Are you planning a road trip through Campania or looking to visit the highlights around the Gulf of Naples? Here, you’ll find our complete travel itinerary, our experiences from the journey, and plenty of tips for your road trip.
Contents Campania Road Trip
The decision to take a road trip through Campania happened somewhat by chance. Initially, we were only planning a city trip and had looked into various European cities. After comparing options, we quickly decided on Naples.
This was mainly because the prices for flights* and hotels* were the most favorable. Additionally, the climate played an important role, as we were traveling in April. We hoped the weather in Naples would be much better than, for example, in Edinburgh.
During our planning, we realized that the Campania region and the Gulf of Naples offer a wealth of spectacular and world-famous attractions and activities. These include the archaeological parks of Pompeii and Herculaneum*, Mount Vesuvius, the dreamy islands of Capri and Ischia, and the stunning Amalfi Coast. What started as a simple city trip had now transformed into a 14-day road trip by car.
Here is our road trip through Campania and around the Gulf of Naples.
Planning a Campania Rental Car Road Trip
Once it was decided that we would be traveling for 14 days, we moved on to the detailed planning of the entire trip. For all our road trips, we follow these five steps:
- Choosing the Route: We plan this ourselves
- Booking Flights: For this, we used Skyscanner*.
- Renting a Car: We booked through Sunnycars*.
- Selecting Accommodations: We used Booking* for our choices.
- Planning Activities and Attractions: We used GetYourGuide*, Viator*, and local providers for this.
Itinerary for a Campania Road Trip
During the planning process, we quickly realized that it wouldn’t be possible to see everything in just 14 days. So, we had to come up with a practical route, which meant skipping some top destinations. After much consideration, we decided on the following itinerary for our road trip with a rental car:
- Naples
- Pompeii
- Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius
- Amalfi Coast (Positano)
- Island of Ischia
- Pozzuoli
- Tips: Driving and Parking in Naples and Surroundings
As you can see, we decided against visiting Capri.
Note: It took us quite a while to plan a road trip that suited our individual preferences. Both Capri and the Amalfi Coast have significantly higher prices for hotels and accommodations. If, like us, you prefer to have a pool at your hotel, finding suitable options in these destinations can be quite challenging.
Tip: Due to the relatively high hotel costs on Capri and along the Amalfi Coast, we recommend booking a vacation rental in these regions instead.
Booking a Ferry to and from Ischia: What You Need to Know
As part of our rental car road trip, we decided to spend several days on Ischia. The island, located in the Gulf of Naples, is significantly larger than Capri. Since there’s so much to see and do on Ischia, we took our rental car with us to the island.
When researching a suitable car ferry, we found several providers. We chose the state-run ferry company Caremar, as it offered the cheapest option. Additionally, we discovered that ferry connections to and from Ischia are less expensive from the port of Pozzuoli compared to Naples. You can book your ferry tickets on Caremar’s website.
Important Notes for Booking the Ferry and What to Expect
Arranging the car ferry to Ischia turned out to be a bit more complicated than we had anticipated, leading us to call Caremar’s hotline at least 10 times. But don’t worry – everything worked out in the end.
1. Entering the License Plate When Booking
When booking the ferry, you are required to provide the car’s license plate number. The challenge here is that you won’t know the license plate of your rental car until you pick it up. However, you’ll need to book the ferry in advance, which means you won’t have this information at the time of booking.
Solution: Enter six zeros as placeholders in the “Targa” (Italian for license plate) field when booking the ferry.
2. Reporting the License Plate by Phone
Once you pick up your rental car at the airport, call CAREMAR’s hotline to provide the correct license plate number. You can reach the hotline at the following number: 081 18 96 66 90.
Tip: During our attempts to call, we were often automatically misdirected or the call didn’t go through. We had to redial several times, so don’t give up if you encounter issues reaching them.
3. Exchanging Online Tickets at the Port
Your online ticket alone won’t grant you access to the car ferry. You’ll need to exchange the online tickets for ferry tickets at the port. Just look for the small CAREMAR booths at the harbor.
