Luxury holidays in Naples

Edgy and intense, Naples isn’t a looker when compared to the tourist head turners of Florence, Rome and Venice. But don’t be fooled by appearances: it’s what’s inside that counts. Who cares about canals or Gucci-trodden shopping streets when you’ve got the best pizzerias on the planet? Situated on the eponymous gulf, with Vesuvius visible from almost every angle, Naples is a modern city with a long history: the remains of the ancient Neapolis (‘new city’) are still evident, with its countless churches and mediaeval university. It’s also the gateway to the Campania region and the fairytale scenery of the Amalfi Coast, as well as the impressive Roman ruins at Pompeii. The buildings may be crumbling, the traffic hectic and the volume loud, but that’s what makes Naples fun. It divides opinion, but look beyond its reputation: this vast, energetic city has an animated nightlife, a bustling port and some of the world’s tastiest food. Neapolitans are proud of their city – visit, and you’ll feel the same.

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Areas in Naples

When to go

Naples gets its share of sunshine, but in July and August, temperatures can get a little stifling – as can the crowds. Visit in May, June, September or October, when it’s still warm, but far quieter.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Southern Italy’s main airport is Capodichino, roughly eight kilometres from Naples’ city centre. The airport’s served by Alitalia (www.alitalia.com), EasyJet (www.easyjet.com), British Airways (www.britishairways.com) and others.
  • Boats

    Daily ferries and hydrofoils link the Port of Naples with Sorrento, Capri and Ischia – try Snav (www.snav.it), Alilauro (www.alilauro.it) or Gescab (www.gescab.it). Tirrenia operates ferries to Sicily and Sardinia (www.tirrenia.it).
  • Trains

    The city’s train hub is Stazione Centrale. Daily services run to other major cities, including Rome (see www.trenitalia.it); the journey to the capital takes roughly two and a half hours. The Circumvesuviana line connects Naples with destinations across the Amalfi Coast, including Sorrento, as well as Ercolano and Pompeii (www.vesuviana.it). Naples also has a comprehensive metro system; a day pass costs €3.60 (€3.00 at weekends) and is available from multi-lingual machines at most stations (www.metro.na.it).
  • Automobiles

    Driving in Naples can get hairy: traffic lights and one-way streets are generally seen as optional and Vespas rule the road. If you are coming by car, the city is on the north-to-south Autostrada del Sole (A1 to Rome and Milan, A3 to Salerno).
  • Taxis

    Taxis regularly pass Via Cristoforo Colombo, the main road that runs along the seafront. They’ll also be waiting at the larger train and metro stations.