Book Olympic Air Flights to Naples

Sightseeing in Naples

San Gennaro Cathedral (Duomo): Dedicated to the patron saint of Naples, St. January, the imposing church, built in the late 13th century, was seriously damaged by an earthquake in the 15th century and got its neo-Gothic façade in the 19th century. The highlight the building is the chapel of St. January, a Baroque masterpiece, with the famous fresco by Giovanni Lanfranco.

The museums. Start with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. It was the base of the royal cavalry in the 16th century, then a university, and, in the late 18th century, housed one of the most important collections of Greco-Roman antiquities in the world. Among them the mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii and the rare collection of colossal Greco-Roman sculptures of the Farnese house.
Continue with the Museo di Capodimonte - the palace of Charles VII that took a century to complete! This monument houses the richest art collection that Elizabeth Farnese inherited to her son: Αριστουργήματα Masterpieces from the 12th century to the time of Caravaggio, Botticelli and Titian.
The highest expression of Neapolitan baroque however is found in the Certosa e Museo di San Martino, a 14th century Carthusian convent that operates as an art gallery of Neapolitan art from the 17^th century onwards. The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), built during the Spanish occupation of Naples, features an eclectic collection of baroque and neoclassical furniture, decoration, paintings and sculptures found on every side of its luxurious apartments. Finally, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Naples is housed in a magnificent 19th-century palazzo renovated by the renowned Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza. Its permanent collection includes works by important artists of the 20th century.

Catacombs of San Gennaro. Italy's oldest and most mysterious catacombs have been preserved, revealing a sacred site of death. Their interior reveals Christian frescoes of the 2^nd century AD, mosaics of the 5th century AD and the oldest portrait of San Gennaro.
 “Underground” Naples also hides Roman aqueducts and cisterns, a Greco-Roman theatre, a Roman market with intact store fronts, which can be seen through guided tours.

Cappella Sansevero. This exquisite 17th century chapel - mausoleum hosts one of the world’s great art mysteries: Giuseppe Sanmartino's statue of the “Veiled Christ” is characterised by an enigmatic way of construction that makes it look transparent! Be sure to book your entry ticket online, as the waiting is always long.

Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara (Monumental Complex of S.Claire). In the heart of a monastery complex lies the 14th century Gothic church that Pasolini captured briefly in Boccaccio’s “The Decameron”. The church was drastically renovated following serious damage during World War II.

Teatro di San Carlo. Europe's oldest opera house - operating since 1737 - offers magical evenings to its spectators.  If you can't book a ticket for one of its productions, arrange for a brief tour inside to admire its elegant hall, its exquisite frescoes of the domed ceiling and its six-story gold-plated galleries.

Castel Nuovo. The coast of Naples is dominated by a 13th century medieval castle - the royal residence and fortress of the Anjou dynasty. A centre of the intelligentsia of the time, it only preserves the mark of Giotto, who painted the frescoes of Cappella Palatina. Today, the castle hosts a remarkable exhibition of Renaissance and Neapolitan paintings (15th-20th century).

Posillipo. On the edge of the Gulf of Naples, the district with the Greek name “Pausílypon” (respite from worry) lies one of the first inhabited areas of Campania, which remained unexploited for many centuries due to its rocky morphology. It has plenty of Roman ruins, the mysterious Seiano tunnel, the magnificent fishing village of Mergellina, while its picturesque scenery inspired Oscar Wilde.

Excursions around Naples

Pompeii - Mount Vesuvius. It's worth spending a whole day to visit the Roman city that was completely lost under Vesuvius’s lava in 79 AD. Wander through the ruins of the market, Roman villas, theatres, brothels, baths, the city where 2,000 people have left their last breath. You will get there with the Naples-Sorrento metro line. Next stop is Mount Vesuvius, which is accessible either by mini-bus or taxi. It takes about half an hour to climb to the crater, but the sight of the volcano up close is breathtaking.

Sorrento. One of the most beautiful seaside villages on the southern Italian coastline, anchored in a green and fertile landscape. Close to Pompeii (it takes about an hour from Naples by bus). Upon arriving, drink a limoncello, since Sorrento is considered the homeland of the famous liqueur.

Positano - Amalfi. The most picturesque coastline of Campania is colourful, perched on a cliff and offers a spectacular view of the open sea. Up to the 19th century, this area was inaccessible, as access to the wild landscape was made only by equines. When the road network began to evolve, it became the seat of the intellectual world of the time. Positano is the first of the two settlements on the road to Salerno and it is famous for its paved paths that reach the sea. It takes half an hour more to drive to Amalfi, and in the meantime you can stop at the beautiful Furore.

