When we were planning our most recent trip to Italy focused along the Bay of Naples, the big question on our minds was: where should we stay?
The destinations we wanted to visit included Naples, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, Pompei and Sorrento, but because switching accommodations every few days is one of our biggest travel pet peeves, we only wanted to have one destination as our base and take day trips from there. Switching hotels means packing and unpacking, hauling your luggage on and off trains, and navigating new cities with bags in tow, so we wanted to keep that to a minimum and focus on exploring instead.
In the end, we chose to stay in Pompei for several reasons – initially, we thought we would only come here on a day trip – but I’m so glad we decided to spend a full week here instead.
Here’s what made us choose Pompei and what we feel were some of the advantages of this location:
Visiting Pompei soon? Here are your travel essentials! 🇮🇹
Top Pompei Tours 🏛️
Pompeii Small Group Tour with an Archaeologist – choose between 2 hours in the Pompeii ruins OR 3 hours in the Pompeii ruins plus Villa of the Mysteries known for its frescoes!
Top Pompei Hotels 🛏️
Hotel del Sole – right in front of the Pompeii archeological site!
B&B Pompei Olympus – a small but elegant B&B close to the ruins
Nolana ’86 – hotel with terrace and amazing views
Centrally located and shorter commutes
First things first, let’s talk about Pompei’s location. Out of all the places we wanted to visit, this was the most centrally located destination on the itinerary with Herculaneum, Vesuvius and Naples to the north, and Sorrento to the south. Being the halfway point meant we had much shorter distances to travel.
Here’s a quick breakdown of travel times from Pompei to:
- Sorrento – 30 minutes
- Herculaneum (Ercolano Scavi) – 17 minutes
- Naples – 35 minutes
Cheaper than other destinations
When we were initially researching accommodations, we were looking at both Sorrento and Naples, but we weren’t really sold on either of them.
Sorrento marks the start of the Amalfi Coast, so we found the prices there to be significantly higher for an entire apartment in a central location.
As for Naples, the prices were a bit more reasonable, but we weren’t sure about booking a solid week in such a chaotic and densely populated city.
This is why we ended up looking at properties in Pompei, and once we saw that they offered more bang for our buck, we were sold!
In the end, we rented a house on AirBnB for only $43 a night (during low season) and it was:
- a 5-minute walk to the main train station,
- a 10-minute walk to the centre of Pompei,
- and a 15-minute walk to the ruins of Pompeii.
Small town feel with plenty of restaurants
Once we arrived in Pompei, we were very pleased to discover that it was a small yet charming city. We found it very walkable, there was a beautiful central square flanked by a cathedral and lots of palm trees, and there was no shortage of restaurants.
Since we’re the kind of travellers who enjoy walking and eating all day long, this suited us pretty well.
We may have even found the best pizza outside of Naples at a place called Pizzeria Alleria, which we proceeded to revisit over and over again for the duration of our visit.
Lots of stations to get you places
Another thing we loved about Pompei is that it was very well connected by train. We made use of 3 different train stations during our stay:
- Pompei Central – operated by TrenItalia and offering connections across Italy
- Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri – located close to the ruins of Pompeii
- Pompei Circumvesuviana – located directly behind the cathedral
Whenever we hopped on the Circumvesuviana line, we only had to pay 2,00 – 2,80 Euros depending on where we were going.
Just one piece of advice, be aware that on some maps these stations only appear listed as “Pompei”, so make sure you know which station your train departs from. Otherwise, you could end up at the wrong place like we did!
Many day-trippers but few overnighters
One thing we noticed during our week-long stay in Pompei is that the city gets a lot of day visitors, but very few people stay overnight.
The crowds in Pompei swelled during the day – mostly around the ruins of Pompeii since not many people seemed to wander into the modern city – but the numbers dropped drastically by late afternoon. If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, this can be a great thing!
Easy access to the ruins of Pompeii
Last but not least, one of the great benefits of staying in modern Pompei is easy access to the ruins of Pompeii!
That means you don’t have to feel rushed visiting on a day trip or half-day trip, plus you can arrive outside of peak hours to experience the archaeological site with smaller crowds.
We arrived at the park shortly after it opened and there were areas where we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves, however, things got busier as the day progressed. So keep that in mind – early morning or late afternoon visits.
Did we make the right choice?
Absolutely!
Having visited all of the different towns and cities on our itinerary, we were very happy with our choice.
We really enjoyed getting to see Naples, Sorrento, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius, but it felt good to come back to Pompei at the end of the day.
Overall, this destination offered great value, excellent connections to some of the major tourist attractions along the Bay of Naples, and the city’s laidback vibe suited our travel style perfectly.
