19 Best Day Trips from Naples Italy

An amazing city in by itself, Naples was once home to royal families from the Houses of Anjou and Valois, to that Trastamara, Bourbons, Murat, and Bonaparte. So, what makes Naples so accommodating to even royal families that they settled here or close by?

Within Naples are wondrous ancient Greek colonial settlements like the Napoli Sotterranea, majestic medieval castles like Castel Nuovo and Castel dell’Ovo, interesting social meeting points like Piazza del Plebiscito, exquisite and authentic and local foods, amazing nightlife and walks around the city, and world-class art from Caravaggio, Bernini, and Scarpelli.

So imagine what an itinerary of the best day trips from Naples would look like in this part of Campania that has attracted the great, noble, and mundane?

Let me take you on a trip around Herculaneum, the Amalfi Coast, Vesuvius National Park, Sperlonga, the Phlegraean Fields, Pompeii, Capri, and Ischia. Here in this part of Italy is Reggia di Caserta, Italy’s answer to France’s Versailles. Nature trails across majestic landscapes in Monti Picentini Regional Park and Cilento National Park, walk the shopping districts of Formia, drink the wines of Vesuvius’ falanghina and aglianico, and gaze at the ancient frescoes of Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Stabiae.

1. All in One on the Amalfi Coast

How to get to Amalfi Coast from Naples:

The greatest charm of the Amalfi Coast lies not in their beauty – of which there is much to appreciate – but in their small town setting against a backdrop of both beautiful coastal lines and wild, natural landscapes to the back.

The crowds here can be really large and wild though. The Amalfi Coast has many exciting adventures, swimming spots, natural trails, and historical remains to offer. Atrani, Positano, and Praiano have large and amazing beaches that attract large family crowds. On the other hand, Fiordo di Furore tends towards more youthful beach-goers because of the opportunities for cliff diving. Nature lovers and backpackers flock towards Vallone delle Ferriere and Scala, while the shopping and food scenes in Vietri sul Mare and Minori make for the best day trips from Naples.

Unfortunately, it is hard to hit the entirety of the Amalfi Coast in a single-day trip from Naples no matter how well you plan for it. Fortunately, I did a blog on the Amalfi Coast that covers pretty much of everything about the best places to visit at the Amalfi Coast here Top 15 Amalfi Coast Towns Worth Visiting! But if you take it slow, and visit 3-4 towns at a go, you will definitely make it! Alternatively, you could try for one of the many-day tours from Naples as they know the best spots to hit.

2. The Ghosts of Pompeii

How to get to Pompeii from Naples:

The best day trips from Naples usually include a day trip to Pompeii that’s barely 30 min away.

Pompeii is arguably the best representation of what a Roman city would have looked like. There are wall frescoes and bas reliefs preserved since 79 AD when the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius froze the unwary town in 6 meters of ash. I am talking about erotic ‘kama-sutra’ art in brothels, exquisite family portraits and paintings in family domiciles, and gladiator barracks where the scrawls and graffiti of bitter ancient fighters still remain.

The Temples of Venus, Apollo, and Jupiter remain stuck in time, unchanged by religion, culture, or even time, hence giving us a picture of what socio-religious life back in the Roman Republic looked like.

But you can get these from almost anywhere else with Roman ruins.

There are private and public tours operating here. What makes a day trip to ancient Pompeii one of the best day trips from Naples you could fit in a day are the human ‘remains’, the ‘casts’ from bodies trapped in ash, lava, and time, that we see today as petrified bodies.

3. The Eternal City that is Rome

How to Get to Rome from Naples:

Interestingly enough, the ancient capital of the world is also conveniently close enough to rank as one of the best day trips from Naples.

Rome has everything you didn’t know and wanted to ask for…plus the Vatican.

Rome is massive; too huge and great to cover in a day really. But it is possible to make the visit one of the best day trips from Naples with some planning.

