Naples & the Amalfi Coast
Pizza's birthplace, Pompeii's ruins, and the most dramatic coastline in the Mediterranean.
Overview
Naples is chaotic, loud, beautiful, and completely unlike anywhere else in Italy. It's the gateway to Pompeii (45 min by Circumvesuviana train), the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri. The city itself has magnificent Baroque churches, a UNESCO-listed historic centre, and the best pizza on earth. Ships dock at the Stazione Marittima, right in the heart of the city.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Language
- Italian (English spoken in tourist areas)
- Climate
- Mediterranean. Hot, sunny summers. Mild winters.
- Best Months
- April–June, September–October
- Pier to Town
- The cruise terminal is in the city centre — Piazza Municipio is a 5-min walk.
DIY Port Logistics: "From Pier to Town"
The first 30 minutes can make or break your port day. Use this quick plan to exit the terminal fast and avoid overpriced transport mistakes.
- Is it walkable?
- Yes for central Naples streets; Pompeii, Sorrento, and Amalfi transfers require rail or road transport.
- Water taxi or cheap local shuttle?
- Use metro or commuter rail for best-value independent moves, especially toward Pompeii routes.
- Expected taxi rate to the main beach
- Expect about €15-30 each way for central city transfers and more for station-to-site combinations.
- Are ride-shares legally permitted at the pier?
- Ride-share is available but busy around cruise terminals. Licensed taxis at marked stands are often faster.
Top Beaches
Capri (via ferry)
45 min hydrofoil from Naples port. The Faraglioni rock stacks, Blue Grotto, and Marina Piccola beach make Capri one of the most magical places in Italy.
Positano Beach
The iconic Amalfi Coast town. Small pebble beach but the setting is jaw-dropping. 1.5 hrs by bus from Sorrento.
Ischia
A volcanic island 45 min from Naples with thermal spa beaches. Quieter and more authentic than Capri.
Must Eat
Neapolitan Pizza
The original. Soft, charred crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele has a 2-hour queue for a reason.
Sfogliatella
Shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta and citrus. Warm, flaky, intensely good from any bar near the port.
Fried Pizza (Pizza Fritta)
Deep-fried pizza dough stuffed with ricotta and salami — the original street food of Naples. From €2 at roadside fryers.
💡 DIY Tip
The Circumvesuviana commuter train from Naples Porta Nolana station (15 min walk from pier) to Pompeii costs €3.20 each way. Combined with €18 Pompeii entry, you get one of the world's great archaeological sites for €25 round trip.
🚢 Ship Excursion Verdict
Pompeii by train is cheaper and easier than any ship tour. Book a ship excursion for Amalfi Coast drives (narrow, terrifying roads are better with a driver) or private Capri boat trips. Avoid large bus tours on the Amalfi — the roads don't suit them.