The Ultimate Guide to the Best Day Trips from Naples

Naples gives you more than pizza and city buzz, it opens the door to some of the most unforgettable spots in Campania. Think sun-soaked villages along the Amalfi Coast, ancient ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum, quiet islands, and hilltop vineyards. It’s all close, and it’s all worth your time. Just hop on a train, bus, or ferry and you’ll be swimming, hiking, or sipping wine in under an hour. If you’re into Campania wineries, this region delivers, with volcanic soil, bold reds, and family-run estates offering tastings with a view.

5 Best Day Trips from Naples

1- Walk through the quieter ruins of Herculaneum

While Pompeii impresses with its grand streets and public spaces, Herculaneum gives you a front-row seat to everyday life in a lavish Roman town. Think mosaic floors, wooden doors still intact, and upper stories preserved like a time capsule. Smaller, quieter, and incredibly well-preserved, it’s ideal for travelers who want a deeper, less crowded glimpse into Roman life. Just hop on the Circumvesuviana train and pair it with Pompeii for a truly unforgettable Naples day trip.

2- Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii is one of those rare places that feels like a movie set, except it’s all real. Just 30 minutes by train, this once-bustling Roman city was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Wander its cobbled streets, peek into frescoed villas, and imagine the daily lives interrupted by ash and fire. The amphitheatre, temples, and even fast-food stalls still stand as eerie yet fascinating echoes of the past. If you’re craving a deeper dive into this world-class site, don’t miss our full guide on visit Pompeii Italy, it’s your ultimate ticket back to Ancient Rome.

3- Wander through the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Caserta

33 min by car from Naples, the Royal Palace of Caserta is Italy’s jaw-dropping answer to Versailles, and it doesn’t hold back. Think sweeping staircases, jaw-dropping halls, and a garden so vast you might want to rent a bike. With Baroque fountains, perfectly trimmed hedges, and a palace dripping in 18th-century opulence, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a dream for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys a bit of royal drama.

4- Take a ferry to the island of Capri

A ferry ride from Naples, the island of Capri is where natural beauty and jet-set style come together. Start at Marina Grande, then wander the stylish streets of Capri town or take the funicular up for stunning sea views. Don’t miss a boat tour around the island to see the famous Blue Grotto and hidden coves. From elegant cafés to sea-sculpted cliffs, Capri is the perfect escape if you’re craving sunshine, charm, and a splash of luxury.

Want to turn your day trip into a dreamy adventure? Discover all the top things to do in Capri.

5- Hike Mount Vesuvius

Few day trips from Naples come with both epic views and a glass of wine waiting at the finish line. Lace up for the walk up Mount Vesuvius, where the views over the Gulf are as dramatic as the volcano’s past. Then trade your hiking boots for a wine glass and visit a nearby vineyard where the soil tells its own explosive story. The local reds and whites grown on this ash-rich terrain are bold, earthy, and unforgettable, just like your day.

6- Tour a curated vineyard experience

For wine lovers, Napoli Wine Tours is a must. Located just outside the city, this small-group experience includes the Private Vesuvius Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting lunch, offering breathtaking vineyard views, informative tastings, and traditional Neapolitan food. It’s not just a day trip, it’s a flavorful journey through Campania’s rich wine-making heritage.

4- Visit the cliff-hugging town of Positano

Clinging to the cliffs like a pastel rainbow, Positano feels like it was plucked from a postcard and brought to life. From Naples, you can reach this iconic Amalfi Coast town by scenic ferry or a winding coastal drive that’s just as breathtaking as the destination itself. Once there, wander through boutique-lined alleys, book wine tastings in Positano, sip crisp local wine at a beachside café, or simply bask in the views that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.

Ready to fall head over heels for Italy’s most photogenic seaside village? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Positano.

5- Explore the stunning Amalfi coast

Dreaming of a day filled with cliffside villages, lemon-scented air, and turquoise waters? A trip from Naples to the Amalfi Coast delivers just that. Whether you’re winding along the scenic coastal road or hopping on a ferry in warmer months, the journey itself is pure magic. Explore postcard-perfect towns like Amalfi, Ravello, or Positano, each with their own charm, think dramatic viewpoints, colorful homes, and seaside trattorias serving fresh seafood and chilled wine. A day here feels like stepping into a sun-soaked movie set.

Explore and dive into the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast!

What are the best things to do in Naples?

Looking for the best things to do in Naples? You’re in for a wild, flavorful ride. This city buzzes with energy, crumbling palaces, world-famous pizza, underground ruins, and waterfront sunsets all packed into one unforgettable destination. You can start your morning with an espresso in Piazza del Plebiscito, wander through ancient streets, and end the day with a glass of local wine facing Mount Vesuvius. It’s the kind of place where every corner hides a story, and luckily, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Naples so you don’t miss a thing.

Good to Know before visiting day trips from Naples