Advice

Just a quick pause in your visit to highlight some must-see spots in Naples that didn’t make it into your itinerary. First off, we can’t talk about Naples without mentioning pizza—it’s a cornerstone of your trip and deserves your full attention! In fact, UNESCO has recognized the traditional craft of Neapolitan pizza-making as intangible cultural heritage. After sampling the city’s best slices, why not learn the secrets yourself? Many cooking classes can teach you how to make tomato sauce just like a nonna and toss dough like a pro. For the best views of Naples’ sparkling bay, head up to Castel Sant’Elmo atop Vomero Hill, or to the Camaldoli Hermitage, 485 meters above the sea. You can also visit the Posillipo promontory for that classic postcard shot of the city. Another unmissable visit nearby is the Certosa di San Martino, an impressive 14th-century monastery built by the Angevin family. It’s a stunning example of Italian Baroque, featuring a beautiful church, cloister, Mediterranean gardens, and a museum partly devoted to the famous Neapolitan nativity scenes. If you’re into unusual and slightly eerie places, head to the Fontanelle Cemetery – a former quarry turned into an ossuary after the devastating Black Death. For a breath of fresh air and nature in the city, spend some time at the Villa Comunale Park and its surprisingly diverse botanical gardens—citrus trees, tropical plants, mangroves, tree ferns, and even a fossil plant museum await you there. A visit to Pompeii, just outside Naples, is a must; it’s probably on your to-do list already. This UNESCO World Heritage site draws millions for its remarkably preserved ruins and the haunting story of a city buried under Vesuvius’s ashes in AD 79. Don’t miss Herculaneum either; this ancient Roman town is quite smaller but equally fascinating. Now on to the stunning island of Capri. Its cliffs and grottos have been mesmerizing visitors since ancient times. While you're there, be sure to check out the famous Grotta Azzurra, a cave with water so incredibly blue you'll never forget it. Of course, no trip would be complete without seeing Mount Vesuvius itself. The volcano is easily accessible, just 10 kilometers from Naples. Many excursions will take you up the mountain, but you're free to go on your own and simply pay the crater entrance fee on-site. Naples is also the perfect starting point to explore the Amalfi Coast. If you have time, rent a car and discover every nook and cranny – even a day trip from Naples will give you a great preview. You can also take a boat trip and admire the colorful houses set against the backdrop of the sea amidst the green hills. With all this, you’ve got plenty to keep you busy if you decide to spend some time exploring the region.