If you are looking for the best day trips from Naples, this post has got you covered. Naples is a beautiful Italian city to visit. It is full of history, beauty, and of course the best pizza in the world! One of the best things about Naples is its close proximity to various other stunning towns, attractions, and cities in Italy.
Naples is located in the South of Italy. It sits along the blue waters of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding landscape is mountainous and stunning. There are plenty of places you can visit on a day trip from Naples, however, this list covers the top 8. From the magical Amalfi Coast and beyond, all of these day trips from Naples offer something unique and enchanting to discover.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an adventure traveler, a foodie traveler, a luxury traveler, or anything else. There is a day trip from Naples for you!
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In This Post
The 8 Best Day Trips From Naples
Naples to Sorrento, Italy
How to get from Naples to Sorrento
By Train
- Take the Circumvesuviana from Naples central station – €4,90, takes 1.5 hours.
- Campania Express trains from Naples central station – €8,00, takes 50 minutes.
By Ferry
Take a ferry from Naples’ Molo Beverello port. €10,00, takes 45 min.
One of the most popular day trips from Naples is to the stunning Amalfi Coast town of Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento is a city full of enchantingly beautiful and worth a day of explorations. The city is built atop the jagged cliffs and mountainous terrain that makes up the Amalfi Coast, giving the city an old and romantic charm. Naples to Sorrento is a popular journey and worth the short trip.
Sorrento is best known for its limoncello, colorful cobblestone streets, local goods, and stunning cliffside views. If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience, then a Naples to Sorrento is the day trip for you! This town has everything you could want on an italian vacation; great food, lovely swimming spots, historic walks, and gelato at every corner. Making it one of the best day trips From Naples.
What to do in Sorrento
Sample Limeoncello
If you visit Sorrento be sure to sample the Limoncello. Sorrento is one of the main production spots for this authentic Italian liqueur, and tasting it in its home base is a necessity! While you immerse yourself in the limoncello craze of Sorrento be sure to also visit the lemon tree groves in the city and enjoy the fresh scents and colorful views.
Go for a swim
Swimming isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sorrento, but it is a popular thing to do here. The beaches in Sorrento are on cement outcroppings that extend into the water. They are not typical but are always full of sunbeds and people soaking up the Italian sun.
Spend some time Shopping
The streets of Sorrento are packed with shops for you to explore. From handmade leather goods to souvenir shops, to art galleries, and more. The narrow cobblestone streets are ideal for exploring and discovering some hidden Italian gems.
Eat with a view
There are a ton of stunning Italian restaurants in Sorrento that offer amazing dining experiences. You will find restaurants built into gardens, and sitting on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the water. If time permits, staying in Sorrento for dinner is something you should try to do!
Naples to Capri, Italy
How to get from Naples to Capri
The only way to get to Capri is by boat.
- High-speed boat: from Naples Molo Beverello Port: Prices vary (below are some high-speed boat tour options)
- Ferry from Porta di Massa: €14 to €23, takes 50 to 80 minutes.
Capri is a magical island off the Amalfi Coast that is lavish and luxurious, but still suitable for everyday travelers. Italy is famously known as a vacation destination for rich and famous people, and one of the top places to visit for this crowd is Capri. As a result, the island is unlike any other place in Italy, there are mansions all around owned by people like Madonna and Versace. While the waters around the island are full of superyachts from celebrities and even princes! This is one of the best day trips from Naples that is unique and interesting through and through.
A day trip from Naples to Capri will show you an upscale and high-end side to Italy that you will fall in love with. Although Capri is a playground for the rich and famous it is still a nice place to visit for “normal” people. There are things to do and places to dine in that are budget-friendly, but you will notice the shopping streets are full of stores like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and other high-end designers. Don’t go to Capri with the expectation to shop!
What to do in Capri
Go on a boat ride
Capri’s location in the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea provides the island with a ton of stunning places to explore by boat. In fact, taking a boat and exploring the waters surrounding Capri is one of the best things to do while here. When you visit Capri you will notice a ton of boats and yachts on the water. These boats go around to blue caves, unique rock formations like Faraglioni rocks, and vivid blue water swimming spots.
Swimming
The water surrounding Capri is some of the bluest and clearest water ever! This makes it perfect for swimming. You can choose to swim from one of the beaches on the island or, as previously mentioned, take a boat and swim in the open sea.
