My first time in Europe, we drove around Italy and Spain. For us, that was the best way for our family to get to know all the cities in the shortest amount of time. We discovered Naples our first trip to Italy. On our first day of exploring we went south of Rome and our intention was to make it to Pompeii. One of the most common questions I get asked when planning a trip to Italy for clients is if Naples is worth it. Every city has something to offer in its own way, but in my opinion Naples is just another crowded Italian city. However, Naples is a great starting point for some of the most beautiful spots in Italy. When arriving by ship to Naples you have plenty of options, you can either visit Pompeii, the Amalfi coast or Capri. No matter which one you chose you’re winning.
We decided to visit Pompeii. I believe that Pompeii is a place that everyone needs to visit once in their life. For those that don’t know, Pompeii was an ancient Roman city located in modern day Naples. In A.D. 79 Mt. Vesuvius erupted therefore, the city of Pompeii was buried under several feet of ash. The city remained frozen in time until its discovery in 1748.
Walking through the cobblestone streets of Pompeii, you are able to feel as if you’re living among the Romans in the ancient times. Everything has been preserved from bath houses to forums, to individual homes to even a brothel. You can see the city as it once stood before it was destroyed by the volcano. There was something so fascinating to be part of history that way. In a way Americans can’t relate to because compared to these countries we are young. Pompeii can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours so I would be sure to have ample time when discovering this ancient city.
I’ve been back to Naples several times since I’ve already been to Pompeii my next choice is the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast keeps itching its way to my favorite place in the world. Driving through the windy streets out of Naples, you pass through 3 separate cities ate once.
Your first stop is Sorrento, a coastal town in southwestern Italy, that is famous for its sweeping cliffside views. The town of Sorrento is very picturesque and best known for its Limoncello. Sorrento tends to be the busiest of the 3 main towns because it’s the first one and people usually stop here before they keep on going to the other ones because of time constraints.
Your next stop is Positano, which has become one of the more famous stops. Positano is a cliffside village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It is best known for its pebble beach front and its narrow streets lined with cafes. Positano is considered to be the most expensive of the 3 being the only one that gives you access to the beach. There are plenty of spots to eat and shop along the Amalfi coast.
Now is on to the grand finale, Amalfi, which is a town in the southwest point of Italy. Here is where I would suggest for you to grab something to eat in a restaurant and to do any souvenir shopping since it’s the cheapest. It is also your last stop on the tour of the Amalfi coast. One of the prettiest sights in the world that I have had the pleasure of seeing. I never get tired of driving through the Amalfi coast, no matter how many times I see it, it always seems to surprise me.
My best advice is if you only have 1 day to do the Amalfi coast I would rent a car and driver, they will take you all over and to the best places. If you want to eat like the locals eat on the Amalfi coast you won’t be disappointed. It also prevents you from getting motion sickness. The roads on the Amalfi coast are narrow and very windy keep in mind you are driving on the edge of a cliff. But it is definitely a must see for your stop in Naples.