Pompeii is a must-see for any tourist visiting Naples, and conquering the ruins is a unique and unforgettable experience. And with Naples international airport just 30 kilometers away, accessing the archaeological site is quite easy.
Part of the ruins can be reached on foot using the Naples metro. The Circumvesuviana Circle line provides the closest drop off, and the closest station to the ruins is “Pompei-Scavi” with the Campo de’ Fiori bus service connecting the station with the ruins.
For a hassle-free experience, tourists can use a private driver to get them to and from the ruins. Travel time to Pompeii is usually one hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Many local companies offer excursions to Pompeii as well. Most packages include gate entrance tickets, transportation, a professional guide and, occasionally, lunch. Group tours usually start around 8 a.m. and usually last the whole day.
Using a car is also a popular option, with the benefit of being able to go explore further than the ruins. The driving route from Naples to Pompeii is quite straightforward, and the trip should take approximately half an hour. Visitors should be aware that parking near the ruins is limited, sometimes busy and can be expensive too.
Reaching Pompeii from Naples is also possible by boat. Boat trips to the ruins usually include stops at other places of interest, like Herculaneum and Castel Nuovo, as well as a seafood lunch, making it a great option for budget travelers and those looking for a cultural experience. An added bonus of traveling by boat is being able to access rarely-visited areas from the docks in Pompeii.
Things to Know Before you Go
Certain areas of the ruins are not accessible during the summer months due to overheating of the ancient stone buildings, so it is important to plan in advance when planning a visit. Furthermore, the best time to visit the site is either in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is more bearable and crowds smaller.
Tourists should always wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water as you could be walking for hours. The site is very large and even with the help of a guide and a map, it can be confusing to navigate. To make the most of their visit, tourists should consider a guided tour.
Enjoy a Relaxing Evening in Pompeii.
Pompeii offers visitors a spectacular opportunity to both admire the homes and public places of the ancients, but also to get a feel for the city’s lively atmosphere. The archaeological site is open until 7pm during summer months, giving visitors time to explore under the stars.
At the end of the day, tourists can grab some dinner at one of the retail booths located in the ruins and take the time to relax and take in the unique atmosphere. Foodies looking for a more traditional experience can visit restaurants located nearby the ruins, such as the Tale e Tempeste Pizzeria.
Take Time to Explore
Visitors should take their time to explore every corner of the ruins. From the northern slope of Vesuvius to the Roman Forum or to the Samnite Houses up on the hills, there is plenty to discover in each corner. Skipping the audioguide and venturing off the main pathway can enhance the experience and lead to discover quaint little streets, luxurious houses and hidden frescoes.
Pompeii is one of world’s most well-known archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the ruins is a great opportunity to learn about history, get insight into a lost civilization and bring your imagination alive.
Bring Home a Souvenir
Pompeii also provides numerous souvenir and gift shops, ranging from copies of ancient artifacts to key rings and t-shirts. Tourists can find replicas of the Gladiator’s tombstones, which was depicted in the 2000 film, as well as original artifacts from the archaeological site.
For the book lover, Pompeii has an extensive collection of books dedicated to its history, from information about the excavation to handbooks about the ancient city. Tourists can also buy reproduction ancient coins, tiny vases and figurines.
Visit the Amphitheatre
No trip to Pompeii is complete without visiting the ancient Amphitheatre. Built in the 1st century BC, the theater was capable of hosting up to 20,000 spectators, who watched the gladiatorial fights and shows up on the stage. The theater was reconstructed in the 19th century, and it is still in use today.
The theater is one of the most breathtaking sites in the city and visitors can admire the still-standing walls, the semi-circular chorus, the awning of the seating tiers and the stage. Also, visitors should pay attention to the details in the wall’s decorations.
Explore the Tombs
Surrounding the ruins of Pompeii are numerous tombs, constructed by the Samnite and Etruscan people who lived in the area. While visiting Pompeii, tourists should take some time to explore the shadowy tombs that scatter the countryside around the city.
Most of the tombs were built between the 3rd century BC and the 4th century AD. These monuments are of great archaeological value and also provide insight into the funerary customs of the Samnite and Etruscan civilizations. Visitors should also pay attention to the details and decorations adorning the tombs.
Admire the Mosaics
One of the most stunning elements of Pompeii are the impressive mosaics that adorn the city’s floors. Incredibly detailed illustrations, intricate geometric patterns and vivid figures were created using fragments of colored stones, shells and clay chips to form a unique image.
The most famous mosaics from Pompeii can be found in the Villa of the Mysteries and the House of the Vetti, both located halfway between the ancient city and the modern town. Other notable mosaics are found in the House of the Small Fountains in the Regio VIII district and in the House of Cicero.
Visit the Museum
The Pompeii Archaeological Park also hosts the Antiquarium, a museum that was first built in 1875. The museum’s collection shows the evolution of the city, showcasing the changes of the landscape and its architecture over time.
Tourists can find a wide selection of exhibits, including displays of artwork and furniture from the 1st century BC to 79 AD. From mummified remains to sculptures and wall-paintings, the museum provides an overview of the life and culture of the ancient settlement.
