Morning Departure Towards Naples

After a quick breakfast, we packed up and hit the road toward Naples, where we would spend two more nights.

To make the journey even more special, we planned a morning beach stop before heading to Mount Vesuvius, where we had pre-booked tickets for 1:10 PM. Getyourguide

Beach Stop at Meta di Sorrento

Our first destination was Metamare Beach in Meta di Sorrento, one of the largest and most beautiful sandy beaches on the Sorrento Peninsula.

We chose Meta Mare for its shallow waters, which are perfect for families with young children, its soft sand – a rare find along this coastline – and its more relaxed atmosphere, offering a peaceful alternative to the busier nearby beaches.
We quickly changed in the convenient beachside cabins before heading to the shore. Unlike the more crowded beaches in the area, Meta Mare offered a tranquil and relaxing experience, exactly what we were hoping for.

The scenery was breathtaking, with Sorrento’s towering cliffs on one side and the protective breakwater enclosing the sandy shoreline on the other.

Meta Mare’s colorful beach cabins and umbrellas added to the picturesque atmosphere.

Although the beach has private, paid sections, we opted for the free public area, as we usually do. Sunbeds and umbrellas were available for rent at reasonable prices, but since we only planned to stay for 1-2 hours, we didn’t get one.
Our little one loved running through the shallow waves, splashing around in her full swimsuit and sunhat. She had so much fun that we could barely convince her to leave!

Lunch & Refreshing Break

By 11 AM, we were ready for a refreshing break at Chalet Nino Relax, a shaded beachside restaurant.

We enjoyed a simple yet delicious meal:
Fresh sandwiches, Ice cream, Strong Italian coffee. The restaurant owner was incredibly friendly, which made the experience even more enjoyable. After eating, we dried off, changed clothes, and got ready for our next adventure.

Getting to Meta Mare Without a Car

Alternative for Non-Drivers
If you don’t have a car, Meta di Sorrento is easily accessible by train. Simply take the Circumvesuviana train and get off at Meta station—the beach is just a short walk away.

The area around Meta Mare Beach offers something for everyone – from beach clubs and cozy cafés to local restaurants and a free public beach. Whether you’re after a laid-back local vibe or a more luxurious beach club experience, you’ll find it here. For us, Meta Mare was the perfect family-friendly stop: spacious and sandy, with safe, shallow waters ideal for kids, fewer crowds, and a peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by stunning coastal views, it was just the relaxing break we needed before continuing our journey toward Mount Vesuvius.

After a refreshing morning at the beach, we slowly made our way back to the car. Exhausted from all the fun, Liny fell asleep instantly as soon as we hit the road. Meanwhile, we were headed for one of the most famous natural wonders in the world—Mount Vesuvius!

Mount Vesuvius: A Natural Wonder and a Piece of History

Standing at 1,281 meters (4,203 feet), Monte Vesuvio is one of the world’s most famous active volcanoes, located within the Vesuvius National Park.

This breathtaking natural landmark is not only a geological marvel but also a site of immense historical significance, as it was responsible for the catastrophic eruption that buried Pompeii in 79 AD.

Tickets and Entry

We purchased our tickets in advance, which made entry much smoother. You can buy them from the official Vesuvius National Park website (parconazionaledelvesuvio.it), where you’ll also find detailed information on guided tours, park highlights, and booking options.

Since we preferred to explore on our own, we opted for a self-guided visit and bought our €16 per person tickets via GetYourGuide.

If you’re heading to Mount Vesuvius, don’t forget to download your tickets in advance – there’s no internet signal on the volcano! 

We drove up to the highest accessible parking lot and from there took a mini shuttle bus (€3 per person), which brought us closer to the crater. The shuttle dropped us off at the trailhead, about 275 meters below the crater rim, where we validated our tickets for the 1:10 PM slot. Keep in mind: your ticket is only valid from 40 minutes before to 100 minutes after your booked time, and arriving outside this window means no entry.

If you’re visiting without a car, buses also run from Ercolano or Pompeii.

The hike itself follows the Grand Cono Trail, a winding path through a dramatic, red volcanic landscape, all the way up to the rim. Strollers and wheelchairs aren’t allowed, so if you’re traveling with young children, a baby carrier is essential – we carried Liny that way, and it truly made the hike manageable.