Logistics & Tips for Using Pompei as Your Bay-of-Naples Base
Once you’ve settled on modern Pompei as “home,” a little planning goes a long way. It will keep your day-tripping smooth and your pizza intake maximised. Below are the nuts-and-bolts details we wish we’d known before arrival. Plus, a few caveats to help you decide if another hub might suit your style better.
Understanding the Three Local Rail Systems
| Line | Colour on Maps | Destinations | Frequency | Ticket Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circumvesuviana | Orange | Naples, Herculaneum, Sorrento | Every 30 min | €2.00–€2.80 |
| Trenitalia Regionale | Blue | Naples Centrale, Salerno | Hourly | €2.90–€4.70 |
| Campania Express | Red | Fast tourist train to Sorrento via Herculaneum & Naples | 4 × daily (Mar–Oct) | €8.00 |
*One-way adult fares. Buy in station kiosks; contactless payment still hit-or-miss.
Platform pointer: Pompei’s three stations are spread over a 1 km radius. Double-check the departure board—“Pompei (Trenitalia)” and “Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri (Circumvesuviana)” often appear as a single dot on Google Maps.
Skip-the-Line Tricks for Pompeii Ruins
- Buy the 3-Site Pass (€22) online; it covers Pompeii, Oplontis and Boscoreale within 3 days, and has its own fast entrance queue at Piazza Anfiteatro (quieter than Porta Marina).
- Wednesday mornings see the lowest coach numbers; cruise excursions pile in Tue/Thu/Sat.
- Bring photo ID for your free locker token—large bags (≥ 30 × 30 × 15 cm) are not allowed inside.
Foodie Favourites Within a 10-Minute Stroll
| Craving | Go Here | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso & sfogliatella | Gran Caffè Santos (Via Roma) | Baristas remember your name by day two. |
| Neapolitan pizza | Pizzeria Alleria | Wood-fired pies from €5; try the smoked provola + friarelli. |
| Aperol spritz al fresco | Caffetteria Dolce Arte on the square | Free cicchetti with every drink 17:00–19:00. |
| Dessert run | De Vivo Pasticceria | Fiocco di neve brioche oozing ricotta cream—don’t ask for calories. |
Where to Base Yourself (and why)
| Micro-Area | Why It Helps | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Near Piazza Bartolo Longo (cathedral square) | Flat, walkable core with cafés, gelato, evening passeggiata; 8–12 minutes to all stations. | First-timers who want “small-town Italy” without sacrificing trains. |
| Pompei Scavi / Villa dei Misteri side | Closest to the main park entrances; handy if you’ll dip into the ruins on multiple mornings. | History fans, families with strollers, early risers. |
| Pompei Centrale corridor (Via Roma / Via Lepanto) | Easiest for Trenitalia to Naples/Salerno; quiet residential blocks with lower prices. | Budget travellers, longer stays. |
Two Smart Ways to Structure Your Week
Option A: The Classic Hub-and-Spoke (least transit juggling)
| Day | Base | Focus | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Pompei | Slow morning in the modern town + Pompeii ruins (late afternoon light is dreamy) | Enter at Piazza Anfiteatro gate for thinner crowds. |
| Tue | Pompei | Herculaneum + evening Naples street-food stroll | Herculaneum is compact—pair it with Spaccanapoli tapas. |
| Wed | Pompei | Vesuvius crater + winery lunch | Book the crater bus on arrival; bring windproof layer. |
| Thu | Pompei | Sorrento day (marina, lemon grove, gelato) | Campania Express = seated and air-conned. |
| Fri | Pompei | Pompeii ruins, Part II (Villas & far corners) | Hit Villa of the Mysteries near closing for quiet fresco time. |
| Sat | Pompei | Naples museums or Paestum temples (if you’re feeling ambitious) | Paestum pairs with buffalo-mozzarella tasting—heaven. |
| Sun | Pompei | Market ramble, cathedral mass, pizza marathon | Locals dress up; pack a light scarf. |
Option B: Early Birds & Blue Hour Chasers (crowd-dodging pros)
| Window | Where | Why It Works | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30–10:30 | Ruins (Pompeii or Herculaneum) | Cool temps, slanted light, emptier corridors | Bring a tiny headlamp for dark rooms. |
| 11:00–15:30 | Long lunch + siesta in Pompei | Midday heat & tour buses peak; you won’t miss much | De Vivo pasticceria for a post-siesta pick-me-up. |
| 16:00–sunset | Vesuvius road viewpoints or back into the park | Golden hour on bricks and frescoes | A foldable hat lives in my daypack for this slot. |
Ticket & Entrance Know-How (saves time and sanity)
- Pompeii “3-Sites” ticket: covers Pompeii + Oplontis (Torre Annunziata) + Boscoreale in 3 days. Great value if you’re staying in Pompei and want more ruins with fewer people.
