What to see around
Castellammare di Stabia is located by the sea 31 km south of Naples. It is one of the largest cities in the immediate vicinity of Pompeii and the famous luxury resort of Sorrento.
The name of this town points to a medieval castle located on the slope of the coastline, overlooking the sea - castrum ad mare - Castellammare.
The term "Stabia" refers to the ancient name of the thermal area from the times of the Roman Empire, more precisely, to the slope where the ruins of two magnificent Roman villas still stand to this day. These remains can be visited - free of charge - in the Varano district, a 5-minute drive from the apartment.
"The apartment is very well located... It is possible to do the main tours by train as the Pioppaino station is less than 10 minutes away on foot and serves Pompeii, Erculaneum, Naples, Sorrento."
— Anne, Francja
“Środki transportu działały bez zarzutu, zwiedziliśmy Sorrento i Positano... Trasa szlakiem Bogów była BOSKA, troszkę dała w kość niektórym uczestnikom, ale wszyscy przeszliśmy z uśmiechem na twarzy.”
— Dawid, Katowice
For detailed information about the location, opening hours, pricing and discounts, please refer to the official website http://pompeiisites.org/en/visiting-info/timetables-and-tickets/ .
Pompeii, once a thriving ancient city bustling with life and commerce, met its tragic end in the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today, it is a unique complex of buildings, monuments, sculptures, frescoes and mosaics, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 25 years. The remarkable preservation of Pompeii's structures thanks to the thick layer of ash that engulfed the city, offers a vivid glimpse into the organization and daily life of its inhabitants. The excavations cover a vast area on a plateau at the base of the volcano, overlooking the fertile valley of the Sarno River. Visitors enter this historical site through one of the seven ancient gates that once enclosed the city, namely Porta Marina. Wandering along authentic cobblestone streets one encounters modest houses of commoners, opulent patrician villas, remnants of Roman bakeries and wine cellars, the Forum with its colonnade, ruins of temples, thermal complexes and amphitheaters. Additionally, there are holiday villas that once adorned the outskirts of Pompeii, with the Villa of the Mysteries being among the most renowned. Exploring this archaeological wonder is a captivating experience and it's advisable to dedicate at least half a day to fully enjoy the visit. Buying tickets online will significantly save your time, and free admission is granted on the first Sunday of each month. Accessible by public transport, the main entrance is at Circumvesuviana stop Pompeii Scavi, just a 4-minute train ride from our apartment.
Archaeological Park in Pompeii
Capri
Sophisticated, exclusive, and synonymous with luxury holidays, Capri is one of the three islands in the Gulf of Naples renowned for its elite atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes. Since the times of the ancient Roman Empire this island has been cherished by emperors and nobility for its enchanting allure. Over the years, it has garnered recognition from numerous famous personalities and has even served as a backdrop for cinematic masterpieces. Today, Capri is emblematic of a holiday characterized by elegance and splendor, coupled with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Fast ferries & hydrofoils depart from the port of Castellammare daily throughout the summer season (April-October) making a stop in Sorrento. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, and a round-trip ticket costs around €50. Multiple carriers, such as Snav, Alilauro and NLG serve this route.
For more information, timetables and ticket purchases you can visit the website of one of them: NLG https://www.nlg.it/en/routes/c-mare-di-stabia-capri/
Sorrento Coast
Many people have heard about the Amalfi Coast at least once in their lives, but actually Sorrento Peninsula is divided in two coasts, each one gazing its Bay, namely Salerno and the Bay of Naples. The Sorrento Coast, situated North toward Naples, is characterized by impressive cliffs, and a wilder and rockier landscape compared to the Amalfi side, yet it is also more extensively urbanized. The renowned Circumvesuviana railway line, meaning "around Vesuvian" seamlessly connects the main tourist towns of this part of the Coast with Naples. It is highly recommended to explore and visit charming towns such as Vico Equense, Meta, Sant'Agnello and the historic Sorrento itself! Typical of these coastal towns are narrow, gravel beaches, with the exception of the wide, sandy one shown in the picture (Meta di Sorrento). Entrance to the beach is normally subject to a fee. The Sorrento Peninsula charms with its authentic beauty and impeccably clean water. However, please note that this area can be very crowded, especially during summer months!
