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Extend your trip to Naples by adding in a few day trips. From stunning islands to ancient archeological sites, there's a day trip from Naples for everyone.
Naples is completely its own. The city is chaotic, gritty, and beats to the rhythm of its own noisy drum. Personally, I love it.
...in small doses. Then again, I'm simply not a city girl.
The first time we visited Naples, we were new in the country and visited on a whim. Truly, we did no research and we're just excited to eat as much pizza as possible. And while the food in Naples blew us away, we were honestly a bit disillusioned by the city.
That's on us for not having the right expectations and assuming it would compare to Rome or Florence. It doesn't.
Visiting Naples for the second time we were far more prepared and knew what we were getting ourselves into and honestly had a fantastic time. It made me respect Naples for being so unique rather than chastise it.
Not only do I think the city is well worth visiting, it's become a huge hub for international tourists flying into the country. Most flock right over to the Amalfi Coast and while I will talk about this area later in the list, there are so many other options to choose from (with far fewer crowds and cheaper prices).
You can go about these day trips from Naples in two ways: either spend a few days in Naples then skip over to one suggestion for a night or two OR spend a few days in Naples, then go on a day trip or two. Even if you're short on time, I'd suggest you spend at least one day simply in the city, instead of immediately leaving. Here's a 3-day itinerary to Naples you can adjust for your schedule.
Short on time? Here's the quick guide:
There are a lot of great day trips from Naples, from beaches to incredible archaeological sites. No matter what you're into, you're bound to find it in or around the city.
If I had time for only one day trip, I'd suggest either Procida for a vibrant island or Pompeii for its impressive history. Both of these are easily accessible from Naples in 40 minutes or less, making them even more attractive day trip ideas.
To get around, I suggest either taking the ferry, train, or in certain cases renting a car. I'll outline below the best way to get to each destination.
I recommend buying all tickets (either for transportation or entrance tickets) in advance.
About us
We're Kat, from the US, & Raf, from Colombia. We've been traveling the world and living abroad for the past decade but now call Italy home.
Personally, I don't enjoy day trips as much when you have a long way to travel since it leaves you with less time to actually enjoy the place. Procida is the perfect choice. It's easy to get here with direct 40-minute ferries right to the island, coming and going often throughout the day.
Procida is most famous for its panoramic vista from the Panoramica Sulla Corricella, a viewpoint from the highest point on the island.
The island itself is quite small and in my opinion was easy to walk everywhere we wanted to go. We didn't traverse the entire island but comfortably made our way from the port, all through the fishing village, to the panoramic point and around the tip of the island and back without much issue. Just know you will face some hills and stairs.
Other than for the views or to go swimming, another big reason I'd suggest visiting Procida is to eat a lingua di Procida. This is a lemony pastry you can only find on this island. We tried one upon arrival and loved it so much, we bought 4 more from the bakery before hopping on the ferry to go back to Naples.
Where to Stay in Procida
If you'd rather have more time to unwind in Procida, stay overnight. Even though it's closest to Naples, from my experience, it seemed the least crowded than the other nearby destinations.
If you're after a laid back trip, consider booking your stay at one of these highly-rated hotels:
Budget Stay:Sonnino B&B: This quaint bed and breakfast offers larger rooms than most at this price point and is beachfront.
Mid-Tier Stay:Terra Murata Boutique b&b: Located up the hill near the panorama viewpoint, you'll get to soak up the whole island morning to night.
Luxury Stay:ALMALO Floating House: Want something unique? Stay in a houseboat! You'll stay right in Marina Grande and get to watch the boats come and go.
Do note, these tiers are all relative to the place and prices will change dramatically between summer to winter.
Why visit: To relax in the thermal baths in the winter or enjoy island paradise in the summer
Ischia is another island in the Bay of Naples, just past Procida. Although you might be tempted to combine both islands into a single day trip, I wouldn't recommend it. Technically you could do it, with ferries running regularly, but you won't have enough time to enjoy either island to make it worth it.
Ischia is much bigger than Procida and while many do visit on a day trip, I'd actually recommend spending a night or two here. We spent 3 days on Ischia during our last trip to Naples and still I felt I could have used more time to really explore the island.
Ischia is big enough that there are a number of towns scattered around the island, each with its own vibe. The ferry from Naples drops you off at either Ischia Porto or Forio.