Start with reservations to the Colosseum for quick and easy entrance. Then head over to the Imperial Fora on the via dei Fori Imperiali, get some work out by climbing to gaze at Michelangelo’s Capitoline Square, drop by to marvel at the massive columns of the Pantheon, lunch at Bernini’s “Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi” on the Piazza Navona.

Finally, get some more Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel. Here, you will want to spend the rest of your day before heading back to Naples. The who’s who of medieval painters have their works here; Perugino, Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Bernini, Michelangelo again – what’s up with this guy?

Getting around and covering the city in 6-8 hours is more than doable by private car. But the best places to see in Rome are close to ATAC & Cotral city transport via bus, tram, and metro as well. I saw many ‘touristy’ faces on bicycles and Vespas, with more than a good share on electric scooters.

Rome actually makes for one of the best day trips from Naples because of the ease of navigation around its many sites. Generally, public transport tickets cost €1.50, lasting 100mins from activation. If you are with a tour group it might be even better because they usually have the time schedule down to an art.

While in Rome, I have compiled a YouTube video up on my channel on the beautiful day trips you can do around Rome.

4. The Ancient Homes in Herculaneum

How to Get to Herculaneum from Naples:

Herculaneum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient ruins of a Roman city were previously covered under dozens of meters of ash and mud after Mt. Vesuvius did it way back in 79 AD. A day tour here with an operator during our best day trips from Naples might be money well spent because they fill you in on the lore little found in history books.

Smaller than Pompeii, I consider a visit here necessary for my list of best day trips from Naples because of the wealth of on-site historical remains. Herculaneum has all the hallmarks that her larger sister-city has; frescoes so well-preserved they very well may have been fresh and human remains from since the ancient disaster.

What makes a visit to Herculaneum credible as one of the best day trips from Naples is the nature of her destruction. Pompeii was covered in molten lava; Herculaneum faced pyroclastic flows. This means that house frames and construction materials, wooden beds and cookery, roofs, and the internals of most homes survived the event. If you want to get a really good picture of how life in Roman times used to look like without the footnotes of a professor, Herculaneum is the best way to gain this image.

5. Beaching in Ischia

How to Get to Ishcia from Naples:

Ishchia is a large island just off the Bay of Naples. It is replete with thermal spas at Centro Termale O’Vagnitiello, green and bounteous gardens, breathtaking beaches, and incredible history via Castello Aragonese, Cattedrale, and the gorgeously perched Chiesa del Soccorso in Forio. Beach-goers will flock to Spiaggia dei Maronti and Spiaggia di Citara for the most amazing blue sea waters imaginable. I know I have said this many times, but there you have it’ Italy is beautiful!

I found that going with a tour group might be costly but worth it if I am looking to get the most out of my best day trips from Naples. The short 3 km hike up Mount Epomeo rewards you with a stunning vista of the Bay of Naples, while Giardini la Mortella’s pools with floating lilies is a boon for nature lovers.

They used to shoot many films here in the 1950s-1970s, but they eased off because the island drew millions of tourists, each placing immense pressure on the island’s amenities. I think the situation is getting better though; recently Kate Bosworth’s 2012 And While We Were Here, and Men in Black III were done here, implying things are improving and the island management has gotten the hang of things.

6. Mt. Vesuvius hiking

How to get to Mt. Vesuvius from Naples:

Hiking on the ancient yet active volcano is a thrill! You immediately think of the thousands who were caught off guard when the volcano erupted in 79 AD and wonder…will it happen to me?

As a nature trail, I had to include a visit here on my list of best day trips from Naples simply because of the nature trail and vista. The trail is rather safe, and while relatively straightforward, booking with a tour operator will get your schedules streamlined. There are rope rails and well-constructed steps on the path. There is a snack shop at the ticket booth, and public restrooms for your convenience.

