More about: 6 Best Day Trips to Pompeii from Sorrento
There are many reasons to stay in Sorrento: it is close to Naples, it is a quiet town and well connected to the main attractions in the area. Among the things to see and do in Sorrento, we can add an excursion to the archaeological site of Pompeii.
It is very extensive and located a few kilometres from Sorrento. In addition, Pompeii is very popular with visitors, so it is important to find out as many details as possible before booking an excursion.
1. Excursion to Pompeii with skip-the-line entry
A ticket that avoids the queues at the entrance is an incentive for any visit, and Pompeii is no exception. You will enjoy the comfort of a bus that will drop you off a few metres from the entrance. An expert guide will accompany you throughout the excavations.
Before being destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius, Pompeii was an important agricultural and commercial centre. Founded in the 8th century by the Osci, an Italic people, it was conquered first by the Greeks and then by the Etruscans and Samnites. Finally, the Romans took control of it around the 3rd century BC.
Attracted by the beauty of the place, Roman aristocrats built summer residences, one of the most famous being the House of the Faun. It is enormous, and the best-preserved mosaics have been moved to the Archaeological Museum of Naples. Keep this in mind if you are looking for things to see and do in Naples.
These routes usually include attractions such as the Macellum (a monumental market where food was sold), the Stabian Baths, and the House of Menander, a typical patrician residence. Its frescoes depict scenes from the Iliad and the Odyssey, while the lower area housed private baths.
To make sure you don't miss a thing, these tours often include an audio guide, which will be useful for hearing all the explanations.
- Duration: approximately 5 hours
- Price: from £70. For more information, I recommend reading the post that explains how much it costs to visit Pompeii
- Recommended for those who want to visit Pompeii without complications or queuing at the entrance.
2. Express excursion to Pompeii
If you are staying in Sorrento for two or three days and don't want to waste a whole day, this is the option for you. You will travel by train to Pompeii (ticket included) and get off a short distance from the archaeological park. During the journey, you will have a guide who will explain how to get to the entrance.
This is the cheapest option, but there is a more comprehensive one available. In the latter case, the guide will accompany you through the houses and temples of Pompeii for 2 hours. In both cases, the tickets are skip-the-line tickets.
- Duration: approximately 2 hours
- Price: £40 and £70
- Recommended for those with limited time
3. Excursion to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
This route allows you to see two of the region's landmarks: the ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the few active volcanoes in Europe. A bus will pick you up at your hotel or a central location in Sorrento and take you to the famous site buried under the ashes of Vesuvius.
The excavations at Pompeii are the third most visited museum site in Italy. It is so large that one day is not enough to discover all its secrets; the guide will focus on the most famous monuments, such as the Forum and the Temple of Jupiter.
Outside the archaeological site, you will also see the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary, a majestic basilica inaugurated in 1901.
After the visit to Pompeii, the bus will take you to the foot of Vesuvius. The volcano is surrounded by a national park criss-crossed by a network of trails. An expert guide will accompany you to a safe point near the crater. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Naples and its gulf.
- Duration: 8 hours or more
- Price: around £80
- Recommended for those who want to discover the essence of two iconic sites
Book an excursion to Pompeii from Sorrento
4. Pompeii and Vesuvius by boat
This is very similar to the previous option, but it is done by boat. It is highly recommended, and not just for the experience and the scenery. Without a doubt, this is one of the best boat trips from Sorrento.
If you are staying at a hotel near Sorrento, you can also request pick-up service in Massa Lubrense, Sant'Agnello, Piano di Sorrento and Meta. I recommend checking the details of the excursion.
You will travel from Piano di Sorrento to Castellammare di Stabia by speedboat and then take a bus to the archaeological park. After the visit, there is a surprise: lunch at a local winery. Volcanic eruptions have left behind land that is ideal for growing grapes, and bottles of Falanghina, Aglianico and other exquisite varieties are produced here.
After lunch (which is included), it's time to climb the volcano. Once you've descended, you'll return to Castellammare di Stabia and take the boat to Sorrento.
- Duration: approximately 10 hours
- Price: approximately £160
- Recommended for those who want a quick but comprehensive tour.
Book an excursion to Pompeii from Sorrento
Book a day trip to Pompeii from Sorrento
5. Day trip to Pompeii and Positano
Thanks to its privileged location, Sorrento is the perfect starting point for various excursions. A minibus will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation and in less than an hour you will arrive at the entrance to Pompeii.
The visit to the archaeological site usually lasts 2 hours or a little longer. It is not very exhaustive, but it will give you the opportunity to discover the history of this ancient city. When it was conquered by the Romans, it quickly became an important commercial centre.
Wine and olive oil drove Pompeii's growth. Goods harvested at the foot of Vesuvius were regularly shipped to southern France, Spain and the Middle East. Unfortunately, this prosperity came to an abrupt end in 79 AD when the volcano buried it under a thick layer of ash.
After a tour of houses and public spaces embellished with statues and paintings, the minibus will take you to the historic village of Positano. You will have time to stroll through the streets of the old town and along the promenade that connects the beaches of Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo.
It is a very picturesque walk that passes by the Saracen towers, watchtowers built to defend against pirate attacks. It is no surprise that Positano is part of many excursions to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento.
If you want to enjoy traditional cuisine without spending too much, you can go to La Tagliata (Via Tagliata 32B), Da Vincenzo (Viale Pasitea 172) or Da Costantino (Via Corvo 95).
If you want to take home a souvenir, you have many options to choose from. Positano is known for its handmade sandals, and the shop to visit is Safari (Via della Tartana 2). To take home a bottle of limoncello or an assortment of local delicacies, I recommend Valenti (Via Guglielmo Marconi 142).
