5 budget daytrips from Naples for backpackers

Where to go on a budget from Pompeii to the Amalfi coast

Naples is the gateway to southern Italy and the perfect place to explore Italy’s archaeological treasures and romantic islands. From the enchanting ruins of Pompeii to the Amalfi coast, the history of this area is just incredible.

Italy's third largest city is a gritty, energetic place to visit. But when Naples gets a bit much, here are some amazing day trips to help you get away from it all.

Pompeii

Image by Cristiano Medeiros Dalbem (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Naples is a convenient base from which to visit Pompeii. The ruined city is one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. Frozen in time after Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, the Roman landmark is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the Italy's most popular tourist attractions.

It costs 11 Euros to enter Pompeii, but you'll get better value if you buy a 5 Sites Pass - Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabiae, and Boscoreale. This allows you to visit the five sites covered by the pass over 3 days for only 20 Euros.

Also, if you visit Pompeii on the first Sunday of every month, then entry is free!

Sorrento

Image by Ronel Reyes (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Sorrento has been the playground of the international rich for centuries, but you don't need bundles of cash to stay overnight. Many budget travellers make Sorrento their base for exploring the Amalfi coast and nearby islands.

Booking a hostel is one way you can offset your costs. You can stay in this beautiful corner of the world for 20 Euros per night if you book in advance.

Capri

Image by vgm8383 (Flickr/Creative Commons)

With its celebrity shops and stylish wine bars, Capri has a luxury reputation, but you don't have to break the bank to stay there. From relaxing on the beach to exploring the legendary blue grotto, everything can be done on a budget.

You can reach Capri's summit via the automated chairlift running from Anacapri. But if the €10 return ticket is too expensive, then you can reach the summit on foot in an hour.

Likewise, you can save even more money by staying in a hostel.

Ischia

Image by Jonathan Melhuish (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Capri's volcanic neighbour is best known for its health spa tourism. With its thermal springs and sea views, the island gets far less visitors than Capri. It's therefore much cheaper to visit too. The romantic island is dominated by Monte Epomeo, a dormant volcano, and is covered in pine forests. Explore its Roman ruins and enjoy the views of the medieval Aragonese Castle.

Pozzuoli

Image by Ferdinando Marfella (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Only 15 minutes by train from Naples, the city is home to one of the world's best preserved Roman amphitheatres and is also famous for its fish market. Overall, it's much cheaper and less touristic than Pompeii or Herculaneum. If you want to save money and avoid the crowds, then Pozzuoli is the budget daytrip from Naples for you.

*Header image by Alpha 350 (Flicker/Creative Commons)