The third-largest city in Italy was a treat to the eyes! The first thing that we saw was a board that said ‘Sapori Di Napoli’ which translates into ‘Flavours of Naples’. We did not stop there but it allowed us to feel Naples’ uniqueness.
We walked to Castel Nuovo. As we got closer, we admired its grandeur. Venus of the Rags was just around the corner and we spotted it on the way to see some churches. Venus of the Rags is a 38-foot tall mixed media sculpture by Michelangelo Pistoletto (a 91-year-old Italian artist) located in the historic square, Piazza del Municipio, in the heart of Naples.
Beautiful churches in Naples: There are some beautiful churches in Naples. Chiesa di San Giorgio dei Genovesi, Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Napoli or Naples Cathedral), Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, Chiesa di Gesù Redentore e San Ludovico d’Angiò and Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola are some of them. If you’re into art, you can also visit the Sansevero Chapel Museum to see the Veiled Christ.
Catacombs of Naples: The ancient tombs of the early Christians and bishop, Catacombs of San Gennaro, is a must-visit when in Naples. If you’re feeling adventurous, it is an hour’s walk from Piazza del Municipio with Catacombe di San Gaudioso on the way. Of course, there are other modes of transport, too. Both the catacombs are closed on Wednesdays.
Shopaholics can visit Spaccanapoli, a famous street where you can explore the history of Naples in its narrow lanes, shops and restaurants. Via Toledo is a historic street (1536) that is also one of the most important shopping streets in Naples as it houses many of the city’s iconic monuments. Galleria Umberto I is the oldest shopping gallery in Naples (1887). It is located right opposite the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, the oldest working opera house in the world (1737).
Once you’re done with exploring Naples, you can head out to various other popular spots around the city.
There are a few must-visit popular spots to explore from Naples. Here are 5 of them:
Pompeii is famous because it was one of the cities that were completely destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD/CE. Its ruins were finally discovered in the late 16th century.
Now Pompeii, Herculaneum (a wealthy coastal city of villas that Mount Vesuvius also destroyed in 79 AD/CE) and Torre Annunziata (an ancient city that was destroyed by eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and 1631) are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1997 as the Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata.
From Naples, it is advisable to get to Herculaneum, then Torre Annunziata and later Pompeii by train. There are buses, from Pompeii, that take you to explore Mount Vesuvius. There is a little climbing involved so wear walking shoes at the least.
Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano that is overdue for eruption. It earlier erupted for 2 days in 79 AD/CE and its last eruption took place for 30 years from 1913 to 1944. When you go up to the top, you can still see steam emitting from the vents in the walls of the crater. My 7-year-old son had a different idea when we took him to see the volcano. Though he did not see boiling lava at the bottom of the crater, he was satisfied with the fumaroles emitting gases.
Capri town was super crowded when we were there last May. We had lunch at Piccolo in Capri. From the port, you may first want to get to Piazzetta di Capri (a busy square of Capri town) by bus, taxi or funicular. The adventurous us almost climbed 500 steps (out of 921 of the Scala Fenicia or Phoenician Steps) before taking a taxi to Anacapri (the upper part of the island).
We visited the stunning San Michele Arcangelo, which is a Roman Catholic church located in Anacapri, Capri, Italy. This octagonal-shaped church is located in the Piazza San Nicola and was built in 1719. It has a magnificent floor made of multi-colored majolica tiles depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This was created by Leonardo Chiaiese in 1761. You will get a bird’s view of the beautiful artwork from the balcony above.
You will need to book a hydrofoil or ferry to get from Naples to the main and only port (Marina Grande) of Capri town. Do check timings, schedules and returns to base before booking the same.
‘Grotto’ in Italian means ‘small cave’. The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a sea cave along the island of Capri with turquoise waters beneath it. Entering the cave is possible only if the grotto is open, the tide is low and smaller rowing boats are available. There is a lot of waiting time to enter the grotto. If you’re lucky, you may get to spend around 10 minutes inside the cave.
The Green Grotto (Grotta Verde) is another sea cave that reflects the emerald green colour of the waters below it. You may be allowed to swim in these waters, too!
You can buy your tickets in Capri or here. This will mostly exclude getting inside the grotto. Do check all the details before you purchase your ticket.
Amalfi is a stretch of coastline that’s become a popular holiday destination despite its rough beaches. It is scenic with its colourful towns.
The Cathedral of St Andrew Apostle is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo, Amalfi, Italy. This 10th-century church can also be called Amalfi Cathedral/Duomo di Amalfi/Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea. The cathedral is designed in the Arab-Norman Romanesque style, but also includes Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque elements. You can take a tour inside if you land there when it’s open.
You can also chill at the beaches or go hiking via the Valle dei Mulini trail.
Positano is a cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast. You can explore the beautiful churches, shops and eateries there. A pleasant walk during the night is perfect for couples and families who want to inhale the warmth of the town despite the cold. You can also find some hiking trails there.
Several boat tours and private boat tours are available from Naples to take you around these coasts. You can also book a cab (75 minutes) from Naples to Positano.
Sorrento is a pretty coastal town that overlooks the Bay of Naples. Its population is around 16000 only. Sorrento has no beach as such; just a small piece of land where you can sit or walk by the waters.
We saw the biggest lemons in Sorrento. All the streets had lemon on their merchandise, food, drinks and ceramics. We drank a lot of limoncello, too. But, I liked the meloncello best. Have you tasted it?
Things to see in Sorrento: The Sorrento square is quite lively during the evenings. Sant Antonino had the best gelatos. Ristoranti Parrucchiano (1868) is the busiest restaurant there, so, do make an appointment if you want to try it out. We did not get a table during the time we were there. Another restaurant that a cabby recommended was Tasso. Dining at Ristorante Pizzeria Tasso was a lovely experience with a shot of limoncello after dinner. Blu Water was also a good place to have some yummy prawns. Some old churches date back to the 14th century, in case you’re interested.