What makes Ischia a really cool day trip idea is that it's worth visiting throughout the year. I know most people immediately associate an island with the summer but Ischia is home to a number of thermal baths, making it a great spot in cooler weather, too.
If you visit in the summer, I recommend doing a boat tour (even if you only visit for the day). We did this one that took us completely around the island and really loved it. If you visit in the off season, swap the boat tour for a trip to one of the thermal spas to warm up and relax.
Where to Stay in Ischia
As I mentioned, I'd really suggest more time on Ischia. The island is big enough that you won't get bored, even if you stay a week. Between the different towns, beaches, natural hot springs, and the mountainous interior of the island, there's a lot to see and do.
Although I gave a few different area recommendations above, we stayed in Forio and really loved it. Simply based on our experience, I can toss it out there as a great place to stay. It's convenient and a good blend between lively on the main streets yet quiet just a block away.
Budget Stay: Hotel Nettuno: With a few rooms to choose from, you can pick your budget but still enjoy the hotel amenities, namely the rooftop terrace, ideal for sunset.
Mid-Tier Stay: Villa Ravino Secret Retreat: If you plan to rent a car or scooter, I'd take advantage and stay outside of town to be able to fully relax. This unique hotel will be hard to beat and is in a good location to enjoy both Forio and Sant'Angelo.
Luxury Stay: OraBlu Exclusive Villas: On the other side of town, you'll find these incredible villas. With great views and enough room for a large group, the whole family (even the pets!) will love it here.
We actually stayed in Hotel Villa Carolina and while the location was fantastic, I didn't totally love the stay itself, which is why I didn't include it in my list.
I'm going to be honest: I've never actually been to Capri and truly it's not high on my list when compared to other places around Naples or throughout Italy. That said, I wanted to use this space to share a little bit about why others are drawn to the island and why you should potentially choose somewhere else for your day trip.
Capri has long been a famous destination to visit from Naples, with movie stars flocking to the scenic island for generations. If you've ever seen a picture of Capri, I know you understand why it's famous. There's no denying it's a picturesque island with the clear blue waters, dramatic rock cliffs, and the bizarre Blue Grotto.
That said, Capri is far from a secret now. You'll share the island with 1000s of others who all had the same idea. That level of tourism, especially from a higher-end crowd has driven prices up exponentially.
My aunt and uncle recently got back from a trip to Italy where they visited Rome, Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. They said Capri was far more expensive than the others, even when compared to the Amalfi Coast.
Their recommendation is to enjoy the island by boat rather than by land. The real perk here is the natural landscape so, if it fits your budget, that's the best way to enjoy yourself.
That said, if you've read other articles from us before, you know we urge visitors to avoid adding to the stress of overtourism and to choose alternative destinations instead. If you want to visit an island as your day trip from Naples, consider Ischia or Procida first.
Where to Stay in Capri
If you decide to ignore me and visit Capri instead, that's totally fine. You might be tempted to book a night or two here to enjoy more of the island. The most convenient place to stay is in Capri Town since the ferry port is there. For a quieter stay though, you might prefer Anacapri, the town higher on the hilltop.
Budget Stay:B&B Angelide: This small bed and breakfast is located in Anacapri and a great choice for those looking for a more laidback experience, rather than a glamorized stay.
Mid-Tier Stay:La Cuchina: This beachfront apartment is just across the island from the port, in Marina Piccola. You'll enjoy stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach.
Luxury Stay:Villa Bella Vista: For the truly luxurious experience, you won't want to skip over this villa big enough for 8 guests. Also located in Marina Piccola, you're set higher up on the hill with bigger views.
4. Amalfi Coast
I wouldn't visit Positano again but I can't deny it's beautiful
Time from Naples: Varies based on where you're going and your mode of transportation (1-2 hours)
How to Get Here: By ferry, by train (only to Sorrento), or by private car
Why visit: For the dramatic coastline
I have a similar attitude when it comes to the Amalfi Coast as I do with Capri. That said, we have taken a day trip here the first time we visited Naples. The day trip we took started and ended in Naples, passing us through Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. If you're limited on time or are just curious like we were, it was a nice trip.
That said, it's a lot to visit multiple places along the Amalfi Coast in a single day trip. Depending on where you're going, the drive or ferry takes at least 1 hour, upwards to 1.5 hours.
