10 Best Day Trips from Naples

Naples is by far one of the most beautiful and surprising cities in Italy. But, all around the capital of Campania, there is a myriad of other extraordinary attractions. In our gallery, you will find the 10 best day trips from Naples, Italy. The most interesting things to see, do, taste, and buy! Are you ready to go?

Best day trips from Naples, Italy

If you’re staying in Naples, you should know what are the best things to do in the city, but you almost must be aware of the many places, UNESCO Heritage Sites, landmarks beaches, and other interesting and interactive things to can do if you do some day trips from Naples.

1. Ruins of Pompeii

One of the best day trips from Naples, Italy. An unmissable trip when visiting Naples is Pompeii, the vibrant and elegant Roman city that the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD buried, crystallizing houses, streets, and even people!

Discovered by chance in the 18th century, today only a small part of the ancient city has been brought to light. You will visit the Casa del Fauno, a monumental structure with rooms dedicated to various activities, the Sanctuary of the Public Lares, one of the most interesting buildings in Pompeii, and the Casa dei Vettii, whose interior is decorated with precious frescoes and mosaics. You will follow the life of the ancient Romans step by step, from their home to the gym or spa, and then from the tavern to the theater, passing even through a brothel.

Pompeii, together with the nearby Herculaneum, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We suggest you ask for a guided tour. It will be truly a unique and unforgettable experience! This is by far one of the best day trips from Naples.

2. Vesuvius Park

Vesuvius is an icon for Naples and Campania. Going on a day trip to Vesuvius from Naples is a must. The volcano is located in the middle of a wonderful natural park, including nine trails. The excursions start from 1,000 meters high up to the maximum altitude of 1,200 meters, where the extinct crater is located.

At the top you will also find the Vesuvian Observatory, the oldest volcanological observatory in the world. The most popular excursion reaches the Gran Cono by a shorter route and is definitely suitable for everyone. On the other hand, the excursion to the Valle dell’Inferno mostly takes place on a solidified lava bed through a pine forest and is a bit more demanding. But both are extremely exciting! Take a day trip to Vesuvius from Naples and live a unique experience…

3. Campi Flegrei

If you take the metro line 2 from Naples, in just 30 minutes you will come across a lunar landscape, made up of 40 craters, lakes, thermal vapors, water springs, and numerous fumaroles: the Campi Flegrei Regional Park. Volcanic activity is continuous and intense. The most active crater is certainly the one in the Pozzuoli solfatara. Regrettably, all tours are temporarily suspended.

But, this territory is also the cradle of many myths of Classical Antiquity, such as the Gigantomachy and the gateway to the Underworld in the Avernus. Here you can visit some incredible archaeological sites, such as the Flavian Neronian Amphitheater, the Temple of Serapis, the Antro della Sibilla Cumana and the Castle of Baia. Furthermore, right in Baia, you will also find an underwater archaeological area, that you can visit by boat, but also by diving or snorkeling.

This is a journey through archeology, nature, and the sea … and definitely a day trip not to be missed!

4. Royal Palace of Caserta

Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the best day trips from Naples, Italy you can pick. Just 26 km from Naples and well-connected by public transport, you will find the Versailles of Italy. The Reggia di Caserta, the palace wanted by King Charles of Bourbon to flaunt his power, is today one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe. The masterpiece of the architect Luigi Vanvitelli has 1,200 rooms, including royal apartments, luxurious lounges, the private chapel, and the court theater.

But the real wonder is the garden, full of statues, fountains, ponds, and waterfalls. Divided into two spaces, namely the Italian garden and the English garden, you can really get lost inside. After visiting the Palace, we suggest you rent a bicycle to cross the gardens and linger in its most beautiful and peaceful spots. This is one of the best day trips from Naples, especially recommended for the most romantic of you…

5. Sorrento

The Sorrento coast extends from Castellammare di Stabia to Punta Campanella. The flagship of this path, Sorrento, is located on a cliff that separates it from its crowded marina. This vibrant coastal town is famous for its stunning sea view, celebrated by many songs and poems, and Piazza Tasso, a nice square full of cafés. Its historic center is a labyrinth of narrow streets full of artisan shops. Take a walk and just get lost… it’s simply amazing!

Finally, Sorrento is the realm of good food! Fish-based specialties, fresh pasta, such as Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, limoncello, desserts, such as the exquisite Delizia al Limone … in short, the quintessence of the sun and the warmth of this land. A day trip to Sorrento from Naples is definitely a must. You can also check our list of the best Sorrento hotels to find the perfect accommodation if you’d like to spend a few days in the lemon town!

