Things to Do Near Naples

Are you staying in the city of Vesuvius for more than three days? There’s plenty to see and do in Naples and the surrounding area, so a longer stay is ideal for exploring the region: Campania.

The famous Roman historian Pliny the Elder loved this region and coined the term “Campania illa felix” because of its beauty and the fertility of its lands. Historic cities, natural masterpieces, and culinary gems await you in the area around Naples.

The famous blue island in the Gulf of Naples has a long history as a tourist destination. Even in ancient Roman times , emperors loved to relax amid the Mediterranean vegetation and crystal-clear waters. Of the twelve villas from antiquity, only three remain today: Villa Jovis, Palazzo a Mare, and Damecuta.

The most interesting one to visit is undoubtedly the first, which served as Emperor Tiberius’s retreat. To visit it on your own, you’ll need to walk about 45 minutes from the central Piazzetta—Capri’s main square—and pay around €6. Visiting hours depend on the season: in winter, they are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while in summer, they stay open until 7:00 p.m.

The Roman legacy isn’t Capri’s only attraction. Despite its small size, there are dozens of activities to choose from. The list below reveals the island’s best attractions:

• Saetta, Stella, and Scopolo, the three sea stacks. Their name derives from the Greek “pharos” (lighthouse), as in ancient times bonfires were lit to signal the presence of the rocks to sailors. To admire them from a prime vantage point, I recommend reserving a table at the Terrazza Brunella restaurant (Via Tragara 24)
• Villa San Michele, a splendid residence built on the ruins of a 10th-century chapel. It was built by Axel Munthe, a Swedish doctor who fell in love with Capri. For more information on hours and admission fees, I recommend checking out the official website
• Grotta Azzurra, the island’s most famous attraction. It is a natural cave about 60 meters long and 25 meters wide where the water takes on a magical hue. The entrance is tiny, so it can only be visited by small rowboats and when sea conditions permit. Typically, an individual visit costs approximately €14
• Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. From its summit, you can enjoy a splendid view of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. On clear days, you can also admire the Apennines, the Amalfi Coast, and the mountains of Calabria in the distance. A chairlift connects the village of Anacapri with the summit. The price for a round-trip ticket is around €12

Capri is not a cheap island, as most activities require an additional fee. A good way to save money is to choose an organized tour to Capri from Naples. In this case, most expenses are included, except for tips and optional activities. These trips usually last about 8 hours.

The Reggia di Caserta is the largest royal residence in the world. It was built at the behest of Charles III of Spain with the intention of rivaling the Palace of Versailles. To accomplish this feat, the king commissioned the work to Luigi Vanvitelli, one of the greatest masters of the Rococo style. The work was completed in 1845 by his son Carlo.

This enormous royal palace covers an area of 47,000 m² and consists of five floors and four interior courtyards. From the outside, the most striking features are the spectacular fountains inspired by classical mythology. They stretch for 3 kilometers, and the most famous is probably the Fontana dei Tre Delfini, a fountain featuring three large dolphins with grotesque features.

There are basically three types of tickets: a single ticket that includes the historic apartments, the park, and the English garden (approximately €14), and individual tickets for access to the park and the historic apartments (around €10 for each). Getting there is very easy, as it’s just a few minutes’ walk from Caserta’s central station. For more information, I recommend checking out the official website.

In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii under a layer of ash. The eruption brought an end to the history of a prosperous city; it exported olive oil and wine and served as a vacation destination for the elites of ancient Rome. In the 18th century, after discoveries were made in nearby Herculaneum, Charles III of Spain decided to fund the excavations.