The Amalfi Coast isn't a single town but a stretch of coastline south of Naples. Technically the coast line stretches from San Pietro to Salerno. Sorrento is on the other side of the peninsula and isn't actually part of the coastline, although it is often lumped in with it.
Towns like Positano and Amalfi have become incredibly popular and therefore terribly crowded. I've never in my life faced human traffic like I have in Positano, except maybe at the entrance of stadiums. The towns along the Amalfi Coast are small with narrow streets and are not built for hordes of people yet that's what they're facing now.
Summer gets the brunt of it but my family visited in October and said even then they had a tough time walking around Positano.
Personally, my favorite aspect of visiting the Amalfi Coast was the drive along the coastline. It's seriously scenic. I imagine a boat ride along the coast would be equally stunning. Truly though, the area is becoming too overcrowded, putting a big strain on the infrastructure and the people who live here.
Like Capri, I'd recommend either staying in a lesser known town on the coastline or picking a different destination or your day trip. I promise your trip to Italy can still be fulfilling (arguably even more so) without going to all the same destinations as those on TikTok are flocking to.
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
If you're visiting the Amalfi Coast, I suggest staying either in Salerno or Sorrento (even if it isn't technically the coast). Another option would be a hotel along the coastline but not actually in one of the towns. Sorrento or Salerno will give you more variety in prices but somewhere isolated on the coastline will give you better views, privacy, and something truly special.
Here are some suggestions:
Budget Stay:La Tartaruga: This hotel is located in Salerno and in prime location to take the ferry to other towns along the Amalfi Coast. This would be the most affordable way to see the coastline, without the need of a boat tour.
Mid-Tier Stay:Hotel Margherita: This family-run hotel is right outside of Praiano and offers incredible views of the coast. There is a bus stop right at the hotel though, giving you access into town whenever needed.
Luxury Stay:Villa Santa Chiara Positano Suites: The luxury hotel is nestled in between Positano and Praiano, giving you impeccable views and an escape from the crowds.
5. Pompeii & Herculaneum
A glimpse at the ruins of Pompeii; Photo courtesy of depositphotos
Time from Naples: 40 minutes
How to Get Here: Circumvesuviana train line
Why visit: To see one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world
Pompeii is certainly the most well-known ancient city outside of Naples but you can also visit Herculaneum (Ercolano).
Pompeii is a rare perfectly preserved city from the year 79. The ancient ruins were covered in volcanic ash from an eruption at Mount Vesuvius and lay completely covered until the 1700s. It's considered a "city frozen in time" and certainly worth the visit from a historic standpoint.
Herculaneum was another ancient Roman city that was also buried under the eruption in 79 AD. It's actually closer to Naples than Pompeii and uniquely, more wooden objects (like beds, roofs, and doors) were preserved here. A big difference is that Pompeii is much bigger yet Herculaneum was a wealthier city.
If you're a real history buff, you might prefer to treat each of these as their own day trip but for most travelers, you could visit both in one day. I'd recommend taking the train to Pompeii when it opens to arrive early, avoid most tours, and then head over to Herculaneum when you finish. This would put you back in the direction of Naples.
Everyone I know who has visited has emphasized the need for a guided tour, ideally a private tour if you can afford it. There's simply too much history and small details for the average person to notice on their own.
You will need to purchase tickets to visit either of these archaeological sites.
Personally, I don't think you need to stay near Pompeii or Herculaneum since a single day trip here is enough for most people.
6. Mount Vesuvius
Views of Vesuvius from Naples; Picture courtesy of depositphotos
Time from Naples: 35 minutes
How to Get Here:Car (technically you can go via public transport but it will take close to 1.5 hours)
Why visit: To visit an active volcano
If you're not as interested in seeing two archaeological sites on your trip, you might prefer to combine Pompeii or Herculaneum with a trip to Mount Vesuvius instead. This is the famous volcano that destroyed Pompeii and covered both of the cities so long ago. It's now a national park.
The volcano is still very much active, although continuously monitored for its next eruption.
If you simply want to see Mount Vesuvius, you'll get that view from Naples. The volcano is really near the city so even on a semi hazy day you can see it. The best view points are either from the port, along the side of the coast in Chiaia or from the hill top neighbors around Corso Vittorio Emanuale. Even from the highest points of the Spanish Quarter you can see impressive views.