Our Complete Campania Road Trip: Activities and Attractions
NAPLES
Day 1 – Naples
1. Arrival at Naples Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino)
2. Picking up the rental car at the airport
Note: The parking lot for rental car pickup is located about 700 meters from the airport. Free shuttle buses run frequently from the airport to the rental car area. If you prefer, you can also walk the 10 minutes to the rental area. For those in a hurry, taking a taxi is an option, but be prepared to pay at least 10 euros.
3. Hotel check-in in the historic district (Spaccanapoli)
Tip: We booked the Aparthotel Palazzo d’Auria* in Naples. The location is excellent, placing you right in the heart of the narrow streets of the historic old town.
Day 2 – Naples: Exploring the Most Popular Attractions
1. Cappella Sansevero* (Note: Closed on Tuesdays)
2. National Archaeological Museum of Naples* (Note: Closed on Tuesdays)
Note: These three attractions are very popular in Naples. Without advance booking, it is unlikely that a spontaneous visit will be possible. At the San Gennaro Catacombs in particular, we saw many travelers trying to purchase tickets at the entrance but with no success.
These travelers were only able to buy tickets for the following days, which can be especially frustrating. The 40-minute uphill walk from the old town to the San Gennaro Catacombs, located about 3 kilometers north, can be demanding. And since most visitors only spend a few days in Naples, not having an online ticket could mean missing this attraction altogether.
4. Santa Chiara and the Majolica Cloister
5. Strolling Through the Old Town: Spaccanapoli
6. Dinner at Piazza Bellini
Day 3 – Naples: Sightseeing, Attractions, and Shopping
1. Piazza del Plebiscito
Tip: Be sure to step inside the Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola, located on the square. Admission is free, and the interior of this church is remarkably reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome.
2. Castel Nuovo
3. Shopping on Via Toledo, Galleria Umberto, and Visiting Toledo Metro Station
Tip for Ice Cream Fans: Naples is home to three stores of the chocolate factory Gay-Odin. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of high-quality sweets and ice cream. We discovered the best pistachio ice cream we’ve ever tasted here. The flavor is called Pistacia Salato.
Three Things That Stood Out to Us in Naples, Unlike Any Other European City
1. Naples Is Obsessed with Football
It’s hard to find a single street in Naples without at least one flag of the local football club, SSC Napoli. Many streets are completely decorated in blue and white. You’ll often come across jerseys and images of Maradona as well. Even in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples*, which is dedicated to ancient history, there is a display case featuring an original Maradona jersey.
2. Naples and Its Garbage Problem
Naples clearly has a significant issue with waste management. We were surprised by the amount of trash on the streets, in parks, and practically everywhere. The scale of the garbage problem is immediately apparent to anyone visiting. It would be wonderful if the city administration could get this issue under control.
However, the further you move away from Naples, the cleaner it becomes. Around Mount Vesuvius, the problem persists to some extent, but by the time you reach Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, you can see a noticeable improvement.
3. Food in Naples
Everyone we spoke to raved about the fantastic food in Naples. During our stay, however, we did end up in at least one restaurant that could easily be described as a tourist trap.
We also had some disappointing experiences in the city’s tourist center. With so many options, it’s not always easy to find the legendary great food Naples is known for. That said, the street food was absolutely excellent.
POMPEII
Day 4 – Visit to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii
Tips for Visiting the Pompeii Excavations
We arrived at 9:00 a.m., and it was empty during the first two hours. It only started to get crowded around midday. We highly recommend visiting in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, we began our tour at the rear entrance* of the archaeological park. This allows you to skip the long lines at the main entrance. Furthermore, the rear section of the excavations is nearly deserted in the morning. Starting your visit here, you’ll begin at the impressive Amphitheater of Pompeii. We spent a total of 5 hours exploring the park.
