Naples is situated just over an hour South of Rome, located in the heart of Italy and full of culture. There are plenty of things to do in Naples. Known for It’s delicious food, especially the pizza, Naples is strategically located to some of the best parts of the country including the stunning Almalfi Coast. Once you have explored Italy’s food capital, why not head out on one or more of these day trips from Naples and see some of the amazing surroundings.

Day Trips from Naples, Italy

Find below a list of day trips from Naples broken up into the following:

• Day trips from Naples to Heritage Sites
• Day trips from Naples to Volcanos
• Day trips from Naples to the coast
• Day trips from Naples to the Islands

Day trips from Naples to heritage sites

There are so many heritage sites around Naples that it is impossible not to visit at least one when you are here. They make an interesting trip from Naples.

1. Pompeii & Herculaneum

If you are visiting Naples and have time to do only one day-trip, then we would highly recommend visiting the lost cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii is less than an hour by train from Naples and Herculaneum is midway between them.

Both Pompeii and Herculaneum, flourishing cities of the Roman Empire, were destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Thick layers of ash and molten lava covered these towns killing everyone on site. However, those layers preserved everything underneath in an intact condition for us to view thousands of years later.

Pompeii is huge and spread out. You can still see remains of majestic Roman villas, soup kitchens, public baths, granaries, and ruined temples here. Herculaneum, on the other hand, is more compact and easier to maneuver. The ruins of Herculaneum are better preserved because of a thicker layer of ash that covered it. Getting a tour to Pompeii and Herculaneum is the best way to gain deep insights into Roman life from centuries ago.

2. Reggia di Caserta, the Italian Versailles

Less than 30 minutes away from Naples is Reggia di Caserta or the Royal Palace of Caserta. A former royal residence and an excellent masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture, this 18^th century palace was awarded the UNESCO Heritage status in 1997.

The Caserta palace is spread over 11 verdant acres and features pools, fountains, cascades, and manicured gardens and is often referred to as the Versailles of Italy. The English Garden is especially striking.

When you are inside the palace, check out the majestic altar at the Palatine Chapel, the stunning frescoes of the Throne Room, and a huge art collection at the Pinacoteca gallery.

3. Capua

Capua is another incredibly historic city located less than 50 km away from Naples. Capua has been around since the time of Etruscans and is home to several interesting monuments.

Capua’s Roman Amphitheater is huge and the second largest in the country after the Colosseum. When in Capua, you can also visit the cultural ensemble of Benedictine settlements, a UNESCO Heritage Site focusing on monastic experience from medieval Europe. Capua Cathedral, Ponte Romano, and the Gladiator Museum are other fascinating spots to explore.

Day trips from Naples to Volcanos

Volcanoes are interesting natural phenomena – destructing and creating at the same time. The best part about Naples is that it gives you brilliant opportunities to explore these natural wonders not found easily elsewhere.

4. Mt. Vesuvius

The famous (rather infamous!) Mt. Vesuvius which swallowed up the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and a good part of the Roman Empire in a destructive volcanic eruption in 79 AD is only 6 miles from Naples.

The volcano has now been converted into a national park complete with nature trails and a deep focus on preserving the local flora and fauna. Therefore, it can be an exciting getaway if you are looking to burn some calories and be rewarded with some gorgeous views after the climb.

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Vesuvius is by taking a shuttle bus from either Pompeii or Herculaneum. So, if you are visiting either of these heritage sites, you can club together a trip to Mt. Vesuvius – all in one day trip from Naples.

5. Campi Flegrei

The volcanic craters in Campi Flegrei are an offbeat but extraordinary day trip from Naples. Active and steamy vents, pungent sulphurous gases, and bubbling mud holes at Campi Flegrei provide you with a really unique experience. Anyone with a fascination for what happens below the earth’s surface will love a trip here.

The average journey time between Naples city center and Campi Flegrei is less than 30 minutes. Make sure you check out the activity cycle of the Phlegrean Fields before heading out here. It is a volcano, after all!

