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Italy · Campania

Naples and Pompeii travel guide

Pizza, Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii

The Bay of Naples and Vesuvius. Photo: Richard Nevell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 30mflight from London
NAPnearest main airport
26° in Augwarmest month
7° in Jancoolest month

Naples is loud, chaotic and full of life, and it's the birthplace of pizza. The old centre is a UNESCO site of churches, catacombs and narrow streets strung with washing.

It's also the base for Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Roman towns buried by Vesuvius, and for ferries to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

Good forFoodHistoryRuinsIslands

What Naples is known for

  • Pizza

    The Neapolitan original, soft and blistered, from a wood oven.

  • Pompeii

    A Roman town frozen in time by the eruption of AD 79.

  • Vesuvius

    The volcano you can hike to the crater rim.

  • Street life

    Markets, shrines and scooters in the old centre.

Top things to do in Naples and Pompeii

  1. 1

    Pompeii

    A whole Roman city of streets, houses and frescoes. Allow at least half a day and bring water.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Herculaneum

    Smaller and better preserved than Pompeii, with wooden beams still in place.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Mount Vesuvius

    A short hike to the crater rim, with views over the Bay of Naples.

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  4. 4

    The National Archaeological Museum

    Treasures from Pompeii, including mosaics and statues.

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  5. 5

    Spaccanapoli and the old centre

    The street that splits old Naples, lined with churches and pizzerias.

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  6. 6

    Capri

    A ferry to the island for the Blue Grotto, cliffs and chic cafés.

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See all tours and tickets in Naples

Where to stay in Naples and Pompeii

Find a hotel in Naples

Best time to visit Naples and Pompeii

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. April, May, September and October: warm, sunny and good for ruins without the summer heat.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
7.2 C7°J7.6 C8°F10 C10°M13.3 C13°A17.5 C18°M22.5 C22°J25.5 C26°J25.7 C26°A21.1 C21°S17.1 C17°O12.6 C13°N8.5 C8°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Naples and Pompeii, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 30m from London to NAP, and flights from most UK airports.

The Circumvesuviana train runs from Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Sorrento. Ferries go to Capri, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast.

Find flights to Naples (NAP)

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Good to know

  • Watch your bags on the Circumvesuviana train and around the station.
  • Pizza is cheap: a margherita at a classic pizzeria costs a few euros.
  • Bring sun protection and water for Pompeii: there's little shade.
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Naples and Pompeii FAQ

Is Naples safe for tourists?

Generally yes. Petty theft is the main issue, so keep valuables hidden and use licensed taxis.

Should I see Pompeii or Herculaneum?

Pompeii for its scale, Herculaneum for its detail. With two days, do both.

More places in Italy

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