# Fire fields, volcanic craters and Faraglioni – by motorhome from the Campi Flegrei over Vesuvius to Capri

> About 215 km through the most volcanic corner of Europe: from the bubbling Campi Flegrei via Herculaneum and the Gran Cono of Vesuvius to Punta Campanella…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-136-costiera-sorrentina-vesuvio-capri/

**At a glance:** 7-day road trip of about 156 km (97 mi) with 12 stops, from Pozzuoli to Naples. About 2 h 09 min of driving in total. About 215 km through the most volcanic corner of Europe: from the bubbling Campi Flegrei via Herculaneum and the Gran Cono of Vesuvius to Punta Campanella at the end of the Sorrento peninsula – with a day on Capri that works by ferry rather than by motorhome.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 156 km (97 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 09 min |
| Suggested days | 7 |
| Stops | 12 |
| Route | Pozzuoli → Naples |
| Countries | Italy |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*About 215 km through the most volcanic corner of Europe: from the bubbling Campi Flegrei via Herculaneum and the Gran Cono of Vesuvius to Punta Campanella at the end of the Sorrento peninsula – with a day on Capri that works by ferry rather than by motorhome.*

## The spirit of the route

Here the ground is alive. West of Naples lie the Campi Flegrei, a huge volcanic caldera with lakes in ancient craters, Greek ruins and ground that rises and falls in some years. To the east towers Vesuvius, which you climb on foot to the crater rim. In between lies Naples, whose noise is best experienced from a train. Then the road turns onto the Sorrento peninsula, winds through lemon terraces and ends at Punta Campanella, where Capri lies within touching distance. From the sliding door you see water, rock and clouds that snag on Vesuvius. You reach Capri on the deck of a ship: pasta with courgettes in Nerano, harbour bars in Sorrento, the sea a deep blue. Travel slowly here and you learn that volcanoes do not threaten but nourish.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Licola to Bacoli (Cuma, Averno, Baia) (approx. 20 km)

- **The drive:** From the coast road at Licola take the SP Domitiana and then go via Pozzuoli and Monte di Procida to Bacoli. The route runs through densely built-up country, is often busy and has narrow village streets; about an hour. Outside peak traffic hours the drive is more relaxed.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Cuma: the acropolis, access to the Cave of the Sibyl and views of the sea, part of the Parco Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei.
  - Lago d’Averno: a crater lake, described in antiquity as the entrance to the underworld, with a circular path.
  - Baia: a thermal complex and the Archaeological Museum in the castle, with Roman villas partly under water.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Near Licola several sites are listed as campsites, including Varca d’Oro Napoli Village and Partenope Village; ask beforehand about facilities, season and access for large vehicles. From there Pozzuoli is a short drive away.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the Naples area wild camping is not advisable: checks, risk of theft and bans by the municipalities. Use the campsites.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The Campi Flegrei are an active volcanic area with ground uplift (bradyseism); there have recently been several noticeable earthquakes. Check the latest notices from the Protezione Civile and the municipality of Pozzuoli before planning excursions. Check the opening times and tickets of the Parco Archeologico online in advance.

### Stage 2: Bacoli to Ercolano (approx. 35 km)

- **The drive:** Via Pozzuoli onto the Tangenziale di Napoli (toll road) and on the A3 towards Salerno to the Ercolano exit. Heavy traffic, short merging lanes, about 50 minutes outside rush hour. The centre of Naples stays off to the right.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Pozzuoli: the Flavian Amphitheatre and the macellum, the so-called Serapeum, whose columns show traces of the ground uplift.
  - Herculaneum (Ercolano): smaller than Pompeii, but with preserved wooden beams, mosaics and upper floors.
  - Naples by train: the old town, the National Archaeological Museum and a pizza in the old town, reached by the Circumvesuviana.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Near Ercolano the Eco Camping Vesuvio is listed, which suits as a base for Herculaneum and Vesuvius; clarify facilities and access for large vehicles beforehand. Also listed in the area is Agricamping Stone Vesuvio.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** As everywhere in Campania, wild camping in the Naples area is not advisable; ZTL zones and checks are frequent.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Avoid Naples with a motorhome: camera-monitored ZTL and narrow lanes. Use the Circumvesuviana from Ercolano station. Check tickets for Herculaneum online in advance and note the opening times.

### Stage 3: Ercolano to Vesuvius (Gran Cono) and Boscotrecase (approx. 25 km)

- **The drive:** From Ercolano take the mountain road through the national park up to Quota 1000, about 1,000 m above sea level. The road is surfaced, with many bends and some narrow spots, and on the last stretch the car park is often full; about 45 minutes. Then down to Boscotrecase.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Gran Cono: the ascent to the crater rim on a well-built path, about 30 minutes from the car park, with views into the crater and over the gulf.
  - Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio with lava flows from 1944 and nature trails through pine and broom woods.
  - Views of Pompeii, the Sorrento peninsula and Capri in clear weather.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Back at the foot of the mountain, the Eco Camping Vesuvio is a good base; alternatives are other agricampeggi listed in the area. Clarify facilities and access before arriving.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the national park overnighting in car parks and in the countryside is not permitted; wildfire risk in summer, fires forbidden.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The ascent to the Gran Cono is charged and timed; check ticket, time slot and current access conditions in advance on the national park’s website. Depending on the weather and the activity of the volcano, the path may be closed. Take sturdy footwear, water and a hat, as the wind often blows at the top.

