We are a group of three (two well-traveled 50-somethings from the US and our 24 yo daughter presently living in Palermo) traveling to Italy in mid-September 2025. Part of our two-week trip will include 5 nights in the Naples area (20th to 25th) with a flight out of Naples for the parents.

We are presently planning the 5 nights and have not yet decided on the split. The base plan includes 3 nights on the AC and 2 nights in Naples to end it. The 3 nights in AC would probably be central (e.g., Amalfi itself) to be able to see several sites. However, we're not opposed to all 5 nights in Naples with day trips to AC from Naples. Pompeii/Vesuvius/Herculanium are must sees, either as day trips from Naples or during the transfer from AC to Naples.

All of our transportation will be public (trains, buses, ferries).

Curious to see people's thoughts on the best way to use those 5 nights. Or perhaps not best way as it's all subjective, but the preferred way you have done or would do it.

TIA

Personally, I don't think day trips from Naples to the Amalfi Coast work well. And I wouldn't want to try Pompeii/Vesuvious/Herculaneum on the way there. Those sties are, IME, best visited as a day trip from Naples -- a LONG day trip. YMMV.

There's a LOT to see in Naples; whether 2 nights there is enough for you depends on your interests.

Are you flying both into and out of Naples? If you're coming from Palermo, how...? Plane, train, perhaps ferry? If ferry, see if there is an overnight ferry from Palermo to Salerno for your date. After the early arrival in Salerno, ferry, bus or taxi to Amalfi. After the AC nights, ferry to Naples. Unless your flight out of Naples is late in the day, you'll likely want/need to spend the previous night in Naples.

You have 4 full days and mention 5 places/things you want to visit/see... Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, "Amalfi Coast." No mention of Capri. I think you need to make some difficult choices as to your priorities. What you want to see/do on the AC. How much of Pompeii and/or Herculaneum you want to see, or perhaps see only one but in more depth. The importance of going to Vesuvius. What few things you'd want to see in Naples in the limited time left... (FYI, the archeology museum in Naples is closed on Tuesdays.) You'll need to carefully plan each day with a good understanding of the travel times and options between sights.

I went to this area in October 2024, traveling solo and dependent on public transportation. I had four nights on the AC (staying in Minori) and 4 nights in Naples. I wish I had more time in Naples than I had given it - which I had to scale back due to muscular pain I experienced from hiking (i.e. stair walking) in the AC as well as the frequent up/down in Pompeii.

In September, plan for crowds everywhere. Buses will be crowded, ferries will be crowded, tourist areas will be crowded - and that means Amalfi will be extremely crowded. Day trip or not (which I agree - a D/T to the AC from Naples would not be...pleasant). Sometimes if the weather is bad (especially if it is windy), ferry service is suspended which makes the buses on the AC ridiculously packed.

For Vesuvius - what are your plans for it? Do you want to "see" the mountain? Or go "on" the mountain? You can see that darn thing just by being in proximity of the area. Theoretically, you can do both Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day - but I would not plan for this as an "on the way" from the AC unless you plan a transfer with a driver and can leave very early. I did both in one day, btw (from Naples). And while I enjoyed my day - I was weary towards the end as it was an extremely long day and there is so much to take in. I think my head is still swirling!

As mentioned, I wish I had more time in Naples - there is a lot to see there. But if archeological artifacts are an interest, the Naples Archaeological Museum is worth the time - much of the artifacts and artwork from Pompeii were transferred there.

For the Amalfi Coast, it's more convenient to be based on the coast itself, rather than daytripping from Naples. We spent a few nights in the town of Amalfi two years ago, it does get busy but it's convenient as the transport hub. Atrani is quieter, 10 minutes away.

We spent 4 days each in Atrani and Naples end April 2022. Atrani was a little gem, a calm
oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the AC. Walking distance to Amalfi and it’s various transport options.

Lots to see and do in Naples, a gritty city, but we loved it. Day tripping to AC from Naples would make for an extremely long day IMO.

Thanks for all of the quick and useful replies. I managed to squeeze in one more night for a rotal of 6, so now we could do 3 nights AC and 3 nights Naples with no need to squeeze Pompeii in on the trip between them.

