5 Things to Do Near Pompeii

Just over 20 kilometres from beautiful Naples lies Pompeii, the Roman city petrified under the lava of Vesuvius. Its strategic geographical location makes it just one of the stops you can make along a route through this beautiful part of Italy.

If you've already done your homework by booking your excursion to Pompeii and Naples from Rome and have time to plan how to continue exploring the area, take note of the must-sees near Pompeii and even consider hiring a private guided tour of Pompeii. If, on the other hand, you prefer to explore freely, you can book your ticket to Pompeii and go at your own pace.

It is undoubtedly the feared protagonist of Pompeii's history. When it erupted almost 2,000 years ago, it buried the city (and many of its citizens). You have several options for getting there, depending on whether you are travelling from Naples or Rome. Here are the main ones:

• Excursion to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Rome.
• Excursion to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Naples.

If you have been visiting Pompeii, you can get from there to Vesuvius by bus for less than £3. Once there, if you have enough time and energy, I highly recommend climbing the volcano. You will see the crater in all its splendour and get the best views of Pompeii and its surroundings.

If you want to make the most of your visit, don't hesitate to book a hiking excursion on Mount Vesuvius from Pompeii, or you can also enjoy a unique experience by booking a horseback ride on Mount Vesuvius with transport from Pompeii.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Pompeii, Herculaneum was another city that fell victim to the lava of Vesuvius. If you want to get there comfortably, you have several options from Naples:

• Excursion to Herculaneum from Naples.
• Excursion to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius from Naples.

Once there, you will see several temples, remains of the thermal baths... In general, it can be said that this city is even better preserved than Pompeii, as some buildings have managed to preserve their two storeys. In fact, the height of some of the columns that remain standing is truly incredible.

You will also see mosaics and remains of a city that, in its day, was home to inhabitants who had even greater purchasing power than those of Pompeii. Completing your trip with a private guided tour of Pompeii is a great option, as it is less touristy and the visit is very authentic. This short documentary gives you a taste of what to expect.

Naples is chaotic, it is the heart of traditional Italy, the cradle of Italian cuisine and love for family and "mamma". Its sea views, its exceptional bay, its mild climate practically all year round and its exquisite pizzas make it one of the most visited cities in Italy. If you are in Rome, I recommend booking an excursion to Naples and Pompeii or even a three-day excursion to Naples along with other cities such as Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento to enjoy all its charms.

And, of course, if you have gone to Pompeii specifically, do not hesitate to visit Naples. It is just over 20 kilometres away and can be reached by train in about 40 minutes. You can't miss this opportunity.

Once there, book a tour of Naples and visit all the must-see sights: the incredible Piazza del Plebiscito and the famous Galleria Umberto I. And don't hesitate to lose yourself in the streets of the Quartiere Spagnolo and the Spaccanapoli area to discover the true essence of Naples.

Bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, idyllic Capri is a colourful little island full of life that will allow you to experience la Bella Vita in all its splendour. Its famous blue grotto and the Faraglioni rock will keep your camera busy every second. So don't hesitate, book an excursion. Here are some suggestions:

• Excursion to Capri from Rome.
• Excursion to Capri and the Blue Grotto from Rome.
• Three-day excursion to Capri, Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento.
• Excursion to Capri from Naples.
• Excursion to Capri and Pompeii from Naples.

Once there, don't miss the town square for an aperitif under the last rays of the sun. You'll feel like a real Italian film star. The luxurious atmosphere is straight out of a film. And during the day, take the opportunity to go for a boat trip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. An ideal way to forget about the outside world: Capri is a dream and you won't want to wake up!

Bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea and in the heart of the Gulf of Sorrento, south of Naples, lies the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Praiano and Ravello are just some of the wonders this coast has to offer.

Colourful houses, terraces with sea views, charming villages... A holiday on the Amalfi Coast is the quintessence of Italian life: here, time stands still and it seems as if everyone is on holiday. With an Aperol in hand, enjoy a delicious pasta with clams and take a dip every morning while admiring the colourful cliffs.

If you are staying in Rome or Naples, there are several options for getting there:

• Excursion to the Amalfi Coast from Rome.
• Excursion to the Amalfi Coast from Naples.

And if you are in Pompeii, you can book an excursion to Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento and Ravello from Pompeii.