Naples is the largest city in southern Italy and the capital of the Campania region. It is the third-largest Italian city after Rome and Milan. The city has a population of about 1 million, but with its agglomeration it reaches 3 million. The area around the city is rich in history and culture. It is famous for its folk art and cuisine. Naples is the homeland of pizza.
In the case of Naples, not only is the city an excellent destination for tourists, which becomes a lifetime experience for most of us, but the surrounding area of Naples also offers many breathtaking places to visit. Just think of the popular Amalfi Coast, the history-rich Pompeii or the famous Vesuvius volcano. The area around Naples is extremely rich in natural, historical and cultural treasures.
Personally, we find the whole of Italy divisive and ambivalent, and this is particularly true of Naples and its surroundings. At the same time, it is an interesting area, beautiful, stylish, with a very strong vibe, but also littered, smelly and noisy. People seem nice and helpful, but they can also trick you if you are not careful. The streets are decorated and colorful, but the poverty is very visible. So the photos of empty streets and quiet promenades in travel agency ads do not represent the real Naples.
In fact, Naples is a vibrant city, day and night, with huge crowds, noise and bustling people, chaos and honking cars. As it is written, it is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime, because it is a great experience.
How to get to Naples
The best way to reach Naples is by plane. There are several airlines to Naples and the airport is close to the city center.
If you’re driving, the A1 highway is the easiest way to get there from the north. From the south of Italy, the A3 highway leads to Naples.
Within the center of Naples, unless you are a highly experienced driver, we do not recommend driving. There is almost no car in the city that is not wrecked. If you are traveling to Italy by car, the best option is to leave your car at the hotel and take public transport or a taxi around the city. With Google Maps, you can plan very good routes by tram or metro.
Pro tip: Like in Rome and other major cities, the so-called Naples Pass is also available in Naples, making it easier for tourists to get around Naples and its surroundings. The ticket, which can be purchased for 3 or 7 days, gives access to certain attractions, as well as public transport for an extra cost and airport transfers on request. Moreover, the more expensive type of ticket will even transport you to the countryside, such as to Caserta or Pompeii.
Services and costs in Naples
Campania is one of the poorest regions in Italy. But this is not really reflected in the prices of tourist places. Naples may be slightly cheaper than the northern parts of Italy, but not significantly so. However, if you travel in the right time, you can easily organize a low-budget trip, as it is possible in many other parts of Italy. For example, 4-star hotels can be booked for between €100-250 per night, which is an average price in Southern Europe. Restaurants are also about average Italian prices. This means that a main course per person can cost between €8 and €20.
The service is surprisingly good, we were not disappointed in Naples. Whatever you need, there are always staff on hand to help.
When to visit Naples
In southern Italy, the weather is good almost all year round. Once, we visited the Naples area in January, when we were able to walk the streets in pleasant spring-like weather. In general, however, we would recommend spring or autumn. If you also want to go swimming, June or September are the best months.
How much time to plan in and around Naples
In principle, we think that 3–4 days is enough for a visit, but for a more detailed tour of the area you will need about 5–7 days.
Our article provides a guide for 3–4 days of activities in and around Naples. However, if your time is limited to just one day in Naples, we recommend checking out a one-day itinerary by clicking on the link.
Best places to visit in Naples
Castel dell’Ovo
Castel dell’Ovo is a seaside castle in Naples, located on a peninsula in the Bay of Naples. Its name means Egg Castle. The Castel dell’Ovo is the oldest castle in Naples. Its location offers an excellent view of the Naples waterfront and the surrounding area.
Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo, or Maschio Angioino, is the most famous building in Naples and the symbol of the city. Its name means New Castle. Built in the 13th century, it has a great history. Among the castle’s attractions, the 15th century triumphal arch that decorates the gate is one of the most beautiful Renaissance monuments in the city.
Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito is the largest square in Naples. It was built in the early 19th century. It was named a few decades later, when Naples joined the united Italy. It is bordered on the east by the Royal Palace and on the west by the extensive colonnades of San Francesco di Paola.
Naples Cathedral
The Dome of Naples or Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral is the main church in Naples. It was built on the foundations of an ancient Christian basilica, which can still be seen today. The dome was originally built in the 13th and 14th centuries, but was restored in the 17th century in Baroque style and then rebuilt in the 19th century in Neo-Gothic style.
Castel Sant’Elmo
Castel Sant’Elmo is a 14th century fortress built on a hill in Naples. It has a rich history, having been the site of several battles and, at one period, a prison. Today it is one of the most remarkable sights in Naples because it offers one of the best views of the city. For good photos, you need to go up to the castle.
Must-see places near Naples
Pompeii
The Pompeii Archaeological Park contains the ruins of a Roman town, which was buried with its buildings (villas, temples, baths) by the eruption of Vesuvius in the Roman Empire in 79 AD.
If you’re in Naples, spending a day among the ancient ruins of Pompeii is truly an unmissable experience.
The ancient city has been excavated in surprisingly good condition, so tourists can now walk among the ruins and admire the old buildings. You can see many Roman streets, columns, squares, theaters and even kitchens. Human remains can also be seen, which is extremely shocking.
You can enter Pompeii with a ticket, it’s worth buying online in advance to avoid queues.
Vesuvius
Vesuvius is located 9 km east of Naples. It is mainly known for its eruption in 79, in which its ash and lava buried the surrounding Roman settlements. Since then, it has erupted numerous times. It is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes of our time, with more than 3 million people living in its immediate neighborhood.
The Vesuvius volcano can be reached either by bus or car, but the last one kilometer is on foot on a steep, gravel road. You will also need a ticket. You can walk relatively close to the volcano’s crater, and it sometimes smokes. It is an interesting tourist destination.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of our personal favorites, not only in the Naples area, but all over Italy. The Amalfi Coast stretches south of Naples, in the northern part of the Gulf of Salerno. Enchanting fairy tale towns built into the steep mountainsides, lemon groves and beautiful colorful houses come to mind. The Amalfi Coast is a special, atmospheric, romantic place, comparable to few other places. If you visit Naples, it’s also worth spending a few days on the Amalfi Coast, for which this Amalfi Coast itinerary gives you some good ideas.
On the Amalfi Coast, the two most visited destinations are Positano and Amalfi.
Positano is characterized by its colorful houses built on the steep hillside, which offer a spectacular view. Walking around the town, you can get the best views of Positano from many points.
In addition, the boutiques, shops and restaurants in the old town offer interesting shopping and gastronomic opportunities.
Positano is the ideal destination for those who want to relax on the beach, enjoy Italian gastronomy and discover the beauties of the Amalfi Coast.
Traffic and parking is a bit chaotic there, so arrive early, plan ahead how you will get there and where you will park. If you are interested in, you can take a boat trip and see the coastline even better. There are also beaches in the cities where you can swim. And along the winding roads through the towns, numerous panoramic lookouts offer breathtaking views. If you travel to Naples, don’t miss the Amalfi Coast, it is an absolute must.
Caserta
The town of Caserta is located half an hour north of Naples. The most famous place to see is the Royal Palace of Caserta. The Royal Palace of Caserta, the former residence of the Bourbon kings of Naples, was built in the 18th century. The museum inside was opened in the last century. It includes the royal suites, the court theater and the gardens. With its splendor, dimensions and associated gardens, it is one of the largest and most impressive royal palaces in Europe. If you visit Naples, it is worth taking a few hours to see it.
So, Naples and its surroundings have a lot to offer tourists. Considering the characteristics of the area, it is almost certain that a trip to Naples will be an experience of a lifetime for almost anyone.