We stayed overnight in a hotel in the town of Pompeii itself. This was advantageous as it allowed us to avoid Naples’ chaotic traffic for our next trips to Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum.
HERCULANEUM & MOUNT VESUVIUS
Day 5 – Excursions to the Herculaneum Excavation Site and Mount Vesuvius
1. Herculaneum Excavation Site
We visited the archaeological park of Herculaneum in the morning, spending about three hours exploring it. Like Pompeii, it was very quiet in the early hours. The excavation site of Herculaneum is much smaller than Pompeii, but the houses are exceptionally well-preserved. Tickets for Herculaneum can be booked here*.
2. Visiting Mount Vesuvius: Tips and Experiences
Online tickets for the parking lot at Mount Vesuvius sell out quickly, often days in advance. Additionally, the distance from the parking lot to the summit of Vesuvius is nearly 4 kilometers. The path is steeply uphill, requiring at least an hour of walking to reach the summit. Traffic conditions on the mountain can also quickly become a challenge.
Although we had originally planned to drive up ourselves, after thorough research, we decided to use a tour provider for our visit to Vesuvius. This allowed us to avoid any stress, as we relaxed on a bus ride up to the visitor center of Mount Vesuvius.
From the visitor center, it’s only about one and a half kilometers to the summit, which we reached after a 25-minute walk. Cars are not permitted on this path, so you can enjoy a peaceful hike through the national park while taking in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples. Tickets for a guided summit tour of Vesuvius can be booked here*.
Tip 1: Book a tour from Pompeii that takes you directly to the visitor center in Vesuvius National Park. You can book the tour here*.
Tip 2: If you miss the chance to purchase online tickets.
If no tickets for Vesuvius are available, you might still have luck finding a tour at the train station in Pompeii. There is a tour provider known for having last-minute tickets when everything else is sold out. However, they charge significantly higher prices. We needed a ticket and ended up paying three times the regular price.
Note for Vesuvius: There are no restrooms on Mount Vesuvius. There are also no bushes, trees, or other areas where visitors can privately address their needs. The infrastructure on the mountain is, unfortunately, quite disappointing.
Amalfi Coast – Positano
Days 6 and 7: Positano and the Amalfi Coast
Drive to the Amalfi Coast and Positano
The drive along this legendary coast is already a spectacular experience. The elevated coastal road offers stunning views of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
Along the way, you’ll find small parking bays where you can stop to admire the view. These spots often feature stalls selling regional products, including the famous Amalfi lemons, which are a must-try.
Explore Positano
Positano is one of the iconic postcard-perfect destinations of the Amalfi Coast. Dedicate a full day to exploring the town. Here, you’ll find a lovely beach, charming local shops, and excellent restaurants.
Boat Tour Along the Amalfi Coast and Capri
Take a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast and Capri*. This will provide you with the best views of the coastline and allow you to see the caves and cliffs of the legendary island of Capri.
ISLAND OF ISCHIA
Days 8 to 12: Exploring Ischia
The eighth day of our road trip began with the drive from Positano to the port of Pozzuoli. This route takes you all the way around the Gulf of Naples. From Pozzuoli, we took the car ferry to the island of Ischia.
Tip: The ferry makes a short stop at the picturesque port of Procida. Be sure to go up on deck to admire the colorful houses lining the harbor.
Check-In at Hotel Villa D’Orta
We highly recommend this hotel. The hotel staff is incredibly friendly and speaks German. Breakfast is excellent, featuring homemade bread, cakes, and regional specialties.
What stands out the most, however, is the panoramic view from the rooms and terraces overlooking the sea. With its location high on the hillside in Casamicciola Terme, Hotel Villa D’Orta offers unobstructed views of the Gulf of Naples. You can check out the hotel and book it here*.
Activities and Attractions on Ischia
Visit the Castello Aragonese
This medieval fortress is situated on a small island just off the town of Ischia. The island is easily accessible via the 300-meter-long Ponte Aragonese bridge. From the fortress, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the sea and the island of Ischia.
