My husband and I will be taking HS train from Florence to Naples on 4/30 later afternoon departure or 5/1 early am departure.
Thinking about staying 1 night in Naples to see National Arch Museum only & on to AMC next day. Is Naples worth 1 night stay or just go straight to AMC? If yes would it be better to stop on the way back to Naples? Pompeii?? We love to hike/walk, experience local culture/food, scenery. We are fine to stay in busy and quiet towns. We like to see/do the most we can when traveling & relax in the evening. Going to the beaches aren't a priority. All forums I've read said don't rent a car for more freedom. We don't mind having 2 or 3 different main bases.
Capri
Sorrento
Postiano
Amalfi
Ravello
Vietri sul Mare
Also hike the path of Gods
Open to any recommendations of adding towns, how many nights at base towns One thought was taking ferry Naples to Capri, Capri to Sorrento and end in Salerno to take train back to Naples. Our flight leaves Florence on 5/12 early morning.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
You'd better check what's open and what's running on May 1st.
Crowds will be huge between April 17, April 25 and May 1, but you have skipped the worst days.
Many high speed Trains departing from Salerno make a stop in Florence, you don't have to change trains in Naples if you don't want to.
Posted by
Indianapolis
201 posts
Before Covid we would spend two weeks in Naples every September. It's certainly worth a visit.
Posted by
4978 posts
I would split the time among Naples, one village on the Amalfi coast, and one island. There is a ton to see in Naples, certainly give it at least one day.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
I spent 3 days in Naples and never got bored. If you are near the train station or a metro station, it's a good base to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum on the Circumvesuviani train (metro) from Napoli Centrale station.
Salerno is a good base for the AC and it's connected to the north by fast trains. It has a well-preserved historic center and some good restaurants and bars. It's got a large sandy beach and a lovely seaside promenade. The scenic part of the AC really begins just west of Salerno to Positano. You can take the bus or ferry to all the towns. Vietri sul Mare is very close to Salerno. Take the bus, the ferry doesn't stop there. You can also day trip by train or bus to Paestum for the Greek temples and the archaeology museum.
Sorrento is also a good base for Pompeii and Herculaneum on the Circumvesuviani, though both are closer to Naples. It's also convenient for the ferry to Capri.
Minori has the best pastries in Italy at Sal de Riso. I'm told their gelati are also excellent, but after a pastry to-die-for . . . .
Prices in Sorrento are less than the AC towns, but more than Salerno.