Campania is a stunning region in southern Italy renowned for its dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, and world-famous cuisine. Home to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the islands of Capri and Ischia, it offers an unrivaled mix of history, natural beauty, and gastronomy. The birthplace of pizza and mozzarella di bufala, Campania captivates visitors with its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Pompeii and Herculaneum
The double UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii and Herculaneum are the most important archaeological sites in the world outside Greece. Pompeii preserves an entire Roman city frozen in 79 AD, while Herculaneum offers better-preserved structures due to its burial in volcanic mud.
Highlights: Pompeii Forum and temples · Plaster casts of eruption victims · Herculaneum's wooden structures and mosaics · House of the Faun frescoes
Capri Island
The glamorous island of Capri with its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-blue waters, and jet-set atmosphere. Highlights include the Blue Grotto sea cave, the Gardens of Augustus, and the ruins of Tiberius's Villa Jovis on the hilltop.
Highlights: Blue Grotto sea cave · Via Camerelle luxury shopping · Gardens of Augustus · Villa Jovis Roman ruins · Chairlift to Monte Solaro · Circumnavigation by boat
Amalfi Coast Drive (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello)
The world-famous coastline visits Positano (most photogenic), Amalfi (historic maritime republic), and Ravello (hilltop gardens). Each town merits 1-2 hours and the scenery en route is spectacular.
Highlights: Positano village photos · Amalfi Cathedral · Ravello Villa Cimbrone Terrace of Infinity · Scenic SITA bus ride · Local seafood lunch
Mount Vesuvius Hike
Hike the crater rim of Europe's only active mainland volcano at 1,281m. The 30-minute trail from the car park winds through volcanic ash and lava to the crater edge, with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and surrounding region.
Highlights: Gran Cono crater views · Volcanic geology · Bay of Naples panorama · Views to Capri, Ischia, and Procida
Paestum Greek Temples
Three remarkably preserved ancient Greek temples dating from 600-450 BC, older than Rome's Colosseum by centuries. The Temple of Neptune is the most perfectly preserved Doric temple in existence. Combine with the exceptional on-site museum and a mozzarella di bufala lunch from nearby farms.
Highlights: Temple of Neptune (460 BC) · Temple of Hera (550 BC) · Tomb of the Diver painting in museum · Fresh buffalo mozzarella nearby
Ischia Island Spa Day
Italy's largest Gulf island is famous for its volcanic thermal springs and spa resorts. Spend a day at Poseidon Thermal Gardens (13 pools in different temperatures) or Negombo Gardens, explore the Aragonese Castle, and enjoy fresher seafood than Capri at lower prices.
Highlights: Poseidon Thermal Gardens (13 volcanic pools) · Aragonese Castle · Authentic seafood · Less crowded than Capri
Royal Palace of Caserta
The largest royal palace in the world by volume, built for the Bourbon kings of Naples in 1752. Its 1,200 rooms and spectacular 3km cascade gardens inspired by Versailles are awe-inspiring. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights: Grand staircase and royal apartments · 3km English/Italian garden cascade · Diana and Actaeon fountains · English garden with Roman temple
Procida Island
The most authentic and least touristed of the Gulf of Naples islands, named Italian Capital of Culture 2022. Its Marina Corricella fishing harbor with cascading pastel houses is impossibly picturesque. Rent a scooter, eat exceptional fresh seafood, and enjoy an Italy with no souvenir shops.
Highlights: Marina Corricella fishing harbor · Terra Murata medieval citadel · Fresh seafood at the harbor · Scooter exploration · No mass tourism
Sorrento and Bagni della Regina Giovanna
Combine charming clifftop Sorrento with a hike to the Bagni della Regina Giovanna - a natural sea pool formed in the ruins of a Roman villa. Sorrento offers excellent shopping, limoncello producers, and restaurants, while the Bagni offer a local swimming experience off the beaten tourist track.
Highlights: Sorrento town and Piazza Tasso · Limoncello shopping on Via San Cesareo · Bagni della Regina Giovanna swim · Views to Vesuvius from Villa Comunale
Phlegrean Fields (Campi Flegrei)
The volcanic caldera west of Naples contains some of Italy's most underrated archaeological sites alongside active fumaroles and hot springs. Visit the Roman Flavian Amphitheater at Pozzuoli (third largest in the Roman world), the Solfatara volcanic crater, and the submerged ruins at Baia.
Highlights: Pozzuoli Amphitheater · Solfatara volcanic crater and fumaroles · Submerged Roman Baia ruins (snorkeling) · Fresh fish market at Pozzuoli port
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours to Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi from Naples from €35-80 including transport and guide
- Private
- Private car and driver from €100-200/day for Amalfi Coast or multi-site touring - worth considering for groups of 3+
- Public
- Circumvesuviana, Trenitalia, and ferries serve all major destinations. Naples public transport zone cards help reduce costs.
- Rental
- Car rental from €40-60/day useful for Paestum, Caserta, and Cilento. Avoid for Amalfi Coast in summer.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start at 8:30-9 AM opening time at Pompeii to beat the midday heat and crowds
Book Capri hydrofoil tickets in advance for July-August - they sell out
The Amalfi Coast SITA bus can be extremely crowded in summer - ferries between towns are more comfortable
Combine Pompeii + Herculaneum in one day if you're an archaeology enthusiast
Procida is best on a weekday when the 'Capital of Culture' tourism is lightest