### Stage 4: Boscotrecase to Massa Lubrense (approx. 50 km)

- **The drive:** Via Torre Annunziata onto the A3 as far as Castellammare di Stabia, then on the SS145 Sorrentina to Vico Equense, Sorrento and on via Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi to Massa Lubrense. Narrow, winding and very busy in summer; allow at least an hour and a half. Vehicles wider than 2.5 m should take the narrow spots slowly.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Oplontis near Torre Annunziata: the Villa of Poppaea, with superbly preserved Roman wall paintings and gardens.
  - Vico Equense with its seafront promenade and views of the Gulf of Naples.
  - Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi and the Il Deserto monastery, with a view of both gulfs, that of Naples and that of Salerno.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In the Massa Lubrense area there are several campsites, for example I Pini in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi and Camping Sant’Antonio; in the coastal village of Marina del Cantone, the Villaggio Nettuno and the Villaggio Turistico Syrenuse. The access roads to the terraces are narrow, so give your vehicle length when you phone; the season is usually spring to autumn.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On the Sorrento peninsula overnighting outside the campsites is practically ruled out: municipalities such as Massa Lubrense and Sorrento carry out checks and impose fines.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The SS145 is the only main route and is often congested in summer; set off early. Check the traffic restrictions in individual places on the peninsula. Use water and the cassette service before driving onto the peninsula, as public service points are rare.

### Stage 5: Massa Lubrense to Marina del Cantone (Punta Campanella) (approx. 12 km)

- **The drive:** From Massa Lubrense take narrow, winding roads via Termini and Nerano to Marina del Cantone. The approach to the sea is narrow and descends in hairpins; large motorhomes need patience, about 40 minutes. The road to Punta Campanella is for pedestrians only at the end.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Punta Campanella: a nature reserve at the very tip of the peninsula with an ancient sanctuary of Minerva, a watchtower and views of Capri.
  - Ieranto Bay near Nerano: a sheltered bay reached by a footpath, with clear water.
  - Marina del Cantone: a fishing village with a pebble beach, and pasta with courgettes (“spaghetti alla Nerano”) in the restaurants.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Marina del Cantone are the Villaggio Nettuno and the Villaggio Turistico Syrenuse, each with access to the sea; facilities are seasonal, and booking is necessary in summer. Near Nerano several hiking trails lead to the coast.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Strict rules apply in the Punta Campanella marine reserve: anchoring, swimming and diving are partly restricted, and overnighting in the vehicle is not permitted.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The hike to Punta Campanella takes about two to three hours there and back; in summer start early in the morning. In high season the restaurants in Marina del Cantone are booked out, so reserve a table the day before.

### Stage 6: Marina del Cantone to Sorrento and Capri (approx. 18 km)

- **The drive:** Back via Nerano and Termini to the SS145 and on to Sorrento, to the Marina Piccola harbour. The road is narrow and heavily used in summer; about 50 minutes. The motorhome stays at the campsite or in a guarded car park, and the day on Capri is a trip on foot.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Capri town and the Piazzetta, plus the Gardens of Augustus with views of the Faraglioni and the Via Krupp.
  - Anacapri with the chairlift up Monte Solaro and the Villa San Michele.
  - Villa Jovis, the residence of the Emperor Tiberius, with a walk through olive groves.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** For the day on Capri the motorhome stays at one of the campsites on the peninsula; if you stay in Sorrento, you will find Nube d’Argento and Santa Fortunata on Via del Capo. Both have electricity and sanitary facilities; the pitches are in part tight.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Sorrento itself overnighting outside the campsites is practically ruled out; use guarded car parks for the day only.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Ferries to Capri leave from Sorrento, Naples and Pozzuoli; they carry foot passengers, and on Capri visitors’ vehicles are restricted in summer. Check tickets in advance, especially in high season. The Blue Grotto depends on the weather and is reached by small boats; ask on the spot about tickets and times.

