All About Pozzuoli
Located on a promontory that extends out into the Gulf of Naples, Pozzuoli is part of the Campania province in Southern Italy. The city’s origin dates back to 529 BC, when the Greeks settled here, calling the area Dicaearchia. With the arrival of the Romans, the town got a new name, Puteoli. The city witnessed tremendous progress under Roman rule, with the port becoming a hub of much commercial activity. The decline of the Roman Empire directly affected Pozzuoli as several residents left the city for Naples. The following centuries saw a revival with people coming to stay in Pozzuoli and indulge in agriculture and fishing.
Nowadays, tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Pozzuoli can immerse themselves in the city’s rich history by exploring its many ancient sites. Moreover, Pozzuoli is also famous for its thermal springs, stunning coastline, and for being a gateway to the Phlegraean Islands.
Routes and Ferries to Pozzuoli
Tourists planning on covering the Campania region of Italy typically make the most of the ferry services to include as many destinations as possible. So, they might start at Monte di Procida, visit Procida and Ischia, and then return to the mainland via ferry tickets to Pozzuoli.
The Pozzuoli to Procida or Ischia ferry routes see plenty of daily traffic. During the summer months, the frequency of boats increases even more. The distance between Procida and Pozzuoli is roughly 8km, with the journey lasting around 30 minutes and costing €7.50 on average. Ferry tickets for these routes are easy to book using Ferryscanner.
Travelers flying into the country from abroad can land at Naples International Airport, 17km from Pozzuoli. There are several direct public transport options to the Gulf of Pozzuoli from the terminal or the city. So, you can take a train, bus, taxi, or self-drive into town.
Port of Pozzuoli
Pozzuoli’s small harbor stays busy throughout the year. However, during tourist season, the buzz around the port is at an all-time high. As the number of ferry connections between the city and the Phlegraean Islands increases, there’s a continuous rush of passengers, especially daytrippers from Procida, disembarking with ferry tickets to Pozzuoli in hand.
A well-organized and central port with ample parking space, you’ll find several bars and restaurants close to the dock. The town’s primary fish market is a mere 500 meters from the pier and is an excellent spot to buy and taste fresh seafood. Other facilities close by include a pharmacy, bus terminal, and a Cumana railway station.
Besides being a ferry stop, the Port of Pozzuoli is also a commercial harbor, handling limited cargo. A beautiful place for a walk, one can also sit by the waterfront here and enjoy the comings and goings of fishing boats and private vessels all day long.
Best Beaches of Pozzuoli
Pozzuoli has a nice mix of lidos and free beaches within 10km of the city center. You can choose between scenic locales, family-friendly beaches, or some hard-to-reach virgin strips with a natural and intimate disposition.
Castello di Baia
Castelli di Baia is a private club, about 4km from the center. Access to this fascinating Pozzuoli beach is only by boat. The pick-up and drop are from the parking near the castle. The entry fee for the club is roughly €20, over which you have to pay for sunbeds, umbrellas, food, and drinks. Appropriate for families, the sandy strip is kept clean, has lifeguards, and the water is transparent, perfect for swimming. Although a paid beach, it remains reasonably busy, especially on weekends.
Spiaggia del Poggio
Poggio is a small beach about 20 minutes from Pozzuoli, mostly known to locals, making it a hidden gem for tourists. Free-to-use, it has no facilities, but there are a few bars nearby. The narrow strip consists of mostly dark grey gravel. Moreover, there are breakwaters in the sea that help keep the waves at bay. As a result, it is among the best beaches near Pozzuoli for families with kids.
Spiaggia Romana
Romana Beach is a secluded strand with no amenities. It primarily appeals to beachgoers who enjoy the quietude of being in nature’s lap, away from any commercial activity. About 7km from Pozzuoli, it takes under 15 minutes to get here from the city, yet the beach stays relatively crowd-free. However, horsed carriage rides are available, usually in the morning and evening.
Baia Trentaremi
A sheltered deep cove, Baia Trentaremi is one hideaway near Pozzuoli ripe for adventurists. To reach the beach, you must sail through the water. Most people come here in kayaks. The pebble strip is thin and small, and you need to navigate it properly as some areas are prone to falling rocks. Nevertheless, the water around the cove is refreshingly inviting. Since there are no facilities here, Trentaremi stays devoid of tourist traffic even during the high season.