Admire the views
The mountains that make up Capri are something else entirely. The entire island is basically one huge mountain waiting to be explored. This means there are stunning viewpoints all around for you to discover!
Naples to Positano, Italy
How to get from Naples to Positano
- High-speed boat: From Naples Molo Beverello Port: Prices vary (below are some high-speed boat tour options)
- Ferry: From Porta di Massa. €14, one hour and 15 minutes.
As one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, Positano is a wonderful option when considering what day trip from Naples to take. There are very few places on earth as captivating as Positano, which is why during the summer months it is often packed with tourists! However, despite the hordes of tourists the beauty and magic of this small village cannot be understated.
The pastel-colored houses built vertically into the mountains, the colorful sunbeds on the beach and blue water, and stunning lush mountains in the distance have resulted in one of the most romantic places in Italy. Upon arrival, you will be immediately greeted by colorful houses and picturesque views. Positano truly is a one of a kind destination and undeniably one of the best day trips from Naples.
Beyond the beauty of the village, there is also quite a bit of thing to do in Positano.
What to do in Positano
Enjoy a beach day
The main beach in Positano, called Spiaggia Grande, is a wonderful place to relax for a day. It is a beach covered in black rocks and filled with brightly colored sunbeds (if you visit in the summer). The best part of this beach is the view! From the water looking backward, you are blessed with the stunning views of the city, which is beyond magical. For more information on beaches in Positano click here.
Eat a meal with a view
What is better than a delicious Italian meal and a stunning view? Nothing! Luckily Positano is full of restaurants with outdoor terraces that offer beautiful views of the city. There really is no better way to admire Positano than with a glass of wine and the beautiful coastal views in front of you.
Take a hike
Positano’s location within the mountains has resulted in ample hiking opportunities. The main one is called The Path of Gods. This brings you up high into the mountains and shows you some of Positanos best views.
Naples to Ravello & Amalfi, Italy
How to get from Naples to Amalfi
By Train
- Train to Solerno: Take a train from Naples to Salerno, from here you will have to take the SITA bus to get to Amalfi – €19.10, takes 1.5 hours total.
- Train to Sorrento: From Naples station (Napoli Centrale) take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. From Sorrento, you can take the SITA bus to Amalfi. €16 – €20, takes 1.5 hours total.
By Boat
- Ferry to Sorrento: Take the ferry to Sorrento and then the SITA bus to Amalfi. – €16.5, takes 1.5 hours total.
Ravello and Amalfi, Italy are two different towns, but both worth a visit during your day trip from Naples. The two towns sit very close, with Amalfi along the water, and Ravello high in the cliffs. If you are looking for a two for one day trip, this one is the best option.
With a visit to Amalfi and Ravello, you get the best of both worlds. Amalfi is located along the coastline waters and has a magical beach to enjoy. While Ravello is located above Amalfi and offers breathing views above the whole coast. Since they are only a short distance from one another it is a must to do both of these in one day!
What to do in Ravello & Amalfi
Admire the views in Ravello
Ravello has the charm and romance similar to a Shakespearean play. Walking the streets high in the cliffs and overlooking the calm sea and bustle below is as good as it gets. The best thing about Ravello is that there are walkways and gardens with amazing viewpoints all around.
Enjoy a Beach day in Amalfi
The beach in Amalfi is every bit as beautiful and slightly less busy as the one in Positano. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy the warm Italian sun, in a little less of a crowded environment. Not only is the water warm and clear, but the views from the beach to the beautiful architecture and beyond are idealistic.
Naples to Mount Vesuvius, Italy
How to get from Naples to Mt. Vesuvius
By Train
Take the Circumvesuviana from Naples Central station in the direction of Naples – Sorrento to Pompei Scavi and then take the local bus. €2, takes 30 minutes.
Mt. Vesuvius is the volcano that destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii and is a very popular day trip from Naples. Mount Vesuvius plays an important role in the history of this region and a visit here is well worth it. Many people pair this day trip with their visit to Pompeii, which I get into in the next section.
If you are an adventurous traveler this is most definitely the best day trip from Naples for you. Mt. Vesuvius is the only active volcano in central Europe and is open for visitors to hike its standing peaks.
