Itineraries for Your Trip to Pompeii
3 Days in Pompeii for Families
For families who want to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the bustling city of Naples, and the heady coastlines of the Sorrentine Peninsula or islands, the area surrounding the famous archaeological park is an ideal place to stay. There is a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations and restaurants to choose from, easy connections from Sorrento to Naples via the Circumvesuviana train, and quiet beaches for kid-friendly breaks.
Our family has loved visiting southern Italy since our children were toddlers, and the Pompeii area sits at the heart of our favorite stretch of Campania between the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Create three days of family-focused fun in and around Pompeii with my tried-and-true tips.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a kid-friendly tour of Pompeii with a guide.
Pompeii’s soaring summer temps and relentless sun are tough on young travelers, so time activities and touring for the cooler morning hours.
Check off the headliner with a few hours exploring Pompeii. Book a specialized, family-friendly guide who can make the Roman ruins engaging for youngsters. If you have a budding archaeologist on your hands, visit the nearby ruins of Herculaneum today.
Spend the afternoon hiking Mount Vesuvius. Drive or take a bus to the trailhead, then follow the scenic footpath for the 30-minute walk up to the crater’s edge for views across the Bay of Naples. Younger tots may find the trail too challenging, so opt for a beach break at the nearby Castellamare di Stabia or Torre Annunziata instead.
Give your kids a taste of contemporary Italy in the vibrant city of Naples. Join a family-friendly walking tour through the centro storico old town to admire Piazza del Plebescito, the Duomo, and Spaccanapoli. Refuel with gelato and reward young tourists with Neapolitan pizza. Alternatively, opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Leave the city heat and crowds behind and set sail on a boat tour through the Bay of Naples. Pack swimsuits and towels for a refreshing swim break along the route. Many tours drop anchor near the Posillipo coastline and Castel dell’Ovo fortress.
Utilize nearby ferry ports of Naples and Castellamare di Stabia by hopping on a morning ferry to Sorrento. This family-friendly seaside resort beckons with a relatively flat old town, lush parks, and kid-friendly beaches. Stay there or explore the hills on a farm tour with pizza- and cheese-making activities.
You could also visit an island in the Bay of Naples by ferry. Choose Capri for older kids who can walk the island’s steep streets and scenic trails. Ischia is a great for families with young children. Sandy beaches and well-equipped resort towns with budget-friendly dining and shopping ring the area.