You can get from Naples to Sorrento by train.
You can also stay at the places mentioned above and move around to the others, one day at a time. It’s just that Naples has an airport. So, in order to avoid lugging your luggage everywhere, you can park in Naples and move around easily to the other towns. There are many other towns to explore, of course, but these are some that we visited on our short trip to Italy and loved. We hope that this helps you in case you’re planning to visit Naples, Italy, in the future. It’s a beautiful city.
Happy journey!
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Photo by Tao Wang.
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32 Comments
Wow!! What a beautiful trip you had!! You know through your travel blogs i feel like I am also traveling with you. And I loved the pictures you clicked
You’re literally taking me on virtual trips everytime I come across your travel posts. Naples seems to be an amazing location especially Amalfi coast and Positano.
POMPEII – this destination was not known to me in Italy till the time I read your post. Thanks for giving such wonderful information. The narrations and description of the destination is spot on and I just loved. But BUT BUT …. I love your pics more than the post as you always know I cant take my eyes off from you. Keep exploring new destinations.
Thank you, Samata!
While Amalfi and Positano are so popular, of course for obvious reasons, I find them very touristy and expensive. Really like sorrento though. But hate the up and down steps of Positano.
Wow, I had no idea Mount Vesuvius was overdue for an eruption! And the fact that its last one lasted 30 years is just mind-blowing. Loved how you shared so many interesting details, makes history feel so real!
I love how your article highlights must-visit spots from Naples. Exploring Pompeii’s ruins and Mount Vesuvius’ summit was unforgettable. Sorrento’s charm and the Amalfi Coast’s beauty left me in awe. Capri’s Blue Grotto is a must-see.
I have never even heard of half of these spots! Someday when I plan for a trip to Italy I know where to look – this exhaustive blog! 🙂 Such lovely happy pictures makes me want to plan right away and not wait for a decade!
You should, Shalini!
Cindy from your posts, I wish there is something called reverse ageing. So much to do and so much to travel and so little time ! Interesting post and very detailed
Oh Cindy! You’ve kicked alive the Italian lover in me with this post and amazing pictures. Italy is the only European country I want to visit alone without mixing it with the other nations. Naples is definitely on my list, and now moved up, hopefully. The Amalfi coast you described makes me want to rewatch Under the Tuscan Sun! Mesmerizing!
From your post its clear that one needs to give time to enjoy Naples and it’s beauty. Amalfi was on my wish list and now there a few more places added to it!
Wow Cindy, Naples and the surrounding spots makes me want to pack my bags right away. The Blue and Green Grottos sound absolutely magical—I can only imagine how breathtaking the colors must be in person. And Amalfi’s charm is undeniable. Thanks for sharing these gems; definitely bookmarking this for a future trip.
So tempted to go to Italy after reading your post. We have not done Europe properly and after moving to Istanbul last year, I am hoping to do so in the next couple of years.
You should, Sakshi! All the best!
Another travels blog….wow…I always feel like I am having a tour with a guide 😍 Napels …first time I heard this word and about the place. Beautiful pics and views. Which language they prefer to communicate with foreigners?
Italian, but they make an effort to speak in English, too!
What a trip, Cindy! So many things to see. I haven’t tried meloncello, but had limoncello. I’d like to definitely see Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, then the grottos, and finally the churches. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to shop and walk till I end up on the bed! New goals, new bucket list.
Hahahha!!! Waiting to hear about it when you do, Ambica!
Venus of the Rags looks such an interesting art sculpture. This is one thing I really admire about Europe, there are such thought-provoking and vibrant artsy pieces in every nook and corner. Thanks for this virtual tour through Naples, Cindy. Bookmarking it for whenever I’ll be able to explore this side of Italy, hopefully soon
You are on the same continent, Manali. Please go out and explore!
Naples in particular and Italy in general has seen a lot of history! The places you shared is quite an intersting list. I have no idea if and when I get to go there and see all these things personally. However, I enjoyed the virtual tour you gave!
Wow! I couldn’t pronounce most of the names, but they are so beautiful. i’m sure you had a great time. Colourful and stunning views. Enjoyed reading your post and looking at the lovely pics.
All can be pronounced as they are spelt.
Picture-perfect vacation! Your post is incredible, offering such a vivid virtual experience of the place. The way you described Pompeii’s rise from the ruins and the mesmerizing Blue Grotto and Green Grotto made me feel like I was right there. I absolutely love your travel blogs—keep them coming!
Thank you, Pinki!
Your detailed information about Naples and around is fantastic. Italy is on my bucket list. I have been only to Barcelona in Europe. Capri reminds me of a song we used to sing in school- Twas n the isle of Capri that I found her, beneath the shade of an old walnut tree. Oh I could still see the flowers blooming around her, where we met on the Isle of Capri- Frank Sinatra.
Thanks of introducing me to the song, Harjeet. I heard his other songs but not this one till now.
Your travel blogs are amazing. They give an in-depth view of the city and its culture. Your blogs are becoming my travel goals now. My kids would love it too
Thank you, Sadvika!
I can’t have enough of Naples and Italy.The Amalfi coast with its deep blue waters looks so alluring and Sorrento with its famous tomatoes and lemons are a foodie’s dream come true. Loved this virtual tour !
Oh, I loved this virtual trip through Naples and beyond! 😍 Italy has been on my travel list forever, and now I have five more reasons to push it higher. The way you described each spot made me feel like I was already there, sipping espresso and soaking in the views. Amalfi Coast, especially, sounds like a dream—those cliffs and that sea!