Last Updated on 02/05/2022
As an expat living in Italy, I can personally tell you there are so day trips to take from Naples. From the islands to the Amalfi Coast, Naples serves as an entry point in to some of the most beautiful places in Italy. Each of my picks for places to visit from Naples are accessible via boat or public transportation. From the port, you can take ferries or trains to Positano, Sorrento, Procida or Ischia.
It’s the city everyone loves to hate, but the truth is you should absolutely spend some time in Naples. Even if you’re purely motivated by pizza and access to the Amalfi Coast, that’s reason enough to at least spend the day there. It’s truly a concrete jungle and there’s no other city like it. Whether you’re there for just a few hours on the way to the port or a week, pizza is mandatory. Have your own Eat Pray Love moment and have pizza at L’Antica Pizzaeria da Michele, or head to Starita or Sorbillo’s for a pizza that will equally make you want to “get some bigger jeans” as Julia Roberts would say. I also love a sweet treat and a caffé from the historic Gran Caffé Gabrinus near the Piazza del Plebisbito.
Read next: A Beautiful Mess: A Guide to Naples, Italy
Sorrento
I’ve visited Sorrento in different seasons, and I love seeing how this small town transforms. In the winter oceanfront restaurants may be closed, but you can still smell the faint fragrance of basil and carbs wandering through alleys as locals cook their midday Sunday meal from home. In the summer, it’s only natural to take a spot under an umbrella on the crowded pier and cool off with a swim in the Mediterranean or a scoop of gelato… or both.
Positano
Positano is one of the most famous towns along the Amalfi Coast. Photos of the iconic cliffside covered in charming apartments and hotels have probably popped up on your Pinterest feed, but what you might not have heard is how friendly the locals are. I’ve once had a restaurant owner sit at our table and tell us about how that was the last weekend he’d be open for the season because the very spot we were sitting at would be underwater soon. Looking up from the beach or straight on from a boat, Positano is photogenic from all angles.
Read Next: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Positano
Procida
The smallest of the islands in the bay of Naples is Procida. For a walk through a pastel waterfront, be sure to head over to the Marina Corricella where buildings and boats are the colorful tones of Easter skittles. Procida is mostly untouched by the modern tourism that you’ll see over on its neighbor island of Capri, but it still has one shuttle that runs the length of the 2-mile long island.
Ischia
Ischia is the place to be during August when Italians flock to the beach and escape the heat of the city. Of course, in true Italian style, the whole family is invited. Beaches are filled with families vacationing and soaking up the sun. Ischia is also home to several elaborate thermal spas like Poseidon Terme and Negombo if you prefer a pool to the beach.
Also read: Guide to Ischia
This post was originally shared on TravelItalianStyle.com. Check out Cassandra’s website for custom planning or group tours to Italy.
PIN IT FOR LATER
I was so happy to discover your blog. I’ve decided to stop asking friends about their experiences, since only one has been unreservedly positive. Reading your descriptions and seeing your photography has made me realize that our plans to visit in February are spot on. I know that lots of places won’t be as lively as in the summer months, but we’re fine with that! We love art and antiquities(I’m an art historian) and history, and I think we’ll have a splendid time.
Hi Mary, Thank you for your kind words! Naples is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. As long as you don’t have your heart set on getting a tan at the beach, I think you’ll enjoy your trip. You’ll really appreciate Pompeii and the National Archaeological Museum. You might want to visit the Capodimonte Museum as well. Enjoy!
I’m familiar with Sorrento and Positano (and Capri), but have never heard of the 2 other places till now. Thanks for sharing and so happy to have found your blog!
So glad to hear!! I really adore all these spots around Naples : )