To answer some other questions and comments.
- We are arriving from Rome by train, etc This is the end of a 2 5 week trip. We are flying out of Naples and our daughter is going her own way.
- We are using other research from other sites and guide books, so this info is added to that. I always like the personal experience feedback from FF. We will definitely be deciding on the top attractions based on all of this research.
- For Vesuvius, we planned on hiking up it for the views of the Bay of Naples. Is this not worth it in your opinions?
- Capri is definitely on the list of possibilities. Hadn't decided whether to try it from AC or Naples yet. Opinions? I read about a high-speed ferry from Naples that sounded promising.

Thanks, and keep it coming.

I didn't go TO Vesuvius. I found the views OF Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples from Castel Sant''Elmo (in Naples) absolutely breathtaking.

ANUJ and geetika, Atrani looks interesting! Any accommodation recommendations? So far we have seen a few promising apartments.

Seems we were posting at the same time -- I hope you see my post about views!

paulg, we had an Airbnb in Atrani, right on the main toad. Beautiful apartment with stunning views, plus a minuscule balcony!

Our host Luca was super nice, he has several apartments in the area. You can call/whatsapp him directly to see what he has available.

Luca, G&G Apartments
+39 339 2211709

Yes, I did, thank you! We'll consider this in our planning.

Thank you!

I visited the AC last summer. Didn't stay in Naples, but Capri for 2 nights, Amalfi for another 2 nights and Positano for 1 night, before heading to Rome. I would recommend spending 2-3 nights in the AC and the rest in Naples, as day trips will be too tiring.

Vesuvius... It's been 30+ years since we climbed Mt. Vesuvius, and in 30+ years I haven't suggested or recommended it to anyone. But I admit I don't know any volcano enthusiasts who would have different priorities than me. On that trip, we were staying in Massa Lubrense which was more than an hour from the entrance/trailhead. We were warned but still didn't anticipate how hot it would be. The volcanic rock trails retain a LOT of heat. I did know to wear trainers I didn't care about, and I threw them away afterward. Just too dusty for me to have in my suitcase for another week or two. Take water, wear a hat, use sunscreen and visit the toilets before you start.

One of my favorite views in this area, although not of the Bay of Naples, is from the top of Mt. Solaro on Capri. Take the chair lift from Anacapri. Another favorite view is from the terrace restaurant/bar of the Bellevue Syrene Hotel in Sorrento where once-upon-a-time we could afford to stay.

Ferry to Capri from...? The ferry rides from Naples and Amalfi are twice as long as those from Sorrento and Positano. If you're only going to Capri for a day, that extra hour+ on a boat can make a big difference. FYI, if it's windy/rainy and the seas are rough, ferries can be cancelled.

In September the Ravello Music Festival is going on, and a lovely day or two on the AC could include visits to Ravello, with its gardens and incredible views. it's up in the hills, easily accessible by taxi/bus from Amalfi and elsewhere on the coast, with a concert in the early evening and a taxi back to wherever you're staying. We stay in Ravello when we are in the area, though we've also stayed in Amalfi and Positano. Atrani sounds like a good choice otherwise. There's are some lovely b&b's in Ravello in addition to the high-end hotels. I would check concert schedule if you decide to build that into trip.

Our last visit to AC and Sicily (this past April) included overnight in Naples, Santa Lucia area--walkable with great views of the Bay of Naples; B&B Orsini45 was perfect for us. Previously we stayed in Piazza Bellini area for its vicinity to the Archeological Museum.

It's hard to go wrong here and sounds like a great trip!

Thank you Jean. I have read about high speed hydrofoils from Naples taking under 50 min. Have you experienced these? I will do some more research.

Great information, annw! I'll definitely check it out. We booked our accommodation in Amalfi after looking both there and Atrani ... both were very appealing, though. We also booked a place in Naples in city central (there were sooo many reasonably priced choices all over), but with good cancelation policies we're still shopping around.

I second the recommendation for Ravello and it's music festival and gardens and views -- the best of the Amalfi Coast, IMO.