Naples holidays and city breaks

Food:

Come to Naples and taste the very best of Italian food. The southern city is the birthplace of pizza as well as many pasta dishes and is widely considered amongst Italians to be their culinary champion. Whether you’re in the mood for a grab and go pizza or a sit down five star dining experience, Naples is revered throughout the world for its local produce and the art of simplistic perfection.

Pompeii:

Discover one of the most historically significant sites on earth just 15 miles from Naples. The ancient city of Pompeii was buried under a layer of burning stone fragments when the looming Mount Vesuvius erupted in the year AD79, resulting in this spectacularly preserved vision of life at the time. Walk around houses, shops, cafes and amphitheatres that are still standing after almost two thousand years.

Amalfi Coast:

Naples is the gateway to the stunning stretch of coastline of small beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Cast yourself in your very own sun-drenched movie and explore the Amalfi Coast from your base in Naples. Take a day trip to Sorrento and sip the local limoncello or shop in the famous boutiques of Positano.

Capri:

Set sail from the Bay of Naples to this beautiful island famed for its coved studded coastline and glamourous shops and restaurants. A favourite amongst the rich and famous, Capri is also home to the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the water appears to glow an electric blue. Immerse yourself in this breathtaking other worldly natural phenomenon.

The Historic Centre:

Wander the rich history of one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world. First founded by the ancient Greeks, Naples is home to many culturally and historically significant sites such as the main town square of Piazza del Plebescito and the Castles Del Nuovo, Dell Ovo and Sant Elmo.

Mount Vesuvius:

The active volcano responsible for the destruction of the city of Pompeii looms over Naples, just 9km from the bay. An awesome sight to behold, simply enjoy the view from the comfort of a waterfront café or venture closer to the power of nature with a guided tour.

Sansevero Chapel:

Visit this museum chapel and witness the breathtaking sculpture of The Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino amongst other stunning pieces. Entry is €10 and bookings are essential even in low season.

Galleria Umberto 1:

Satisfy your inner fashionista with a trip to this stunning glass-domed shopping gallery or simply admire the sculptures and murals.

Santa Chiara Monastery:

Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat into this oasis of calm. Admire the art in the museum or simply enjoy the cloister gardens and their beautiful hand painted tiles and benches.

Naples Underground:

Explore the whole other city that exists beneath the Naples we see today. A network of ancient tunnels, chambers and passageways, Napoli Sotteranea was first created to extract stone and has since acted as an aqueduct, storage rooms, escapes routes and even a bomb shelter.

Royal Palace:

Take a tour of this House of Bourbon palace and marvel at the throne room, the court theatre, the royal chapel and the palatial gardens.

Pizza:

Live out your dream to eat pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner while in Naples. Invented here in the 17th century the original pizza known as the Neapolitan is a thin dough with local San Marzano tomatoes and just a taste of mozzarella and basil. Try a twist on the classic with a folded wallet pizza or be bold and opt for the ricotta and pork fried pizza.

Sfogliatella:

Start your day with the city’s signature pastry filled with ricotta and custard. This crispy, flaky treat also comes in cinnamon and cherry flavours so one for each morning of your Naples City Break.

Baba:

If a sweet boozy cake is your idea of desert heaven, then welcome to Naples. These individual sponge cakes, soaked in a sticky citrus rum, have been a staple of Neapolitan life since finding their way there from France 300 years ago.

Spaghetti alla Vongele:

Enjoy the taste of the sea while gazing out into the Bay of Naples with a bowl of this local pasta speciality. Packed with fresh carpet shell clams, the dish comes in a white version with just garlic, parsley and olive oil while the red ‘macchiata’ variety adds cherry tomatoes.

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca:

Make of most of your Italian escape and indulge in another pasta dish, this one gaining its full flavour from anchovies, black olives and capers. With its origins in the Napoli bordellos, this dish may have had a humble start but it’s certainly a firm favourite with locals and tourists.

Metro:

Line 1 is the most commonly used by tourists as it connects to the historic centre and don’t miss out on visiting the artistic stations.

Bus:

Naples has an extensive bus service and is by far the most utilized mode of transport for visitors.

Funicular:

These uphill trams are great for accessing stunning views of the Vomero district and attractions such as Castel Sant’Elmo and the Museum of San Martino.