It is something of a steep hike with an elevation of about 800 meters. Sometimes the clouds drop so low visibility while up top can be hard, I’ve heard, reducing the pleasure of seeing the crater. My group was luckier; to our right, the Bay of Naples is a canvas, unfolding in all her beguiling majesty. To our left, the crater, entrance to mighty Poseidon’s realm. A small toast to Earth-shaker via the small café later and we were headed down and off to our next stop. If you get as lucky, then you will agree that listing it as one of the best day trips from Naples was right.

7. The idyllic Capri

How to Get to Capri from Naples:

Legendary for the number of films shot on site, the number of tourists to Capri dwarves those to most – if not all – of the Campania region. The crowds here are a mix of young and old, adventurous and studious, with most taking advantage of the tour operators here.. What I loved best about Capri is the quiet, fishing village vibe you get; a promise of romance and ease from the stresses of modern life.

Capri is famed for her Blue Grotto where swimming and snorkeling in the aquamarine waters in underwater caves is a must. Marina Piccola harbour’s boat scene is too picturesque to leave without a selfie or ten. And just the scene from up top Monte Solaro, or the walk up the serpentine hike up to Emperor Augustus’ Giardini di Augusto, panoramic view and all, is what draws tourists to the costly island paradise.

All in all, seeing Capri with a tour service including the Blue Grotto creates the best day trips from Naples itinerary because they know how pricey things can get here.

8. Procida

To get to Procida from Naples:

Italy’s Capital of Culture, just the colorful buildings immediately you land at Marina Grande lets you know you have arrived at a place far far away from the grey and dour somber madness of modern life.

Then you do a walk around the shops of Via Roma, pop into the Santa Maria della Pieta for a blessing, mount Terra Murata for some perspective, and finally some Mediterranean seafood at Marina Chiaiolella for lunch. Your afternoon might include a guided tour of Casale Vascello and across the tiny bridge to Vivara; the first for a lesson on civic architecture, the second for what Mediterranean plant and animal life look like.

Finally, to cap your day trip from Naples and, likely, the end of your best day trips from Naples, some Sun and Sand at Marina Corricella and Marina Chiaiolella. You might not have the time to have a taste of the wild nightlife in Procida, but you definitely can fit in some kayaking or bottomless boating around Procida’s waters before heading back across the Bay.

9. Caserta

How to get to Caserta from Naples:

Caserta is home to one of the largest palaces in the world, Caserta Palace. It was built by the Bourbon Kings in the 18^th century and was modeled after the Palace of Versailles in grandeur and wealth. Just imagine 1200 rooms in one palace, all roomy, with high ceilings and broader than barns.

One of the best ways to enjoy this session of best day trips from Naples is via a guided tour just so you can enjoy what you are seeing. For instance, the grand staircase, the antechambers, and what the painted ceilings mean.

There are exquisite gardens on the palace grounds, a pool 2 miles long, and statues flanking it all the way along, terminating with a waterfall.

You can tour the grounds for an extra 2 euros on a shuttle just so you can also take a trip to Reggia and the medieval town of Casertavecchia, or spend your best day trips from Naples walking around, taking in the air and natural beauty of the place.

10. Sorrento

How to get to Sorrento from Naples:

Sailing across the Gulf of Naples might be the most expensive way to travel to Sorrento, but it was most certainly the most fun. If you also happen to be with a guided tour group – or close enough to one to rudely overhear the expert – you also get to learn about the Gulf’s history and marine life.

Sorrento is a town of citrus fruits and lemon, the air is perfumed by the most holistic fruit scent in the world.

At Villa Comunale is a park filled with amazing floral culture and the Bay of Naples is just ahead. For the best day trips from Naples, consider this the one place you must see while on a visit to Sorrento because of the breathtaking vista, and the panoramic view placing Mt. Vesuvius, Ischia, and Procida in one shot.

Other than that? Aperitivo at Piazza Tasso, shopping at Via San Cesareo’s boutiques, and some time away from modernity at Marina Grande.

11. Salerno

How to get to Salerno from Naples:

A beautiful port city barely 4 meters above sea level, Salerno actually sees little tourism in comparison to the rest of the Amalfi Coast.

And this is a good thing!

