What to do and see in Naples

places worth seeing in Naples

Naples (or Napoli) is a city bursting with life, history, and incredible food. But if you find yourself spending a few days or longer in this vibrant southern Italian hub, you’d be missing out on some of the world’s most spectacular sights lying just an easy train ride away. Naples is perfectly positioned as the ideal base for exploring the historical, natural, and coastal wonders of the Campania region. Utilising the efficiency of Italian public transport, you can easily venture out in the morning and be back at your hostel in Naples by the evening, having experienced an entirely different world.

Here is your essential guide to the best day trips from Naples, Italy, covering ancient Roman cities, formidable volcanoes, and the breathtaking Amalfi coastline. We provide public transport suggestions for each location. You can also rent a car (which is quite affordable in Italy) and try to get there that way. However, if you are a beginner driver, be careful – Italians drive quite spiritedly, and a lot happens on the roads. 😉

View from the window of the Safestay hostel in Naples

Stepping Back in Time: A Day Trip to Pompeii from Naples and Herculaneum

The tragedy of 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried two thriving Roman cities, left behind a hauntingly preserved testament to ancient life. Visiting these archaeological sites is perhaps the most famous and essential day trip from Naples.

Pompeii: A City Frozen in Time

Pompeii, the larger and more famous of the two, requires a good four to five hours to explore its main thoroughfares, villas, and public spaces. Here, you can walk the original Roman streets, marvel at the ancient fast-food stalls (thermopolia), and gaze upon the magnificent frescoes inside the opulent villas of the elite.

How to get there: The easiest and cheapest way to complete a day trip from Naplesto Pompeii is by taking the Circumvesuviana train line (direction Sorrento) from the Garibaldi station (Napoli Centrale). The journey takes approximately 35-40 minutes, and you should alight at the Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri stop, which is right outside the main entrance.

The colonnaded walkway of Pompeii’s Palaestra

Herculaneum (Ercolano): The Lesser-Known Gem

While Pompeii offers scale, Herculaneum offers detail. Buried by a faster-moving pyroclastic flow, the materials here were carbonised rather than simply covered, leading to incredible preservation. You can see intact timber framework, vibrant mosaics, and even well-preserved second stories of buildings. It is smaller and less crowded than Pompeii, making it feel more intimate and often more impactful.

How to get there: Take the same Circumvesuviana train (direction Sorrento) from Napoli Centrale, but stop at Ercolano Scavi. The site entrance is a short, downhill walk from the station.

Herculaneum showcasing the site’s remarkable preservation.

Day Trips from Naples, Italy to the Amalfi Coast: Is It Practical?

The short answer is yes, but it requires planning and an early start to make the most of it. The Amalfi Coast, with its pastel-coloured villages clinging dramatically to the cliffsides, is a masterpiece of natural and human engineering. While a true exploration warrants several days, it is entirely possible to experience the highlights in a single, rewarding day.

The Amalfi Coast

Getting There and Choosing Your Destination

Reaching the coast is often a multi-stage process from Naples:

1. Naples to Sorrento: Take the Circumvesuviana train (the full journey) to Sorrento (about 1 hour 15 minutes).
2. Sorrento to the Coast: From Sorrento, you have two main options:
   • Bus: The SITA public bus runs regularly along the narrow, winding coastal road, connecting Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. This is the cheapest method, but expect queues and slow speeds, particularly in peak season.
   • Ferry/Hydrofoil: From Sorrento’s port, you can take a ferry to Positano or Amalfi. This is faster and offers stunning views from the water—highly recommended for a memorable experience.

For a one-day visit, focus on one or two key towns to avoid spending all your time in transit. Positano (for its iconic views and beach) and Amalfi (the historical capital of the coast) are excellent choices. Start early, aim to be back in Naples by 8 pm, and the journey will be well worth the effort.

How to Combine Vesuvius with the Archaeological Sites?

Mount Vesuvius, the colossal, still-active volcano that dominates the Bay of Naples, is a powerful natural spectacle. The hike to the crater offers phenomenal panoramic views of the entire region, stretching from Naples across the sea to the islands of Capri and Ischia.

It is highly recommended to combine a visit to Vesuvius with either Pompeii or Herculaneum, as they are all on the same Circumvesuviana train line, making for an efficient and geologically significant day trip from Naples.

Mount Vesuvius rising above Naples.

Visiting Vesuvius

From the Ercolano Scavi Circumvesuviana station, you can catch a dedicated shuttle bus (known as the Vesuvio Express or similar private operators) that will take you up the mountain road to the trail head (the tickets usually include the park entrance fee). From the bus drop-off point, it is about a 20-30 minute uphill walk on a dusty, gravel path to reach the crater rim. Be sure to check the weather beforehand and wear appropriate footwear, as it can be windy and cool at the summit.

Tip for Time: Start your day at the archaeological site (Pompeii or Herculaneum) early in the morning, and dedicate the afternoon to Vesuvius. This sequence often avoids the midday heat at the exposed crater.

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FAQs on Day Trips from Naples