A Trip to Naples in Italy
Naples is the third largest city in Italy and is home to about one million residents. For a tourist arriving for the first time, Naples is sometimes not easy to "digest." The streets are not always clean, the locals are not always welcoming, and there is no shortage of pickpockets. Some say that Naples is the real Italy, not trying to "please" the tourists. But putting all that aside, we find a Southern Italian city that is a must-visit.
You can visit Naples on a day trip or stay for several days. Those arriving in the Naples area for a 5-7 day trip will be able to take star trips in its impressive surroundings:
♦ Trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum
♦ Trip to Sorrento
♦ Trip along the Charming Amalfi Coast
♦ Capri
Accommodation:
It is recommended to stay in Sorrento adjacent to Naples, which is a more pleasant and safer city with more parking spots, and from there take star trips to Naples, Capri, Amalfi, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius.
Recommended accommodation in Sorrento:
♦ Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria - An impressive and luxurious five-star hotel with 91 rooms, perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples and comprising 3 historic buildings set within a private Mediterranean park. The harbor can be reached by elevator. The hotel, nestled in lovely Mediterranean gardens, features private parking and several quality restaurants.
♦ Grand Hotel Ambasciatori - A four-star hotel with 103 rooms. The hotel is located on a cliff and overlooks the Bay of Naples from its rooftop terrace. The hotel has a private beach and a garden with a pool.
♦ Comfort Hotel Gardenia Sorrento Coast - A small 3-star hotel with 27 rooms, just 600 meters from Sorrento's historic center. The hotel includes a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace with views of the Bay of Naples. All rooms include a private balcony. The hotel was completely renovated in 2007 and is classified as an Ecoworldhotel thanks to its eco-friendly policy.
♦ B&B Al Centro - Four air-conditioned apartments with an equipped kitchenette and balconies overlooking the sea. The apartments accommodate 2-4 guests. Located 150 meters from Piazza Tasso.
Another lovely town worth staying in is: Vico Equense:
A cute little boutique hotel, with wonderful service, a central location, and excellent breakfasts, which is warmly recommended:
♦ Villa Scaramellino Relais - The hotel features modern rooms with a balcony, air conditioning, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a washing machine and dryer for guest use. The hotel offers double rooms and apartments with a bedroom and living room suitable for four guests.
Search for a hotel on Booking.com on the Sorrento area map:
Booking.com
♦ Recommended guided tours in Naples:
♦ Guided walking tour in Naples - Naples City Walking Tour
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and begins at 10:00 or 15:00.
♦ Half-day tour to the ruins of Pompeii - Pompeii Half-day Trip from Naples
♦ Day trip to the ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius - Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii Day Trip from Naples
The tour includes a meal and hotel pick-up. Lasts about 7 hours.
♦ Food tour and walking tour through the streets of Naples - Naples Street Food and Sightseeing Tour
Lasts about 2.5 hours, starts at 11:00 or 18:00.
Tours for cruise ship passengers in Naples:
Naples is also a destination for cruise ships sailing Mediterranean ports. For cruise ship passengers who do not want to go on the expensive and crowded tours offered by the ship, you can book here on the Viator site recommended, cheaper guided tours in smaller groups than on the ship, tailored specifically for cruise passengers—meaning they pick you up from the port and return you to the port:
Tours tailored for cruise ship passengers - including port pick-up and drop-off:
♦ Private guided tour from Naples to towns on the Amalfi Coast
Naples Shore Excursion: Sorrento and Amalfi Coast Independent Day Trip from Naples
♦ Guided tour from Naples to the island of Capri and the Blue Grotto nearby -
Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento
Includes pick-up and return to the port. Lasts about 8 hours. Includes round-trip high-speed ferry to the island of Capri, boat ride to the Blue Grotto or other caves, and a minibus tour of the island.
♦ Half-day guided tour from Naples to the ruins of Pompeii -
Naples Shore Excursion: Pompeii Half-day Trip from Naples
Includes pick-up and return to the port. Lasts 4 hours. Includes entrance fees to the Pompeii site.
So how should you tour Naples and enjoy it:
First, if you arrive in the city by car, it is best to park it in a parking garage and explore from there on foot or by taxi.
Once that worry is off our minds, we begin exploring the Old City. The Old City, and Naples in general, is full of history. Naples was founded by the Greeks between the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, but during the 4th century BCE, the Romans took control of it. Roman rule led to the adoption of Roman architecture and the abandonment of the city's Greek characteristics. When walking through the Old City, you actually pass through those same periods: from Greek times, through the Middle Ages and Roman rule, to the Renaissance and the era of Italian unification.