The excavation initiated by the king and subsequent excavations brought the buildings of ancient Pompeii back to light. The archaeological site is very large, and it is important to know the attractions you cannot miss:

• The Forum, the economic and religious center of the city. The ancient shops are still there, along with three temples dedicated to Venus, Jupiter, and Apollo.
• The House of the Faun, the residence of one of Pompeii’s most prominent figures
• The Lupanar, where carnal desires were satisfied. The brothel was spread over two floors, and its walls were decorated with erotic depictions. Some of these have survived to the present day
• Villa dei Misteri, the home of wealthy Roman patricians. Some historians believe it belonged to Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus. It is famous for a large fresco depicting a rite reserved for the devotees of Dionysus
• Orto dei fuggiaschi, the bodies of 13 victims of the eruption. Their flight was cut short at this spot, and what we see today are plaster casts of their bodies. Without a doubt, this is the most heart-wrenching site in Pompeii

To learn more about the subject, I recommend reading the post that outlines what to see and do in Pompeii. If you have limited time to plan your visit, I recommend booking a tour to Pompeii from Naples. A bus will pick you up at your hotel or at a central location in the city and take you to the archaeological excavations in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.

About a forty-minute train ride from Naples lies the region’s second-largest city: Salerno. In recent years, it has grown significantly as a tourist destination, and for good reason: it boasts a long history and is situated halfway between the Amalfi Coast and Cilento.

To make your visit easier, I’ve put together a short itinerary that starts at the train station:

• Lungomare, the seaside promenade connecting the historic center with Santa Teresa Beach. It is entirely pedestrian-only and lined with hundreds of trees and plants
• Cattedrale di Santa Maria degli Angeli, Salerno’s main cathedral. Although it may look simple from the outside, once inside it’s a completely different story. The Duomo is located in Piazza Alfano I and is open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (weekdays) and from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (holidays). Admission to the crypt—where the remains of Saint Matthew are preserved—costs €1
• Giardino della Minerva, a botanical garden created in the 18th century by Matteo Silvatico, a leading figure of the famous Salerno School of Medicine. Here, professors taught students the properties and uses of each herb. You can visit it Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. A full-price ticket costs €3
• Resilienza, a pizzeria that follows a zero-mile philosophy. I recommend trying the “Cetarina” (with organic tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and Cetara anchovies) or a “Resilienza” (with parsley pesto, Cetara anchovies, and Fior di Latte, a fresh cheese similar to buffalo mozzarella). In spring and summer, you can dine in the outdoor garden. It’s located at Via Santa Teresa 1
• With your stomach full, head to Arechi Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the city and the gulf. Its golden age coincided with the reign of the Lombard duke of the same name, who improved this Byzantine-era defensive structure. Inside, there is a museum housing a collection of weapons, ceramics, and coins. Admission is €4
• Medieval Aqueduct, the conduit that carried water to the Monastery of San Benedetto
• Before heading back to the station, you can take a detour and return to the waterfront promenade. Here you’ll find Bar Nettuno, a must-visit for any ice cream lover. You’ll find it at Lungomare Trieste 136.

The archaeological park of Herculaneum is less well-known than that of Pompeii, but no less fascinating. There are several differences between the two sites. First, Herculaneum was smaller and overlooked the Mediterranean. Second, the eruption had two distinct effects: while Pompeii was buried under 8 meters of rock and ash, in Herculaneum it was 25!

The excavations were much more complicated, yet archaeologists have unearthed quite a few discoveries. The most famous is the Villa dei Papiri, an ancient library that housed Roman manuscripts. Private residences such as the Casa dei Cervi, the Casa di Aristide, and the Casa dell’Albergo are also well-preserved.

If you choose a tour to Herculaneum from Naples, you’ll have a guide at your disposal who will reveal the site’s secrets. After about two hours, the bus will take you to the large square at the end of the Ercolano-Vesuvio Provincial Road. This is where Trail No. 5, “Il Gran Cono del Vesuvio,” begins.

The trail runs along the lower rim of the crater and offers a natural viewpoint over Mount Somma, the Gulf of Naples, and the islands. The first part is probably the most challenging, but don’t worry— you don’t have to be an athlete to make the climb. After this section, it becomes a pleasant stroll. The route is circular, and you’ll need at least 3 hours to complete it.

Behind Amalfi lies a large green area known as “Valle delle Ferriere.” The name derives from the ironworks that once occupied the area and supplied iron to the Maritime Republic of Amalfi. Hiking enthusiasts will find their paradise here; the trail winds through forests, streams, and terraces dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards.

