Naples

The real Naples exists only in the heart of the Neapolitan!  

Naples is a typical southern Italian city on the Bay of Naples, under the smoke of the volcano Vesuvius, the still active volcano that destroyed the nearby Roman town of Pompeii and Herculaneum. A trip to Naples offers surprises at every corner, the city is different because of its folklore: the historic center (along with the pizza) is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The center offers monuments from different historical periods, streets and alleys full of history and culture, breathtaking views, a cheerful and lively nightlife, a centuries-old culinary tradition, tasty street food, generous and friendly people, and an original and unique theatrical lifestyle.

The central location also makes it possible to visit the nearest islands, such as Capri, Ischia and Procida (in about 30-60 minutes, see below), the Amalfi Coast, Ercolano and Pompeii and Caserta and Rome. The weather is mild and cold only a few days a year.

From a culinary point of view, the Neapolitan cuisine is not only excellent, but also inexpensive: typical dishes such as: the ragù, the Neapolitan genovese, the pasta with beans, the pasta with potatoes and provola cheese, the spaghetti with seafood and so many other fillings, which cannot be finished off with one of the excellent typical cakes such as the babà or the sfogliatella, as well as His Neapolitan's Majesty: the coffee.

The top 10 monuments in Naples

1. Pompeii: Located about 25 kilometres from Naples, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. It is a well-preserved archaeological site that shows the ancient Roman city as it was before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
2. The Royal Palace of Naples: The Royal Palace is a magnificent Baroque building that served as the residence of the kings of Naples. The palace has an extensive collection of artworks and decorations, including frescoes, paintings and sculptures.
   Piazza del Plebiscito, 1, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
3. Castel dell'Ovo: Located on an island off the coast of Naples, this medieval castle offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It is one of the oldest castles in the city and has served as a fortress, royal residence and prison.
   Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
4. National Archaeological Museum of Naples: This museum houses one of the most important collections of Roman and Greek art in the world, including the Farnese Sculpture Collection. The museum is also famous for its extensive collection of Pompeian artefacts.
   Piazza Museo, 19, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy
5. Cathedral of Naples: One of the most important religious buildings in Naples, the cathedral is dedicated to the city's patron saint, St John the Baptist. It has a beautiful Baroque façade and an impressive collection of works of art and treasures.
   Via Duomo, 147, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
6. The San Carlo Theatre: The Teatro di San Carlo is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and was founded in 1737. The theatre has a beautiful interior and is home to one of the largest opera companies in the world.
   Via San Carlo, 98, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
7. Via San Gregorio Armeno: This street in the historic centre of Naples is famous for its traditional handmade cribs. Here you will find a wide range of handmade cribs, complete with figurines and accessories, as well as traditional Neapolitan souvenirs.
   Via San Gregorio Armeno, 830, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
8. The Castle of Sant'Elmo: Situated on a hill above Naples, this medieval castle offers a panoramic view of the city. It was built in the 14th century and served as a fortress  to defend the city. 
   Via Tito Angelini, 22, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy
9. The Catacombs of San Gennaro: This underground cemetery is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Naples. It consists of a network of corridors and chambers dug out of the rock and used for burials in the 2nd century A.D. 
   Via Capodimonte, 13, 80136 Napoli NA, Italy
10. The Piazza del Plebiscito: This is the largest square in Naples and the heart of the city. It is surrounded by some of the most impressive buildings in Naples, such as the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. It is a popular meeting place and often hosts events and concerts.
    Piazza del Plebiscito, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy  .

    What else we recommend in Naples

    

    Naples dates back to 200 BC and has been one of Italy's most important centers of art and architecture for centuries. The city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is full of frescoes that are well worth seeing. Other significant sights include the opulent royal palace in nearby Caserta and the Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle in the city centre. Once a year, there is the real Naples Pizza Festival where the world's largest pizza is baked. Another attraction is San Gregorio Armeno where you can see the largest display of nativity figures, from contemporary celebrities to ancient figures.

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    A discovery: Naples Underground

     

    Under the city lies a labyrinth of ancient tunnels that are up to 2,500 years old.  If you book an excursion with Napoli Sotterranea, you will see the city from a different perspective. You descend 40 metres to begin your adventure, discovering aqueducts, sewer tunnels, rainwater cisterns, caves, catacombs and much more in the hollows of the tuff, there are even roads and railway tunnels! Some caves, which were part of the water supply to the city above, are still full of water. A highlight of the underground network are the remains of the Greco-Roman theater of Neapolis, where the Roman emperor Nero had his dressing room. 

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    Visiting the island of Capri

    The coast of the island of Capri.

    The coast of the island of Capri is steep and jagged, with giant boulders jutting out of the sea here and there. Capri is well-known for its many caves along the coast, which are best visited by boat. The beautiful play of light from the sun and the water makes this one of the most popular excursions on the island. The most famous of these caves is Grotta Azzurra, which is closely linked to Capri's tourist history. Capri is also home to the international jet-set, seen coming and going in large yachts, there is no better theater of 'La Dolce Vita'. Other islands worth visiting are Ischia with its many spas and hot springs and the small island of Procida.

    How to reach Capri from Naples

    1. By boat: There are regular ferry services from the port of Naples to the island of Capri. There are several ferry companies to choose from, including Caremar, SNAV and NLG, and the journey usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour. High speed catamarans are also available, which are faster and take about 40 minutes.
    2. By Hydrofoil: If you prefer a faster journey, you can also take a hydrofoil. These fast boats leave from the port of Naples and take you to Capri in about 20 minutes.
    3. With an organized tour: There are various organized tours available from Naples that will take you to Capri and show you the highlights of the island. These tours usually include transport to and from your hotel in Naples and a visit to some of Capri's main attractions, such as the Blue Grotto and the Faraglioni rock formations.

    Naples and Vesuvius

    One of the main natural features of Naples is Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano to the east of the city. Vesuvius is one of the world's most iconic volcanoes and is known for its infamous eruption in 79 AD, which completely covered the nearby city of Pompeii with ash and debris.

    Today, Vesuvius is one of the world's most iconic volcanoes and is known for its infamous eruption in 79 AD, which completely covered the nearby city of Pompeii with ash and debris.

    Mt. Vesuvius is still active today and is regularly monitored by scientists to predict possible eruptions and warn residents in case of an emergency. The mountain is a popular destination for tourists interested in volcanology, geology and hiking. There are several footpaths that lead to the top of Vesuvius, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Naples and the Bay.