The Gulf of Naples is home to five unique islands, each with its own special charm. Located south of Campania’s capital city and overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, these islands near Naples offer an authentic and evocative experience within easy reach of the city. Explore the beauty of these Campania islands in our guide and get inspired for your next trip!
- What are the islands of the Campania archipelago?
- What is the best time to visit the islands near Naples?
- What to know about the most beautiful islands around Naples
- Practical tips for visiting the islands of Naples
What are the islands of the Campania archipelago?
The Campania archipelago contains some of the most fascinating islands in the Gulf of Naples, although not all of them are accessible to the public. Let’s find out together which ones you can visit and what they have to offer:
- Capri: An island famous for its Blue Grotto, breathtaking views, and lively Piazzetta. This is truly a glamorous and glamorous destination.
- Ischia: The largest island in the Gulf of Naples, known for its natural hot springs, enchanting beaches, and lush gardens.
- Procida: A picturesque little island with colorful houses and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing getaway.
- Nisida: An island of volcanic origin, this is currently a military zone and not accessible to the public.
- Vivara: A small island connected to Procida by a bridge, this is an ideal nature reserve for those who love trekking and unspoiled nature.
Later in this article, we will provide a detailed description of each accessible island in the Bay of Naples to help you better plan your next trip.
What is the best time to visit the islands near Naples?
If you don’t like the hustle and bustle and prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, we recommend avoiding the months of July and August, when the islands of the Gulf of Naples become one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in Italy. Many tourists, both Italian and international, choose precisely this period to take advantage of the proximity between the islands and the mainland and enjoy the sea between Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
The best time to visit the islands of Campania is during spring, or even the months of June and September. During this time the weather is ideal for taking walks or relaxing on the beach, with mild temperatures and more affordable prices. If you want to immerse yourself in local traditions, you can choose to visit the islands of Naples at Easter time. On Procida, you can watch the historic Procession of the Mysteries, which has been held since 1600, while on Capri Palm Sunday is a festive and folklore occasion. Ischia also celebrates Easter with unique events, including the famous dinners on the Fumarole beach, where you can enjoy dishes cooked directly in the boiling sand, an authentic and fascinating experience.
What to know about the most beautiful islands around Naples
There are five islands in the Bay of Naples, but not all of them are accessible. Each one offers something unique, including enchanting beaches, cultural attractions, or richly flavored cuisine. In the beautiful Campania archipelago, you can choose the island that best suits the type of vacation you have in mind: relaxation, adventure, culture, or all of these together. And if you can’t decide, why not explore them all? If you still don’t know which island to choose, read on: below you will find all the information you need to find your next destination among the Neapolitan islands!
Capri, the chicest island in the Bay of Naples
Capri is undoubtedly one of the islands you should visit at least once in a lifetime. Located in the heart of the Gulf of Naples, it is famous for its glamorous atmosphere and iconic sites such as the Blue Grotto and the Faraglioni rocks. Among the most beautiful Italian islands, Capri stands out for its combination of natural beauty, history, and social life. Its exclusive boutiques and fine restaurants make it one of the most sought-after islands around Naples, captivating visitors from all over the world with its unique charm.
What to do in Capri
On Capri, you can start your day with an exciting boat ride around the island, discovering the Blue Grotto and admiring the legendary Faraglioni rocks up close. If you like walking, follow the Sentiero dei Fortini, a path along the coast that offers unforgettable views. A stop in Capri’s lively Piazzetta is perfect for enjoying a coffee and soaking up the island’s social atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Villa Jovis, the ancient residence of Emperor Tiberius, and then stroll through the elegant boutiques of Via Camerelle. Capri, among the islands of Naples, to visit, gives you beauty, history, and culture at every turn. Discover all the island’s attractions in our guide dedicated to Capri attractions and plan your perfect trip!
How to get to Capri
Capri is easily reached by ferries and hydrofoils that depart from major ports in the Gulf of Naples. Companies operating on this route include SNAV and Navigazione Libera del Golfo. Ferries depart from both Naples (Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa) and Sorrento, with a journey time of about 40-80 minutes, depending on the type of vessel (ferry or hydrofoil). From Naples, the hydrofoil trip takes about 40-50 minutes, while the traditional ferry can take up to 80 minutes. From Sorrento, the sailing time is shorter, varying between 20 and 40 minutes. Once you arrive in Capri, you can easily move around the island by funicular, cab or bus. Find out more details about the main ferry routes to Capri:
- Napoli – Capri Ferries
- Sorrento – Capri Ferries
- Amalfi – Capri Ferries
- Positano – Capri Ferries
- Salerno – Capri Ferries
- Castellammare di Stabia – Capri Ferries
Ischia, the island of well-being and nature
Ischia is one of the most fascinating islands in the Gulf of Naples, renowned for its hot springs and lush landscapes. Among the ideal destinations for a vacation dedicated to wellness, Ischia is prized for its harmony of relaxation, nature, and tradition. Its golden beaches and verdant hills make it perfect for those seeking a rejuvenating and authentic break. Easily reached from Naples, this island is one of the ideal destinations for those who wish to find serenity, immersed in the beauty of nature.
