Oh the charm of Italy! Each time I have gone it has been a challenge to make a decision on which cities to hit, because they just all have so much to offer. As you’re planning your destinations, Naples is not to be missed! Naples is full of delightful sights and it is really manageable to visit many points of interest during your stay.
Photo credit: Pandionhiatus3
You can enjoy Naples any time of the year and arriving is easily accessible; however, late spring or fall are the best times to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower temperatures. There are some great options through fly dubai tickets to get a start on exploring.
Although Naples is the third-largest city in Italy, it is great for exploring by foot. There is so much that can be seen even with a short visit. Many of the sights are within walking distance of one another. Six of Michelangelo’s churches, the National Archeological Museum, the Capodimonte Museum, Castles, and San Carlo Opera House are all one simple walk away.
Getting around Naples is surprisingly easy, with a well-organized system of public services that includes a Metro system, bus lines, taxi services, and an electric streetcar system. For those who want an experience on the water, the city also has many different boat excursions you can take to see the city from another point of view.
As you plan out the dreamy details of your visit, I highly recommend making sure these sights are on your list.
Must-See Churches
With an amazing 16 churches, Naples has the highest concentration of masterpieces by Michelangelo across Italy. You can really get lost admiring the incredible paintings, sculptures, and architecture of the Michelangelo churches.
When narrowing down the overwhelming list of churches to visit, there are six Michelangelo churches in Naples you really shouldn’t miss:
- Sant’Angelo a Nilo,
- Santi Severino e Sossio,
- San Giovanni a Carbonara,
- San Mango al Majorr,
- Santa Maria di Montesanto, and
- San Lorenzo Maggiore.
National Archeological Museum
A visit to Naples isn’t complete without a stop at the National Archeological Museum, which is an easy 10-minute walk from the city center. There are so many things to explore, you could spend an immense amount of time to truly see it all.
On your first visit, I’d recommend hitting the museum’s highlights and setting aside another day to poke around in more detail. That way you can cover more ground without it being so overwhelming.
Castles
Naples is home to some impressive castles. The Castel Nuovo, also called Maschio Angioino, is an imposing medieval building which was once home to the nobles of Naples.
The Castel dell’Ovo, on the other hand, is one of the oldest castles in Europe. It sits perched on the magnificent Bay of Naples. It’s important to know that you must book tickets in advance for a set time slot, so be sure to plan ahead.
Make sure to check hours of operation before you go, as hours are reduced over the weekend. You don’t want to be disappointed if you don’t plan around the castle’s operating hours.
Mount Vesuvius
No visit to Naples would be complete without an ascent of Vesuvius, an active volcano. Vesuvius towers above the Bay of Naples, about 45 minutes outside of Naples. From its summit you can peer into its main crater and see plumes of smoke rising from fissures in the jagged rocks.
This is a relatively easy hike, easier than it looks, depending on your level of physical ability. There is also an intermittent bus service if you prefer. Allow about an hour and a half to complete the hike and take time to enjoy the views.
This is another destination requiring scheduled time slots, so make sure to plan well and secure a time in advance, especially during peak times.
Pompeii
Visiting Pompeii from Naples is pretty simple. You can hop on the Circumvesuviana train at the Garibaldi station, located in the center of town. Travel time is about 45 minutes to Pompeii, but keep in mind despite the short distance, you can easily fill up a whole day exploring the area.
Be aware there are actually two separate entrances to Pompeii and the gates are about a 20-minute walk from each other. I suggest buying your ticket online and also getting an audio guide. You will be able to skip the lines and save some time.
Photo Credit: Pablo Debat
Last but not least, make sure you try some authentic Neapolitan pizza before you go home! It’s a must!
No matter how much or how little you pack into your trip, Naples will leave a charming impression on you. Enjoy its treasures!
