Summary
Italy’s Amalfi Coast has long been a popular and romantic destination. Its dramatic coastline, clear sea, and moderate climate have attracted visitors since Roman times. From the Amalfi Coast, there are several easy day trips to top sights.
Where to Stay on the Amalfi Peninsula
If you plan to spend most of your time exploring the Amalfi Coast towns and the island of Capri, the towns of Positano or Amalfi make a good base. From Positano, you can visit other towns by bus or ferries that leave from its port for the islands and the town of Sorrento or consider a guided day trip. Built on the face of a cliff, Positano is one of the most picturesque and luxurious towns on the coast, while Amalfi is a charming historical resort town built on the slopes of the cliffs.
Since Amalfi Coast roads are narrow and windy, traveling by bus or car can be slow. Therefore, if you want to take more day trips, consider staying in Sorrento on the other side of the Peninsula. Sorrento is a charming town that’s well connected by public transportation and offers a wider range of hotel options.
Transportation and Where to Stay
Ferries run between Sorrento and Amalfi or Positano, making for a lovely day trip that lets you enjoy both parts of the peninsula while viewing it from the sea.
Top Day Trips from Amalfi Coast or Sorrento
- Visit Sorrento if you’re staying on the Amalfi Coast or visit the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento
- Island of Capri
- Pompeii Excavations
- Naples
- Mount Vesuvius Volcano
- Island of Ischia and Thermal Spas
Island of Capri
Visiting the enchanting island of Capri is a highlight of an Amalfi Coast holiday. A favorite with Roman emperors, the rich and famous, artists, and writers, it’s still one of the Mediterranean’s must-see places.
What to See and Do on the Island of Capri
Visitors arrive at Marina Grande, where there is a funicular to take you up the hill to Capri, the island’s main town. You can also catch a boat from Marina Grande to visit the famous Blue Grotto. To get to Anacapri, the highest town on the island, take a bus or taxi. Villa San Michele, in Anacapri, features beautiful gardens with spectacular views. Nice beaches can be found all around the island.
Transportation to Capri
The island of Capri can easily be reached by frequent ferries and hydrofoils from Sorrento and less frequent ferries from Positano and Amalfi. However, note that in winter, fewer ferries are scheduled, and ferries are usually canceled in bad weather. Therefore, check the schedules at the port as website information might not always be up to date.
Pompeii Excavations
The excavations of the Roman city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of Italy’s most popular ancient Roman sites. The archaeological site is vast, warranting at least half a day of exploration. There are dining options available in the modern town of Pompei, where the excavations are based.
Transportation to Pompeii from Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast
From Sorrento, the excavations can be easily reached on the Circumvesuviana train line, with frequent trains heading to Pompei Scavi (excavations) and taking about half an hour. If you have time for another site, consider visiting Ercalano Scavi (Herculaneum), which is about 17 minutes farther down the rail line.
From Positano or Amalfi, the trip is longer as you will first need to take a bus to either Sorrento or Salerno and then take a regular train to Pompei Scavi, which is about a 45-minute train trip.
Naples
What to See on a Day Trip to Naples
While you may not have time for all of these attractions, here are the top choices for a day in Naples:
- Naples Historic Center, which includes Santa Chiara Monastery, the street of nativity workshops, underground Naples, and the cathedral.
- Castel Nuovo, which houses the Civic Museum (closed Sundays) featuring 14th- and 15th-century frescoes and artworks.
- Naples National Archaeology Museum
Transportation to Naples from Sorrento or Amalfi Coast
From Sorrento, you can easily reach Naples on the Circumvesuviana train line, which takes a little over an hour. The train will take you to Napoli Porta Nolana, a pleasant area of the city. You may also opt for a ferry from Sorrento to Naples if you prefer a scenic boat ride.
Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius, the iconic volcano above the Bay of Naples, is part of the National Park of Vesuvius, which is open to visitors. From the parking area and ticket office, the walk to the summit of the crater takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes uphill on a rocky trail. Along the way, there are stunning views of Naples. For more details, check the Mount Vesuvius Visitor Information.
Transportation from Sorrento
From Sorrento, take the Circumvesuviana train to the Pompeii-Villa dei Misteri stop. Bus service by Busvia del Vesuvio is available from the station in Pompeii. Be sure to check the train schedule on the Circumvesuviana website.
Island of Ischia and Thermal Spas
The island of Ischia is renowned for its thermal pools with healing waters and health spas. The water from the natural hot springs, heated by volcanic activity, is believed to be among the most radioactive in Europe and is beneficial for various health treatments, including rheumatism.
Ferries to Ischia from Sorrento and Amalfi Coast
Although Ischia is further than Capri, it is less frequented by tourists, making it an ideal getaway if you are okay with a longer boat ride. You can take a ferry to Capri, then transfer to an Ischia ferry. From Sorrento, Positano, or Amalfi, there are typically one or two morning ferries daily that continue to Ischia after stopping at Capri and return in the afternoon. Again, be cautious as schedules on websites are not always current, so check at the port.
