Whether you want to sip aperitivos on a sandy beach or visit ancient archaeological sites, Bacoli has it all. The lively town is set on the Gulf of Naples and surrounded by some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Southern Italy. Day trip to Naples to stroll along the seafront “lungomare” and visit famous attractions like Ovo Castle.
Things to do in Bacoli
Enjoy sweeping views across the Gulf of Naples from Castello di Baia. The imposing medieval stronghold dates to the 15th century and is home to the excellent Museo Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei. See treasures from local archaeological sites, including ceramics, shrines and bronzes.
Walk around the sprawling Parco Archeologico di Baia complex and learn more about the legacy of the ancient Romans. The ruins date to the 1st century BC and feature intricate floor mosaics and the beautiful Tempio di Mercurio. The soaring domed ceiling is reminiscent of Rome’s magnificent Pantheon.
Relax on the long sandy beach overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Rent a sun lounger and swim in the crystalline Tyrrhenian Sea. Beachfront “lido” bars dot the shoreline and serve ice-cold aperitivos. Enjoy a refreshing Aperol spritz or sip a Negroni garnished with fresh orange peel. For a quieter scene, charter a boat to Spiaggia del Castello, a picturesque beach set beneath Castello di Baia.
Descend into Piscina Mirabilis, an enchanting subterranean cistern built to supply the Roman military with fresh drinking water. Dozens of soaring pillars support the soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling. At 70 metres long and more than 25 metres wide, the cavernous Roman cistern is one of the biggest in the world.
Getting around Bacoli
Bacoli is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while you can also use local buses to visit nearby sites and attractions. The town is a 45-minute drive from the Naples city centre and five minutes from Torregaveta Train Station. Naples International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.