Milan to Naples: 5 days of sun, sea, and food

Italy’s western coastline is a feast for the senses, dotted with iconic cities and spectacular landscapes. With our great value flights to Milan, Rome and Naples, we’ve made it easier than ever to fly into this incredible region and embark on a journey of discovery. Road trip, anyone?

From the pastel-painted villages of Liguria in the north to the hidden beaches of Lazio, then onto the lively energy of Naples in the south, this five-day itinerary will take you through some of Italy’s most scenic and under-the-radar coastal towns. Start in Milan or Naples and go from there. With Aer Lingus, getting to Italy — and back — is the easiest bit.

Day 1: Milan to Camogli (Ligurian Coast)

Touch down in Milan Malpensa Airport, grab an espresso, and hit the road for the Ligurian coast. The fishing village of Camogli (a couple of hours from Milan by train or car) is the perfect place to shake off the city buzz. Known for its charming harbour and colourful houses stacked along a rocky coastline, it’s a more relaxed alternative to the flashier Cinque Terre.

Spend an afternoon wandering the narrow lanes of the old town and paddling in the Ligurian Sea, then stop into one of the seafront trattorias for a taste of local seafood. In this part of Italy, you’ll often find anchovies marinated in lemon and fresh octopus, plus the region’s famous focaccia al formaggio. After lunch, hop on a boat to San Fruttuoso, a hidden cove with a medieval abbey and the iconic Christ of the Abyss statue that lies beneath the waves. It’s a fascinating local story and a good reason for a dip.

Something a bit special: If you’re feeling energised, hike the trail from Camogli to San Rocco; it’s steep but the views over the Ligurian Sea are worth it. And if you head back on time, you can refuel with a slice of focaccia in the hilltop village before heading back down.

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The colourful Camogli seafront

Day 2: Camogli to Porto Venere

After a morning coffee overlooking Camogli’s harbour, make your way down the coast to Porto Venere, a UNESCO World Heritage destination known for its dramatic cliffs, medieval vibes and fantastic sea views. Take a wander along the old city walls, explore the Gothic Church of St. Peter perched high above the waves, and explore narrow alleyways lined with gelaterias, boutiques and seafood restaurants.

Catch a boat to the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino, or Tinetto, where you can follow a walking trail, snorkel in clear waters, or find a quiet spot for a picnic. As evening falls, find a table at one of the waterfront trattorias to sample the local catch of the day.

Something a bit special: Search for Byron’s Grotto, a hidden sea cave said to be one of the Romantic poet’s favourite swimming spots. It can be hard to reach, but the turquoise waters and quirky tale make it pretty memorable.

San Pietro (St Peter) church, Portovenere, Italy

Day 3: Porto Venere to Sperlonga (Lazio)

Day 3 has more travelling time than the others, so you might want to break it up with a night in Orvieto – or at the very least, stop for a leisurely lunch. This hilltop town is located just off the A1 and offers laidback medieval charm and panoramic views over the Umbrian countryside. Grab a menu in one of the town’s family-run trattorias and walk to the awe-inspiring Duomo before getting back on the road.

You’ll reach Sperlonga by late afternoon; perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea, this cliffside town is popular with Roman tourists, but still flies under the radar for most global visitors. Wander the atmospheric old town, sip a cold glass of Frascati, and enjoy the views before heading down to one of the gorgeous Blue Flag beaches for a swim. You’re now deep in Lazio territory — a region often overlooked for its beaches, but home to some of the coast’s most beautiful stretches.

As the sun sets, it’s time for some fresh seafood: enjoy whatever’s fresh on the menu — grilled fish, clams, or even swordfish.

Something a bit special: Just outside Sperlonga, you’ll find the Grotto of Tiberius – a dramatic seaside cave that once formed part of the emperor’s holiday villa. It’s easy to reach and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman luxury.

Orvieto, perched on a rock cliff in Umbria

Day 4: Sperlonga to Gaeta

A short drive brings you to Gaeta, a town known for golden beaches, medieval fortifications and a lively food scene. Start your day with a walk up to the Montagna Spaccata, a dramatic mountain split by an ancient earthquake, offering panoramic views of the coast.

Afterwards, cool off with a swim at Serapo Beach or explore the Grotta del Turco, a deep sea cave with stunning blue waters. Head into town afterwards for a tiella – a local dish that’s half pie, half pizza, and stuffed with fillings like mussels, spinach, or salted cod. After dinner, stroll along the seafront promenade to take in the sights and sounds of beautiful Gaeta before you move on.

Something a bit special: Climb the steep steps up to Gaeta’s Angevin-Aragonese Castle for some spectacular views, especially at sunset.

The beautiful Montagna Spaccata Sanctuary in Gaeta, Province of Latina, Lazio, Italy

Day 5: Gaeta to Naples (Campania)

It’s time to head south to Naples, a city that needs little introduction. (If you have the time, you could take a quick detour to the lesser-known towns of Baia or Bacoli, both known for their ancient ruins and thermal baths.) Once in Naples, dive into the city’s lively street scene, where scooters scoot past centuries-old churches, and the aroma of freshly baked pizza fills the air.

You’ll want to head to the historic centre, where you can explore the winding streets, take a look at the marble sculptures in the Sansevero Chapel, or saunter down Spaccanapoli, the city’s famous narrow street that cuts straight through its heart. Grab a slice of the margherita (one of the city’s most famous creations) before heading to Naples International Airport for your flight back to Dublin.

Something a bit special: Visit the Phlegraean Fields just outside Naples. This ancient volcanic area is dotted with steaming fumaroles, crumbling temples and mud pools.

Courtyard, Spaccanapoli, Naples, Campania, Italy

Ready to fly to Italy?

With our hassle-free flights from Dublin to Milan, Rome and Naples, planning an action-packed Italian road trip has never been easier. Whether you’re diving into the cool waters of Liguria, wandering the ancient streets of Lazio, or absorbing the energy of Naples, our five-day itinerary offers the perfect mix of culture, coastline, and cuisine. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable summer on Italy’s stunning coast. Why not book your flights to Italy today?