Many people have certain preconceived ideas of Naples and, as a result, choose to pass it up when they plan a vacation in Campania. However, if you come prepared and if you prefer destinations that are not in the least touristy, then a holiday rental in Naples or a day-trip to the town while spending time in a villa in Campania is just the thing. With a long and rich history, a wonderful cultural heritage, an authenticity that can often be lost in other destinations in favour of making those new to a place more comfortable, an incredible culinary tradition to indulge in, friendly locals, and much more besides, Naples has more than enough to entice visitors and endear itself to them. Grand in a charmingly slightly dishevelled sort of way, utterly full of character, and a beating heart of Italian life and heritage, there is far more to Naples than travellers of decades past might lead you to believe...
Chosen for 2022 as one of CNN’s Best Travel Destinations, Naples has had a resurgence in recent years and is increasingly gaining a better reputation as a holiday destination. Mafia presence declined in the 2010s and while it still affects the city on systematic and economic levels, it will have little impact on those visiting the area. Naples is, in fact, no more dangerous for tourists than any other Italian city. One must be aware of pickpockets and there is some potential for crime, as there is in any major metropolitan area in the world, but one can feel rather assured for their general safety while exploring Naples today. Keep your wits about you for tourist scams or theft of the normal sort and you will be fine. Another concern for many is the way that people drive in the city and, while it takes some adjusting to, you should be pretty safe wandering the streets. Particularly if you go on foot or by public transport, you should have little to worry about. Again, just keep your eyes open, follow what the locals do, and be sure to cross roads and move out of the way of on-coming traffic quickly.
The last concern that many have of visiting Naples that is worth addressing is that it is not a tourist-friendly city. Certainly, it is a place that is not as used to facilitating great numbers of international tourists as Rome or Florence or Venice and, as a result, may not always have the same amenities. Communication may rely on gesturing at times but this is something that locals are rather adept at and, as we noted, Neapolitans are generally very friendly! People will want to help you. Just learn a few key Italian phrases to do with food and purchases and you’ll be well on your way. And if things are ever a bit chaotic or disorganised, just embrace it: you’re on holidays, there’s no need to hurry, and it is half the charm of Naples!
Hopefully, now, any major concerns you’ve had about Naples have been put to rest – it’s not scary like you thought at all! - but why specifically should you choose it as your next vacation destination? Well, there are plenty of reasons but here are just a few...
1. The Centro Storico is Messy And Magic
Heading to the historic centre, or Centro Storico, of most Italian towns and cities is a must as this is usually the most picturesque part of the place, where you will find all sorts of architectural gems, palaces, churches, pretty piazzas, charming little streets, and more and will moreover discover that it can often feel as if time has moved on very little there. The Centro Storico of Naples is no exception. Here you will find a wonderful tangle of cobbled lanes and alleys, lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, galleries, and all sorts of little businesses and surprises. It is a wonderful place to grab a bite or a coffee or a drink, to indulge in a bit of people-watching, and to stumble upon hidden gems tucked away down a little side-streets. It is colourful, alive, mildly chaotic, and sometimes not the most fragrant, but always interesting. Head to the famous Gino e Toto Sorbillo (often just referred to as Sorbillo’s) for some of the most delicious pizza in the world made according to the recipes of its Michelin-awarded current owner for a steal, grab a drink in any of the lively bars in Piazza Bellini, discover the array of gorgeous churches from various bygone eras including the Baroque beauty that is Santa Chiara, view modern artwork tucked into Medieval surroundings at the Museo Madre, visit a shrine to soccer star Diego Maradona, or shop for one of the region’s beloved presepi (nativity scenes) in the shops dedicated to them that are open year-round. There is always something to find in Naples' fascinating Centro Storico!
