October 20th - 24th, 2017
We found some cheap flights and decided to take an extended weekend trip to the Naples area. Unfortunately, the flights took us into Rome, where we would catch a train and ride it down to Naples. With no opportunity to see Rome at all, we missed our train by 60 seconds, forcing us to take a later train. That train broke down, making us getting to Naples close to midnight with no more running public transportation.
I wouldn’t recommend actually spending time in Naples. There are a few nice parts, but a lot of crime and better things southeast of there. I would highly encourage anyone to stay in Sorrento and use that as your base. We stayed in a small village off the beaten path called Angri (would NOT recommend).
We visited the ancient city ruins of Pompei and even took a bus to the top of Mount Vesuvius, the very volcano that covered the city in lava and ash thousands of year ago and beautifully preserved so much of it. Although the fog was so thick at the top and we had no visibility, the volcano is gorgeous. It looms over the entire Napoli region and can be seen from all along the coast and the island of Capri.
Definitely spend time in Sorrento. Take the ferry to Capri and stay a few nights there. Capri has the really famous Blue Grotto and Faraglioni Rocks. Although it was October and freezing cold, we swam in the crystal clear waters around the island with scores of Italian coastal homes cascading down to the water.
The Amalfi Coast is truly other-worldly and one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever experienced. Positano was just a dream. Just soaking in the whole coast is worth it, but definitely also stop in Amalfi and Praiano (it was dark by the time we got there, but they are amazing).
My recommendations? Don’t go in July, August, or September. Transportation will be gridlocked and everything will cost a fortune. May or October are ideal. Do tons of research on transportation and accommodation, because you need to plan ahead and it’s not wise to wing it in this region like we did (and we FAILED). Spend most of your time in Sorrento, on Capri, and along the Amalfi coastal villages. Definitely take the bus up to Mount Vesuvius and check out Pompeii, but don’t stay around that area too long.
The Napoli region is one of my most favorite places that I’ve ever been. Definitely go and soak up every minute!
