5 Day Trips from Naples: What to See and Do
1. Procida: Italy’s Best-Kept Island Secret
If you’re dreaming of postcard-perfect coastal towns without the tourist crowds, Procida is the answer. This little gem is like Capri’s laid-back, artsy cousin—uninterested in glamour but still stunning in every photo.
Procida’s streets are lined with pastel-colored houses that seem to cascade down to the turquoise sea; it truly feels like walking through a Wes Anderson movie. The island has been the backdrop for iconic films like Il Postino and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Procida is all about that laid-back, authentic vibe—exactly what you need after the chaos of Naples.
What to Do:
As soon as you hop off the ferry, you’ll be welcomed by Marina Corricella, the island’s picturesque fishing village. Wander the quiet streets and visit Terra Murata (a historic fortress with killer views).
Want to swim? Check out Spaggia della Chiaia which you can reach by bus or a 25-minute walk from the port.
Getting there: Ferries run from Naples’ Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa docks. It’s about a 40-minute ride.
2. Capri: Glamour, Grottos & Killer Views
Capri. The name alone screams luxury, but here’s the secret: you don’t need a yacht or a designer wardrobe to enjoy this island. Whether you’re down for hiking epic trails or sipping espresso in the world-famous Piazzetta, Capri’s got something for everyone.
What to do:
After arriving, we took the cable car up to Capri’s old town. While walking is an option, I highly recommend the cable car—the views are absolutely breathtaking.
The island has a charming, consistent lemon theme everywhere, and don’t miss trying the lemon sorbet served in a lemon—it’s a must!
Top Tip: Take a boat tour around the island. You’ll cruise past Faraglioni Rocks and visit the Blue Grotto.
Feel like stretching your legs? Take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for panoramic views. And if you’ve got time, check out Giardini di Augusto, for some of the most breathtaking cliffside views Capri has to offer.
Fun fact: The famous Caprese salad originated right here on the island—don’t forget to try it!
Getting there: Ferries and hydrofoils from Naples take about 45 minutes to reach Capri, with tickets costing €20–€25 one way.
3. Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius: A Journey Back in Time
Let’s be real—when you’re in Naples, you have to visit Pompeii. It’s like stepping straight into a time capsule from 79 AD, the year Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the whole city in ash. Walking around Pompeii is seriously mind-blowing. You’ll see everything from ancient Roman bathhouses to actual frescoes and mosaics.
This is a double-header day trip you won’t want to miss. You can explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii and then hike Mount Vesuvius.
What to do:
Start with Pompeii, where you’ll spend hours wandering through this incredibly well-preserved Roman city, seeing ancient streets, villas, and even plaster casts of people frozen in time.
From Pompeii, catch a shuttle bus up to the trailhead of Mount Vesuvius. Near the entrance to Pompeii, you’ll find ticket offices for the shuttle buses that head up to Vesuvius. The hike to the top isn’t too tough (just 30 minutes or so), and the views from the summit are spectacular—plus, you can say you’ve been to the top of one of the most famous volcanoes in history.
Getting There: Catch the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi for approximately €3 each way. To reach Vesuvius, round-trip shuttle buses from Pompeii cost around €10-15, plus an additional €10 entry fee to Vesuvius National Park.
Additional explanation: The Circumvesuviana is a regional train service in the Campania region of Italy, named for its route that literally means “around Vesuvius” in Italian. This affordable and convenient line connects Naples with key destinations, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento, all located around the base of Mount Vesuvius.
4. Amalfi Coast: Instagram Dreams & Coastal Magic
If you’ve been scrolling through Insta and drooling over photos of colorful houses stacked on cliffs with crystal-clear waters below—well, that’s the Amalfi Coast, and it’s even more stunning IRL.
What to do:
Positano is the Instagram darling of the Amalfi Coast, and it’s perfect for a day trip! Start your journey by taking a bus or ferry from Naples to Sorrento, then catch a local bus to Positano (or opt for a scooter ride from Sorrento). Spend your day wandering the charming streets, relaxing on Spiaggia Grande, and exploring the boutiques (window shopping counts, right?).
After exploring Positano, make your way to Amalfi. Don’t miss the stunning Amalfi Duomo and Cathedral, a beautiful example of medieval architecture that’s worth the visit. After soaking up the sights, you can go swimming at one of the local beaches to cool off.
On my first visit, I took a hop-on-hop-off bus that stopped only in Positano and Amalfi, giving us two hours to explore each—just enough time for a quick look around, but not quite enough for swimming or lunch. On my second visit, I traveled to the Amalfi Coast from Salerno.
Getting There:
Option A: The easiest (and cheapest) route is to take the train from Naples to Sorrento for about €4, then catch a SITA bus to Positano or Amalfi for around €2-3.
Option B: For a scenic approach, take a train from Naples to Salerno, then hop on a ferry to Positano or Amalfi for that ultimate “arrive by sea” experience.
Option C: On my first visit, I took a hop-on-hop-off bus that stopped only in Positano and Amalfi, giving us two hours to explore each—just enough for a quick look around, but not quite enough time for swimming or lunch.
Option D: On my second visit, I traveled to the Amalfi Coast from Salerno on a scooter, which added a fun and adventurous twist to the journey.
5. Ischia: Capri’s Cool, Quieter Neighbor
While Capri gets most of the attention, Ischia is where travelers go for a more relaxed (and affordable) island experience. Known for its thermal spas and beautiful beaches, it’s perfect for a laid-back day trip. I’ve spent a few days here, so be sure to check out my other blog for more details.
What to do:
Visit one of the island’s thermal spas—Poseidon Gardens is a top choice, featuring volcanic pools with stunning views of the bay.
If you love the beach, make sure to check out Maronti Beach, where the warm waters, heated by volcanic activity, provide the perfect setting to relax with a spritz.
For history enthusiasts, Aragonese Castle is a must-visit, offering breathtaking views of the island as well.
Getting There: Ferries from Naples to Ischia take about an hour and start at around €15, making it an easy and budget-friendly island escape that’s definitely worth the trip.
Final Pro Tips
Timing: Try to leave Naples early (I know, I know—but trust me) so you can make the most of each day trip.
Naples is the perfect starting point for exploring the best of southern Italy. Whether you’re chasing beaches, ruins, or volcanic craters, you’ll never run out of epic places to visit. So, pack your camera, your swimsuit, and your hiking shoes, and get ready for some unforgettable adventures.
Ciao for now!
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