6. Amalfi Coast: Vietri sul Mare, Amalfi, Ravello and Positano

A few kilometers from Naples, you will find a place of unparalleled beauty, the Amalfi Coast. Along this narrow coastal road, you will find small villages with white tiny houses, or even magnificent villas, perched in the rock overlooking the sea. If you decide to visit Positano, don’t miss out on the best restaurants in town, and the best places to stay in Positano!

At the entrance to the Amalfi Coast, you will find Vietri sul Mare, known throughout the world for its splendid handcrafted ceramics. Do not miss the opportunity to enter the shops to buy something! Proceeding north, you will arrive in Amalfi, with its beautiful Duomo di Sant’Andrea. A little further on, deviating from the coastal road, you can reach Ravello. You should also check our list of hotels in Ravello!

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When you look out from the terraces of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone you will miss your breath. Simply stunning! In summer, the evenings of this enchanted village are animated by The Ravello Festival, a very important festival of classical music and more. Just think that the orchestras perform on a stage suspended in the void, sometimes at dawn. Thrilling! Returning to the coastal road, after a few kilometers, you will find Positano, a small town that can only be covered on foot, with its little houses and boutiques, full of the colors and scents of summer.

For those who love trekking, the so-called Path of the Gods, from Agerola to Positano through the Lattari Mountains, will give you breathtaking views for about 10 km! The Amalfi Coast day trip from Naples is definitely one of the best experiences you will ever have.

7. The temples of Paestum

This is perhaps the furthest day trip from Naples, but it is no less interesting. The archaeological area of ​​Paestum is simply magnificent, it brings together three Greek temples in an excellent state of conservation. The temple of Hera is the oldest of the three and dates back to 560 BC., the temple of Athena, and the temple of Neptune or Poseidon, the largest and best-preserved, to which the city of Paestum was formerly consecrated and from which it took its name (Poseidonia). The beauty of three temples, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is undisputed, and the evening visit is very suggestive.

The archaeological area of ​​Paestum also offers a beautiful museum, which exhibits many objects found in the various surrounding necropolises. The highlight is the painting found in the so-called Tomb of the Diver, the only remaining example of a Greek painting from Magna Graecia. This magnificent painting shows a man while jumping into the waves, an allegory of passing away.

But it does not end here, Paestum is also the home of buffalo mozzarella, a very tasty traditional fresh cheese, an unmissable ingredient of Pizza Margherita. Enjoy your meal!

8. Capri

A visit to this enchanting island cannot be missed. The breathtaking views you will enjoy, the colors that will fill your eyes, the scents and aromas you will smell in the air, and the flavors of its famous cuisine make it a unique and unforgettable place. It takes no more than 45 minutes by hydrofoil to get to Capri, making it one of the best day trips from Naples.

As soon as you arrive, take part in a boat tour of the island to enjoy the splendid spectacle of the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto. Then take the funicular to go up to the Piazzetta and visit the delightful village of Capri. Get lost in its narrow streets, and then go up to Villa Jovis. Stop in one of the many trattorias to taste the famous ravioli capresi or other seafood specialties. Capri is certainly one of the most romantic day trips from Naples! If you wish to stay for a few days, make sure you check the best hotels in Capri!

9. Ischia

Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples. A short ferry ride from Naples or Pozzuoli and you can enjoy the beaches, visit its caves by boat or take a walk to the beautiful Aragonese Castle, and of course relax at the famous thermal springs. The most beautiful are Poseidon and Negombo, where you can enjoy thermal pools of different temperatures, waterfalls, and saunas.

Finally, you cannot leave Ischia without visiting the characteristic Borgo di Sant’Angelo, with its colorful houses, outdoor tables, and little shops. Entirely pedestrian area, it can only be reached by bus: it is worth the trip for a shopping and coffee break, before returning to Naples.

10. Procida

Did you know that Procida has been the set of numerous films, such as The Talented Mr. Ripley with Matt Damon? This island has retained the charm of the old fishing village, with its characteristic colorful houses reflecting in the water. Its medieval center is known as Terra Murata and is only accessible via a panoramic road overlooking the sea. Take a seat in an open-air bar on the harbor for a Spritz or one of the family-run restaurants to savor the local cuisine … looking at the sea.

Once in Procida, don’t miss even a visit to the island inside the island. Vivara, in fact, is an islet connected to Procida by a small bridge. Originally a hunting reserve of King Charles III, today it is a natural park that can be visited open reservation. Amazing! Procida is also connected by ferry with the mainland, making it one of the best day trips from Naples.

Are you ready to leave for one of the best day trips from Naples?

The cultural and natural landscape surrounding Naples offers tourists many opportunities. Therefore, the choice between these best day trips from Naples, Italy, becomes really difficult. You will probably be tempted to visit them all, aren’t you? Well, why not? Fun is guaranteed!

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