From the Bay of Naples to Sicily’s Volcanoes
This is a journey where the landscape becomes wilder and more stripped back the further south you travel. You land in Naples, start gently by the sea, then follow the coastline south through Calabria before crossing over to Sicily. Three stops, and time to turn off when the view demands it.
The scenery shifts gradually. From the dramatic outline of the Bay of Naples to the softer rhythm of the Cilento coast, further down to Calabria’s cliffs and finally Sicily’s volcanoes on the horizon. This is not a trip built around one single highlight. It is a journey where the feeling builds stage by stage.
Vico Equense – a calm start by the Bay of Naples
Your first night is in Vico Equense, less intense than Sorrento but with the same sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. In under an hour from the airport, you are by the sea and ready to begin without stress.
Take a walk down towards the marina, find a swimming spot among the rocks and keep the first evening simple. Dinner with views of Mount Vesuvius, a glass of wine and time to settle in.
If you have time the next day, drive part of the Sorrentine Peninsula for coastal views, or stop at Pompeii on your way south. Then you continue into the longest and perhaps most varied stretch of the journey.
The drive south – Paestum, Cilento and Maratea
The distance to Tropea is around 430 kilometres, but it should not be driven in one go. Start with a stop in Paestum, where Greek temples still stand in the open landscape. A short walk here gives you both a break and perspective.
Continue along parts of the Cilento coast. The road winds above the sea and the pace slows down. Stop in a coastal town such as Acciaroli or Castellabate for lunch. It feels less staged, more everyday, and often exactly how you want it.
As you approach Calabria, turn off towards Maratea. The road here offers curves, mountains meeting the sea and viewpoints that make you ease off the accelerator. Drive up to the viewpoint above the town before continuing the final stretch to Tropea.
If you choose coastal roads and plan stops along the way, the drive will take longer, but that is also when you get the most out of the journey.
Tropea – three nights by Calabria’s cliffs
Tropea sits high above turquoise water, with beaches below the cliffs. Three nights here give you two full days to really settle in.
Spend one day on the beach below the old town, swim in clear water and let the hours pass. The next day, drive to Capo Vaticano, where the coastline becomes even more dramatic and the views stretch far across the sea.
In the evenings, wander through the historic centre as the light softens. Order local red onions, fresh fish and simple dishes where the ingredients speak for themselves. The pace is relaxed and the atmosphere uncomplicated.
If you feel like exploring, drive inland to small mountain villages or take a boat trip along the coast to see the cliffs from the water.
Crossing to Sicily and on to Taormina
From Tropea, drive to Villa San Giovanni, about 1.5 hours south, and take the ferry across to Messina. The crossing takes around 30 minutes and creates a natural pause in the journey.
From Messina, follow the coastal road towards Taormina. It is a shorter stretch, but beautiful, especially when Mount Etna starts to appear in the distance.
Taormina – three nights to round off the journey
Taormina sits high above the sea with Mount Etna as a constant backdrop. Here you round off the journey with three nights that offer both experiences and time to relax.
Walk along Corso Umberto in the morning, visit the ancient theatre and take the cable car down to Isola Bella for a swim. Set aside half a day to drive or join an excursion up Mount Etna and walk in the volcanic landscape.
If you want to explore further, take a day trip to Syracuse or to smaller coastal towns nearby. Or simply let the final days be exactly that, a closing chapter with sea views and long dinners.
Practical Information
Rental Car
This journey requires a rental car, which is not included in the trip price. We recommend booking your rental car before departure to ensure availability and smooth pick-up on arrival.
Collect the car at Naples Airport when you land and return it at Catania Airport before your flight home.
Ferry
The ferry between mainland Italy and Sicily is included in the price, so you simply drive on board and continue your journey on the other side.
Best Time to Travel
May–June and September offer pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. July and August are warmer and livelier, especially in Taormina.
Distances Between Stops
Naples Airport to Vico Equense: approximately 50 km, around 1 hour.
Vico Equense to Tropea: approximately 430 km, around 4.5–5 hours without stops.
Tropea to Villa San Giovanni: approximately 115 km, around 1.5 hours.
Ferry from Villa San Giovanni to Messina: approximately 30 minutes.
Messina to Taormina: approximately 55 km, around 1 hour.
If you choose coastal roads and plan stops along the way, the drive will take longer, but that is also when you get the most out of the journey.
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
