Naples

Which day trips are actually worth your time?

Naples is a perfect base. You can reach ancient ruins, coastal towns, and a royal palace in under 90 minutes. All for less than EUR 10 by train. The mistake most visitors make is trying to do too much. Pick one place. Go early. Come back for pizza.

I have tested every route below in June 2026. Prices and times are current. No cruise-ship hearsay.

How do I get to Pompeii and what does it cost?

Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale (track 3, downstairs). Every 30 minutes. The ride to Pompei Scavi takes 30 minutes and costs EUR 5.60 one way.

Exit the station and walk 50 meters. The entrance is right there. Entry costs EUR 18 for adults in 2026. Go through Porta Marina gate. Skip the audio guide. Download the free Rick Steves audio tour instead.

Warning: The site closes at 18:00. Last entry at 17:00. Arrive by 09:00 to beat the two-hour queue. Bring 1.5 liters of water. There is almost no shade.

Is Sorrento overrated?

No. Sorrento is the most relaxing day trip. The Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale takes 70 minutes and costs EUR 4.20 one way. Get off at Sorrento station, walk downhill for 5 minutes, and you hit Piazza Tasso.

Lunch at Osteria Il Buco Vecchio costs EUR 15 for a plate of gnocchi alla sorrentina. Walk down to Marina Piccola for a swim. The public beach is free. The water is clean.

Skip the limoncello factory tours. They are all fake. Buy a bottle from Antichi Sapori on Via San Cesareo for EUR 8. Real stuff.

What about the Amalfi Coast? Can I do it in one day?

Yes but only Positano. Do not try to do Amalfi and Ravello in one day. You will spend four hours on buses.

Take the ferry from Naples Molo Beverello to Positano. The trip costs EUR 25 and takes 75 minutes. Boats run from April to October only. Check the schedule at www.navlib.it. In July 2026, the first departure is 08:15.

Positano is expensive. A coffee costs EUR 5. Lunch with a view costs EUR 40. But the walk down to Spiaggia Grande is worth it. Swim there. Take the ferry back at 17:30.

Scam alert: On the ferry deck, people offer to take your photo with your phone. They will ask for money after. Say no.

Caserta Palace: is it a good rainy day backup?

It is the best rainy day plan. The Reggia di Caserta is bigger than Versailles. And emptier.

Take the regional train from Napoli Centrale to Caserta. It costs EUR 3.80 and takes 40 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes. From the station, it is a 10 minute walk.

Entry is EUR 14. The English Garden costs an extra EUR 4. It is worth it. The fountains are turned on at 10:00 and 15:00 sharp.

My tip: Skip the royal apartments. The gardens are the real highlight. Bring a picnic. The park is 3 km long. You will walk a lot.

Comparison table: which trip should you choose?

Can I visit the islands (Capri, Ischia) in a day?

Capri is possible but stressful. The ferry costs EUR 22 each way. The ride is 50 minutes. Once there, you queue for the funicular for 40 minutes. The island is mobbed by 11:00. If you go, take the first ferry at 07:00. Leave by 14:00.

Ischia is better for a relaxed day. Ferry costs EUR 18 each way. The ride is 70 minutes. Go to the thermal park Poseidon Gardens. Entry costs EUR 35. It is a full day. You will not regret it.

Practical warning for both: Last ferries back to Naples leave at 18:45 in summer. Miss it and you pay EUR 150 for a private boat.

What about Herculaneum? Is it better than Pompeii?

Herculaneum is smaller, better preserved, and has fewer crowds. But it is not better for a day trip because it takes longer to reach. The Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale to Ercolano Scavi costs EUR 3.50 and takes 15 minutes. Entry is EUR 13.

The problem is that the site is compact. You finish in 2 hours. Then you are stuck in Ercolano, which has nothing else to do. If you must choose, pick Pompeii for a full day. Pick Herculaneum only if you also go to Vesuvius the same day (which I do not recommend).

How do I avoid common scams and mistakes?

Train scam: On the Circumvesuviana, men in blue vests approach you and offer to validate your ticket for a fee. The validation machines are free. Ignore them.

Overpriced tours: Do not buy a combined Pompeii + Naples tour. They charge EUR 80. Do it yourself for EUR 30 total.

Late return: Always check the last train or ferry time at the station before you leave Naples. Write it down. The schedule changes on weekends.

Eating in tourist zones: Restaurants with laminated menus and staff outside are traps. Walk 200 meters inland. A pizza margherita should cost EUR 5 to EUR 8. Not EUR 15.