Napoli is a city to behold with its unique landmarks. The Bay of Naples and the looming figure of Mount Vesuvius make Napoli a city rich with beautiful views. From seeing the ancient ruins of Pompeii to experiencing the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, there is plenty to do in this old region.
The Small List
Best Places to Stay
Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterranean – The Renaissance is located in a renovated historic building in the heart of Naples. On the main shopping street Via Toledo, the hotel has a splendid rooftop terrace. It overlooks the city center and the Bay of Naples.
Romeo Hotel – Overlooking Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri, the Romeo Hotel is a five-star modern design destination. A luxury experience in the heart of Napoli.
Bosco de’Medici – Completely immersed in nature between citrus groves and vineyards, the resort borders the Archaeological Site of Pompeii. A true oasis of peace where you can enjoy the scenery of Vesuvius and all of its majestic charm.
Best Pizzerias
Concettina ai Tre Santi – Situated in the heart of the ancient, lively and chaotic working class district of Sanità, this utterly charming and unforgettable pizzeria has been run by the Oliva family for over 60 years. It has succeeded in reinventing itself with each generation while retaining its traditional roots. Above all, the dairy products, cured meats, tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and vegetables all come from organic crops. In many cases, the products are selected from those of the Slow Food Presidia and the Alliance of Taste. Moreover, the welcome, the warmth, the Neapolitan spirit immediately made us feel like family!
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele – This is one of the oldest and best pizzerias in Naples. Founded in 1870, Da Michele issues numbered tickets to diners to ensure that the restaurant doesn’t get too busy. It doesn’t take long to make your choice: the only two pizzas served are the marinara (tomato, oregano and garlic) and margherita (tomato and mozzarella). The famed pizzeria from Eat, Pray, Love.
Pepe in Grani – Located in Caiazzo, in the province of Caserta near the Royal Palace, Franco Pepe is famous for his pizza. Deliberately working outside Naples and the reach of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, Pepe excels by breaking all the laws governing Neapolitan pizza. He collaborates with small farms and sources ingredients almost exclusively from local suppliers.
Best Restaurant
Cicciotto dal 1942 – Enjoy the beautiful views from the terrace at the best seafood restaurant in Napoli.
Best Gym
McFIT Fitness Center – McFIT is the No. 1 fitness center chain in Europe. Therefore, its massive training facility of 18000 sq. ft is the ideal place for your workout.
Places to See
Pompeii – Mount Vesuvius, a volcano near the Bay of Naples, has erupted more than 50 times. Its most famous eruption took place in the year 79 A.D.. The volcano buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under millions of tons of volcanic ash. Two thousand Pompeiians died. Remarkably, explorers rediscovered the site in 1748. Underneath all that dust, Pompeii was almost exactly as it had been almost 2,000 years before. Buildings were intact. Everyday objects and household goods littered the streets. Later archaeologists even uncovered jars of preserved fruit and loaves of bread! Today, the excavation and the fascination continues.
Mount Vesuvius – In 79 A.D., after centuries of dormancy, Mount Vesuvius erupted in southern Italy. Its blast devastated the prosperous Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and killed thousands. Today, Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the European mainland. Luckily, its last eruption was in 1944 and its last major eruption was in 1631.
Reggia di Caserta – Combining the influences of Versailles, Rome, and Tuscany, the Caserta Royal Palace, north of Naples, was designed according to the wishes of Charles of Bourbon III by Luigi Vanvitelli. A telescope effect aligns the garden’s pools, fountains and cascades. They expand across 11 acres. In addition, the grounds have been the set for major films such as Star Wars and Mission Impossible.
**Make sure to indulge your senses at Ristorante-Trattoria Chichibio, located in the heart of the historic center of Caserta, about 80 meters from the main entrance of the fabulous Royal Palace of Caserta.
Things to Do
Museo Cappella Sansevero – The Sansevero Chapel Museum is located in the historic heart of Naples. The museum is a jewel of the world’s artistic heritage. At the center of the Chapel, the Veiled Christ is one of the most famous and impressive works of art in the world.
Museo di Capodimonte – Visiting Capodimonte is like walking through a manual of the history of art in Italy from the thirteenth to the twentieth century and beyond. You will find the masterpieces of artists of every Italian pictorial school, the Tuscan, Venetian, Emilian, Neapolitan, Roman.
Tasting Pompeii Tour – A bespoke experience organized by Bosco de’Medici. An expert archaeological guide reveals all the secrets and curiosities of the ancient city of Pompeii. As noted, it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. At the end of the tour, the experience continues with a visit and tasting lunch at the estate.
Bosco de’Medici Winery – The tasting room and the vineyard is dedicated to welcoming visitors. Furthermore, wine and food tastings are available all year round.