Vico Equense is magically positioned for views, just across the Bay of Naples from Naples, with a clear view of Mt. Vesuvius and the pretty white stripe of seaside resorts that line the bright blue of the bay. Look in the other direction and you’re looking out at the Tyrrhenian Sea. Vico Equense doesn’t disappoint with its own beauty, it has a charming historic centre perched on the clifftop, complete with a 13th century castle, and a marvellous Gothic cathedral overlooking the sea. Its beaches are beautiful, its pizzerias sell pizza by the metre, and the gelaterias offer a rainbow of pleasure. There's a good range of accommodation options here, but our pick best places to stay in Vico Equense are charming traditional hotels, with not too many rooms, but incredible views.

Vico Equense has been a favourite summer haunt of wealthy Romans since the Roman era, when it was known for the relaxing properties of its sulphur springs. Roman ruins are part of the historic scenery here, along with medieval towers, dozens of serene, old churches, the castle, and the remains of the Monastery of San Francesco. Vico Equense is also close to the hilltop village of Massaquano, famous for the Capello di Santa Lucia's fresco cycles, and to the Banco di Santacroce, which is a paradise for snorkelers.

On the scoop of the long bay on the other side of the headland is charming Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast, and between the two are a number of country estates turned rural restaurants and farm shops, so the best places to stay in Vico Equense may also appeal to foodies — indeed one of our recommendations is renowned for its fabulous fine dining.

The Best Places to Stay in Vico Equense

For the Views

• The Hotel Torre Barbara is perfectly positioned for views of the Bay of Naples; from its charming restaurant terrace you can see Mt. Vesuvius but also the pretty line of towns along the coastline, with rocky, green hills in the background, and the bright blue ocean in the foreground. The pool shares the view too, and the best of the hotel’s 18 rooms and suites. The decor is fresh and a bit nautical, with tiled floors and plenty of white. Some of the suites are a good size for families, and the restaurant is serves authentic Neapolitan cuisine. The shady gardens are a lovely place to relax and recharge.

For Romantics

• Capo la Gala has wonderful views too, also over the Bay of Naples, though here you’re tucked in much closer to the water. The pool and the terrace of the restaurant are just a few metres above sea level. Many of the 22 rooms and suites have private balconies with incredible views too — some offer private plunge pools or hot tubs as well, because this is an indulgent pick just made for romance, from the gourmet restaurant to the luxurious spa.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Vico Equense is Naples Airport, around 40 minutes away by car, or just under an hour and a half by rail. If you’re starting out in Naples, not at the airport, you can catch the Circumvesuviana train, which runs between Naples and Sorrento, and leaves about every 30 minutes, or you can catch a taxi down to the hydrofoil port and sail across the bay. Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport is just under three hours away by car, and just over three hours by rail.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Even in a wet winter Vico Equense gets eight hours a day of sunshine — that’s the Mediterranean climate for you, with hot dry summers and mild winters. The tourist season in the Bay of Naples, traditionally begins at Easter, and runs through until the first week of November. The warmest summer months are the busiest time for visitors, but it can get really hot, so if you’re not restricted on when you can travel you might want to consider the shoulder seasons or April through mid-June, and September through mid-October. The sea remains warm in autumn, and both spring and autumn are lovely times for exploring the region on foot, or on a boat. These are also excellent times to explore the region’s ancient sights at Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Campania
• Or even one of the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast, the best places to stay in Sorrento or Naples
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.