Michael Turtle – TIME TRAVEL TURTLE
When it comes to the glamorous notion of Italian travel that many people have, it’s the destinations in the north that get most of the attention. Florence, Milan, Venice – these are the fashionable and romantic cities that most people associate with Italy.
Naples, on the other hand, has a reputation for being dirty and dangerous. It’s more associated with the mafia than with a holiday. And, the sad truth is that all of these things are true. But it’s not the whole story, not by a long way.
There was a time not too long ago when Naples was one of the most important cities in Europe – a cultural capital on par with London and Paris. There was extreme wealth in the city and that was used to build incredible palaces, grand avenues, and opulent churches. The streets of Naples were full of grandeur and glamour.
On a trip to Naples these days, you can still find all of this. I was so surprised at how beautiful the city actually is and how the historic centre is so large and impressive. You just have to learn to ignore the trash and be aware of your personal safety as you do your exploration unfortunately.
The other amazing thing about Naples is how much there is to see in the region around it. It’s very easy to use the city as a base while you explore archaeological sites like Pompeii or Paestum, or do day trips to beautifully-relaxed places like the Amalfi Coast or Capri.
I’ve got quite a few stories here to help you plan a trip to Naples, with some ideas for in the city and some suggestions for things to do in the region. Some you may have heard of before, but there are also some incredible places that are not so famous.
THE REAL NAPLES >> THE GOOD AND THE BAD < <
There’s no doubt that Naples is chaotic, dirty, and dangerous. Yet, beneath all of that, I found so much about this vibrant city that is worth loving. If you’re wondering what to expect, here’s what you need to know before you visit Naples.
HISTORIC CENTRE OF NAPLES >> WHAT TO SEE IN A DAY < <
There are more than two thousand years of history in the centre of Naples, with the city an important and wealthy centre for empire after empire. If you want to spend a day seeing the highlights, here is my suggested itinerary – which includes a map!
ANCIENT CITY OF POMPEII >> A SELF-GUIDED TOUR < <
There is so much to see at the ancient Roman city of Pompeii that it can be hard to know where to start. To help you visit independently, I have put together this self-guided tour of Pompeii, including details about the highlights you’ll see.
CASERTA ROYAL PALACE >> THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD! < <
Caserta is the largest royal palace in the world (by one definition) and one of the most incredible sights around Naples. It’s not just the Royal Apartments that will amaze you, but also the incredible park – as you’ll see in my story about visiting Caserta.
AROUND NAPLES >> THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM THE CITY < <
One of the best reasons to spend some time in Naples is not just for the city, but for the things in the region. If you base yourself in Naples, there are some incredible historical and natural sights to visit. I’ve put together a list of the best day trips from Naples.