Naples Guide

Naples is what some would describe as an acquired taste, but there’s certainly nowhere quite like this city for getting the true ‘Italian experience’. The atmosphere in this city is second to none. It is, however, not for the feint-hearted, but forget all the scare stories you’ve heard, and you will be heavily rewarded.

Nested in a beautiful bay around 200km south of Rome, Naples is also the gateway to the active volcano Vesuvius, the Roman remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the world famous Amalfi Coast.

There’s nothing better to start off your day in Naples than a rich, Neapolitan coffee (just about any bar will do but for something a bit special try the caffè alla nocciola with a delicious pastry. All sugared-up, get yourself lost in the winding streets and alleyways of the centro storico (the old town) visiting along the wall Piazza del Gesù, Spaccanapoli, the Duomo, Via San Gregorio Armeno famous for it’s year-round nativity scene shops, Piazza Dante and Piazza Bellini.

Having worked up an appetite experiencing Naples’ historic centre, there’s a treat in store. Naples is known worldwide as the home of the pizza, and believe me, you will not be disappointed. Head through the laundry-lined, scooter-filled alleyways to Via Tribunali and one of the two most famous pizzerias: Gino Sorbillo or Di Matteo both as good as each other, these are best (and ironically the cheapest) in the city.

You’ve spent the morning very much in the thick of it, so how about seeing the city and its famous neighbour Vesuvius from above? Feel free to relax your stomach for a while over another coffee before heading down the main shopping street Via Toledo until you reach the magnificent Piazza Plebiscito housing the Royal Palace. Right next-door is the famous San Carlo theatre itself recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From here, wander through the Galleria Umberto until you’re back onto Via Toledo and facing the funicular train stop ‘Piazza Augusteo’. Take the train to the last stop ‘Piazza Fuga’ and follow signs to Castel Sant’Elmo. From here you get the most fantastic view of Naples and it’s surroundings. You can see the ominous Mount Vesuvius, the beautiful coastline as well as the bustling city below you. Sit here among the lovers and enjoy a cold drink from the bar. If you have a chance the Certosa di San Martino, the Carthusian monastery is certainly worth a visit.

If Naples hasn’t already completely worn you out then it has one last trick up its sleeve: Nennella. There are huge amount restaurants worth a mention in Naples but, if you have just one night in the city, Nennella is an unforgettable experience. Run by a family (and yes, mamma is in the kitchen) this restaurant is not the kind of place where you can sit for hours sipping at your drink but there’s nothing like force-feeding you atmosphere. Don’t worry if the waiters start dancing-or even if they force you to dance with them-its all part of the experience. Plus: a four-course meal with all the cheap table wine you can handle will set you back around 12 Euros…

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