What to do in Ischia
In Ischia, the day begins with a relaxing visit to the famous natural hot springs, where you can be pampered by the warm, rejuvenating waters. Afterward, you can take a walk along the paths of Mount Epomeo, admiring breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding sea. On your way down to the coast, you can stop at one of the golden beaches, where you can enjoy the sun and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. In the afternoon, you can visit the majestic Aragonese Castle, which dominates the panorama from above, and end the day strolling through the lush gardens of La Mortella, an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty.
How to get to Ischia
Ischia is well connected to the mainland by several ferry companies, including SNAV and Medmar. Ferries to Ischia depart from Naples (Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa) and Pozzuoli. From Naples, the ferry trip takes about 60 to 90 minutes, while the hydrofoil takes between 45 and 60 minutes. From Pozzuoli, the journey is shorter, taking about 45-60 minutes. Ferries dock at the ports of Ischia Porto or Casamicciola. Once on the island, local buses and cabs are available to explore the various locations on Ischia. Check out all the ferry routes to Ischia:
- Ferries from Napoli to Ischia
- Pozzuoli – Ischia Ferries
- Ponza – Ischia Ferries
- Monte di Procida – Ischia Ferries
- Procida – Ischia Ferries
Procida, the authentic little island in the Gulf of Naples
Procida is a picturesque little island in the Gulf of Naples, perfect for those seeking a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Just 20 kilometers from the capital of Campania, Procida is distinguished by its landscapes characterized by colorful little houses and narrow alleys that tell stories of a past linked to the sea. Unlike the larger, better-known islands, this small island near Naples offers a unique peace, far from mass tourism, and is ideal for relaxing walks and moments of pure relaxation on its secluded beaches. Procida enchants with its simplicity and genuine charm, making it one of Naples’ must-see islands.
What to do in Procida
In Procida, you can start your day by strolling through the colorful alleys of Marina Corricella, the island’s oldest and most picturesque village, where pastel-colored houses overlook the sea directly. From there, you can climb to Terra Murata, the highest point on the island, where you’ll find ancient fortifications and breathtaking panoramic views. Procida is also the perfect place for a day at the beach: Spiaggia di Chiaia and Spiaggia del Pozzo Vecchio are two of the most beautiful beaches, ideal for relaxing and taking a dip in the crystal clear waters. To top it off, you can enjoy a fresh seafood dish at one of the local restaurants, surrounded by the tranquility of the island.
How to get to Procida
Procida, the closest island to Naples, is served by ferries and hydrofoils of the Medmar and SNAV companies. Ferries depart from Naples (Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa) and Pozzuoli. The ferry trip from Naples takes about 60-70 minutes, while the hydrofoil takes about 30-40 minutes. From Pozzuoli, the journey is shorter, taking about 30-40 minutes. Procida is a compact island, easy to explore on foot or by small public transportation. Learn about the main ferry routes connecting Procida to the mainland and other islands in the Gulf of Naples:
- Ferries from Naples to Procida
- Pozzuoli – Procida Ferries
- Ischia – Procida Ferries
- Monte di Procida – Procida Ferries
Vivara, the hidden islet of the Campania archipelago
Vivara is a small island in the Gulf of Naples, located between Procida and Ischia, perfect for those seeking an oasis of unspoiled nature. This protected nature reserve is connected to Procida by a bridge and offers a peaceful environment far from the busy tourist routes. Among the islands around Naples, Vivara stands out for its rich biodiversity and paths through its lush vegetation, ideal for lovers of outdoor walks. Although uninhabited, Vivara is one of the islands in the Gulf of Naples that is worth a visit for its wild charm and thousand-year history.
What to do in Vivara
At Vivara, you can spend a day immersed in nature, walking the paths through Mediterranean vegetation and offering breathtaking views of the sea. Being a protected nature reserve, it is ideal for those who enjoy birdwatching and quiet excursions. Despite being an uninhabited islet, Vivara offers a unique experience among the islands around Naples, perfect for a nature and silence getaway.
How to get to Vivara
To reach Vivara, you must first get to Procida. Once on Procida, you can access Vivara via the bridge, but it is important to know that the island is only accessible with special permits for guided tours, as it is a protected nature reserve. Tours are limited and must be booked in advance, usually through local authorities or environmental associations that organize the tours.
5 practical tips for visiting the islands of Naples
- If you wish to visit the Blue Grotto on Capri, it is best to do so in the early morning hours, when sea conditions are generally calmer and there are fewer tourists.
- Devote a day to Ischia’s famous natural hot springs. The Poseidon and Negombo spas are among the most popular, but there are also small free springs scattered around the island.
- Explore Marina Corricella, the most picturesque village on the island of Procida, on foot. The narrow streets and flights of steps are perfect for a quiet stroll and to admire the typical colorful houses.
- If you want to visit Vivara, remember that the small island is a nature reserve and access is restricted. Be sure to book a guided tour in advance to gain access to the pedestrian bridge that connects Vivara to Procida.
- On Capri, use the funicular from the port to the Piazzetta to avoid the long walk up, especially if you are traveling with luggage or prefer to save time.
Book your ferry to the islands of the Bay of Naples on Ferryscanner!
With Ferryscanner, you can easily find the cheapest tickets to the islands of the Bay of Naples by comparing fares, schedules, and companies in one place. Book in advance to guarantee your place on the ferry to Capri, Ischia, or Procida, or arrange a tour of the beautiful islands near Naples for an unforgettable vacation!