- Entrances:
- Piazza Anfiteatro (near town): calmest security line and locker area.
- Porta Marina (by Scavi station): busiest with tour coaches.
- Piazza Esedra: a good Plan B if crowds swell at Porta Marina.
- Lockers: large bags aren’t allowed. Bring photo ID to borrow a free locker token.
- Audio/guide: if you’ll visit twice, hire a live guide once, then return with a map to linger at your favourite domus.
Pocket Checklist (what actually earns a spot in your day bag)
| Item | Why It Helps | Use It When |
|---|---|---|
| 1L water bottle (refillable) | Dehydration sneaks up in the ruins | Top up at on-site fountains. |
| Sun gear (hat, sunscreen, light scarf) | Shade is rare | High walls ≠ cool breeze. |
| Small bills/coins | Espresso, WC donations, bus kiosks | Not every kiosk takes cards. |
| Phone battery | You’ll take 400 photos (minimum) | Offline map + audioguide drain fast. |
| Thin socks | Sandals get dusty; socks save feet | Villa of the Mysteries stretch. |
| Headlamp / phone torch | Explore frescoed rooms gently | Keep beams low; don’t blind others. |
| Light jacket | Vesuvius can be windy year-round | Even in August! |
Quick Compare: Stay in Pompei vs Naples vs Sorrento
| Base | Pros | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Pompei | Central to everything, lower prices, quiet nights, multiple stations | Fewer late-night options; you’ll transfer for Capri/Amalfi. |
| Naples | Big-city food scene, museums, ferries | Longest daily commute to Sorrento and the ruins; busy energy 24/7. |
| Sorrento | Cliff views, Capri boats, polished vibe | Highest accommodation prices; crowds in peak months. |
If your heart is set on Capri and Amalfi ferries every day, base in Sorrento. If your list reads “ruins, volcano, pizza, sleep”, Pompei wins.
Three Perfect Day Trips from Pompei (timed to real trains)
1) Herculaneum + Naples Street Food
| Time | Move | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi | Sit near doors; quick exit = head start. |
| 09:00–11:30 | Explore Herculaneum | Cooler, more intact than Pompeii; read the boat houses plaques. |
| 11:45 | Train to Napoli Garibaldi | Keep your ticket handy for barriers. |
| 12:15–16:00 | Spaccanapoli: pizza fritta, sfogliatelle, cloister of Santa Chiara | Walk slow; the surprises are vertical as much as street-level. |
| 16:30 | Train home to Pompei | Aperitivo hour awaits. |
2) Vesuvius Crater + Winery Lunch
| Time | Move | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 08:50 | Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi | Most shuttle buses leave from the square outside. |
| 09:30 | Vesuvius shuttle to ticket hut | Book crater slots online in peak months. |
| 10:15–11:30 | Short hike around the rim | A windbreaker earns its space. |
| 12:30–14:30 | Lacryma Christi winery lunch | Call ahead for vineyard tours. |
| 15:00 | Train back to Pompei | Nap, then gelato. |
3) Sorrento & Positano Peek (without car drama)
| Time | Move | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 09:05 | Campania Express to Sorrento | Reserved seats + AC = worth it in summer. |
| 09:45–12:00 | Marina Grande wander + lemon grove tasting | Watch boat schedules if you’re ferrying. |
| 12:15 | Ferry to Positano (Apr–Oct) | Worst seas mid-afternoon; morning is calmer. |
| 14:30 | Beach time + cliff cafés | Sun hat + water—shade is scarce. |
| 16:15 | Bus back to Sorrento | Blue SITA buses are frequent; buy return ticket in advance. |
| 18:00 | Train to Pompei | Pizza takeaway? Always yes. |
Budgeting a Week in Pompei (ballpark ranges)
| Category | Save | Sweet Spot | Treat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (2 ppl) | €45–€60/night apartment near Centrale | €70–€110 near the square or Scavi | €140+ boutique with terrace views |
| Dining (per person/day) | €15–€25 (pizza + espresso + gelato) | €30–€45 (add aperitivo & pastry) | €60–€90 (seafood, wine, dessert) |
| Transport (day trip) | €4–€8 round-trip train | €12–€18 with Campania Express | €30–€40 ferry add-ons |
| Tickets | €16 Pompeii; €22 3-sites pass | €11–€14 Herculaneum | €11 Vesuvius shuttle + crater entry |
Exchange rates wobble; these are for trip-shaping, not accounting class.
