Naples is often an Italian destination that is overlooked by travelers as a hub for accessing the Amalfi Coast. Why? The city has a reputation for being notoriously busy, unkept and chaotic. I decided to set my judgement aside and give this historical city a chance.
While the city might need some TLC, this city surprised me. Naples is vibrant, full of wonderful food and a long historical past. There are a few hidden gems that make Naples worth a quick stop on your journey, and I promise they won’t disappoint! If you have a day or two to spare on your trip, check out some of my recommendations for Naples or go on a day trip to my favorite little island in Italy- Procida.
Planning a stop in Naples on your Amalfi Coast journey? Take a look at my Amalfi Coast travel guides: The Ultimate Guide to Positano, 48 Hours in Amalfi, 10 Must-Visit Restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi Coast Instagram Guide
HOW TO GET TO NAPLES
Naples has an international airport that connects travelers to this part of Italy from other destinations in Europe and abroad. There is also a main train station that connects to other destinations in Italy if you are planning a trip to Naples as part of your Italy itinerary. Naples is a main terminal to access the Amalfi Coast, so if you are planning on traveling here, you are likely to go through Naples. Some basic info for getting around the area:
- Naples International airport to Naples city center – 15 mins by taxi or bus
- Naples to Sorrento – 1h by regional train or car, 35-35 mins by ferry
- Naples to Capri – 50 mins by ferry
- Naples to Positano – 1h15 mins by ferry or car
- Naples to Pompeii – 30 mins by car or train
- Naples to Amalfi – 1h15 mins by car, 1h40 mins by ferry
WHAT TO DO IN NAPLES
HAVE COFFEE AT GALLERIA UMBERTO I
The twin to the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, but far less crowded! This glass-covered gallery is ornately decorated and a great spot to grab a coffee and gaze up at the beautiful details.
EXPLORE THE STREET MARKETS
Naples is a lively city with a bustling street life and plenty of street markets selling fresh foods, flowers, handmade gifts, vintage items and other local goods. My favorites are the farmers’ markets at La Pignasecca and Mercatino di Antignano.
EAT THE OG PIZZA IN ITS BIRTHPLACE
One of our most beloved comfort foods was born right here in Naples. Neapolitan-style pizza is an art of its own, with a special crust, precise locally sourced ingredients and an official seal of a TSG (Traditional Specialty Guaraneteed) product. There are many variations of the traditional pizza here, but for it to be the OG pizza, there are a few strict requirements:
- It can only be cooked in a wood-burning brick oven and the pizza maker must have met certain requirements through an apprenticeship.
- The crust of Neapolitan-style pizza is light and airy with a thin and soft texture in the middle and edges that puff up and bubble around the sides.
- It must be made with local tomatoes from San Marzano or from the plains south of Mount Vesuvius
- The cheese must be local from specific regions. It can either be buffalo milk cheese, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, or cow’s milk cheese, Fior di Latte di Agerola.
For the best traditional pizzas in Naples (much less, the world!), check out Da Michele, Sorbillo, Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente or Brandi. Each of these pizzerias has a unique story and a truly delicious pie!
VISIT THE COLORFUL CREATIONS AT MONASTERO DI SANTA CHIARA
Monastero di Santa Chiara is a religious complex dating back to the 14th century and it has one of the most beautiful courtyards. The cloister is covered in precious tiles that are beautifully decorated with carefully hand-painted scenes and local motifs.
WALK AROUND THE PIAZZA DEL PLEBISCITO
The Piazza del Plebiscito is a large pedestrian square at the heart of Naples historical quarter that overlooks the former Royal Palace. The architectural details are beautiful here and it’s a great spot to people watch, learn some history from the surrounding buildings or take in the views of the ocean and Mt. Vesuvius.
WANDER THROUGH THE RUINS OF POMPEII
A half- day trip that was at the top of my list was an excursion to Pompeii. Pompeii is only a 20 minute drive or a 40 minute train ride from Stazione di Napoli Porta Nolana. If you’re into history and want to discover the ruins of this lost city, a trip to Pompeii is an incredible experience.
GET CULTURED AT THE MUSEO E REAL BOSCO DI CAPODIMONTE
If you love art as much as I do, check out the beautiful masterpieces at this palatial art museum. From the ornate décor, beautiful views and stunning art, there is a lot here to keep your eyes entertained!
DAY TRIP TO PROCIDA
Procida was my favorite hidden gem on my trip. This small fishing island is technically part of Naples proper and is only a 45-minute hydrofoil ferry ride away from the port of Naples. Once you arrive, you will discover a pastel-colored haven painted along the coast, with a small village in all of your favorite shades of pink, yellow, blue, orange and red. This island is super small, but incredibly charming! A day or even a half-day trip is definitely feasible to have enough time to visit this small island and explore around the colorful buildings. Once you arrive to Procida, the island is walkable or you can take a taxi or scooter. Check out some of my tips for Procida:
TAKE IN THE BEST VIEWS FROM THE OBSERVATION DECK
This spot will be easy to find on your maps, you will simply search observation deck on Google Maps. If you’ve seen a view of Procida, it’s likely from this spot! It has the perfect view from above overlooking the island. Once you’ve climbed up to the top, tour around to the Santa Margherita Nuova Monastery for other amazing views surrounding the island.
DINE IN AN ITALIAN AMBIANCE
Procida is small, but it has some amazing restaurants that will satisfy your Italian cravings in style. For the best views, dine at Il Pescatore or La Lampara. For a unique experience, dine underneath the beautiful lemon groves at Ristorante La Pergola.
ENJOY SUNSET AT THE BEACH
My favorite beach on the island is the Spiaggia di Ciraccio on the west end of the island. You will get the best sunset views here with the island of Ischia in the distance.
WHERE TO STAY
Naples is a large city, so there are plenty accommodation options for every type of traveler and budget. Check out some of my favorite places to stay in Naples:
Hotels:
Airbnb:
- Panoramic Roof Garden and Flat
- Lemon Tree House
- Alma de Toledo
- Casetta Candelora
- Luminoso Studio Panoramico
WHERE TO EAT
If you’re looking for other food to eat besides traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, there are plenty of options in Naples. Check out some of my local restaurants:
- Sea Front Pasta Bar for food with a view
- Trattoria Pizzeria La Lazzara
- Insolito La Pizzeria Gourmet
- Trattoria Don Vincenzo
I hope that this guide has convinced you to spend some time in Naples during your trip to the Amalfi Coast. This city is full of history and Procida is a great little escape for a day trip!
