10 Best Natural Sights around Naples

Vesuvio National Park (Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio) is home to Mount Vesuvius, the active volcano most known for wiping out Pompeii almost 2,000 years ago. The park is massive, yet it all fits within the province of Naples, so you won't have to go far from the city to get there.

When visiting this natural park, be sure to take notice of the natural vegetation and animal species here. 612 plant species thrive in the park, along with 227 different animal species. You'll find it all just a few miles east of the city centre.

Parco Virgiliano is a scenic park with plenty of green space, walking trails, playgrounds and more, as well as several terraces that overlook the great Gulf of Naples. From this park, you can see quite a few notable sights, including Mount Vesuvius, Gaiola Bay and the coast of Amalfi.

This park is also home to several playgrounds for various age groups, so don't hesitate to take the whole family on holiday here. Plus, there's a small amphitheatre in the park where live events are held during the summer months. It's all located a few miles southwest of the city centre.

Baia di Sorgeto Ischia is an island in the Bay of Naples where you'll find relaxing hot thermal springs along with volcanic beaches and rolling green hills. The hot springs are the most alluring feature here for many travellers who are looking to both relax and take in stunning views.

The thermal waters are part of a pebble beach, so you can enjoy a relaxing environment in and out of the water. Just be prepared for the 300 or so steps it takes to reach the inlet. You'll find it all a few miles off the coast of Naples.

Natural Arch (Arco Naturale) is a naturally formed limestone connection between 2 rock pillars and looks strikingly similar to an architectural arch design. Despite its shocking resemblance to man-made structures, every bit of this nearly 18-metre-high and 12-metre-long arch is completely natural.

To reach this rock, you'll have to traverse the area on foot from the town of Capri. Once you reach the arch, however, you'll find yourself far above sea level with a picturesque view of the surrounding scenery. It's located on the island of Capri, a few miles due south of Naples in the gulf.

Parco Regionale Monti Picentini is a unique park and nature preserve best known for the pathways that stretch between its little valleys created by limestone rock formations on either side. These walking paths are particularly picturesque, making it a popular destination for hikers looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle.

Within this park, you can visit 2 natural oasis areas, a valley and a mountain, both of which have well-kept walking paths. It's all located several miles east of Naples, past Salerno.

Marine Protected Area Punta Campanella (Area marina protetta Punta Campanella) is a coastal protected park area that features an underwater environment. On the coast, visitors can see stunning cliffs and shining waters complemented by some Roman ruins in certain parts, adding a bit of history to the nature.

Diving is quite popular here, thanks to the well-kept underwater environment featuring a thriving seabed and a statue of the Virgin Mary, which is said to protect divers. See it all for yourself south of Naples and west of Positano around the closest mainland area to Capri Island.

Parco Regionale del Taburno-Camposauro is an inviting park boasting well-marked and maintained trails throughout its vibrant nature area filled with scenic views and animals. The clearly labelled paths have signs detailing their routes through several points, making it easy to stay on track.

The fauna at this park are some of the most varied of any park in Campania. Amphibians like toads and tree frogs are common, as are mammals like shrews and mice. About 94 bird species make their home here, too. It's all located several miles northeast of Naples.

Vallone dei Mulini is a historic valley with several unique plant species, vibrant greenery to explore and historic ruins throughout. A lot of the ruins of old mills and historic buildings here have been mostly reclaimed by nature, with only a few pieces of recognisable stone visible past the vegetation.

This valley is known for tuff, which is a kind of rock that forms from volcanic ash. Additionally, the valley doesn't get much ventilation, so rare plant species can thrive here uninterrupted. See it for yourself on the south side of the bay in Sorrento.

Riserva Naturale Cratere degli Astroni, one of the largest of its kind in the area, is a well-preserved crater with walking paths and diverse bird species. The crater is thought to have been formed by explosive volcanic activity several thousand years ago.

When you visit this crater, you'll find a variety of walking paths that were part of the royal hunting grounds during the era of the Bourbons. Additionally, the local bird species are quite diverse, with both migratory and native species showing up regularly. Check it out in person just a few miles west of the city centre.