Distance: ~1.5-2 hours round trip
Difficulty: Slightly steep but manageable for anyone with average fitness
Our Time: ~40-45 minutes with a baby carrier

The path is wide and well-maintained, but there are no benches, so be sure to pace yourself.
Unlike some volcano hikes, you can’t walk all the way around the crater—the trail ends at a designated viewpoint.

What to Bring?

Comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, a windbreaker (if visiting on a cooler day), a hat & sunscreen (there’s no shade!)

Reaching the crater rim was an incredible experience. Looking inside, you get a close-up view of this massive volcanic beast, with its 200-meter-deep (650 feet) crater spanning 600 meters (1,970 feet) in diameter. 

On a clear day, you’ll also be rewarded with stunning panoramic views over the Bay of Naples.

Near the crater, there’s a small refreshment stand where you can grab a coffee, snacks, or cold drinks. We took a short break, sipping cappuccino while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

After the hike, we returned to the top parking area, where souvenir shops sell unique items like: Volcanic rocks, Local keepsakes, Vesuvius-themed memorabilia.

Finally, we hopped back on the shuttle bus, returned to our car, and started our drive toward Naples

The Beginning of Our Naples Adventures

We planned our vacation so that we would first visit sights further away from Naples and then spend the last two nights in the city before heading home. This practical approach allowed us to explore Naples’ historical and cultural treasures comfortably, without a car, after our excursions.

We rented a car for exploring the more distant locations, and it was incredibly useful—it gave us the freedom to travel without constraints. Fortunately, we had no bad experiences outside Naples. However, during the short drive within the city—to our accommodation and later to return the car at the airport—we had some rather terrible experiences. Driving in Naples is, to put it mildly, chaotic. You have to be extremely cautious. I do not recommend using a rental or personal car in the city center at all.

Arrival and Checking Into Our Accommodation

After our Vesuvius tour, we drove to our accommodation and dropped off our luggage. Once we had unloaded our suitcases, we set off with an empty car back to Capodichino Airport to return the rental. We had already decided that we wouldn’t need a car for the rest of our stay, as walking and public transport are much more convenient within the city.

From the airport, we took the ALIBUS airport transfer, which cost only €5 per ticket and dropped us off at Piazza Garibaldi. Since our accommodation was near Garibaldi Square, this was a perfect option. The journey took about 15–20 minutes.

Garibaldi Square may not be the most beautiful area, but it is the most practical place to stay when organizing trips around Naples. It is home to the central train station and all major bus stops, making it an ideal hub for transportation.

From the bus stop, a short 10-minute walk took us to our accommodation, which we had booked through Booking.com.

A Comfortable and Friendly Stay

We stayed at U259 B&B, and we were more than satisfied. The room was clean and comfortable, and breakfast was provided upon request.

The staff was incredibly helpful, offering us useful recommendations on nearby attractions and great places to eat.

Dinner at an Authentic Pizzeria

After unpacking a little, we headed to a nearby recommended restaurant, which was only 8-10 minutes away on foot.

We spent the evening at Pizzeria Trattoria Il Miracolo, where we enjoyed fantastic local dishes. The carbonara and tomato-based pasta were absolutely divine, and the price-to-quality ratio was excellent.

First Impressions of Naples

As we walked back to our accommodation after dinner, we were immediately captivated by Naples’ unique charm. The city’s Mediterranean atmosphere, bustling narrow streets, and authentic architecture left a strong first impression. You could feel history and everyday life intertwining in the air, making it clear that this was a truly special place.

Of course, not everything was idyllic. The traffic was chaotic: scooters zipped past at crazy speeds, pedestrian crossings and red lights seemed to be mere suggestions. People squeezed through the narrowest gaps with their vehicles, sometimes almost knocking over pedestrians in the process. The crowded streets, graffiti-covered walls, and general disorder were a bit overwhelming at first.

However, as time passed, we started to adapt to the rhythm of the city. While I could never completely get used to this chaotic lifestyle, after a while, it didn’t bother me as much. In fact, we even started to appreciate its uniqueness.

Getting Around with a Toddler

Navigating Naples with a stroller was challenging at times, especially on the cobblestone streets. This made us realize that the best strategy for the next day would be alternating between using the stroller and a baby carrier, depending on the terrain.

Ending a Fulfilling Day

We ended the day feeling rich in experiences, exhausted but excited for the next adventure. We couldn’t wait to dive into the heart of Naples, exploring its labyrinthine streets, artistic and architectural treasures, and delicious local cuisine.