Best Day Trips from Naples

See Naples and die. That's the unofficial and intentionally ambiguous motto of this glorious southern Italian city. Blessed with an incredible natural setting on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the shadow of the volcano Mount Vesuvius, there's no question that this is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. But it's also a place where the mass tourism that has changed so many Italian cities has yet to take hold. The sunny streets of Naples hide plenty of dark corners, making it one of the most fascinating and exciting places to explore in this often-visited country.

Naples has enough by itself to keep you occupied for a long time. But drop off your bags at a Naples luggage storage, and you'll be able to travel further on the best day trips from Naples and see more of what southern Italy has to offer. Beyond the city itself, there are so many incredible locations to explore in and around the Campania region that it would be a shame not to see them for yourself.

Once you've visited the best museums in Naples, consider the following day trips to help you see more of what southern Italy offers. You'll be glad you did.

How to get out of Naples

It's actually quite easy to explore more of the region around Naples. Check out our guide on how to get around Naples, and you'll see that this city has a well-developed public transit network that can not only take you to different districts of the town but also runs light rail services to surrounding regions that are well worth exploring.

Beyond that, Napoli Centrale rail station is your gateway to the rest of Italy. High-speed trains leave here for Rome, Sicily, and other cities throughout the country. And slightly more leisurely trains will take you on some incredible day trips from Naples, including to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

You don't need a car to get out of Naples and explore what this part of Italy has to offer. And that's a good thing because unless you have nerves of steel, you do not want to attempt driving in Naples. Just sit back, relax, and let the train, bus, or ferryboat take you on the best day trips from Naples.

From Naples to Capri

Climb any of Naples' many hills, and chances are good you'll be able to see one of the best day trips from Naples for yourself. The beautiful island of Capri is not only a great place for a day trip, but it's one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, if not the world.

The island of Capri has long been a playground for the rich and famous. But that doesn't mean that it's out of reach for those of us who are not movie stars or millionaires. A short hydrofoil ride from Naples will take you to this rocky island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, where you can enjoy incredible views, world-famous shopping, and some of the best gelato you've ever had.

Don't miss the Blue Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by an underwater light that creates a beautiful blue hue. You'll have to take a small rowboat to get there, but it's well worth the effort.

How to get to Capri

It's very easy to reach Capri from Naples. A short ferry ride will take you across the bay to the island. Once there, you won't need a car. Capri is small enough to explore on foot, by bike, or by using the network of tiny buses that connect the islands' few small towns.

From Naples to The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. And it's only a short train ride from Naples.

This stretch of coastline, with its dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tiny towns perched atop rocky hills, is a must-see for any traveler to Italy and undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Naples. The towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello are particularly worth a visit.

If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the incredible views, then head to one of the many beach clubs that dot the coastline. Or take a boat trip out to sea to explore some of the caves and coves that can only be reached by boat.

How to get to The Amalfi Coast

The best way to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples is by taking the Circumvesuviana train. This local train runs along the coast until Sorrento, the gateway to the coastal villages. From there, you'll have to take the bus or rent a car or moped to explore further.

Alternatively, you could visit the villages of the Amalfi Coast the way they were supposed to be seen, and almost the only way they could be visited before trains and cars were invented: by boat. Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the sea makes for an unforgettable day trip from Naples, and you'll be glad you brought a camera to capture the stunning beauty of these villages. Sure, it may cost a little more than the train. But if you have the budget for it, you should definitely make time for a day trip to the Amalfi Coast by boat.

From Naples to Pompeii

There are no prizes for guessing that this is one of the best day trips from Naples. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii is practically unique in the world and offers a glimpse of life in a Roman city you won't find anywhere else.

Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, but the city was preserved thanks to the layers of ash and pumice that covered it. Today, Pompeii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and for good reason.

A visit to Pompeii is a step back in time. You'll see houses, shops, temples, and even public baths that have been perfectly preserved for nearly 2,000 years. It's an incredible experience and one you won't soon forget.

How to get to Pompeii

Pompeii is located just outside of Naples, and there are several ways to get there from the city center. The most popular (and easiest) way is to take the Circumvesuviana train. This local train will bring you right to the entrance of the ancient city. It takes around 35 minutes to make the journey, but on a crowded summer day with no air conditioning, it may feel much longer.

Alternatively, you could take a bus or a private tour from Naples. But if you want to get there on your own, the Circumvesuviana train is definitely the way to go. The train ride certainly won't be a highlight of your trip, but seeing this atmospheric Roman city for yourself definitely will.