Salerno has seen Allied invasions, Saracen Pirates, the French invasions, Arab rulers, Norman conquerors, Roman overlords, Etruscan nobles, and Greek colonialists in control. This means a development in history and culture enough to make her one of the most cosmopolitan towns in Italy.

I think a guided tour of Salerno can be one of the best day trips from Naples you could pay for simply for the history lessons. There is Salerno Duomo in a mix of both Neapolitan Baroque and Rococo style and Byzantine Bronze door. There are the Greek ruins of Paestum close by, the 6^th century Castello di Arechi, a children’s workshop at the Museo Archeologico Provinciale for your kids, 4 hiking trails at the Parko Naturale Diecimare, the smell of roses at Minerva’s Garden, and the most peaceful stroll along the promenade at Promenade Trieste. Here’s a hustle-free private car transfer from Naples airport to Salerno.

Frankly, Salerno makes one of the best day trips from Naples simply because of her natural and man-made bounties in history, culture, and access to all things Italian and beautiful.

12. Bari, Gateway to the East

How to Get to Bari from Naples:

You will definitely love Bari’s sea-front beauty, amazingly long promenade, and old medieval charm.

Bari has a lot to offer, enough that several walking tour operators make a point of plying the route for those listing Bari among their best day trips from Naples. Margaret Theatre Art Exhibition, Giuseppe Mazzini Square, Piazza Mercantile and Piazza Ferrarese, the Archaeological Museum, and the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

For me though, these were just icings on the cake. Sunset strolls along Bari’s famous promenade, Lungomare e Murat, must be one of the most gorgeous in the world. You ever get tired you simply slip away from the street for some orecchiette pasta. The entire seafront is filled with restaurants: Xuan, Ristorante Pizzeria Taverna Verde, La Tana dei lupi, Giuvi, and Pescobar. All in all, a romantic city best for day trips from Naples.

13. The Pearls of the Mediterranean: Pontine Islands

How to get to the Pontine Islands from Naples:

Formerly prison islands, the Pontine Islands are now some of the most real estate in Campania, drawing everyone from royalty to film stars to basketball legends. Travel agents and tour operators all know a visit to these islands is one of the best day trips from Naples because of one thing: the sea, and everything to do with the sea.

There is Ponza Island, the largest of the six, most popular, crowded, and graced with beaches straight from Paradise.

Then you have Ventotene, quiet, deeply cultural, and also equipped with a seabed filled with marine wonders. Plus, though Cala Rossano and Cala Nave can get crowded, it is quieter up near the lighthouse.

Palmarola, Zannone, and Gavi are basically jagged rocks out on the sea, formerly hiding spots for Saracen raiders waiting in quiet, now Zannone is part of Circeo National Park, Gavi is privately owned, and Santo Stefano – the former penal colony – hosts many guided tours around the islet.

This small archipelago is a draw for big and small groups, families, lovers, and holidaying students out for some of the best day trips from Naples. There are grottoes for divers, kayaking opportunities, and cliffs from which the daring dive. My personal reason for ranking it here among my top list of the best day trips from Naples was the great sea company of barracuda and groupers in the waters!

The night scene in Ponza and even Ventotene can be wild and noisy, and the restaurants accommodate all these crowds with some of the most delicious paccheri alla nostromo, tuna focaccia pizza, cocktails, and more lovely company with people just out to enjoy life to the fullest.

14. A Tale of Water and Fire at the The Phlegraean Fields

How to Get to the Phlegraean Fields from Naples:

Also known as Campi Flegrei, these fiery fields are just west of Naples and home to the largest volcanic area in Europe. When planning my itinerary of the best day trips from Naples, I was advised to look for the bus and minivan tours around Pozzuoli as well as try booking in advance, though that was unnecessary.