The starting point is Piazza Flavio Gioia, just a stone’s throw from the Old Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi. After passing through the old town, the trail follows the banks of the Canneto stream and heads into the mountains until it reaches an old aqueduct. Once there, you can begin your return journey.

The hike is not too strenuous and takes about 3 hours.

A few kilometers from Naples, at the foot of Monte di Procida,lies a small lake of lacustrine origin. This is Lake Fusaro, a body of water connected to the sea by two canals. In the middle is a small island that houses the Casina Vanvitelliana, the Gran Restaurant, several pavilions, and a park with typical Mediterranean vegetation.

The Real Casino dei Borboni—nicknamed Casina Vanvitelliana—is a late Baroque building designed by architect Carlo Vanvitelli. The main building is connected to the shore by a picturesque wooden bridge. It was used by the kings of Naples for their hunting and fishing trips and employed hundreds of people.

It is open for visits on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On Sundays, the hours are split: from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets cost approximately €5.

In addition to driving, you can reach the lake by public transportation. Simply take Metro Line 2 and get off at Montesanto. From there, take the Cumana train from the Napoli-Torregaveta station (just a stone’s throw from the metro) and get off at the Fusaro stop.

Procida is a little gem that is often underrated. Visitors fall in love with it, and it would be hard not to; the pastel-colored houses and peaceful atmosphere are the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Naples. Plus, the island is surrounded by beaches and small coves with crystal-clear waters.

Every day trip should include a stop in Marina della Corricella, a fishing village famous for its “Vefi, ” traditional arched balconies of Arab origin.

In this area, you’ll find several restaurants offering dishes made with the freshest seafood. I recommend ordering linguine with lobster or pasta alla pescatora povera (with anchovies and fried green chili peppers).

Ferries and hydrofoils connect Naples with the island of Procida. After a short ride, the boats dock at the port of Marina Grande, located just a few steps from the historic center. A standard ticket costs about €10.

It is known as the "pearl of the Sannio" and is located about 45 kilometers from Naples. Its origins date back to ancient Roman times, and it has preserved all its charm intact.

The old town stands on a tuff rock overlooking two rivers: the Martorano and the Riello.
It is not the only example of its kind in Italy—Pitigliano is its Tuscan counterpart—and yet it is well worth the trip to experience its charm.

One day is enough to enjoy its old town, whose main street is Via Roma. Take the opportunity to admire its many churches and the castle built by the Lombards.

If you want to experience the local cuisine, I recommend the Antico Pozzo degli Ulivi. You’ll dine among vineyards and olive trees (Via Piana del Mondo)

Sant’Agata de’ Goti is also known for its apples, black truffles, and wine production. If you have room in your suitcase, bring home a bottle of Falanghina. To get here, you’ll need to rent a car in Naples. The drive takes about an hour.

Pozzuoli reached its golden age during the Roman era, and monuments like the Flavian Amphitheater and the Temple of Serapis bear witness to this. In reality, the latter was not a place of worship but a market adorned with columns and a statue dedicated to the Egyptian deity. On some days, the ground is dry, while on others, the sea floods the area and soaks its mosaics.

This phenomenon is not governed by the tides but by bradyseism, a very common occurrence in the Vesuvian area. Simply put, the ground rises or sinks depending on magmatic movements. This wonder is most clearly visible at the Solfatara, depressions in the earth from which water vapor mixed with carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide escapes.

Getting to Pozzuoli from Naples is very easy; you can take the train (from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi) or the metro (Line 2). In both cases, you should get off at the Pozzuoli Solfatara stop. The trip takes about 45 minutes.

In my opinion, I don’t think it’s worth it. It’s a city with a long history and a booming tourist destination. In addition to classic monuments and museums, it boasts unique attractions like Underground Naples, two underground itineraries that reveal a city beneath the city. There are thousands of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences worth discovering.

Still, if you’re visiting Naples in the summer and want to get a little tan, it’s best to head out of the city. There are beautiful urban beaches—especially La Gaiola, Scoglione, Lido Sirena, and Bagno Elena—but they tend to be very crowded. You’ll have better luck on other stretches of the Neapolitan coast or on the nearby Amalfi Coast.