With an exquisite coastline, a storied past and world-class cuisine, Naples is a quintessentially Italian city.
From the glistening waters of the Bay of Naples to the summit of the domineering Mount Vesuvius, Naples is peppered with esteemed tourist attractions. Its historical significance is impossible to ignore, and visiting the Naples National Archaeological Museum is a must. Explore vast collections of enthralling artefacts from local sites dating back to Greek, Roman and Renaissance times.
Among Naples’ most sought-after destinations are the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, a colossal UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the frightening yet fascinating story of the Mount Vesuvius eruption nearly 2,000 years ago. Take a short trip from Naples to see the ruins, where an ensemble of Roman architecture, incredibly preserved in volcanic ash, has been revealed by meticulous excavations.
Naples’ historical centre has also earned UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its plethora of stunning squares, monuments and castles. The area, which spans six square kilometres, is best explored on foot. Spot the intricately detailed white walls of the Naples Cathedral, the imposing towers of the Castel Nuovo and stroll down Spaccanapoli. Translating to ‘Naples splitter’, this straight and narrow street is an exuberant stretch of activity, punctuated by beautiful piazzas, palaces and churches.
Part of Naples’ attraction is its glorious waterfront, but before heading to a lido in a charming village – like Marechiaro or Posillipo – you should pay a visit to the phenomenal Castel dell'Ovo. Climb the ramparts of this striking seafront fortress, built in the 12th century, to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the Bay of Naples.
From here, you’ll spot the alluring trio of islands that sit in the bay, all of which pose a unique attraction. Capri is the most famous with its dazzling limestone cliffs – see the electric blue waters of the stunning Blue Grotto cavern and shop luxury brands on its romantic streets. Ischia, meanwhile, is renowned for its sandy beaches, pebbled coves and thermal hot springs, while Procida is a tranquil escape where colourful cobbled streets lead to serene ports dotted with fishing boats.
As the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, you’ll find delightful, authentic examples in Naples. Enjoy the exquisite combination of melt-in-the-mouth dough, fresh mozzarella cheese and tomatoes – whether from a street-side vendor or high-end restaurant. Alternatively, try Neapolitan ragù, a delicious pasta topped with a slow-cooked meat and tomato sauce.
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