Bathe in the Thermal Springs of Baia di Sorgeto
Ischia is famous for its thermal springs and baths. The Bay of Baia di Sorgeto is a free, natural thermal spring located in the sea. We drove there by car, navigating some very narrow roads.
You can park at a restaurant lot above the springs. Since we visited during the off-season (April), there were plenty of parking spaces. During the high season, parking might be difficult, so taking a bus may be a more relaxed option.
We thoroughly enjoyed the thermal springs and highly recommend a visit to the bay.
Tip: In some areas of the springs, the water is almost boiling hot. Be cautious and test the temperature with your feet before immersing yourself.
Note: There are no restrooms in the bay. Before heading down the long staircase to the thermal springs, use the facilities at the restaurant above. The springs’ rocky floor consists of small, rounded stones that can be very slippery. If you have non-slip water shoes, be sure to bring them.
Wenn du in das warme Wasser der Quelle steigst, wirst du bemerken, dass der Untergrund aus größeren und kleineren kugelrunden Steinen besteht. Die Steine sind sehr rutschig. Sei also vorsichtig, wenn du dort hineinsteigst. Solltest du rutschfeste Wasserschuhe besitzen, dann nimm sie hier am besten mit.
Explore the Most Colorful and Picturesque Towns on Ischia
Our favorite towns on the island were Ischia Town, Forio, Lacco Ameno, and Casamicciola Terme.
Hike Mount Epomeo
Standing at 789 meters, Mount Epomeo is the highest mountain on Ischia. You can drive to the Miscillo Sapori parking area (paid parking) and then hike to the summit. The trail to the top took us about 30 minutes. While the hike can be a bit strenuous, the breathtaking views are absolutely worth it.
Tip: About 70 meters from the summit, you’ll find the restaurant La Grotta da Fiore. It features a lovely terrace offering stunning views. After the hike, it’s the perfect spot for a rewarding break. Even during the off-season, reservations are necessary as it’s very popular.
Phone number for Ristorante La Grotta da Fiore: +39 338 2146346
Note: The summit is shaped like a narrow spire and can only accommodate about 7 to 8 people at a time. The steep drop-offs made us feel a bit dizzy, but the view is incredible.
Horseback Riding on Ischia
Our horseback riding trip on Ischia was one of the most spectacular activities we’ve done on our travels. Aragona Arabians Horses Club is beautifully located in the island’s interior. Its staff members are very friendly, professional, and highly experienced.
Our ride took us through the wooded mountain landscape of Ischia. We ascended steep trails until we reached a high vantage point offering a stunning panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples.
Address of the Aragona Arabians Horses Club:
Via Cretaio, 22, 80077 Barano D’Ischia NA, Italy
Phone: +39 329 7444099
Website: aragonarabians.it
POZZUOLI
Day 13 – Pozzuoli
For our final night in Campania, we chose the town of Pozzuoli. The main reason for this decision was its excellent access to the A56 motorway, which leads directly to Naples Airport. The drive takes only about 20 minutes, allowing us to avoid the chaotic morning traffic in Naples and start our departure day stress-free.
Interestingly, we saw very few other tourists in Pozzuoli. This town seems to be overlooked by travel providers, despite offering some remarkable attractions. Among these, the most spectacular is the impressive Amphitheater of Pozzuoli.
With its three tiers, the amphitheater was built to accommodate 40,000 spectators. During the Roman era, it was the third-largest amphitheater in Italy. During our visit, we walked through the catacombs of this massive structure and explored the arena. Surrounding the area, you’ll find well-preserved statues, columns, and fragments of ancient buildings.
Remarkably, we were the only visitors at this historic site. The lack of tourists was evident, as the arena itself was filled with seagulls peacefully occupying the space, almost as if they had claimed the amphitheater as their own.
Day 14 – Return Journey
Tips and Advice for Driving In and Around Naples
As mentioned earlier, the rental car area is located about 700 meters outside the airport grounds.
