7 best day trips from Sorrento

Day trips compared

The day trips

15 km · About 20–25 minutes by fast ferry

1.Capri

Capri's funicular climbs from Marina Grande to the Piazzetta, from where paths lead to the Gardens of Augustus, Villa Jovis and the Faraglioni viewpoints. Anacapri has the chairlift up Monte Solaro. The Blue Grotto boat trips run only in calm seas.

Getting there

Ferry or hydrofoil from Marina Piccola

Best for

First-timers, Couples, Luxury

25 km · About 30 minutes by train

2.Pompeii

The Roman city buried by Vesuvius in AD 79 has streets, houses, baths, theatres and frescoed villas over a huge site. Allow at least four hours, carry water and start early to avoid the midday heat.

Getting there

Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri

Best for

First-timers, Culture, Families

40 km · About 50 minutes by train

3.Herculaneum

Smaller and better preserved than Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried under deep volcanic material that preserved wooden beams, upper floors and mosaics. It can be seen in two to three hours.

Getting there

Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi

Best for

Culture, Families, Quiet stays

17 km · About 45–60 minutes by bus

4.Positano

Positano's pastel houses tumble down to the pebble beach of Spiaggia Grande, with steep lanes of boutiques and ceramic shops. Arriving by boat avoids the long walk down from the bus stops.

Getting there

SITA bus from Sorrento station, or seasonal ferry

Best for

Couples, First-timers, Shopping, Beach

35 km · About 1.5 hours by bus or ferry

5.Amalfi and Ravello

Amalfi has the striped cathedral of Sant'Andrea and the paper museum, while Ravello, a bus ride above it, has the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity.

Getting there

SITA bus or seasonal ferry to Amalfi, then bus to Ravello

Best for

Couples, Culture

50 km · About 40 minutes by ferry or 70 by train

6.Naples

Naples has the National Archaeological Museum with treasures from Pompeii, the Veiled Christ in the Cappella Sansevero, Spaccanapoli's lanes and the city that invented pizza.

Getting there

Ferry from Marina Piccola or the Circumvesuviana

Best for

Culture, Food lovers

40 km · About 1.5 hours by train and shuttle

7.Mount Vesuvius

A path climbs from the car park to the rim of Vesuvius's crater, about 30 minutes up, with views over the Bay of Naples. It pairs well with Herculaneum on the same day.

Getting there

Circumvesuviana to Ercolano or Pompei, then a shuttle bus

Best for

Families, First-timers

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Trains get very crowded in summer; keep bags in front of you and board at Sorrento, the first stop, for a seat.
• Sit on the right-hand side towards Positano for sea views, and expect queues and standing room in summer.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask