Port Guide: Naples, Italy — Cruise Lowdown

Naples, one of Italy’s oldest cities, has a rich history dating back over 2,800 years. It is the capital of the Campania region and sits at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that famously erupted in AD 79, burying the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The city itself is known for its lively streets, historic squares, and pizza — Naples is the birthplace of pizza margherita. It also serves as a hub for exploring the stunning Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the island of Capri.

Port Area

The Port of Naples, known as Porto Napoli, serves as a central hub for cruise ships visiting the city. The main cruise terminal, Stazione Marittima, is conveniently located in downtown Naples, offering passengers easy access to the city’s attractions.

Facilities at Stazione Marittima:

Shopping: The terminal houses a shopping centre with over 50 shops, including souvenir shops and a pharmacy.
Dining: A food court within the terminal offers various eateries where passengers can enjoy local and international cuisine.
Services: Amenities include free Wi-Fi, ATMs, a post office, and tourist information desks.

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

Distance to Town: The port is about 15 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus to Naples’ city centre.

Accessibility

The terminal is equipped with accessible restrooms and other amenities to assist passengers with mobility challenges.
The city centre is accessible via a pedestrian walkway from the terminal. However, be aware that some areas may have cobblestones.
Accessible ferries are available for trips to nearby destinations such as Sorrento and Capri.
Wheelchair-accessible tours to sites like Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast can be arranged using adapted vehicles.
Naples offers barrier-free routes to major attractions, though some historic areas may present challenges due to cobblestones.
Accessible toilets are available throughout the city, often comprising single-user, unisex rooms with sufficient space for companions.

Things to Do in Naples and Surrounds

Pompeii: Take a day trip to this famous archaeological site, about a 30-minute drive from the port.
Vesuvius: Hike up Mount Vesuvius for views of Naples and the Bay of Naples.
Historic Centre of Naples: Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre with its vibrant streets, the Royal Palace, and the famous Spaccanapoli street.
Capri: Take a ferry from Naples to explore this (expensive) little island gem. Take the cable car from its highest point, Anacapri, for sensational views. (40 mins from Naples).

Visiting Pompeii independently

Visiting Pompeii independently from Naples is easy and cost-effective. Here’s how:

1️⃣ From Naples Cruise Port to Napoli Centrale:

Walk (~20 mins) or take a taxi (~€10–€15) to Napoli Centrale station.
Alternatively, use the Alibus shuttle from the port to the station (€5 one way).

2️⃣ Train to Pompeii:

From Napoli Centrale, take the Circumvesuviana train (Napoli–Sorrento line).
Stop: Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri (journey time: ~35 minutes).
Trains run every 20–30 minutes.
Ticket: ~€3.20 one way.

3️⃣ At Pompeii:

Entrance is opposite the train station.
Standard adult ticket: €18 (discounts available).
Open daily; allow 2–4 hours for a good visit.
Audio guides and guided tours available at the gate.

Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes—ruins are extensive and uneven.
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat in summer.
There’s a café and restrooms inside the site.
There are three main entrances/exits: Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro. The Porta Marina entrance is the most popular and located near the train station; Piazza Esedra is smaller and less crowded, located adjacent to Porta Marina. Piazza Anfiteatro is the closest entrance to modern Pompeii and the public bus stop to Mount Vesuvius, but is a 15 minute walk to/from the station.

Ferries from Naples

Here’s a guide to ferry travel from Naples to Capri, Sorrento, and Amalfi in 2025, including return fares, schedules, and booking instructions:

🚢 Naples ↔ Capri

Departure Ports: Molo Beverello (high-speed ferries) and Calata Porta di Massa (regular ferries).
Duration: Approximately 50–80 minutes.
One-Way Fares: €19.00–€28.50, depending on ferry type and operator.
Return Fares: Typically double the one-way fare; some operators may offer slight discounts for round-trip tickets.
Booking: Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Tickets can be purchased online via platforms like Ferryhopper or Capri.com.

🚤 Naples ↔ Sorrento

Departure Port: Molo Beverello.
Duration: Approximately 35–45 minutes.
One-Way Fares: €16.00–€18.50.
Return Fares: Generally double the one-way fare; round-trip tickets may offer slight savings.
Booking: Tickets can be booked online via Ferryhopper or Naples Bay Ferry.

⛴️ Naples ↔ AmalfI

Departure Port: Molo Beverello.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
One-Way Fares: €32.00–€36.00, depending on the operator.
Return Fares: Typically double the one-way fare; some operators may offer discounts for round-trip tickets.
Booking: Advance booking is advisable due to limited daily departures. Tickets are available on Ferryhopper.

Additional Tips:

Departure Ports: Ensure you arrive at the correct port—Molo Beverello is primarily for high-speed ferries, while Calata Porta di Massa serves regular ferries.
Seasonal Variations: Ferry schedules can vary by season and are subject to weather conditions. It’s recommended to check the latest schedules a few days before your planned travel.
Booking: During peak travel times, ferries can fill up quickly. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your desired departure times.

Getting Around Naples

Colourful buildings in Naples. Photo by Tom Podmore on Unsplash

Proximity to City Centre: The cruise terminal is approximately a 10-minute walk from Naples’ historic centre, allowing passengers to explore the city with ease.
Public Transport: Bus and tram stops are located directly in front of the terminal, providing convenient options for reaching various tourist spots.
Taxis: Licensed taxis are found at the cruise terminal’s exit.Taxis in Naples operate on a metered system, with fares starting at approximately €3.50. It’s advisable to ensure the meter is activated at the beginning of your journey to avoid discrepancies. Pre-Determined Rates for specific routes, such as a round trip from the cruise terminal to Herculaneum with a two-hour waiting period, are pre-fixed around €80.
Ferries: You can also take a hydrofoil from the Molo Beverello pier, or a ferry that departs from Calata di Massa, which is a 10-minute walk from the cruise port.