Day Trips from Naples to the coast

6. Amalfi Coast

When in Naples, you cannot miss a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, the prettiest coastline of Italy. In fact, it is so picturesque and colorful that it was deemed an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO in 1997.

13 adorable towns dot the Amalfi Coast. Positano is a favorite among tourists because of its pastel-colored houses and a relaxing beach. Amalfi is the largest and has its own Arabic-Norman cathedral with an utterly Instagrammable front facade. Cetara, a small fishing village, is ideal for those who wish to avoid the crowds. Ravello is home to pretty villas and lush green gardens.

And if none of this is your cup of tea, hike the famous clifftop trail called Sentiero degli Dei or the Path of the Gods that runs between Agerola, Praiano, and Positano. This 8 km trek leads you through historic towns and offers some of greatest panoramic sea views. The scenery enroute is outstanding.

You can also do an Amalfi Coast road trip on the curvy yet photogenic SS163 and visit the towns of Positano, Praiano, and Furore.

7. Sorrento

Sorrento is one of the most popular day trips from Naples. It is a charming town filled with history, splendid hikes, and stunning views. Although you can couple it with your Amalfi Coast road trip, we totally recommend dedicating an entire day to Sorrento.

When in Sorrento, start your day at Piazza Tasso in the historic center, explore medieval palaces, visit the fairy-tale like cloisters of San Francisco, and head to the Sorrento Cathedral for a jaw-dropping interior. Wrap up by getting lost in the narrow lanes of the old town, drinking some limoncello, and taking a hike to get some stunning views of the bay.

To get to Sorrento from Naples, just hop on to a Circumvesuviana train (very frequent) or the Campania Express (not so frequent but faster). You will be there in an hour. You can also take a ferry that is faster and more comfortable and offers you some gorgeous views of the Amalfi Coast on the way.

9. Salerno

Salerno, a beautiful city located pretty close to the Amalfi Coast, is blessed with its own set of medieval monuments, stunning beaches, and a gorgeous seaside promenade. Needless to say, Salerno makes for a wonderful day trip from Naples. You can get here in an hour by car or train.

Start your day with a tour of Salerno’s historic center, explore the Duomo and its Bell Tower, visit the historic Minerva garden, and hike up to the Arechi Castle located a thousand feet above the sea level. Salerno is also home to four remarkable museums covering archaeology, medicine, and art. When done, enjoy some sun and pizza by the seaside.

Day trips from Naples to the Islands

Any trip to Naples is incomplete without taking a day trip to one of the many pretty islands nearby.

10. Capri

Well, there is not much that needs to be said on why you need to visit Capri, the most beautiful island located in the Gulf of Naples. Capri is flawlessly beautiful.

And Capri is seriously popular. All those celebrity yachts, high-end shopping avenues, swanky villas, and expensive restaurants tell you how much. Yet, there is so much natural beauty in Capri that it is hard not to look this way.

Arrive early in Capri and take a boat tour to the surreal Blue Grotto, take a chair lift to Monte Solaro, visit Villa San Michele for some of the most amazing views of the island, stroll down the designer boutiques of Via Carmelle, and end with a refreshing drink at the Piazzetta.

11. Ischia

Ischia, a volcanic island located off the coast of Naples, is another delightful day trip choice from Naples. If you are unsure about visiting flashy Capri, try unassuming and friendly Ischia with its own share of history and nature. A ferry from Naples will only take an hour and half.

There’s lots to see and do once you arrive in Ischia. You can visit thermal spas and hot springs (because of the volcanic origins of the island), tour the Ravino gardens, or explore the Aragonese Castle on a volcanic islet close by.

Naples Day Trips Not to Miss!

Many of these day trips from Naples that we have mentioned, are well worth making a dedicated trip to for a few days or even longer. However, if time isn’t on your side, then Naples is a good base to visit many of these sites and cities for a day trip or two. While you are here, make sure to check out our post on Things to do in Naples with kids that is also suitable for any type of traveler.