Free walking tours in Castellammare di Stabia and what to see

Must-sees

Castellammare di Stabia is on the Bay of Naples, between Vesuvius and the Sorrento peninsula, on the site of Roman Stabiae. The most interesting sights are the Roman villas on Varano hill, buried in the eruption of AD 79. Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna keep frescoes and luxurious rooms and are run by the Pompeii Archaeological Park. They are a good alternative to Pompeii if you want a visit with fewer people.

On the hill is the Reggia di Quisisana, a former Bourbon royal residence that now houses the Libero D'Orsi archaeological museum, with finds from the villas of Stabiae. In the centre you can stroll along the seafront and the Villa Comunale gardens by the harbour, and see the cathedral. Above the town rises Monte Faito, covered in forest and with viewpoints over both gulfs.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Castellammare. Because of its position, the town works mainly as a starting point for paid excursions: to Capri, to Pompeii and Vesuvius, or a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast with a stop in Positano and a visit to Ravello. If you like walking, there are also guided treks on the Path of the Gods and hikes on Vesuvius. You can see the villas of Stabiae on your own.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the town: a morning for the Roman villas and some time for the Quisisana museum and the seafront. Where Castellammare shines is as a base. With three or four days you can combine Pompeii, Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast, because the Circumvesuviana regional train links it with Naples and Sorrento, and boat trips leave from the harbour.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in the centre, near the seafront and the railway stations, so you can go on trips without a car. There are hotels and apartments, and prices are usually lower than in Sorrento. On Quisisana hill there are quieter places to stay with views over the bay, although you will need a car or the bus. If you prefer a more holiday feel, Vico Equense is a few minutes away by train.