There are a number of different walking and hiking trails you can enjoy on Mount Vesuvius but the most popular is the Gran Cono Trail because this is the trail that takes you up to the crater. The hike is only a few kilometers but considered difficult given the steep incline and uneven ground. Know that you'll need to buy tickets for access.
I don't recommend staying extra time near the volcano but instead treating it as a true day trip.
To be clear, I'm an avid hiker and haven't felt the desire to do this trek. The main reason is simply because I enjoy hiking where few people are and the hike here to the crater is a big tourist thing to do. There are other trails in the park that will be quieter and maybe that's not a deal breaker to you but I do want to mention it's not the quiet trail you might be hoping for.
7. Caserta
The stunning view from the gardens; Photo courtesy of depositphotos
Time from Naples: 30 minutes
How to Get Here: By train or car
Why visit: To visit one of the largest royal palaces in the world
Caserta, alongside Ischia and Procida, is the least well-known day trip from Naples, at least for non-Italians. Even years into living in Italy we had never heard of Caserta until we were invited to Casertavecchia (Old Caserta) for a wedding.
Caserta itself is a small town but is worth visiting for the Royal Palace of Caserta, or Reggia di Caserta.
The Royal Palace isn't just an incredible home to walk around, it's also completely surrounded by private gardens worth walking around. If you're into gardens, history, and architecture, you'll love this day trip idea.
It's the largest royal palace by volume in the world, which admittedly is a strange way to measure the size of a home. During WWII, the palace served as the Allied Force Headquarters for the Mediterranean and was the site of the surrender of German and Italian forces, officially ending the war in Italy. It's also a UNESCO world heritage site.
My recommendation for visiting Caserta is to buy the full ticket that includes entrance to the palace and the surrounding gardens. You won't even be able to get a glimpse of the compound without buying an entrance ticket, something we learned the hard way.
I'd suggest planning ahead and buying your ticket online, just in case you arrive on a busy day. The entrance to the palace is a short walk from Caserta's train station.
With the exception of Casertavecchia, I don't think an overnight stay in this area is necessary. That said, I can't say with confidence if Casertavecchia would be as charming for a regular traveler vs. visiting for a wedding.
Best Ways to Get Around
As I mentioned above, there are 3 main ways to get to these day trips:
By ferry
By train (or public transport)
By car (driving yourself or with private driver)
With the exception of wanting to drive along the Amalfi Coast, you can get to all of these day trips from Naples by ferry or train. If you're eager to have a tour guide, you can save a lot of money by hiring one at the destination, rather than driving with them from Naples.
All ferries I mentioned leave from Naples Molo Beverello Port and the trains I mention are from the main station at Garibaldi. There are regular ferries and trains to all of the destinations on this list.
If you're pressed for time, you might assume renting a car will be the fastest way to get around. I'd take that idea with some caution. Parking in Naples can be really difficult and renting a car simply for the day will eat up a lot of your time. You can learn more about renting a car in Naples, based on our personal experience, and if it's right for your trip.
Where to Stay in Naples
The swanky neighborhood of Chiaia
Naples is a pretty big city, with different neighborhoods all offering different pros, cons, and vibes. I've gone into detail on all of the best areas of Naples but at a quick glance consider:
Centro Storico (Historic Center): Heart of the city but also most touristic
Chiaia: Highest-end neighborhood, loses the grit of the rest of the city
Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter): Quintessential Napoli neighborhood, at least from social media and movies
Via Toledo: Main street for shopping and street food
Corso Vittorio Emanuele: One of the highest streets in the city, offering fantastic views
I don't recommend staying right at the central train station, port, or airport, even if it is more convenient for your day trips. Most people who end up not liking Naples stay in these areas and don't give the city a real chance to show itself.
Which Day Trip from Naples Will You Go On?
All of these day trip ideas are easily doable from the city center, with frequent departures on both ferries and trains. In an hour or less, you can leave the chaos of the city far behind and find yourself on the charming streets of Ischia, soaking in the views of Procida, getting a feel for the lux life on Capri, and immersing yourself in history in Caserta or Pompeii.
Although I know it can be tempting to skip Naples all together and simply head out on day trip after day trip, I do recommend you give this unique city a chance to get under your skin, or at least in your belly with all the delicious food it offers.
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