Our Tip: Simply take the free shuttle bus to the car rental area.
Our Experiences Driving During Our Campania Road Trip
We frequently drive during our travels and are accustomed to the somewhat chaotic and aggressive traffic in our hometown of Berlin. However, driving in Naples and other parts of Campania proved to be quite the adventure.
The traffic seems to flow under the unspoken rule of “whoever gets there first has the right of way.” This often results in cars driving directly toward each other until just before a collision, when a last-minute decision is made about who gets to pass. This driving style gave us many moments of shock, a racing heartbeat, and even some exhaustion.
Even crossing at zebra crossings follows this rule. If you’re standing on the sidewalk waiting to cross, cars usually won’t stop for you. You have to take the first step onto the crossing, and only then will vehicles stop. This took some getting used to for us.
Driving in Naples’ Old Town
Our hotel was located in the very narrow streets of the old town, so we drove there directly after landing. Google Maps estimated the drive would take about 15 minutes. However, it took us 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The main issue was that navigation with Google Maps didn’t work well in the narrow streets. We made three wrong turns, and since these streets were one-way, each mistake required us to drive all the way around the outskirts of the old town, adding 20 minutes to our journey each time.
The streets themselves were extremely crowded with pedestrians, and they were so narrow that only one car could fit through at a time.
Tips for Driving in Naples and Where to Park
If your hotel is located in the old town, park your car in a parking garage. You won’t need your car for sightseeing in Naples*. Leave it in the garage during your stay. We paid about 30 euros per day for parking.
Tip: Choose a smaller rental car*. The streets and alleys in the region can be very narrow. This applies to Naples, towns along the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Ischia.
Conclusion: Campania Road Trip and the Gulf of Naples
The Campania region and the Gulf of Naples offer an incredible variety of experiences. In addition to the vibrant metropolis of Naples, the area is home to Pompeii* and Herculaneum*, two of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.
Dominating the Gulf of Naples is Mount Vesuvius*, a globally renowned and still potentially dangerous volcano. Finally, the islands of Capri, Ischia, and the Amalfi Coast are true dream destinations.
Because of the abundance of possible excursions and attractions*, we intentionally planned several days on Ischia. We spent four days relaxing there, enjoying the island’s cuisine and landscapes.
The challenge of this road trip is that it’s impossible to see everything—at least not without rushing. However, the impressions you’ll take away from this journey are truly fantastic and incredibly diverse.
Campania Road Trip and Gulf of Naples Travel Guide:
The Best Providers for Your Vacation Bookings
Here we have compiled the most exciting excursions and our favorite providers for travel bookings. It’s important to us that the booking platforms offer fair prices, high quality, and excellent customer service.
Our Top Excursions and Activities in the Bavarian Alps
Booking.com* is our top choice for accommodations thanks to fast and flexible service, a huge selection, and affordable prices.
Get Your Guide* is our first choice for high-quality tours and activities during travels.
Viator* also offers tours. If we don’t find what we’re looking for on Get Your Guide, Viator often has great alternatives.
Skyscanner* is our number one choice for finding cheap flights.
Sixt* is our go-to for rental cars. The provider often convinces with good discount offers.
The DKB Visa Credit Card* is what we use as a payment method during our travels.
Images of the Campania Road Trip and Gulf of Naples
Frequently Asked Questions About the Campania Road Trip and Gulf of Naples
We visited the Gulf of Naples in April and experienced cool and rainy weather. Temperatures ranged between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. According to locals, this cooler weather was rather unusual. Based on our experience, we would recommend visiting the region between May and the end of October.
A classic Neapolitan souvenir is the Cornicello. This talisman is believed to protect against the evil eye and bad luck. You’ll see the Cornicello at many street corners in Naples. It resembles a small red chili pepper.
Both islands are stunning, though Capri is smaller and more exclusive. When searching for accommodations, we quickly discovered that we could get much better value for our money on Ischia. Conversely, this essentially means that Capri is more expensive.