The current railway timetable can be downloaded from this link, and printed copies are available in our apartment: https://www.eavsrl.it/web/orari-linee-ferroviarie .
Amalfi and Positano
Positano and Amalfi are wonderful, picturesque fishing villages situated on the Amalfi Coast, as the name suggests. They are characterized by white and pastel-colored buildings nestled in lush, flowery Mediterranean vegetation, with the whole landscape surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters and intimate beaches. To reach the gems of the world-famous Amalfi Coast from the apartment, you can take the SITA Sud bus lines. The bus number 5080 connects Castellammare with the municipality of Agerola, in the heart of the Monti Lattari Regional Park. The journey to Amalfi will take approximately 80 minutes, including the transfer. To get to Positano, take the train to Sorrento first, and then board on th bus line 5070; the journey will take about 50 minutes.
The 5070 bus will also take you directly from Positano to Amalfi, check timetables here: https://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/orari/campania/positano . If you prefer to explore the coast on your own, feel free to ask about car or scooter rentals! We can recommend you local rental services on competitive terms. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us by filling the form.
The Mount Faito and the cable car leading to its summit ("funivia") are visible from the terrace of both Capri & Sorrento bedrooms. Faito is one of the peaks of the impressive mountain range of Monti Lattari ("Milk Mountains"), which stretches along the Sorrento Peninsula. Funivia provides a quick ascent to the top offering panoramic views of the entire Bay of Naples, the port of Castellammare, the volcano and the surrounding Vesuvian valley. The trip lasts only 8 minutes but guarantees an exhilarating experience, and an opportunity to take extraordinary shots and videos! The cable car is generally operational from March to October/November. Buy the tickets directly at the main ticket office at Circumvesuviana station "Castellammare di Stabia", access to the funivia gates is also there. Bicycles can be transported for an additional fee. Once up there are several interesting trekking routes and you can also take a relaxing walk in the ancient beech forest, featuring unique tree specimens.
Ascent to Faito summit
For details and the current schedule of the funivia, you can refer to this link: https://www.eavsrl.it/web/orario-funivia .
Vesuvius National Park
Vesuvius due to its location in a densely populated area, is one of the most well-known and studied volcanoes in the world. Its current structure is the result of the combination of the older outer cone of Mount Somma and the younger inner cone, Mount Vesuvius, formed by violent eruptions. The origins of Somma-Vesuvius date back approximately 400,000 years. Currently, Vesuvius is in a phase of "active rest" and is constantly monitored to observe any significant fluctuations in its activity. The volcano's summit stands at 1127 meters, with an inner diameter of 450 meters, and the depth of the crater reaches 300 meters. It is part of the extensive volcanic area of the Vesuvius National Park. Following the path leading to Gran Cono, with its exclusive view of the Bay of Naples, from Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula to Capo Miseno, Procida, and Ischia, is undoubtedly a unique and thrilling experience.
Here, you can check transportation options, prices and how to book tickets https://www.parconazionaledelvesuvio.it/en/visit-the-park/more .
Castellammare di Stabia
Located at the foot of the Sorrento Peninsula, the port of Castellammare is renowned as a thermal paradise, with its origins dating back to Roman times. The ruins of baths and summer residences in ancient Stabiae, famous for its mineral and sulfuric waters, are an additional attraction for enthusiasts of ancient civilization. The medieval castle, built around the 11th century by the Sorrentinians to protect the principality, now serves as an events venue. From its immediate surroundings you can admire breathtaking views of the Naples Gulf. Within the city center do not miss a walk along the recently renovated 6 km long sea promenade ending up at a beautiful 19th-century music kiosk, surrounded by lively streets and a square with its cafes, excellent pastry shops, a rich variety of restaurants to suit every budget and vibrant nightlife, including clubs! Castellammare city center is also abundant with shops and boutiques, so be sure you will lack nothing.