In the afternoon, the minibus will take you back to Sorrento. Keep in mind that this is a long excursion and it is best to wear comfortable shoes. If you are travelling in summer, don't forget your hat. There is also a version with a skip-the-line ticket.
- Duration: approximately 9 hours
- Price: between £70 and £80
- Recommended for those interested in a tour that combines history with a visit to a typical Mediterranean village.
6. Excursion to Pompeii and Herculaneum
Pompeii and Herculaneum are located about 15 kilometres apart. Both are located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, yet they could not be more different. While Pompeii was an economically important city located inland, Herculaneum was a tiny village overlooking the sea.
When the eruption shook the area around the volcano, Pompeii was buried under about 8 metres of rock and ash, while Herculaneum suffered an even worse fate. Mud and lava avalanches buried it about 25 metres below the surface. As a result, the excavations are much smaller: 4 hectares instead of 45.
In Herculaneum, the most striking feature is the perfectly preserved urban layout. From the entrance, you can enjoy a very impressive panoramic view. However, the residences and public buildings in Pompeii are more elegant. The House of the Faun, the Temple of Apollo and the Stabian Baths have no equivalent in Herculaneum.
These tours leave from Sorrento in the morning - usually around 9:00 a.m. - and include an expert guide, skip-the-line tickets and a light lunch.
You will return to Sorrento around 5:30 p.m. and if you still have energy, you can have a drink at the panoramic bar La Villa (Piazza Francesco Saverio Gargiulo).
- Duration: approximately 8 hours
- Price: around £150
- Recommended for those who want to see both cities destroyed by the fury of the volcano
What should I not miss in Pompeii?
The archaeological site is very large, so it is important to know which monuments are the most important. The list below lists the most famous ones:
- House of the Faun, a huge residence that belonged to a prominent figure. It is one of the best-preserved residences and owes its name to a statue of a dancing faun
- Orto dei fuggiaschi, a series of plaster casts that faithfully represent some of the victims of the eruption. Before the fury of the volcano, there was a vineyard here
- Amphitheatre, the oldest entertainment venue ever found. It is believed that there were more than 10 gladiator schools in Pompeii
- Temple of Apollo, dedicated to the most worshipped deity in ancient Pompeii. A bronze statue depicts him as an archer. It housed a large number of statues that have been moved to the Archaeological Museum of Naples
- Lupanare, the city's old brothel. On the walls you can see the writings left by the prostitutes and their clients
- Temple of Jupiter, a place of worship in the Forum, the main square. It was the most important temple in the city
To learn more, I recommend reading the article that explains what to see and do in Pompeii.
What should I bring?
The archaeological site of Pompeii covers 66 hectares. There is a lot of walking involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
If you are travelling in summer, be sure to bring a hat, water (I recommend a thermal flask) and sunscreen. There are trees and even a vineyard, but many areas are exposed to direct sunlight for long hours of the day.
If you plan to visit in autumn or winter, it is best to pack an umbrella or, even better, a raincoat.
January is usually the coldest month, but the minimum temperature rarely drops below 6º. To avoid any surprises, it is best to bring a hat and a scarf.
Is it worth taking a trip to Pompeii with children?
Yes, if they are old enough , they are likely to appreciate an ancient city with such a unique history. Attractions such as the Orto dei Fuggiaschi, the amphitheatre with the gladiators' gymnasium, and the Thermopolium - a kind of fast food restaurant of the time - are sure to capture their attention. For more information, I recommend reading the post that explains how to visit Pompeii with children.
Is it worth eating at the restaurant in Pompeii?
The archaeological area has only one bar/restaurant. It is located near the Temple of Jupiter and is run by Autogrill, a company specialising in catering for travellers. Its establishments can be found on motorways, train stations and airports throughout the country.
As you can imagine, it is a chain restaurant, and if you don't have high expectations, you can eat without spending too much. However, as it is the only option available, there are often queues, especially if you visit the archaeological site in spring or summer.
For more ideas, I recommend reading the post that explains where to eat during a trip to Pompeii.
When is the best time to visit Pompeii?
Spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons. You'll avoid the crowds and high temperatures of summer. Winter is not usually very busy and can be ideal for visiting the archaeological site at your own pace.
For more information, I recommend reading the post that explains in detail the best time to visit Pompeii.
Can I travel from Sorrento to Pompeii on my own?
Yes, just take the Circumvesuviana railway line. The station is located in Piazza Giovanni Battista de Curtis, in the heart of Sorrento. You will need to get off at the Pompei - Villa dei Misteri stop. The main entrance is in Piazza Esedra, about a five-minute walk away.
It is cheaper, but less convenient and you will be dependent on public transport timetables. Bear in mind that this line is usually very busy as it connects Sorrento with Naples. In the morning and after 6pm, the trains are very crowded.
Which towns near Pompeii should I not miss?
The most famous cities and towns have already been mentioned in the article. However, there are other "minor" destinations that are worth discovering:
- Castellammare di Stabia. With so many beautiful neighbours, it often goes unnoticed. The town has a pretty seafront promenade and an old town that is reminiscent of the centre of Naples. High above, a medieval castle dominates Castellammare. It is practically attached to Pompeii.
- Gragnano, the town of pasta. Spaghetti, fusilli, maccheroni and other varieties of the eponymous brand are produced here. If you feel like it, you can visit the museum free of charge. Just send an email in advance to reserve your place. You can find the address on the official website.
- Vico Equense, the gateway to the Sorrento peninsula. Its icon is the Gothic/Baroque church of Santa Maria Annunziata, built on a spur overlooking the sea.
- Corbara, a village in the hills known for the corbarino, a tomato shaped like a small lamp