The Old City has a unique layout: The "Decumani" are three wide streets that cross the city from east to west. These streets are intersected by 20 small and narrow streets called "Cardines." The meeting point between the "Decumani" and the "Cardines" is called "insulae," and this is a wealthier area characterized by private buildings.
The starting point of the "Decumani" is Piazza del Gesù, a small square featuring 2 prominent churches and a statue of the Virgin Mary. Within walking distance of the square, you will find one of the main ancient streets, Via dei Tribunali. This was the main Decumanus during the Greek and Roman rule in Naples; south of it, you will find Spaccanapoli, a colorful and bustling street packed with workshops, restaurants, cafés, and shops.
♦ Car rental from the reliable and convenient Booking.com site: Booking.com
Short video of a walk through the streets of Naples and a beautiful view of the city
Along Via dei Tribunali you will find the impressive Gothic church, San Pietro a Majella, and toward its end also the Duomo of Naples, Naples Cathedral—a Roman Catholic church housing a 2,000-year history. This is the primary church of Naples and of all Southern Italy. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Naples.
Before you have had your fill of churches, it is recommended to visit another: Cappella Sansevero, which houses around 30 works of art by 18th-century Italian artists. The most famous and important work of art is by the Italian sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino. The piece, called Veiled Christ, is a marble sculpture depicting Jesus and is one of the most famous and talked-about artworks in the world. The attention to detail is stunning, making it appear as though Christ's body is covered by a delicate sheet of fabric.
To complete your visit to the Old City, gain a unique perspective on Naples by exploring underground Naples, La Napoli sotterranea, a labyrinth of tunnels that reveals the city's history and culture. Walking through the city's "cellars" will show you life in the past, construction styles, and the daily life of residents. It is an unusual, mystery-laden, and mystical way to learn more about the city's history and culture. Admission fee required.
Not just churches and history: in the heart of the Old City lies a true hidden gem. A hospital for dolls, Ospedale delle Bambole. A particularly narrow flight of stairs takes you up to an attic full of magic and childhood wonder. The "hospital" was established in 1800 and has since specialized in repairing vintage and antique dolls. The staff will happily share the family history of this unique "clinic" and explain their preservation techniques. The workers give personal and special care to every doll, dressing them, cleaning them, and even... changing diapers.
The Old City is filled with narrow streets, picturesque alleys, craft workshops, churches, and piazzas. To get the most out of your visit and experience it in the most authentic way, it is worthwhile to tour with a guide. Napoli no stress itinerary offers guided tours led by local guides throughout the Old City and its surrounding areas. Advance reservation required: info@napolinostressitinerari.com.
After visiting the Old City, it is recommended to explore other city highlights, most notably Piazza del Plebiscito—a 19th-century semi-circular piazza housing the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. The palace was built in the early 17th century and has undergone several renovations after sustaining severe damage during World War II. On the exterior walls stand eight statues of the kings of Naples, and a grand staircase leads to the royal apartments and royal chapel. The palace rooms showcase numerous artworks, including paintings, tapestries, furniture, and more, with stunning views of the sea from the windows overlooking the water.
Not far from the Church of San Francesco di Paola lies Piazza Trieste e Trento, where the beautiful San Carlo Opera House (Teatro San Carlo) stands, richly adorned with golden embellishments. Opposite it is the handsome Galleria Umberto, featuring its magnificent glass-domed ceiling.
Another recommended stop is the "New Castle," Castel Nuovo. This is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century by the ruler of Naples at the time, Charles I. The fortress sits in a strategic location that turned it not only into a royal residence but also into a stronghold. Today, this strategic position offers an added benefit: a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay of Naples.
And after a full day of touring, you simply must indulge in one of the Neapolitan restaurants. Naples is considered the culinary capital of Italy, and many consider Neapolitan cuisine the most delicious and fresh in Italy. You can taste examples in the many pizzerias or in the other restaurants scattered throughout the city. Buon appetito!
Guided Segway or Electric Scooter Tour
A fun and efficient way to comfortably and quickly enjoy the city's sights is on a guided Segway or electric scooter tour. On this tour, you can easily cover long distances in three hours without breaking a sweat through city streets, taking in the main attractions with close guidance and detailed explanations. Such a tour is especially suitable for those arriving on a cruise ship in Naples who want to experience the city efficiently in a short time.
♦ To book here on Viator a Segway / Electric Scooter tour in Naples:
Here is a short video of this tour through the streets of Naples:
Written by: O. E. Bar