One of the Italian ports of call on a Mediterranean cruise is Naples, the capital of the Campania region of Italy. When you disembark in the Naples cruise port, you’ll see it’s full of charm, fascinating history, delicious Southern Italian cuisine, and scenery that doesn’t disappoint, from the beauty of the nearby Amalfi Coast to its hillsides crowded with lemon trees and olive groves.
What is the port of Naples called?
In the port area of Molo Beverello, ferries and hydrofoils travel between Naples and Capri, Ischia, Sorrento, and other cities.
How far is the cruise port from Naples?
The Naples port is located in the south area of the city. Once you leave the cruise terminal, there’s a passenger walkway that leads you to the Piazza del Plebiscito in the centro storico (city center).
Getting to the center of Naples on foot from the cruise terminal takes about 10 minutes. Walking is one of the easiest ways to begin exploring this amazing city, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How do I travel from the Naples cruise port to Sorrento?
Naples has one of the most well-connected ferry ports on the western Italian coast, making it one of the best port cities in Europe. The Naples port and ferry docks are located in the same place, so it’s easy to visit Sorrento on a ferry that departs from the Molo Beverello pier.
The ferry takes you across the Bay of Naples on a 40-minute ride to Sorrento. It departs multiple times a day during the busy travel season that runs from April through October, and on weekdays only from November through March.
Once you dock in Sorrento, you’ll have the option to climb up the steep stairs from the port to the road or take one of the many buses and taxis available at the port that will transport you uphill.
You can also take a commuter train to Sorrento. Travel to the train station via taxi from the cruise terminal or catch the Alibus, which is available at the cruise port and will stop at the Stazione Centrale (train station).
Purchase your ticket with cash, then proceed to the Circumvesuviana, a local commuter train line that circles Mount Vesuvius. The train to Sorrento is accessible from the Portolano platform, also called the Portolano Station.
How do I get from the Naples cruise port to Pompeii?
The ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried under the ash of the Mount Vesuvius volcanic eruption in 79 A.D., is one of the most visited archeological excavations in all of Europe.
Only 15 miles away from the Naples cruise port, Pompeii is unlike other historical and cultural sites that are close to the Bay of Naples because it can only be reached by land. On a shore excursion, you’ll be escorted to this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site without having to worry about logistics or getting back to the ship in time.
You can also reach Pompeii from the port by train. Take the Alibus outside the cruise terminal to get to the Circumvesuviana at the Central Station. Purchase your ticket and board the metro commuter-style train at the Portolano platform heading towards Pompeii Scavi. The train will leave you across the street from the main entrance to the Pompeii archeological site.
How do I get from the Naples cruise port to Capri?
You can also take a hydrofoil that departs from the Molo Beverello pier, or a ferry that departs from Calata di Massa, which is a 10-minute walk from the cruise port.
On the hydrofoil, it takes about 40 minutes to get to Capri, while the ferry takes about 80 minutes.
What is there to do in Naples on a cruise?
There are dozens of exciting things to do and see on a Naples cruise. As the third-largest city in Italy, it’s a place of mystery and history that spans back beyond ancient Greece and the Roman Empire era.
Here are some of the things to do in Naples during a port of call.
Tour the San Gennaro Catacombs
Take a guided tour of the San Gennaro Catacombs, near the Basilica dell’Incoronata in the northern part of the city. This two-level underground marvel of tunnels and passageways is lined with more than 3,000 graves and crypts that date back thousands of years and provides insight into the history of Naples.
See the Ruins of Herculaneum
The ruins of Herculaneum are considered a better preserved site than its sister attraction, Pompeii. Farther away from Mount Vesuvius, but destroyed by its 79 A.D. eruption nonetheless, Herculaneum has wooden structures, frames, and roofing that are still intact. Be amazed at the preserved frescoes of Villa of the Papyri and House of Argus.
Shop for Nativity figurines
Nativity scenes called presepi are ubiquitous all over Italy in December, but in Naples they’re more elaborate and mainly crafted in terracotta. Year-round, you’ll find multiple shops and studios on Via San Gregorio Armeno that sell not only the Nativity figures, but all manner of figurines.
Visit Santa Chiara Monastery
Marvel at the majolica tiles made in Capodimonte workshops that adorn the multiple octagonal columns that surround this cloister of the Monastery of Santa Chiara, which was founded in 1310. Inside, you’ll find a presepio (Nativity scene) set within a Roman ruin.
Stroll through Santa Lucia
Just west of the Piazza del Plebiscito is Santa Lucia, a neighborhood that offers a glimpse into everyday Neapolitan life. Wander through the streets lined with bakeries, artisan workshops, small cafes, family-owned restaurants, and daily wash hung overhead.
Try the Pizza on Via dei Tribunali
Neapolitans agree that the best pizza is found on Via dei Tribunali, a street in the centro storico (old historic) section of Naples. Whether you stand in line at Sorbillo, Il Figlio del Presidente, or Di Matteo, “Pizza Alley” is the place to sample the city’s most famous culinary creation.
Hike in Mount Vesuvius National Park
Once your bus or shuttle drops you off at the ticket counter of the park, hike the narrow path that leads to the edge of the Mount Vesuvius crater, “Il Gran Cono,” or the great cone. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Sample Local Wines
There are a number of small vineyards on the slopes leading up to Mount Vesuvius. Find out how local wines are made as you make your way along the wine route. Sample Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, “the tears of Christ,” one of the most famous wines of the region.
Soak in Ischia Island’s Thermal Hot Springs
The thermal hot springs of Ischia, a volcanic island at the southern edge of the Bay of Naples, are famous for their healing powers for centuries. Boat over to the island on a unique shore excursion that offers a chance to unwind in the lush floral gardens of Poseidon Thermal Gardens. Choose from 20 different thermal pools to dip into, then unwind in the sun on one of the best beaches in Naples, Italy.
Book a Cruise to Naples
Ready to book a cruise to the beguiling city of Naples and the gorgeous Amalfi Coast? Browse itineraries, then book your stateroom, flights, and shore excursions online or call one of our vacation specialists.