What to do in Mount Vesuvius
Hike to the summit
Hiking to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius is the highlight of this day trip. The hike up the mountain requires a moderate to a high level of fitness to reach the summit, but once you make it to the top you are blessed with stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Naples. Plus you can look inside the sleeping volcano and witness the terrifying power it has. There is a local bus that will bring you partway up the mountain and you have to walk the remaining 30 minutes to reach the top. This excursion costs €10.
Naples to Pompeii, Italy
How to get from Naples to Pompeii
- Circumvesuviana train: takes 35 minutes, €2.60.
- Metropolitano train: For times and schedule look here. Takes 38 minutes, €2.80.
Pompeii is an ancient ruin city and archeological gem that sits at the base of Mount Vesuvius. It was once a thriving city during the Roman era until Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and buried the entire city into nothingness. Over the years Pompeii has been excavated and the ruins of what the city used to look like are viewable by the public.
The city is packed with history and amazing architecture. It gives one of the best impressions of ancient life which is why it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy! A visit to Pompeii will transport you back in time. Walking around the ancient buildings and shops is like looking through a window of a time long ago. Luckily this Italian gem of a city is easily reachable and is one of the closest day trips from Naples and it is the perfect place to escape to for a historic dose like nothing else.
Pompeii tours from Naples
What to do in Pompeii
Explore the city and ruins
People go to Pompeii eager to explore Italy’s most famous ancient Roman ruins. There are so many old buildings and places that have been excavated and the history these hold is astonishing. From theaters to baths to elegant homes and more there is no shortage of places to explore. If you are a lover of history exploring Pompeii will feel like you’ve stumbled upon a pot of gold.
Visit a museum
Exploring the ancient city of Pompeii is the first thing many visitors aim to do, however, it is a good idea to stop at a museum first. The museum called Antiquarium is a great place to start your adventures. Here you will find various artifacts that were discovered during the excavations that had to be placed in a safer place because they were too fragile to be left out.
This museum also has plaster molds of the body shapes left behind by those consumed by the eruption. With this, you can vividly imagine the people trying to escape during this time.
Naples to Paestum, Italy
How to get from Naples to Paestum
By Train
- Take the Trenitalia train from Naples to Paestum. 6€ – 14€, takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
History and archaeology lovers rejoice! Paestum, Italy is one of Europe’s most well preserved archeological sites with three greek temples remaining on its grounds. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best day trips from Naples to see a more unique and historic side to this region. This is the perfect place to visit to see a more classical side of Italy
What to do in Paestum
Explore the Archaeological Site
The archaeological site in Paestum covers a vast area of land and takes a few hours to explore. During these explorations, you will find old churches, drinking fountains, post offices, and more. There is no shortage of amazing and fascinating things to discover here and you will be in awe of the excavation discoveries. The highlight of Paestum is the greek temples which you will surely visit and enjoy.
Go to a Museum
Museo di Paestum is a museum in Paestum that takes some time to explore. The museum is home to various decorations and sculptures from the nearby sites, as well as, paints from tombs. The most famous being the fresco from the Tomb of the Diver.
Naples to Procida, Italy
How to get from Naples to Procida
By Ferry
- Take a ferry towards Ischa and get off at Procida
Procida is a stunning and extremely underrated island near Naples that is a perfect day trip option. The island is characterized by its brightly colored buildings and blue water surroundings. Plus, Procida is not at all as touristy as Capri and Positano and has a much more lived-in and authentic feel to it. The tidal wave of tourists has yet to discover this hidden gem making it one of the best day trips from Naples.
Procida is the perfect place to escape to for a more authentic Italian experience. If you are visiting Naples in the summer months you will find most places very busy as this is the high season. So finding a place that is not quite there yet is perfect.
What to do in Procida
Go Swimming
Since Procida is an island there are plenty of beaches to choose from. These beaches aren’t as busy as others in Italy and offer a more relaxing and refreshing beach day.
Admiring the city
The cities architecture is the real draw here. Get enticed by this and stay for everything else. The charming streets, local restaurants, and old buildings and beautiful to admire and enjoy.
Naples Day Trip Tours
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If you are visiting Naples be sure to check out at least one or two of these day trips! There is no better way to enjoy this stunning and magical area of Italy than by leaving Naples and embarking on one of these best day trips from Naples.
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Ravello and Sorrento are two of my favorite places along this section of Italy. Pompeii is definitely a must, too! A super useful guide and post!
What great tips for exploring Naples! Thanks for sharing.