2. The Eating is Excellent
Naples often makes a claim to the creation of pizza and some of the best pizza to be found in the world today is made in Naples. As noted above, Sorbillo’s famously serves up some delicious pizzas but it is also as simple as wandering into most pizza places in the city to find something excellent to eat and probably without spending too much either! However, there is, of course, much more to the culinary scene of the city than just one dish. The local food culture is incredibly vibrant and the residents of Naples are utterly obsessed with food. As a result, there are lots of amazing traditional dishes and wonderful eateries to try all over the city. Pastries are a way of life in Naples and you’ll find all sorts of delicious, ricotta-filled delights being sold in bakeries even late into the evening - ideal for indulging a sweet tooth whenever the urge strikes! Sfogliatelle are one of the most well-known of the pastries in Naples and are flaky, crunchy, croissant-like wonders that are filled with ricotta, almond paste, or candied peel of citron. Attanasio and La Sfogliatella Mary are just two of many incredible shops selling these remarkable treats. Other must-try specialities for foodies on vacation in Naples or on holiday in Campania and spending the day in Naples include the strong and thick coffee for which the city is well-known (grab a morning espresso with a fresh pastry before heading out to explore or make a proper occasion of it and enjoy one in the stunning Belle Epoque surrounds of the Gran Caffè Gambrinus), the fried fish street food staple cuoppo that is served in cones and can be munched while you explore the city, the especially creamy and excellent mozzarella of Campania and any and all dishes involving it, the hearty pasta and stewed meat and onion dish that is Pasta alla Genovese, and the carb-heavy and utterly indulgent Pizza Fritta (or fried pizza). These are merely the tip of the iceberg, too, so be sure to head to Naples if you like to eat well!
3. The Lungomare is Magnificent
Naples is a coastal city, as many are, but its seafront, or Lungomare, is particularly lovely. Boasting a pretty brick path that allows one to stroll with friends and family along the coast, the Lungomare of Naples takes in views of Vesuvius, the glittering Mediterranean, and the islands of Capri and Ischia, as well as the city itself. Lined by street performers and food vendors, it is a lively, colourful place (a phrase that seems to come up very often when talking about Naples) where you can enjoy pretty views, fresh seaside breezes, excitement, excellent street food, and more.
4. The Castles And Palaces Are Mind-Blowing
A city as ancient and steeped in history as Naples is bound to have many incredible architectural gems and while we’ve mentioned the wonderful buildings that one stumbles across while exploring the Centro Storico, a specific tour of the castles and palaces dotted throughout the city is also well-worth planning. Explore the grand Bourbon Palazzo di Capodimonte with its museum collection (one of the largest in Italy) of Neapolitan painting and decorative arts and other masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, El Greco, Louise Bourgeois, Anish Kapoor, and more. Head up to the Castel St Elmo on the charming little funicular railway that cuts through the town to enjoy the medieval castle and the astounding views over the city afforded by its hilltop location. Enjoy free entry to the impressive fortress that is the Castel dell’Ovo along the Lungomare and head to the rooftop for one of the best spots to take in the sunset in the city. And, of course, pay a visit to the sumptuous Palazzo Reale of Naples to take in some of the most beautiful interiors you will ever lay your eyes on.
5. There Is Serenity And Elegance On Offer
While enjoying the thriving chaos and wonderful energy of Naples is a must, if you want to indulge in relative peace and some more upscale surroundings then rest assured that the city can offer that, too; like us all, Naples contains multitudes! Just head to Via Chiaia and wander down this pretty and romantic avenue, exploring the lovely boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and bars on offer in this part of the city.
So, if you had preconceived notions about Naples and had written it off before, this is your sign from us, CNN, and the universe to reconsider right now! A vacation rental in Naples or a holiday rental in Campania and day-trips into Naples are a truly wonderful idea if you aren’t fond of overly touristy destinations, if you love authenticity and excitement, if you enjoy eating well, and if you have an interest in history, art, or pretty surroundings...and that list of attractions has at least one thing for everyone, right? Make Naples your next holiday destination in Italy and discover it all for yourself!
Photo credits
Picture 2: ParsonsPhotographyNL / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Miguel Hermoso Cuesta / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 7: Irureta / CC BY-SA 3.0;