When to Come (and what changes)
| Season | Feels Like | What to Expect | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar–Apr | Mild; green hills; fewer crowds | Occasional showers; blossoms everywhere | Light rain shell; layers. |
| May–Jun | Sunny, busy but not bonkers | Ferry schedules robust; longer museum hours | Sun hoody; hat; electrolytes. |
| Jul–Aug | Hot & crowded mid-day | Do sunrise/sunset ruins; siesta hard | Cooling towel; early tickets. |
| Sep–Oct | Golden light; warm seas | Grape harvests; fewer day-trippers | Light sweater for evenings. |
| Nov–Feb | Cool, quiet | Some ferries reduce; ruins open | Warm jacket; flexible plans. |
Common Mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Mixing up stations. Solution: save all three in your map favorites and check the line symbol on your ticket.
- Trying to “do” Pompeii in 3 hours. Let yourself split it across two mornings. Your feet—and brain—will thank you.
- Arriving hungry. Snack selection inside is limited; tuck a panino from Pompei into your bag.
- Chasing Capri from Pompei. It’s possible but clunky (train + ferry). If Capri is your non-negotiable, spend one night in Sorrento at the end.
- Early shutdown: Outside the main square, restaurants close by 22:30. Night owls might prefer Naples for late-hour trattorie.
- Sparse supermarkets: Two mid-size Conad markets serve the centre; stock up before Sunday when shelves thin out.
- Limited bus links: If you plan Capri, Amalfi, or Paestum day trips, you’ll transfer via Sorrento or Salerno—extra time that might be a deal-breaker.
I did a day trip to Pompeii from Naples early February ’17 and everything was dead empty, I was actually quite happy to return to buzzing Napoli later that day 🙂
Ahhh, I felt the complete opposite. After a buzzing day in Napoli, I was so relieved to return to a quieter place in Pompei, but that being said, big cities are not really my thing. 😉
I’d skip the ruins and just eat those fresh mozzarella balls all day!
Haha, the food at this place was so good! We just kept going back for more. 😋
I went on a day trip to Pompeii when I went on a coach holiday to Rome a few years ago, it was so amazing and I wish I’d had more time to really explore, we were only there for about 2 hours!
We spoke to a couple when we were in Sorrento who said they were staying near Pompeii and I would definitely choose to stay there if/when I go back!
I didn’t make it to Pompeii on my last trip to Italy, but I definitely want to next time. I split my time in big cites and smaller towns and it was really, really nice to get out of the hustle of a big town and I found that in a lot of the smaller towns, they might get busy during the day, but the nights are pretty blissful. It definitely allows for a different look at cities that are mostly just visited for a few hours.
Hello. I was very pleased to find your piece as we are looking at doing a similar thing in a week or so. We are looking at accommodation in Pompei and will be arriving by train or bus. Is everywhere close and walkable or should we look at a particular area best for public transport connections. Where was your AirBNB located? Thanks. Helen
Hi Helen, the city of Pompei is fairly compact so it’s easy to get around on foot. I’d recommend choosing accommodations in the vicinity of Piazza Bartolo Longo or one of its surrounding side streets. That’s the main square in town with lots of restaurant options, plus you can easily walk to the ruins. My AirBnB was located behind the train station, which meant I had to cross an overpass – still walkable in terms of sightseeing, but you’d want to take a taxi if you have luggage.
Hi! Loved your video…would you suggest just walking around by yourself in Pompeii and ruins, or doing a tour. What is the cost difference?
Thanks!
I was in Pompeii and I liked it very much. I didn’t think it would make such a big impression on me.
Joined a group tour of Pompei. Lots of tours at the same time, made for tricky maneuvers while exploring the ruins. The tour guides are very competitive trying to make their group the first ones through. It was rushed, only hitting highlights of Pompei. Wish we could have spent more time there.
Thank you for this! We just booked a trip in March, (COVID willing) and it was my idea to stay in Pompeii. Out hotel looks out over the site and I was actually just beginning to think maybe I made a poor choice. But I will feel better now. I’m not a huge fan of huge cities and I really just want to see the dig sites and such in the area. Do you have any tips for getting from Naples Airport to Pompeii or from the City of Pompeii to Herculaneum? Thank you!
What a great read Audrey! We’re also planning a trip and have decided to base ourselves in Pompeii .. again I’m wondering about transport .. to Vesuvius and from Naples airport to Pompeii?
Did you visit Positano or Amalfi? Is it doable to stay in Pompeii and do day trip to Amalfi area? I too do not like changing hotel, prefer a base to come back to nightly.