The Best Things to Do in Naples

“The Italian city of Naples is Italy’s third largest city and a wonderful place to spend a few days, exploring the history of the region and soaking up the Neopolitan culture.

Here are the best things to do in Naples.

Take a Guided Tour of the Ancient City of Pompeii
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No trip to Naples would be complete without visiting the ancient city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius violently erupted, throwing lava into the air and devastating the surrounding areas.

On that fateful day, a mighty blast of ash and noxious gases, travelling over 100mph, covered the city of Pompeii, smothering and killing everything in its path.

Still to this day, building and relics lay as they were and you can see perfectly preserved casts of some of the victims, forever entombed in the exact position they died.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the city and explore the ruins, learning about the tragic events that took almost 2000 years ago.

Castel dell’Ovo
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On the former tiny island of Megaride, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Naples, lies the magnificent Castel dell’Ovo (Egg Castle).

The structure is a sight to behold. Built in the 12^th Century, this impressive fortress, is named after the poet Virgil, who as legend has it, inserted a magical egg into the foundations of the castle.

Virgil was known as a mighty sorcerer and psychic who could see the future and it was said that a terrible fate would befall the city if and when the egg cracked.

Thankfully, the castle is still standing and these days, this monument is open to the public so visitors can enjoy the various exhibits on show and the epic views from the castle’s ramparts.

Eat Pizza
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Where better to eat pizza than Italy? And where better in Italy to eat pizza than Naples, the birthplace of pizza.

The best pizza can be found on the Via dei Tribunali, also known as ‘Pizza Alley’ and the key to finding the best slice in town, is to look for the places where the locals are queuing out the door.

One such popular spot is Sorbillo, although you must be prepared to wait for an hour or more at times, to get your hands on one of their famous pizzas!

If you happen to be in the area in late May or early June, why not coincide your visit to Naples with a trip to the Napoli Pizza Village Festival.

Naples National Archaeological Museum
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History buffs will enjoy a trip to the Naples National Archaeological Museum.

This beautiful building, built in the 1750’s houses a wonderful collection of Greek, Egyptian and Roman historical artifacts and antiques, including statues, mosaics, art and mummies.

Many of the items in the museum were excavated from Pompeii and the nearby town of Herculaneum which was also destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD.

Vist the Island of Procida
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Three islands lie in the Bay of Naples.

The most famous is Capri, long time favourite holiday destinaton of the rich and famous. Then there’s Ischia, a volcanic island known for its its mineral-rich thermal springs. The third is Procida.

Procida is a great place to visit with its stunning rainbow-coloured buildings, great beaches and pretty cobbled streets. Film fans will be delighted to know that they filmed parts of ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ here.

San Gennaro Catacombs
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Beneath the church of Madre del Buon Consiglio, in the Rione Sanità neighbourhood (also known as The Valley of the dead) lies an underground network of tunnels and passageways known as the San Gennaro Catacombs, home to thousands of ancient burial tombs, including that of San (Saint) Gennaro (Januarius), the patron Saint of Naples.

The tombs are dimly lit, adding to the spooky ambiance of the crypt and guided tours of the space will give you valuable insight into the city’s history and the significance of the afterlife in Italian culture.

Walk Along Lungomare
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When you’re done with the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Lungomare, a 3km pedestrianised promenade that stretches from from Mergellina to Via Partenope.

This seafront walkway has fantastic views over the city, as well as Capri and Mount Vesuvius and is the perfect place for a romantic sunset stroll.

The city and islands are especially popular in the European summer months, so make sure to book your Naples accommodation in advance!”