They are also home to an astounding number of archaeological sites, thermal springs, beaches, nature reserves, and coastal lakes. Especially Anfiteatro Flavio Neroniano in Pozzuoli, a version of the Coliseum few know about! What you will love about I Campi Flegrei is the amazing landscapes, something I might have missed out on had I gone on my own rather than spent extra on a Phlegraean Fields 5-Hour Fiat 500 or 600 Tour. With the wi-fi on the tour buses, the 6 hours passed by quickly while walking around this ancient part of the world.

15. Parco Regionale Monti Picentini

How to Get to Parco Regionale Monti Picentini from Naples:

If you are like me, you also like taking it all in altogether. This is why I have Parco Regionale Monti Picentini ranked here beside I Campi Flegrei on my list of day trips from Naples.

Also, if you are like me, you will find the different rock formations around the Picenti mountains mildly interesting while hiking around and about Monte Terminio. However, a tip from fellow hikers let me in on why this park can be one of the best day trips from Naples; tour operators in the field. Rocks are not just rocks; some are limestone-dolomite, and some are something else. Whether in hiking boots or on a bike, going around the oases Monte Polveracchio and Valle della Caccia, trekking through the eerie Grotta del Caprone, or simply taking in the rugged mountainsides, the natural beauty and landscape of the park is well worth the visit.

Adventure and nature lovers will agree with me that a stint walking around Parco Regionale Monti Picentini makes for the best day trips from Naples.

16. Parco Nazionale del Cilento

How to get to Parco Nazionale del Cilento from Naples:

By now, you will have guessed that this region of the country is filled with natural beauty and wonder, making this part of Campania one of the longest-settled in the country. There are remains of Greek colonies at Elea and Paestum here. According to legend, Aeneas passed by here, and after a long struggle, ultimately resisted a nymph’s temptations to end his journey and destiny here.

Many Emperors of the Roman Empire, late medieval Royalty, as well as the wealthy made this region their go-to place for their holidays. For you and me, selecting it as our best day trips from Naples is enough…for now…

An escape from cityscapes and modern life, a visit to this second-largest natural park in Italy is more than worth your while and calming to your soul. It touches the foot of the Apennines and the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Thousands of flora and fauna make this park their home and using a tour guide around the park lets you put a species name to the exotic plants or animals you see.

17. Moody Sperlonga

How to get to Sperlonga from Naples:

If you are not one for renewing your bond with nature, then Spelunga is the replacement for your list of best day trips from Naples. This is because where Spelunga is lacking in natural beauty where a long hike lets you bond back with nature, it still retains a natural aesthetic and wonder that drew even the gloomiest Roman Emperor, Tiberius himself, here.

There is an imperial palace turned museum, Villa di Tiberio, filled with sculptures here. The Grotta di Tiberio is likely what drew Tiberius to this part of his massive realm, the rich green flora and blue waters contrasted with the dark, rocky cavern perhaps calming his dark soul.

In any event, I really enjoyed the short trip here before heading back for some trattorias at the sandy beach at Valle Cosari next to the town. As somewhere to go for best day trips from Naples, Spelunga’s quiet, un-crowded beaches, beautiful sea, and lazy atmosphere is a good draw for most groups looking for a quiet place to visit.

18. Bacoli, the Hidden Gem Locals Keep Quiet About

How to Get to Bacoli from Naples:

So, my gains from the best day trips from Spelunga got me thinking; such a quiet beach with so few people about…what else is this region hiding? The tour guides will usually tell you where most tourist crowds like to go so make an effort to get one to open up their secrets.

Bacoli is a coastal town so off the beaten path you don’t even see the fleets of yachts and boats on their pier. Yet, why do so many locals and Neapolitans flock here during summer?

The sandy beaches are a divine white, Restaurants dot the coastal line, offering gelato and aperitivo alike. Headed here, I saw so many on foot or bike that I got jealous I didn’t get my daily workout in while at it. Many of them come down from Baia, avoiding the gawking crowds just so they can quietly share in the spirit of the commune here.

