island.
Procida
Take a trip to Italy’s most colourful island! The pastel hued houses of Procida are vibrant and full of authentic charm that will instantly draw you in.
This tiny destination is often overshadowed by its neighbours Ischcia and Capri, but as a living and working island its very much untouched by tourism, making it a laidback and easy place to visit.
A place of extreme beauty, but only accessible via a steep climb, is Terra Murata, the medieval village overlooking the sea at the highest point of Procida.
The main building to visit when there is Palazzo d’Avalos, originally built in the 1500s the building was later converted into a prison (which then closed in 1988).
While walking up to the medieval village, make sure to stop on the hillside and take in the view of Marina di Corricella, the oldest fishing port village of Prodica.
This postcard view of small boats bobbing in the water below the candy coloured houses painted across the hill is something you won’t want to miss! In order to get to Procida you’ll want to take the ferry!
Campi Flegrei (Phlegraean Fields)
Translated as “The Fiery Fields“, this vast volcanic caldera is situated to the west of Naples. Holding huge historical significance, this impressive landscape is not one to be missed!
Next door to Mount Vesuvius, this dormant super volcano is just one of the few that lie on the earth’s surface. Not to worry though, as Campi Flegrei last erupted in 1538 and is closely monitored by the Vesuvius Observatory. You can visit by taking a train!
Positano
For Italy lovers, the enchanting town of Positano likely needs no introduction. This scenic seaside paradise will seduce you with its luscious green hillsides that are scattered with colourful houses. Prepare to have your heart stolen!
Wander around and soak it all up with a lemon sorbet in hand! The town is bountiful with shops, bars and restaurants to dine in, and don’t be too surprised if you see a celebrity!
This beautiful cliffside town attracts a lot of famous people, and is also a popular filming location you might recognise from the film, Under the Tuscan Sun.
There are plenty of hikes you can take to see breathtaking views over Positano and the Sorrento peninsula. There’s also Fornillo Beach, which is less busier than the main beach of Positano. This hidden gem is perfect for those who enjoy a more peaceful swim.
Many people don’t realise this, but there’s no train station in Positano, or indeed among the inner part of the Amalfi Coast. As a result, the easiest way to visit is with your own car or by taking a guided excursion.
In terms of tours, there are a few available. For example, this guided tour will take you on a boat tour to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour like this one. For more Positano inspiration, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Positano.
Parco Nazionale del Cilento
If you’re looking to escape into nature, then look no further than Cilento National Park!
This lesser known destination is a cultural landscape adorned with wooded peaks, a variety of flora and fauna and there are natural pools where you can enjoy a refreshing dip!
The perfect day trip for those who want to adventure into a green space and enjoy the natural wonders of Italy.
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!