From Naples to Caserta

Caserta is not nearly as well known to foreign tourists as Pompeii, but its stunning Royal Palace means it's also undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Naples you could possibly take.

The Royal Palace of Caserta was built in the 18th century for the Bourbon kings of Naples, and it's an incredible example of Baroque architecture. The palace is set amidst gorgeous gardens, and it's easy to spend a whole day exploring this huge complex.

In addition to the Royal Palace itself, there are also several museums on the grounds, as well as a beautiful church and an opera house. And if you need a break from all the sightseeing, you can always take a stroll through the gardens or enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes that line the streets of Caserta Vecchia, the old town.

How to get to Caserta

Caserta is located just outside of Naples, and the best way to get there is by taking a regional train. The journey takes around an hour, and trains leave frequently from Naples Central Station.

From Naples to Paestum

Another of the less well-known day trips in the region, the ancient Greek city of Paestum is a must-visit for fans of history and archaeology.

Paestum is home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. These ancient ruins are set against beautiful rolling hills, and you can easily spend a whole day exploring the site.

In addition to the temples, Paestum is also home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheater and a good museum that will help you make sense of all the ruins.

How to get to Paestum

Paestum is located just over an hour and a half south of Naples, and the easiest way to get there is by taking a regional train. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, and the trains leave regularly from the city's main train station.

From Naples to Mount Vesuvius

This next day trip isn't exactly a secret; you can see it from virtually every street in Naples. But a visit to Mount Vesuvius is an experience you won't forget, and the views from the top of this dormant volcano provide a memory that will last a lifetime. On a clear day - not exactly in short supply in Naples - you'll be able to see the island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and several other Mediterranean islands, as well as the city itself.

How to get to Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is located just outside of Naples, and there are several ways to get there from the city center. The most popular (and easiest) way is to take the Circumvesuviana train. You could also take a shuttle bus or even a guided tour that will bring you to the ticket office on the volcano's slopes. It's important to check in with the ticket office to make sure the trails are open, as volcanic activity can often make certain trails unsafe.

From Naples to Rome

Given how different Naples and Rome feel, it may come as a surprise that these two large Italian cities are only around an hour and a half apart by fast train. And given how quick and easy it is to reach Rome, it's easy to imagine that this is one of the best day trips from Naples you could possibly take.

There's no shortage of things to do in Rome, but some of the highlights include the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Trevi Fountain. Of course, that's just scratching the surface; you could easily spend a week in Rome and not see everything this amazing city has to offer.

How to get to Rome

From Naples Central Station, several high-speed trains depart each day for Rome. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, and tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of travel.

From Naples to The Phlagraen Fields

The Phlagraean Fields are a series of active volcanoes located just outside of Naples. The area is home to a number of hiking trails, as well as some interesting archaeological sites. Easily reached by local train, the Phlagrean Fields feel like another world. Bubbling mud puddles and steaming volcanic vents will show you why the ancient Romans thought of this as a gateway to the underworld. This area is also home to one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, so there are lots of reasons to come visit this area. And since it's not that well-known to tourists, you may well have the place almost to yourself.

How to get to the Phlagraen Fields

A 25-minute train ride from Napoli Centrale will bring you to the Phlagraen Fields just outside the city. There's a bit of a walk from the train station to the fields themselves, but the route is well signed, and along the way, you'll get incredible views of the coast.

From Naples to Ischia

Another of the best day trips from Naples, the tiny island of Ischia offers pristine beaches and a historic fishing village that will make you feel like you've traveled much further from the city than you actually have. Soak in the mineral-rich thermal waters, learn more about the maritime history of the area at the Sea Museum, or just enjoy the atmosphere of a small beach town. You can even dive below the waves to explore a submerged Roman city, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in this historically rich region.

How to get to Ischia

There are a few different ways to get to Ischia from Naples. The quickest way is to take a hydrofoil ferry, which will whisk you across the bay in just under an hour. If you're looking for a more leisurely journey, you can take a regular ferry, which takes around 1.5 hours. You can also book a guided tour that includes transportation to and from the island.

Conclusion

Naples already has more than enough to do by itself. With so many interesting attractions in the surrounding area, day trips from Naples add a whole new dimension to your vacation. Whether you want to see a stunningly preserved Roman town at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, climb the slopes of an active volcano, or explore a Royal Palace to learn more about the Italian aristocracy, you'll be able to do it all from here.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Naples and try out one or more of these fascinating day trips. Not only will you get a better appreciation of what this region of Italy has to offer, but you'll be able to experience some true bucket list destinations.