What To Do Near Pompeii

Pompeii is in a very good location not only to visit its archaeological site but also to enjoy the nature and the landscape. Here is a list of my favorite places

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

5 min read

What To Do Near Pompeii

Views of Pompeii | iStock

A little more than 20 kilometers from Bella Napoli is Pompeii, the Roman city petrified under the lava of Vesuvius. Its strategic geographical location makes it just one of the stops that can be made along a route through this beautiful area of Italy.

If you have already done your homework by booking your excursion to Pompeii and Naples from Rome and you have time to plan how to continue touring the area, take a note of the must-see places near Pompeii and even consider hiring a private guided tour of Pompeii. If, on the other hand, you prefer to explore it freely, you can book your ticket to Pompeii and go at your own pace.

1. Climb Vesuvius

Climb Vesuvius| ©_M_V_
Climb Vesuvius| ©_M_V_

It is, without a doubt, the feared protagonist of Pompeii's history. When it erupted almost 2,000 years ago, it buried the city (and many of its citizens). You have several options to go depending on whether you go from Naples or Rome. Here are the main ones:

If you have been visiting Pompeii, you can get from there to Vesuvius by bus for less than 3 €. Once there, if you have enough time and energy, I recommend 100% the climb to the volcano. You will see the crater in all its splendor and get the best views of Pompeii and its surroundings.

If you want to make the most of your visit, don't hesitate to book a hiking tour on Mount Vesuvius from Pompeii or you can also live a unique experience by booking a horseback riding tour on Mount Vesuvius with transportation from Pompeii.

Book an excursion to Mount Vesuvius from Rome

2. Keep traveling back in time at Herculaneum

Visit Herculaneum| ©Pablo Cabezos
Visit Herculaneum| ©Pablo Cabezos

Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site along with Pompeii, Herculaneum was another of the cities that fell victim to the lava of Vesuvius. If you want to get there comfortably, you have several options from Naples:

Once there, you will see several temples, remains of the thermal baths..... In general, it can be said that this city is even better preserved than Pompeii, as there are some buildings that have been able to preserve their two heights. In fact, the height of some of the columns that are still standing is truly incredible.

You will also see mosaics and remains of a city that, in its day, congregated inhabitants who had even greater purchasing power than those of Pompeii. Completing your trip with a private guided tour of Pompeii will be a great option, as it is also less touristic and the visit is very authentic. In this short documentary you have an appetizer to let you know what to expect.

Excursion to Herculaneum from Naples.

3. Get lost in Naples

Discover the charm of Naples| ©Tom Podmore
Discover the charm of Naples| ©Tom Podmore

Naples is chaotic, it is the heart of the most traditional Italy, the cradle of Italian gastronomy and love for family and "mamma". Its sea views, its exceptional bay, its mild climate practically all year round and its exquisite pizzas make it one of the most visited cities in Italy. If you are in Rome, I advise you to book an excursion to Naples and Pompeii or even a two-day trip to Naples along with other cities such as Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento and enjoy all its charms.

And, of course, if you have gone to Pompeii specifically, do not hesitate to come to Naples. It is just over 20 kilometers away and can be reached by train in about 40 minutes. You can't miss the opportunity.

Once there, book a tour of Naples and visit all the must-see sights: the amazing Piazza del Plebiscito and the famous Galleria Umberto I. And don't hesitate to get lost in the streets of Quartiere Spagnolo and the Spaccanapoli area to discover the true essence of Naples.

Book a tour of Naples

4. Experience a few days of cinema in Capri

Let Capri dazzle you| ©Kim
Let Capri dazzle you| ©Kim

Bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, idyllic Capri is a colorful little island full of life that will allow you to experience the Bella Vita at its best. Its famous blue grotto and the Faraglioni rock will not let you put your camera away for a second. So, do not hesitate and book an excursion. Here are some suggestions:

Once there, you can't miss to go to the town square to have an aperitif under the last rays of the sun of the day. You will feel like a real Italian movie actor or actress. The luxurious atmosphere is totally movie-like. And during the day, take the opportunity to take a boat ride and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. An ideal way to forget about the outside world: Capri is a dream and you won't want to wake up!

Book an excursion to Capri from Rome

5. Visit the Amalfi Coast

Enjoy the beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast from Praiano.| ©Gianfranco Vitolo
Enjoy the beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast from Praiano.| ©Gianfranco Vitolo

Bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea and in the Gulf of Sorrento, south of Naples, lies the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Praiano or Ravello, which are just some of the wonders that will give you this coast.

Colorful houses, terraces overlooking the sea, charming villages... A vacation on the Amalfi Coast is the quintessence of Italian life: here time stands still and it seems that everyone is on vacation. Aperol in hand, enjoy a good pasta with clams and take a dip every morning while contemplating cliffs full of color and good taste.

If you are staying in Rome or Naples you have several options to get there:

And if you are in Pompeii, you can choose from the following excursions:

Book a tour to Amalfi Coast from Rome