Water Taxis in Naples

Water taxis offer a luxurious and flexible alternative to ferries when travelling between Naples and destinations like Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. They provide personalised service, allowing you to set your own schedule and enjoy a more private experience. Here’s what you need to know:

🚤 Private Water Taxi ServiceS

1. Capri Summer Tour

Routes: Capri ↔ Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Nerano
Features: Private boat with skipper, customizable departure times, English-speaking captain
Capacity: Up to 7 passengers
Fare: Starting from €200 per boat (one way); prices vary based on route and options
Booking: Reserve online through Capri.com

2. Capitano Ago

Routes: Naples ↔ Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi
Features: Comfortable sea transfers to exclusive destinations
Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
Fare: Starting from €800 per boat (one way)
Booking: Book via Capitano Ago

3. Capri Boat Service

Routes: Naples ↔ Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast towns
Features: All-inclusive transfers with options for car + speedboat combinations
Availability: 24/7 service
Fare: Varies based on service; for example, private transfers from Naples to Capri start from €800 per boat
Booking: Arrange through Capri Boat Service

💡 Tips for Booking

Advance Reservations: Especially during peak seasons, it’s advisable to book your water taxi in advance to secure availability.
Customisation: Many services offer customisable itineraries, so communicate your preferences when booking.
Weather Considerations: Sea conditions can affect schedules; always check the cancellation and refund policies.
Group Travel: If travelling with a group, splitting the cost can make private water taxis more economical.

Places to Eat

Italian pizza with tomato and basil leaves on red cloth

You’re in Italy, so you know that food will feature front and centre. Here are just a few examples of popular restaurants in Naples:

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and this pizzeria is legendary for its classic margherita. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from port.
Trattoria Nennella: A traditional family-friendly spot for traditional Neapolitan cuisine, think Neapolitan music, dancing and singing waiters and traditional cuisine.

Beach Day

In Italy it is common practice to charge for beach access. The beaches near Naples offer a mix of free public areas and private beach clubs that charge for amenities. Here’s an overview:

Mappatella Beach (La Rotonda Diaz):

Distance from Naples Cruise Port: It’s about a 10 minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Description: This is the most centrally located beach in Naples, right on the city's waterfront and closest to the cruise terminal. It isn’t the prettiest beach, with its black sand, but does offer good views of the islands of Capri & Ischia.
Access: Mappatella Beach is free to access. It offers free sun beds and umbrellas (at time of writing - but do check). Do not get it confused with Lido Napoli which is a beach club

Bagno Elena

Distance from Naples Cruise Port: Approximately 4 miles (6.5 kilometres); about a 15-20 minute drive.
Description: Located in the Posillipo district, Bagno Elena is a historic private beach club featuring a raised pier sun deck, solarium, and facilities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and restrooms. There is also a restaurant and bar.
Access: Private; entrance fee required. Beach with sunbed included €15 per person (€10 after 2pm). Sunbed on deck €20 (€15 after 2 pm). Extras: Umbrella €10, Changing Room access €15.

Lido Rocce Verdi

Distance from Naples Cruise Port: Approximately 4.5 miles (7 kilometres); about a 15-20 minute drive.
Description: Situated in Posillipo, this private beach club offers access to a private beach, two sea-water pools, a terrace with a bar and buffet, and views of the Gulf of Naples, Capri, and the Sorrento peninsula.
Access: Private; entrance fee required. From €25 including sun lounger.

Marina Grande, Capri

Distance from Naples Cruise Port: Approximately 30 miles (48 kilometres); reachable by a 40-60 minute ferry ride from Molo Beverello pier. Return ferry costs aro7nd €50 per person.

Description: As Capri’s largest beach, Marina Grande offers a mix of pebbles and sand, clear waters, and views of colourful houses.
Access: Both free public sections and private areas managed by establishments offering amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee - anything from €30 (could rack up to €100-200 if you add food and drinks)
⭐️Spiaggia Libera Marina Grande (public beach - free)
⭐️Le Ondine (beach establishment)
⭐️Lo Smeraldo (beach establishment)

Spiaggia di Citara, Ischia

Distance from Naples Cruise Port: Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres); a 50-60 minute ferry ride to Ischia Porto, followed by a 20-minute bus ride or taxi to the beach. Ferry ticket costs around €50 return.
Description: Renowned for its thermal waters and sandy shoreline, set in a picturesque bay.
Access: Both free public areas and private sections operated by establishments offering amenities for a fee. Renting a parasol and two deckchairs can cost between €20-€35 per day; alternatively, purchasing your own personal parasol nearby for around €15 is an option.

Spiaggia della Gaiola

Distance from Naples Cruise Port: Approximately 6 miles (10 kilometres); about a 20-25 minute drive.
Description: Part of the Gaiola Underwater Park, this beach is known for its clear waters and marine life.
Access: Public; limited facilities. Due to conservation efforts, the number of daily visitors is limited, and reservations are required to access the beach.

Miseno and Miliscola Beaches

Distance from Naples Cruise Port: Approximately 12 miles (19 kilometres); about a 30-40 minute drive.
Description: Popular beaches in Bacoli, offering sandy shores and calm waters, ideal for families.
Access: Both free public areas and private beach clubs offering amenities for a fee. Visitors can choose between bringing their own equipment (towels etc.) or paying for services like sunbeds and umbrellas.

Whether you decide to stay local, explore independently or take a shore excursion, Naples has something for everyone.