Naples Holidays

With a treasure trove of things to do in Naples, your itinerary will be jam-packed with exciting activities.

• Scattered throughout the city, you’ll find Greco-Roman sculptures depicting beautiful maidens and mythological gods, watching passers-by as they go about their day.
• Incredible documents and artefacts from the period of Julius Caesar can also be found on display at Naples’ National Archaeological Museum.
• For some traditional Italian entertainment, head to the Real Teatro di San Carlo, a much-loved opera house in Naples, which is located right next to the central Piazza del Plebiscito. It’s home to jesters, tragic leading ladies and bellowing heroes, showcasing opera in all its glory!
• Formerly the hunting lodge of Charles VII, the Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte is quite a spectacle. These days, the building is used as southern Italy’s largest and richest art gallery. Featuring works and sculptures from as far back as the 1400s, this is one of the most unique things to do in Naples, Italy.

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and if that’s not enough of a reason to visit, then there are plenty of other culinary delights to explore in this vibrant Italian city.

• For more than a century, Pizzeria Starita has been making mouth-watering rustic pizza. This family-run business, passed down from generation to generation, is known as one of the best restaurants in Naples and is well worth a visit.
• Settled on a cliff in the fishing village of Marechiaro, lies Trattoria da Cicciotto. There's an uphill hike to reach it, but paying this restaurant a visit is worth the effort. Using only locally sourced ingredients, including delicious wafer-thin slices of locally caught fresh fish smothered in Italian olive oil, you get a real taste of Naples here.
• L’Ebbrezza di Noè is a wine connoisseur’s dream during the day, and a culinary sensation in the evening. This dazzling restaurant serves food by candlelight from a menu of exquisite dishes, like pasta with fresh aubergine, olive oil and rich, sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh fish and seafood are served within hours of being caught. This popular spot is unrivalled for freshness and flavour.

Despite being a bustling city, Naples family holidays are very popular. Many parents will know that finding activities to keep the kids entertained is an important aspect of going abroad, and thankfully, there are lots of exciting things to do in Naples for kids.

• Storm the walls at Castle Nuovo, which dates back to the 13th century and was the resident court for Charles I. The interior is a fantastic example of décor throughout the Italian Renaissance period. Kids will love the layout and fascinating history of this Middle Ages keep, complete with full suits of armour, swords, axes and weapons on display.
• Fancy an adventure on foot? Brave a hike up the side of a volcano! Located just outside Naples in Pozzuoli, the terrain of Solfatara is an awe-inspiring landscape and a fun experience for all the family. Once you reach the top, you’ll see the volcano’s mouth with its boiling hot lava and steaming cracks in the ground.
• Naples is famous for its pizza, a firm favourite among kids and teens. Stop by one of the local pizzerias and experience a truly authentic slice of Italy. Youngsters will love watching how they throw and flip the dough to get that just-right consistency.
• Need a break from all that adventure and pizza? Head down to one of the many Naples beaches and let the kids play in the sand, as parents take a well-earned break on a sun lounger.

Italian culture was heavily influenced by the Ancient Greeks and remnants of this bygone civilisation can still be found below ground, in the underbelly of Naples.

• Book a tour that guides you through the ancient ruins running underneath the city of Naples.
• 'Napoli Sotterranea’ is a path that takes visitors on a journey through time. This fascinating walk takes you directly underneath the San Lorenzo Maggiore Church.
• You can also tour the Roman Forum, a historical hub for politics and social issues, as well as the Roman food markets, where produce from around the world was once sold.
• Tradition is an essential part of Italian culture. Wander around the city and discover how it combines with modern living.
• Three times a year, in May, September, and December, the city celebrates the miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius. This show of commitment to their Catholic faith and the church is valued deeply by the locals. Stalls surrounding the cathedral give out snacks and sweets to all visitors during this tradition.

Naples is on the Italian coastline, and offers a 15 kilometre stretch that looks directly out onto the Tyrrhenian Sea.

• The Bay of Naples encompasses three islands: Procida, Ischia and Capri. Each island boasts soft, golden sands, perfect for a lazy stroll beside the sea, or for soaking up some Italian sunshine.
• If lazy days aren’t your thing, there is plenty of adventure to be found on the beaches near Naples. The island of Capri offers the Marina Grande Beach, which is accessible by ferry. As a popular fishing port, this is the perfect place to spot fishing boats and stop for a bite to eat.
• Naples beaches look out onto the radiant blue waters of the Mediterranean, which shimmer beautifully at sunset. It’s pure paradise when paired with good company and a refreshing drink.
• You’ll find a wide range of beaches scattered along the coastline of Naples, all of which possess different qualities. Some beaches have grainier, darker sand, such as those around the fishing ports; others have soft, golden sands, perfect for sunbathers and swimmers.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Naples without a night on the town. Neapolitan people love to drink wine in a local bar before hitting the clubs for a dance. Here are two of the best bars in Naples to visit:

• Enoteca Belledonne is a family-run bar that’s been a staple part of the Naples nightlife scene since the 1960s. It’s located in a cellar, where you’ll find a sumptuous Italian menu, including cold cuts of meat and toasted crostini filled with aubergines, peppers and salami. Alongside the delicious menu is a selection of seasoned and new wines, made from the grapes that grow in the surrounding hills.
• There are countless bars and clubs in the heart of Naples, each with a varying mood and style. 66 Fusion is usually packed with locals out for a night of fun, dancing and drinking. With a laid-back atmosphere and an extensive menu of cocktails and spirits, 66 Fusion is definitely one to visit. You’ll also find a great buffet, perfect for lining your stomach before enjoying a round of cocktails!

Italy is one of the world’s most romantic couples’ destinations, so a trip to Naples is a must for lovebirds!

• Sit and watch the world go by in one of many cafés in the city. Sip on authentic espresso and drink it as the locals do. The strong, full-bodied shot will tickle your taste buds. Pair it with a Sfogliatelle (known in English as a Lobster Tail), which is a beautifully fluffy, flaky and sweet pastry, local to Naples. It’s filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and sprinkled with light caster sugar. The ultimate sweet treat for a romantic afternoon!
• Explore the option of a couples’ cooking class, where you can learn to make delicious, traditional pasta dishes, made with locally sourced fresh ingredients.
• Split a delicious pizza, made fresh in front of you. We can’t promise you won’t want one to yourself afterwards though!
• After exploring the city during the day, head over to one of many great bars and restaurants, where you can toast your holiday, sip cocktails, eat a great Italian meal and dance the night away.
• Enjoy a lazy day sunning yourself on the golden sands of Naples beaches; the ideal way to relax after a busy night out on the town.

Is Naples safe?

Despite a reputation for being dangerous in the past, these days, Naples is a relatively safe place for tourists. However, visitors are advised to keep their personal belongings safe, as tourists can be targeted for pick-pocketing.

Which UK airports fly direct to Naples?

Direct flights to Naples are available from Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow International, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Belfast International.

Can I do a day trip to Pompeii from Naples?

A day trip to Pompeii is certainly possible from Naples.

What islands can you visit from Naples?

Islands to visit near Naples include: Procida, Capri, Ischia, Nisida, Vivara, Gaiola Island, Ventotene, Isola Palmarola, Ponza and Santo Stefano.