### Stage 7: Sorrento to Naples (approx. 55 km)

- **The drive:** Back via the SS145 to Castellammare and the A3 to Naples, where the Tangenziale bypasses the city. Toll road, heavy traffic; about an hour and a half. Naples itself should be avoided with a motorhome.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Naples’ old town (Spaccanapoli) with pizza, street life and the Cappella Sansevero with the Veiled Christ.
  - The National Archaeological Museum with finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
  - Castel dell’Ovo at the harbour and the Lungomare with views of Vesuvius.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** For Naples the practical base is by the excavations of Pompeii, such as Camping Zeus or Camping Spartacus, from where the Circumvesuviana runs into the city. Alternatively use sites in Pozzuoli. Clarify facilities and access beforehand.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Naples wild camping is not an option: high risk of theft, ZTL zones and checks.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Explore Naples by Circumvesuviana or metro; the motorhome stays at the campsite. Do not leave bags and valuables in the vehicle. Pizza and coffee are cheap and good; take cash.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Italian law (Codice della Strada, Art. 185) distinguishes parking (“sosta”) from camping (“campeggio”): a motorhome may overnight where parking is allowed, as long as only its wheels touch the ground. Chairs, tables, awnings, stabilisers and discharged grey water are forbidden.
- In Campania wild camping in the greater Naples area and on the Sorrento peninsula is practically ruled out: municipal bylaws, checks and the risk of theft make campsites the only sensible choice.
- In the Vesuvius National Park and the Punta Campanella marine reserve the authorities’ own rules apply; overnighting, fires and tents are not permitted.
- Useful apps: park4night, CamperOnline and Campercontact, each with user reports; confirm by phone before arriving.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Service points are called “camper service” or “carico e scarico”. In the greater Naples area and on the Sorrento peninsula they are mostly found only at campsites.
- Empty grey water and the cassette only at the service point; wild dumping is a main reason for new motorhome bans.
- Tap water is mostly drinkable; look for “acqua potabile”. In high summer water can be scarce on the peninsula.
- Gas: German exchange cylinders are not swapped in Italy. Refillable cylinders and gas tanks are filled at GPL filling stations using the Italian adapter.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits: motorhomes up to 3.5 t 90 km/h outside built-up areas, 110 km/h on expressways, 130 km/h on the motorway; over 3.5 t 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 100 km/h on the motorway. Vehicles towing a caravan: 70 km/h outside built-up areas, 80 km/h on the motorway. Dipped headlights outside built-up areas even in daytime.
- ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) with camera monitoring exists in Naples, Pozzuoli, Sorrento and many smaller places; fines arrive by post, often months later.
- Tolls: the Tangenziale di Napoli and the A3 Napoli–Salerno are toll roads. Ferries to Capri carry foot passengers; on Capri visitors’ vehicles are restricted in summer.
- If a load projects beyond the rear, such as bicycles on a rear carrier, the red-and-white warning panel (50 × 50 cm) is compulsory. Alcohol limit 0.5, for novice and professional drivers 0.0; mobile phone at the wheel only with a hands-free kit.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Hiking boots with a grippy sole for the Gran Cono, Punta Campanella and the coastal paths.
- Hat, sunglasses and water for the Vesuvius crater rim, where there is hardly any shade.
- Two padlocks or a steering-wheel lock: theft protection matters in the greater Naples area.
- Water shoes for the rocks and pebble beaches of Marina del Cantone and Ieranto.
- Italian gas adapter and full cylinders.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Pozzuoli** (Italy)
2. **Cuma** (Italy)
3. **Bacoli** (Italy)
4. **Ercolano** (Italy)
5. **Boscotrecase** (Italy)
6. **Torre Annunziata** (Italy)
7. **Vico Equense** (Italy)
8. **Massa Lubrense** (Italy)
9. **Marina del Cantone** (Italy)
10. **Sorrento** (Italy)
11. **Capri** (Italy)
12. **Naples** (Italy)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Practical notes for the road

- **Italy: Motorway tolls.** Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- **Naples: Limited traffic zone (ZTL).** Cameras fine unauthorised vehicles in the historic centre, including hire cars. Park outside and walk or take transit; hotels inside may register your plate.
- **Amalfi Coast road (SS163).** Size limits for motorhomes and trailers (length 7.5 m). Alternative: Park in Sorrento or Salerno and continue by bus or ferry along the coast.

## FAQs

**How long is Fire fields, volcanic craters and Faraglioni – by motorhome from the Campi Flegrei over Vesuvius to Capri?**
7-day road trip of about 156 km (97 mi) with 12 stops, from Pozzuoli to Naples. About 2 h 09 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Fire fields, volcanic craters and Faraglioni – by motorhome from the Campi Flegrei over Vesuvius to Capri?**
We suggest 7 days: about 2 h 09 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Fire fields, volcanic craters and Faraglioni – by motorhome from the Campi Flegrei over Vesuvius to Capri start and end?**
It starts in Pozzuoli and ends in Naples.

**Which countries does Fire fields, volcanic craters and Faraglioni – by motorhome from the Campi Flegrei over Vesuvius to Capri pass through?**
Italy.

**Where can you camp along Fire fields, volcanic craters and Faraglioni – by motorhome from the Campi Flegrei over Vesuvius to Capri?**
OpenStreetMap lists 35 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Eco Camping Vesuvio, Zeus and Spartacus.

**When is the best time for Fire fields, volcanic craters and Faraglioni – by motorhome from the Campi Flegrei over Vesuvius to Capri?**
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)