Capri. The most cosmopolitan version of the South, also a 19th century discovery, since up to then its beauty was only appreciated by the locals. Soon, it became a destination for the Intelligentsia and is now crowded every summer. Lush and rocky, Capri is accessed by ferry from Sorrento or Naples and then by boat for the tour of the island. Alleys, winding paths, breathtaking views, the famous August Gardens - where everyone will pass - as well as many shops and restaurants (prices are rather salty in many of them). If you are in Capri in the summer, when it is really crowded, you will dive from rocky platforms to the sea, as the area has no beaches.

Ischia. This islet near Capri, equally picturesque but far less visited, is one of the most charming destinations in the South. A destination for international stars, with Greek origins, it is full of small fishing villages, fantastic beaches and impressive sights. If you can stay one night on the island, do visit the Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle built on volcanic rock and connected to the island by a bridge, the La Mortella Gardens, inspired by the Mauritanian gardens of Granada, as well as Sorgeto, a beach with natural thermal springs.

Food in Naples

Arriving at the homeland of pizza, you realize that you can taste it in all its versions. The city is full of family trattorias and osterias since, to the Italians, the best cook will always be their mum.

In Naples, you will taste pizza in its most authentic version: Pizza vera Napoletana, which translates into two simple recipes: margherita and marinara. In restaurants the list grows and becomes a paradise for spaghetti lovers: Pasta e fagioli (pasta with beans), spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and the traditional and authentic pasta Napoletana.
 Seafood recipes include zuppa di pesce (fish soup), polpi affogati (octopus with sauce), frutti di mare crudi (raw shellfish), frittura di pesce (fried fish), risotto alla pescatora. Try the Italian version of ratatouille, the fantastic parmigiana di melanzane (aubergines with mozzarella and tomato sauce in the oven), the timballo (pasta pie stuffed with meat, fish or cheese).

Among the typical Neapolitan salads choose the Caprese (with basil, tomato and mozzarella) and the Caponata (with aubergines, artichokes and peppers).

At the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, the vineyards produce wonderful wine, so it's worth accompanying your meals with local wines.

When walking around town or in nearby destinations, satiate your hunger with traditional street food:   Cuppetiello (paper cone with a mix of different bits such as pizza dough, potatoes, fried mozzarella bits, arancino (minced rice balls, peas, tomato and mozzarella) and calamari rings.

Apart from spaghetti and pizza lovers, the Neapolitan also love desserts. They serve pastiera (cake with ricotta, chocolate and wheat), quaresimali (home-made biscuits) cassata (cake based on ricotta and almonds), struffoli (fried pastries with honey and candied fruit), raffiuoli (with glazed sponge-cake) and many other recipes with lemon: Cannoli (syrup dough), sfogliatella (puff pastry stuffed with cream) and babà (savarin stuffed with lemon cream and rum).

Entertainment

As in all of Italy, in Naples nightlife starts early with the 8 o’clock aperitif. The historic centre and especially the neighbourhoods of Piazza San Domenico and Piazza Bellini are flooded with students and teenagers. The Chiaia Riviera and generally the coastal front, from Lungomare (Promenade) up to Piazza San Pasquale and Castel dell 'Ovo, are full of bars that stay open until the early morning hours. The most stylish bars are found in Vomero and Posillipo. Finally, if you're looking for more intense nightlife, you'll find clubs outside the city, in Bagnoli.

Shops in Naples

The legendary open-air markets of the historic centre of Mercato di Porta Nolana and La Pignasecca, are a part of everyday life, inextricably linked with the city. The products you will find there are less important; what matters most is the interaction - experience with the local working classes.

In contrast, the Mercato di Antignano is the luxurious district of Vomero with plenty of choices in fabrics, bags, shoes, second hand clothes and household items. Unique antiques are available at Sunday's fiera antiquaria in the park of Villa Comunale di Napoli.

In the luxurious Galleria Umberto I of the 19th century, shopping Italian fashion in style continues. Designer clothes are also available in the department stores and shopping centres of via Toledo as well as in the Chiaia region, the kingdom of Italian luxury brands and exclusive boutiques.

Local skilled tailors will offer you their own handmade products, including shirts, leather jackets, silk umbrellas and ties.

If you're looking for a fancy souvenir, head to the streets of Spaccanapoli (via San Biagio dei Librai, via Tribunali) where you will discover unique treasures from mandolins to porcelain "commedia dell’arte" masks. At via San Gregorio Armeno, you will find wooden or ceramic mangers - miniatures accompanied by figures and objects representing scenes of the Nativity.

Transport from the airport to Naples

Naples Capodichino Airport is 6 km from the city centre. The Alibus Airport Shuttle bus line is the cheapest way to get to the city centre, connecting the airport directly to the central railway station (Piazza Garibaldi) and the port (Piazza Municipio) of Naples. The journey takes 20 minutes at a cost of 4 euro. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the Central Railway Station and some 15 more minutes from there to the city port. Alternatively, taxis parked at the airport exit will take you to Naples for about 20 euro.