Welcome back to GertieBlu! Today, I’m taking you to a city unlike any other—a place where history hums through the cobbled streets, the scent of pizza hangs in the air, and life is lived out loud on every sun-drenched piazza. It’s wild, beautiful, chaotic in the best way, and completely unforgettable. Say hello to Napoli, Italy.
Where is Napoli?
Napoli (or Naples, if you prefer the English version) hugs the southwestern coast of Italy, right on the Gulf of Naples. It’s the capital of the Campania region and sits just below Rome, with Mount Vesuvius looming dramatically in the background. This city pulses with life—raw, gritty, passionate, and bursting at the seams with flavor and history.
How to Get There
Getting to Napoli is surprisingly easy:
- ✈️ By Air: Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP). It’s a short ride (about 15-20 minutes) from the city center.
- 🚄 By Train: From Rome, hop on a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo). It takes just over an hour and drops you right at Napoli Centrale.
- 🚗 By Car: If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a car and drive south from Rome. Just brace yourself for Napoli’s famously wild traffic—this city dances to its own rhythm.
What to Do & See
Napoli isn’t a city you stroll through quietly—it demands your full attention. Here’s what to dive into:
🍕 Eat Pizza Where It Was Born
Napoli is the birthplace of pizza. Try the iconic Margherita at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo. Trust me, you’ll ruin yourself for all other pizza.
🏛️ Explore the Historic Center (Centro Storico)
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. Wander narrow alleys, visit the Naples Cathedral, and peek into hidden chapels and quirky artisan shops.
🏺 Visit the National Archaeological Museum
Home to one of the most impressive collections of Greco-Roman artifacts, including treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
🌋 Day Trip to Pompeii or Hike Vesuvius
You can take a train to Pompeii in about 30 minutes or even hike Mount Vesuvius if you’re feeling energetic (and heat-tolerant).
🌊 Island Hop: Capri, Ischia & Procida
From Naples, ferries run to these dreamy islands. Each has its own charm—Capri is glam, Ischia has thermal spas, and Procida is pastel-colored perfection.
🏰 Castles & Coastlines
Check out Castel dell’Ovo for sea views or the royal flair of Castel Nuovo. Don’t forget to stroll along Lungomare, the city’s seafront promenade.
Best Time to Go
Napoli is lively year-round, but:
- 🌸 Spring (April–June): Warm, sunny, and not too crowded. Perfect for sightseeing and sipping espresso by the sea.
- 🍂 Fall (September–October): Mild weather, local festivals, and fewer tourists.
- ☀️ Summer can be hot and chaotic, but if you’re hitting the islands too, it can still be magical—just be ready to sweat!
How Long to Stay
You could see the highlights in 2–3 days, but I recommend at least 4–5 days if you want to:
- Truly wander without rushing.
- Squeeze in a day trip or two (hello, Capri or Pompeii).
- Eat your way through the city’s best trattorias.
Final Thoughts
Napoli isn’t polished. It’s loud, chaotic, and unapologetically alive—but that’s exactly what makes it intoxicating. If you’re looking for a travel experience that’s vibrant, layered, and full of soul, this is it.
Thanks for reading! Whether Napoli is already on your list or you’ve had the joy of experiencing it yourself, I hope this post sparked a little wanderlust and inspiration for your next adventure.
GertieBlu💙