As somewhere I had to include among my best day trips from Naples, Bacoli has to have more than just sandy beaches though. It does; Piscina Mirabilis is this massive cistern built during Augustus’ time. You go down there and it feels like an ancient tomb, despite the signs of life via the algae on the walls. Plus, Bacoli also has the old ruins of Baiae where private tours will direct you towards scuba diving adventures to gaze at the underwater remains.

19. The Ruins of Stabiae, Paestum, and Lago d’Averno

How to Get to these ruins from Naples:

I tried to commission a tour guide to take me around all three but found it can get really pricey. Still, with a guide in hand, not only navigating the three but also getting deeper into their local story can be had. As the last entries on my list of best day trips from Naples, I felt it necessary to offer you my perspective.

For example, Lago d’Averno has no birds in the area. You don’t notice this until the tour guide lets you know, and then it clicks; they call this place the portal into Hell. We didn’t spend all that much time here and very quickly, we moved on.

The ruins in Paestum are Greek rather than Roman, a distinction I didn’t easily catch. What is more interesting is that all three temples here belong to Greek deities, while the forum and amphitheater are Roman. Looking at how they all come together and blend shows just how much Greek and Roman cultures were similar back in the day.

Stabiae will be the last entry on my best day trips from Naples. Rather than grand architecture, it offers a picture of what ancient Roman homes looked like. I was always intrigued by that open square hole in the roof of living rooms of Roman villas while watching films and TV series. And the idea that they would bury their family members’ ashes in jars placed inside their homes. Try to see whether you can detect the funereal jars?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Day Trips from Naples

1. How much luggage do buses allow?

One hand luggage (30x42x18 cm, up to 7 kg) at no cost. More costs you extra.

2. How many days should I plan for the best day trips from Naples?

In general, a single day can let you cover 2-3 different best-day trips from Naples locations. Be sure to either work out a plan with a tour guide, or plan your itinerary with the different roads in mind.

3. Are taxis really that expensive?

Italian roads tend to charge tolls, and there are extra costs a driver might tack on. Be sure to negotiate and agree on everything before you commence your adventures.

4. How do I get around?

I found that e-bikes, bicycles, and people on foot were the main features around these best day trips from Naples. I personally walk because Italy in general is made for walking.

5. Should I travel by private car all the way around Naples?

Many of the best day trips from Naples locations allow private cars inside and about. But it would be best to rent a taxi or join a tour group.

6. Can I cover the Amalfi Coast in a day or two?

No. There are like 13 towns all over this 50 km stretch of Coast, and to do them justice, you will need more than 3-5 days.

7. Are the towns and cities on the day trips safe?

As always, common sense travel is advised. Avoid walking at night in places with fewer crowds.

8. Are pick-pockets really that much of a menace?

Not much more than you would expect anywhere else. Simple travel consciousness and safety are enough. Plus, traveling in a group adds to your safety. That rushed feeling you get from the crowds in Naples is just that Neapolitans move at a different pace from most other Italians; fast and rushed.

9. Do the commuter trains from Naples allow me to reach the destination spots on your best day trips from Naples?

Many towns are connected to Naples via commuter trains and high speed trains. Places like Ischia and Capri will demand you ride on a ferry or boat at some stage in the travel.

10. Where can I get good information on train schedules from Naples?

Omio is an Italian website that has train, bus, and plane schedules for all operators around Italy. For regional trains, use the Trainline app. For the high-speed trains, there are 2 train services, the Frecciarossa and Italo trains, and best have their apps on your phone. I always use Italo high-speed trains because their Wi-Fi works efficiently, they are always on time and generally their services are far much better and like airlines, you earn points which you can use to freely book some trips.

11. Is Naples dirty…

”Naples has had a problem with rubbish, but since recently, the local governments have increased efforts to clean up the city. Plus, the city is 3000 years old, and the surrounding best day trips from Naples locations are just as old. They might look run-down, but that is just art.”

12. Are there no-go areas in or around Naples?

”The Camorra, the local Italian Mafia, have been kicked out. Places like Rione Sanita today are so safe they even have tourist crowds all day.”