When to go
May, June and September are warm enough for swimming with fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy. Boat tours run mainly from spring to autumn and depend on the sea.
What to bring on a boat
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light layer for the wind, swimwear and a towel. Wear soft flat shoes. If you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet before you leave.
If the weather changes
Sea conditions decide what is possible. We plan a main route and a backup, and will tell you early if the day needs to change. Capri’s Blue Grotto, for example, can close at short notice when the swell is up.
Visiting Pompeii
Go early or late in the day. There is little shade, so bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes. The site is large, so allow three to four hours and book entry ahead in busy months.
Climbing Vesuvius
Access to the crater is regulated, so book ahead. It is cooler and windier at the top than on the coast, and the path is loose gravel.
Getting around the Amalfi Coast
The cliff road is narrow and slow in summer, and parking is scarce. A private transfer or a boat saves hours and lets you enjoy the view.
Churches and restaurants
Cover shoulders and knees in churches. A coperto (cover charge) on a restaurant bill is normal and is not a tip.
In busy places
Keep bags closed and phones out of back pockets in crowded streets and on public transport, especially in central Naples.
