Naples is the best-positioned city in southern Italy for day trips — within 30 minutes to 2 hours you can reach two UNESCO World Heritage Sites destroyed by Vesuvius, the most glamorous island in the Mediterranean, a royal palace that rivals Versailles, and ancient Greek temples in near-perfect condition. Here are the 10 best.
By Train or Ferry (30 min – 1h30)
Pompeii (35 min by Circumvesuviana train from Naples Centrale, €3.20) — The most visited archaeological site in Italy for good reason. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. Buy tickets online at coopculture.it to skip the queue. The Pompeii Archaeological Park is open daily 9am-7pm (last entry 6pm). Combine with Herculaneum if you have a full day.
Herculaneum (20 min by Circumvesuviana, €3.20) — Smaller than Pompeii but better preserved — wooden furniture, food, paintings and fabric have all survived. Far fewer tourists. The Villa dei Papiri is extraordinary. Most people choose one or the other; Herculaneum is the better choice for those who prefer depth over breadth.
Capri (40-50 min by ferry from Molo Beverello, €20-23 return) — Italy's most glamorous island. Take the funicular from the port to Capri town, walk to Villa Jovis (Tiberius's palace), then down to the Blue Grotto by boat. Avoid July-August midday; May, June and September are ideal.
Ischia (45 min by ferry, €18 return) — The volcanic island with natural hot springs. Less glamorous than Capri but more authentic, with thermal gardens (Poseidon, Aphrodite), the Aragonese Castle and beautiful beaches. A better choice for a relaxing day than the busier Capri.
Sorrento (1h by Circumvesuviana, €4) — The cliff-top resort town with the best views of the Bay of Naples. Excellent base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. The historic centre, the view from Villa Comunale and a limoncello tasting are all essential.
Further Afield (1h – 1h30)
Reggia di Caserta (35 min by train from Naples Centrale, €4.20) — The largest royal palace in the world by volume, with 1,200 rooms and a 3km cascade garden. Often called "Italy's Versailles." Combine with the Acquedotto Carolino (10km away) for a full day of Bourbon grandeur.
Paestum (1h30 by train via Salerno, €8) — Three Greek temples from the 6th-5th centuries BC standing in near-perfect condition in a meadow. Among the most moving ancient sites in the world. The archaeological museum next door contains the famous Tomb of the Diver fresco.
Amalfi Coast (1h to Positano by SITA bus from Sorrento) — Take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, then the SITA bus along the coast to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The bus is slow (allow 2h Sorrento-Amalfi) but the views are extraordinary. Return by ferry if available.
Practical Tips
- The Circumvesuviana train (to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento) departs from Naples Centrale lower level — not the main Trenitalia level
- Ferries to Capri and Ischia depart from Molo Beverello (central) — buy tickets at the dock or online
- Pompeii tickets sell out in summer — book at least 3 days ahead on coopculture.it
- The Amalfi Coast SITA bus can be very crowded in summer — the ferry between coastal towns is faster and more enjoyable
Herculaneum in the morning (arrive 9am, leave 12:30pm), then Sorrento for lunch and the afternoon view. Return to Naples by 7pm. Herculaneum is 3km from the Circumvesuviana station — walkable. This combination gives you the best of antiquity and coastal beauty without the Pompeii crowds.
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