Naples City: Italy's third-largest city (6km, 15-30 minutes depending on traffic) is chaotic, authentic, and fascinating. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Spaccanapoli street slicing through the ancient city, stunning churches (Gesù Nuovo, Santa Chiara), underground Roman ruins (Napoli Sotterranea), Museo Archeologico Nazionale housing treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the birthplace of pizza (try L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo). Naples is grittier than northern cities - less polished but full of character and exceptional food. The waterfront Lungomare promenade offers views of Vesuvius and the bay.

Amalfi Coast - Costiera Amalfitana: One of the world's most beautiful coastlines (60-80km, 1.5-2 hours to Positano). The narrow, winding SS163 coastal road clings to dramatic cliffs with hairpin turns and stunning views. Main towns: Positano (65km) - iconic cliffside village with colorful houses cascading to the sea, very expensive but gorgeous; Amalfi (70km) - historic maritime republic with stunning cathedral, less vertical than Positano; Ravello (75km) - perched high above the coast with spectacular gardens (Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo) and panoramic views; Praiano - quieter alternative between Positano and Amalfi. Summer extremely crowded with traffic jams. Best April-June and September-October.

Pompeii and Herculaneum: These Roman cities were buried by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption in 79 AD. Pompeii (25km, 30-40 minutes) is massive with remarkably preserved streets, houses, brothels, theaters, forum, and plaster casts of victims - allow 3-4 hours minimum. Herculaneum (10km, 15 minutes) is smaller but better preserved due to different burial conditions - wooden structures, mosaics, and frescoes survived. Both are must-see archaeological sites offering unparalleled glimpses into Roman daily life. Visit early or late to avoid crowds and heat.

Sorrento: This elegant resort town (50km, 1 hour) perches on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples with views to Vesuvius. Sorrento offers beautiful historic center, excellent hotels and restaurants, limoncello production (free tastings!), and serves as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast with better value accommodation than Positano. The town is less dramatic than Amalfi Coast towns but more accessible and affordable. Ferries to Capri depart from Sorrento's Marina Piccola.

Islands - Capri, Ischia, Procida: Capri (ferry from Naples 50 minutes or Sorrento 20 minutes) is glamorous with the Blue Grotto sea cave, Faraglioni rock formations, Augustus Gardens, Via Camerelle designer shopping, and stunning views from Monte Solaro. Expensive but iconic. Ischia (ferry from Naples 40-60 minutes) is larger with thermal spas, beaches, medieval Aragonese Castle, and more authentic atmosphere than Capri. Procida (ferry from Naples 35 minutes) is the smallest, most colorful, and most authentic with pastel-colored houses and fishing village character - featured in 'Il Postino' film.

Peak Season: July-August are extremely crowded, hot (32-38°C), and expensive on the Amalfi Coast. Traffic on coastal road can be standstill - seriously consider boat connections. Accommodation very expensive and must be booked months ahead. April-June and September-October offer ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures, manageable crowds, and 30-40% lower prices - strongly recommended. Easter week is very busy. Winter (November-March) is mild but many coastal hotels and restaurants close.