Less Than An Hour From Naples Is A Coastal Italian Town With Breathtaking Views Of The Sea And Historic Charm

Picture a historic center within footsteps of the shoreline, dotted with pastel houses, lively cafés, and a handful of piazzas pulsating with local life, that is compact enough to explore on foot, and also extends to high vantage points offering views of Mount Vesuvius and Naples to the east. Conveniently located less than an hour by car from Naples, on the Phlegraean Peninsula, hugged between the sea and two beautiful lakes, this town offers a calmer alternative to the more crowded Amalfi Coast. Accessible by car via the Tangenziale di Napoli or by train or bus from Naples, its roughly 27,000 residents occupy volcanic terrain that has witnessed millennia of human ambition, from imperial power to Bourbon aristocracy.

Bacoli is a town graced by stunning natural beauty, with serene beaches and panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the nearby islands of Ischia and Procida. Its scenic coastline and historic landmarks create a breathtaking setting for its rich cultural calendar, steeped in folk tradition. Among the most cherished events is the annual Festival of Saint Anne in late summer, with a procession, community festivities, and fireworks, offering a unique blend of local culture and nature's grandeur. While the beach season extends well into September, in October and November, the weather is still mild, and prices are more affordable, making Bacoli one of those perfect under-the-radar towns in Italy for a crowd-free vacation.

The city was founded with the name Bauli as a holiday resort during Roman times, and the ancient writer Symmachus captured its allure when he confessed he had to leave because staying longer would have ruined his appreciation for everywhere else. That sentiment still holds. Bacoli offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—on the doorstep of Naples yet worlds apart from its frantic pace.

Bacoli's allure lies in its extraordinary Roman heritage. Once a favored playground for imperial elites, Bacoli and its surroundings were home to opulent villas, sprawling bath complexes, and ingenious engineering marvels—many still visible today. Don't miss the Piscina Mirabilis, an immense subterranean water reservoir with soaring vaulted ceilings and towering columns. Built in the 1st century AD to supply water to the Roman fleet, it's one of the largest ancient cisterns in Europe and is open for guided tours. Near the beach, the Tomb of Agrippina is a semicircular ruin once believed to be the resting place of Agrippina the Younger, mother of Emperor Nero; modern archaeology suggests it was part of a grand villa overlooking the bay.

For a breathtaking watery adventure, explore a little further to the ancient Roman city of Baia, about two miles away, to visit the underwater archeological park. As volcanic activity caused land levels to recede, the Roman villas that once faced the sea now lie about four meters below water. You can swim over the ancient city and get a closer look while snorkelling or diving. In Baia, you can also see more remnants of Roman splendor, such as the Temple of Venus, the Temple of Diana, and the archaeological park of the ancient thermal baths.

Bacoli operates on a human scale because, let's face it, busier Italian destinations like Naples are not for everyone. The small lake Fusaro is a lovely spot for a stroll or an energizing jog, and you can admire Casa Vanvitelliana, a unique hunting and pleasure pavilion built for King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon in 1782 on a small island, used in the 18th century to farm oysters and mussels.

The quaint town is a microcosm of coastal beauty. From the broad, sun-drenched Miseno beach to smaller coves and dramatic promontories, travelers can swim, windsurf, or simply surrender to the local art of "il dolce far niente" (the sweetness of doing nothing). Lake Miseno, formed by a volcanic crater that filled with seawater, is a local favorite for hiking, while Capo Miseno's rocky promontory is ideal for romantic strolls or sunset photography.

Bacoli delivers on Italy's promise of superb cuisine, especially when it comes to seafood. On weekends, Neapolitans gather for long lunches at family-run trattorias overlooking the Bay of Pozzuoli or head to the edge of Lake Miseno for a relaxing "passaggiata" stroll and a gelato with a view. Local restaurants serve seafood caught that morning, prepared without fuss but with the confidence that comes from generations of tradition. At Osteria Da Caliendo, the freshest catch simply grilled competes with the more elaborate recipes, with an extensive wine cellar and panoramic vistas of the bay.. Il Testardo's innovative "Cruderia" section wows foodies with raw fish and briny shellfish platters, while Trattoria A Scirocco offers hearty Mediterranean classics in a friendly setting.

Don't be fooled by the laid-back beachy atmosphere on the promenade by day. When evening falls, many of the informal beach cafes change into full evening lounge mode to sip your aperitivo, with DJs and live music to dance under the stars.