Spiaggia della Gaiola
Gaiola is among the most picturesque beaches near Pozzuoli that is also the most strictly managed. About a 30-minute drive from town, it lies within the boundaries of a nature reserve, offering visitors a chance to swim in gorgeous waters with colorful aquatic fauna. Access to this pebble beach is only allowed after making a reservation online and for a limited time slot. This keeps the beach less crowded. One of the highlights of a day at Gaiola is appreciating the nearby Isola la Gaiola and the adjoining rock connected by a bridge. The islet is home to an old mansion, which is said to be haunted. Unfortunately, the local authorities don’t always permit visitors to visit this photogenic rock structure.
Places to Visit in Pozzuoli
Ancient ruins, new mountains, and exciting culinary finds; places to visit in Pozzuoli promise a fun-filled vacation packed with adventure, excitement, and the opportunity to learn about the region’s culture and dynamic past.
Monte Nuovo
The creation of Monte Nuovo was a dramatic event that took place in September 1538. Volcanic activity, categorized as bradyseism, led to the up-and-down shifting of the earth leading to a well-document new mountain 439 ft tall. Now dormant and covered in lush greenery, one can hike up to the crater of Monte Nuovo for some of the best views of the gulf. The non-strenuous hike is 2.3km long with an elevation of 182 meters and takes roughly one hour to complete.
Terme Stufe di Nerone
Live like the Romans once did at Terme Stufe di Nerone, Pozzuoli’s very own thermal baths. Mineral-rich and at a soothing 80°C, these waters have therapeutic qualities, luring visitors to step in for a leisurely soak. Additionally, the thermal complex has well-manicured outdoor areas, hydro massage, and a sauna. You can further indulge in mud, cave bath, and other therapies at their wellness center. Entry into Terme Stufe di Nerone for a day and one localized massage cost €55.
Caseificio Bufalè
A delightful way to savor the culinary offerings of Pozzuoli first-hand is to visit Caseificio Bufalè, the local dairy. Starting in 2016 in what was once a clothing store, the dairy operates 24 hours. During the day, tourists can visit here and learn and watch the production of various kinds of cheese from behind a glass wall. The dairy’s main specialty is mozzarella, made with pure buffalo milk. They also produce ricotta, provola, caciotta, and caciocavallo on-site.
Flavian Amphitheater
Although the third largest of its kind in Italy, the Flavian Amphitheater is not overly popular. Constructed in the 1st century BC, the colosseum could, at one-time, accommodate 40,000 spectators. A legendary site, it is said that when San Gennaro was thrown onto the grounds along with various vicious animals, he came out unhurt. Sadly, his fate included a beheading shortly after at the nearby Solfatara crater. Today, it’s possible for visitors to walk the grounds of this grand construction, as well as wander through the underground enclosures and animal cells. When visiting from Ischia or Procida for a day trip with ferry tickets to Pozzuoli, the arena is one city attraction you must see.
Rione Terra
Rione Terra is the oldest neighborhood of Pozzuoli and one of its most distinct and vibrant quarters. A walk through the streets here is a step back in time, packed with exciting sights, beautiful architecture, and an aura highlighting the city’s significance during the Roman era. One of the must-visit places in Pozzuoli is the Basilica of San Procolo, located in Rione Terra. Constructed over the 1st century Temple of Augustus, one can see some of the Corinthian columns from the past construction incorporated into the new building here.
Transportation Around Pozzuoli
With plenty of beauty and history in every nook and corner, you’ll do a disservice to yourself by not exploring Pozzuoli on foot. If you sail in with ferry tickets to Pozzuoli for just a day, it’s easy to explore the town center, located close to the port. The city also has bike routes along the coast that take you through some remarkably inspiring vantage points and sites. Furthermore, it’s possible to hire a taxi or drive on your own, but traffic in Pozzuoli can sometimes be a real pain. For transfers to nearby cities, especially Naples, the train is the most convenient, fast, and economical option.
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