Naples is Italy's third-largest city, and it's a great place to situate yourself in while on your Italian holiday. It is much cheaper than other tourist hotspots, and its geographical location makes it ample for visiting other parts of the boot-shaped country on just a short day trip. Here are 10 of the best day trips to take from Naples, Italy.
10 Ischia
While most travelers who head to southern Italy opt for Capri, Ischia is within the same geographical vicinity and equally beautiful, if not more. Ischia is known for its mineral-rich waters, its several beaches, and even Aragonese Castle. The ferry from Naples to ischia takes about an hour, give or take, depending on weather conditions, and makes for one of the best day trips to take from Naples.
9 Sorrento
Hub to the Amalfi Coast, but not necessarily on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is a charming little town that many travelers use as a stomping ground before heading either north to famous places such as Pompeii or south to famous places such as Positano. Sorrento is lemon-centric, where everything from liqueur to soap to earrings to candles are lemon-themed. There are several shops dedicated solely to lemons due to Sorrento lemons being the hottest commodity to come out of this town. A day trip to Sorrento is well worth your time, not just for the lemons alone but all of the city's rich history as well.
8 Positano
Looking for a beachy getaway from the chaos of Naples? Better yet, looking to snap a perfect Instagram shot? Positano has your name written all over it. This coastal cliffside town is one of the most photographed spots in Italy, and for a good reason. Positano is situated on the Amalfi Coast and is, without a doubt, the most popular town there. Be prepared to pay a little extra here; the locals have seized the opportunity of the influx of tourism and are happy to take your money by charging much more than the rest of the country might. It's worth every penny to spend a day here. Grab some seafood risotto, take a dip in the salty waters along the rocky beaches, and don't leave without getting the perfect shot of the backdrop of the houses that hang over the dramatic Positano cliffs.
7 Pompeii
If you're a history buff, Pompeii is somewhat of a mandatory day trip. Only about 30 minutes north of Naples, Pompeii lies at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, giving it a dramatic backdrop. Pompeii remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world for Ancient Roman remains and is the largest preserved Ancient Roman town. It's worth hiring a guide, so you know what you're looking at while visiting Pompeii. You can either book one ahead of time on a popular site such as GetYourGuide or Viator, or you can simply take Trenitalia to Pompeii and find one right on the ground.
6 Rome
Rome wasn't built in a day, but it can surely be seen in one. Rome should absolutely be on every Italian itinerary. However, many travelers find they'd rather spend less time in Italy's capital and more time elsewhere. Rome is beautiful in its own right but is typically more expensive than other major cities and is congested with tourists, traffic, and locals. If you want to see Rome but don't want to foot the bill for an expensive hotel, a day trip from Naples is a perfect option. In just one short day in Rome, you can see most major sights, and with express trains only taking one hour each way, it won't put a huge crutch in your day.
5 Latina
Latina is in the Lazio region in Italy and is only about an hour and a half north of Naples, making it a perfect day trip. Why visit Latina, a town that's not super touristy with international visitors and that doesn't make every "must-see" Italy list? Well, that's exactly why! Go off the beaten path a little and explore a town that doesn't get as much love but deserves it just as much. Latina has some great beaches that won't be swamped with the likes of influencers in towns such as Positano. Take a boat tour with a local fisherman and eat lunch that you've just freshly caught. Many people will brag about having seen Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. Stand out from the crowd and be like, "Yeah, well, have you been to Latina?"
4 Salerno
Another beachy town closely situated in Naples is the vibrant oasis of Salerno. What makes Salerno a great option for a day trip is that it's reachable by express train from Naples. Unlike Positano, Sorrento, or, of course, any of the islands mentioned in this list, Salerno is an easy commute thanks to Italy's efficient Trenitalia. Getting there is a perk, but the real advantages of visiting Salerno lie in its jaw-dropping scenery, with sights such as Minerva's Garden, the ancient ruins of Castello di Arechi, and of course, visiting the town's cathedral.
3 Capri
One of the more popular day trips from Naples is a visit to the stunning island of Capri. Capri is truly a sight to be seen, and it's no wonder this tiny island has received such a high influx of visitors in recent years. The top activity to do in Capri is to visit the Grotta Azzura, or the blue grotto, a small cave in the sea that illuminates blue. Be weary that this will only be possible weather-permitting, so don't get your hopes up (or down) if it ends up not being possible in just a day trip. Blue Grotto aside, Capri has high luxury stores to fix your shopping needs, many bakeries and restaurants, and famously, a chair lift that goes over the entire island, offering views that are sure to take your breath away.
2 Caserta
Caserta is one of the less popular day trips from Naples for reasons that remain unclear. Home to one of the most stunning sights in all of Italy, the Palace of Caserta is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the largest royal residence on earth. It only takes about 45 minutes to reach Caserta from Naples, and once you arrive, you can choose to hire a guide in a group tour, book a private tour, or simply wander at your own leisure. Whatever you decide, be prepared to immerse yourself in Italian royalty.
1 Amalfi
By far, the most popular day trip from anywhere in Italy's south is a proper visit to the Amalfi Coast. However, did you know that Amalfi Coast represents 13 towns, but one of those towns is actually called Amalfi? Relax on the main beach in Amalfi, paired against the backdrop of the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Salerno. Skip the Aperol Spritz and sip on a Lemon Spritz, home to the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi is a laid-back, chill town that will surely have you leaving all of your worries back home where they rightfully belong.