Ercolano Itinerary 3 to 5 Days: Tips from a Local

Organizing a trip to the Naples area can seem like a logistical challenge between trains, ferries, and traffic. The solution for a perfect, stress-free trip? Unpack your bags only once (or almost). In this itinerary, our fixed base for the entire time (or almost) will be Ercolano. It is an exceptional gateway: affordable, quiet, and perfectly served by public transport. P.S. You don't necessarily have to follow the order of the attractions I propose; that is just my personal suggestion. Ready? Iamme ià.

Day 1: Herculaneum and/or Vesuvius

The first day is dedicated to two sites that can be easily explored just a few minutes from your room. The archaeological excavations, in particular, are perfect for the first day, considering they are the attraction right around the corner.

Herculaneum Archaeological Park

Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was submerged by a flow of mud and ash that preserved two-story buildings, original wood, and frescoes with vivid colors. Being much more compact, the visit is manageable and takes about 2 or 3 hours, leaving you energy for the afternoon. Click here to discover the location of the Herculaneum Excavations entrance on Google Maps. Try to check the distance from your accommodation, either on foot or by public transport.

The Crater of Vesuvius: Book in advance to skip the queues

From the square of the Ercolano Scavi Circumvesuviana station, shuttle buses (for a fee and until about 4:00 PM) will take you to an altitude of 1000 meters.

From there, a 30-minute uphill walk will lead you to the edge of the active crater, with a crazy view over the entire Gulf of Naples. The walk is not difficult, but bring comfortable shoes because the path is unpaved.

• Herculaneum Ruins with an Archaeologist – Best Seller (book here): To learn the history of this wonderful site
• Vesuvius with Guide and Round-trip Bus from Herculaneum Excavations Station (book here): perfect for those who love convenience

You can also skip one of the two activities to the next day. In case you are not able to due to time constraints or because you are tired.

Day 2: Portici, Museums by the Sea and Tramonti

Today we move to nearby Portici, just 5 minutes by train (or Circumvesuviana) from Ercolano.

Royal Palace of Portici and Pietrarsa Museum

In the morning, immerse yourself in the greenery of the Palace of Portici, a Bourbon masterpiece with a majestic Botanical Garden. You can purchase tickets right on-site. In the afternoon, head down toward the sea to visit the Pietrarsa National Railway Museum.

Former 19th-century workshops overlooking the water that house wonderful historical locomotives. For the Pietrarsa Museum as well, you can purchase tickets directly at the Museum.

Aperitif at Granatello

At the end of the day, walk to the Port of Granatello, the heart of the local nightlife. Treat yourself to an aperitif at Essenza, from their beautiful terrace. Excellent cocktails, an elegant atmosphere, and a breathtaking sunset over the sea.

The top alternative? A boat aperitif setting sail directly from the port of Portici at sunset, with views of Vesuvius and the coast. For info and reservations, you can ask on WhatsApp here.

Day 3: Partenopean crossroads (Naples or Pompeii)

Today we move slightly further from our base. Based on what you have already visited in the past, choose between two giants.

Option A: The Historic Centre of Naples

Take the train (Circumvesuviana line) to Napoli Garibaldi (20 minutes). Dedicate the day to Spaccanapoli, the Veiled Christ, Via San Gregorio Armeno, and real pizza (fried or classic). Naples Underground is the top attraction, along with the Sansevero Chapel (where the Veiled Christ is located).

In one day in Naples, you can only see one in my opinion, so choose the one that interests you most. The list is long, which is why I am leaving you a detailed article on the historic center. Below, however, you can already take a look at info and prices for the main attractions.

• Tickets for Naples Underground with guide
• Tour of Sansevero Chapel and Veiled Christ

Option B: Pompeii excavations

If you have already visited Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train from Ercolano Scavi towards Sorrento. In 20 minutes, you will be at the Pompei Scavi stop. Get lost in the immense Roman metropolis buried by the eruption.

In fact, it's better to do it with a guide precisely because the Pompeii excavations are immense.

• Find Pompeii tickets with archaeological guide here
• Here are the tickets with independent entrance (and audio guide)

Cantina del Vesuvio wine tasting

After the Pompeii Excavations, you could enjoy a unique local experience. A tasting of the local Lacryma Christi wine with local food.

You can access the vineyard with a guide and enjoy a beautiful walk with a view of Mount Vesuvius.

• You can find tickets for the wine tasting here

Please note: Via Panoramica 15 - 80040 Trecase (NA) - Italy is the address where the activity takes place. You can reach it:

• By own means
• Taxi from Pompeii (WhatsApp for taxi driver Mario here): about €30 (very convenient if there are at least 4 people). Pickup is preferred in the Amphitheater or Oplontis area of Pompeii. Call the WhatsApp number to arrange the pickup and/or for more info.

Day 4: The Sorrento drawing room

Today we explore the Sorrento Peninsula. From your base in Ercolano, the Circumvesuviana takes you straight to the Sorrento terminus in about 45 minutes. If you are here in summer, bring your swimsuit and spend half the day at the beach (there are many beach clubs). Walking around under the scorching morning sun is not the best.

Among the beach clubs, I recommend Leonelli’s Beach (here is the site where you can find info and contacts). If swimming in the sea doesn't interest you, dedicate the day to the charm of this city. Stroll along Corso Italia, explore the alleys of the center, and look out from the terrace of the Villa. Then head down to Marina Grande, the ancient fishing village.

Here you can have lunch or drink a limoncello spritz (not to be missed) just a meter from the water. I recommend trying Gnocchi Osteria di Famiglia located in the city center. A family-run restaurant where gnocchi (fresh pasta) are the stars. Here you can find my full article on Sorrento in one day.

Day 5: Capri or Amalfi Coast (The Logistical Tip)

We end on a high note with the icons of the territory. And this is where the base in Ercolano reveals its true ace up its sleeve.

The Secret: The Hydrofoil from Portici

There’s no need to fight through traffic to reach the port of Naples or Sorrento! From the Port of Granatello in Portici, very convenient direct hydrofoils depart for Capri and the Amalfi Coast. An incredible convenience that lets you avoid heading into Naples and instead enjoy the journey by sea.

• Capri: Disembark at Marina Grande and take the funicular to the famous Piazzetta. Admire the Faraglioni from the Gardens of Augustus or, if you love hiking, I recommend the Pizzolungo trail. You can find everything to do in Capri here in my one-day article.

• Positano and Amalfi: Arriving from the sea is spectacular. Get lost in the vertical narrow streets of Positano and admire the majestic Cathedral of Amalfi. Positano and Amalfi are easier to visit as they are very small. Half a day or a few hours are perfect for a day trip.

Discounted Boat Tours from Sorrento

If Sorrento will be your accommodation base during your trip, I have an offer that is perfect for you. Whether you are aiming for Capri or the Amalfi Coast, the absolute best way to experience them is with a private boat tour.

It is the only way to swim in secret coves, pass under the Faraglioni, and avoid the crowds of the scheduled ferries. With guaranteed free time to go ashore (about 2-3 hours). The beauty of private tours is that they are customizable (within limits) according to your needs and preferences. They start from €650 depending on the boats and tours chosen.

Where to eat in Ercolano

I recommend a couple of places to eat in Ercolano:

• Rovi (pizzeria near the excavations)
• Pappamonte (restaurant)

How to get to Ercolano

• How to get to Ercolano by train/bus

Conclusions

I hope this article was helpful and that it gives you the chance to better organize your trip. Ercolano remains a logistically perfect destination for exploring the surrounding area. I hope you have the opportunity to visit all these wonders. Until the next trip, and remember: those who travel live twice!