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Naples & Ischia and Capri and Costiera Amalfitana

Naples is home to numerous churches, palaces, and historic houses—no wonder the entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around the Gulf of Naples are beautiful islands, Mount Vesuvius, and the Costa Amalfitana, a region that's definitely worth seeing.

Content

Naples - Old Town

Naples - Museums & Palaces

Vesuvius & Pompei & Ercolano

Ischia & Procida

Capri

Amalfitana Coast

Restaurants in Naples & Ischia

1. Naples : Old Town

Naples Old Town: No visit to Naples is complete without a free walking tour through the charming and vibrant old town, which captivates with its unique joie de vivre. Here, you'll also find the best pizza in the world. The narrow main street – Spaccanapoli – is the heart of the city and cuts through the historic center of Naples. Naples is a true paradise for shopping. Many factories located here sell fine clothing, shoes, and bags at affordable prices. Boutiques of all kinds line the famous shopping street, Via Toledo. The 13th-century Chiostro di Santa Chiara complex, consisting of a church, a monastery, and a museum, invites visitors to explore the religion and architecture of bygone eras. The Rococo-style Mallorcan tiles are beautiful, as are the elaborately decorated cloisters. From the center of Naples, you can reach the Chiostro in about 12 minutes on foot. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples houses one of the most important archaeological collections in the world, making it one of the most famous museums of its kind. Among other things, you'll find numerous well-preserved finds from Pompeii, which was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago. Marvel at entire wall paintings and mosaics from the legendary city here, transporting you back to a bygone era. From the center of Naples, you can reach this museum in about 16 minutes on foot. Galleria Umberto I: Located on Via Toledo is the beautiful Galleria Umberto, a magnificent 19th-century shopping arcade. This gallery is not only a shopper's paradise but also an architectural marvel. Under the enormous domed glass roof, visitors can discover a collection of cafés, souvenir shops, and exclusive brands. From the center of Naples, you can reach this gallery in about 30 minutes on foot.

2. Naples : Museums & Palaces

Castel Sant'Elmo & Certosa di San Martino: The medieval fortress and the adjacent Certosa di San Martino monastery tower majestically above Naples on the Vomero hill. Tourists can take an elevator from the center of Naples up to the fortress and enjoy breathtaking views of Naples, the Gulf, and Mount Vesuvius. San Martino Monastery: The Certosa e Museo di San Martino is located in the immediate vicinity of Castel Sant'Elmo and is a beautiful 13th-century monastery. It's a must-see during a visit to Naples. In addition to its beautiful courtyard, vast art collection, and stunning architecture, the historic monastery offers spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and the Vomero hills from its balconies and gardens. The majestic Palazzo Reale on the Capodimonte hill is impressive. It houses one of Italy's finest collections of paintings, spread across the enormous expanse of the museum. Take your time and discover works by Botticelli and Michelangelo, among others. You can also have a picnic in the museum park on Capodimonte Hill. The Capodimonte Museum is located on the grounds of the royal palace, the Reggia di Capodimonte, and houses the National Gallery, with works of art from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Stroll through the decadent rooms of this attraction and admire some of the famous works by Titian, Raphael, and Caravaggio. From the center of Naples, the Palazzo Reale is about a 35-minute walk away. Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta): Marvel at how royalty once lived, enjoy the unparalleled opulence of its 1,200 rooms, and relive hundreds of years of history in the 18th-century Royal Palace of Caserta. While the interior of the palace is an unforgettable sight, its extensive gardens, adorned with manicured greenery and works of art, are also an attraction in their own right. The Reggia di Caserta is located approximately 33 km north of Naples. The ancient temple city of Paestum is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Italy. It lies south of Naples in the beautiful Cilento region and can be reached by car in 1.5 hours from Naples. Here you will find well-preserved temples (Tempio di Cerere and Tempio di Nettuno, built around 450 to 500 BC), theaters, and buildings from pre-Christian times. Valuable finds are exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum.

3. Vesuv & Pompei & Ercolano

Mount Vesuvius is the most famous volcano in the world, dominating the Gulf of Naples with its characteristic cone, formed during the eruption in 79 BC. Since 1944, Mount Vesuvius has been dormant. This dormancy can last for several hundred years. The crater of Mount Vesuvius can be reached with a 30-minute walk from the parking lot on Mount Vesuvius. During the walk along the crater, at approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, it is possible, in good visibility conditions, to see the entire Gulf of Naples. In 79 AD, Pompeii was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. At the end of the 18th century, the sunken city was accidentally rediscovered. Since then, the ruins of Pompeii have attracted visitors from all over the world. The excavations can be explored independently, but Pompeii is a confusing labyrinth. The red brick walls all look quite similar. Many streets and alleys lead nowhere. Without a proper map, it's easy to get lost in the large city of Pompeii. Therefore, it's worth taking a guided tour. The Greek city of Herculaneum (now called Ercolano) was founded around the 6th century BC and was a vacation spot for Roman aristocrats. During the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC, Herculaneum was buried by a river of mud, which flooded the city and solidified into tuff, the best protection against the elements. In Ercolano, you get a very good insight into life at that time. Before visiting Pompeii and Ercolano, it's worth visiting the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. There you can find everything from cooking pots to gladiator armor that shaped life in Pompeii and Ercolano. The museum conveys a vivid, multifaceted picture of the enjoyment, love, work, and celebrations of the people there. With all these interesting impressions, you can better fill the two archaeological sites with life.

4. Ischia & Procida

The island of Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples. Due to its mild climate and thermal springs, the island quickly became one of the most popular tourist destinations. Ischia is only accessible by ferry (journey time 1 to 1.5 hours) from either Naples or Pozzuoli (car transport is also available). Public buses and taxis operate around the island. Lacco Ameno is an elegant town with chic hotels and exclusive restaurants. Here, you'll find a beautiful shopping street along the sea, where you can admire the mushroom-shaped rocks in the water. A lovely walk through the car-free town leads to the stunning Bay of San Montana. Baia di San Montano. This beautiful bathing bay offers one of the most beautiful beaches on Ischia. The bay is sheltered from the wind and can be easily reached on foot from the nearby town of Lacco Ameno. Here you'll also find the stunningly beautiful Negombo Thermal Park, a section of beach where you can rent loungers and umbrellas, and then, on the left side of the bay, a free beach, also with changing rooms. A beautiful sandy beach runs along the entire bay, very clean, with a unique and romantic atmosphere. The water is shallow for a long time, making it suitable for swimming, even for children. From this bay, a beautiful hiking trail leads first through the forest and then along the sea towards Forio, with a wonderful view. After about a 30-minute hike, you'll reach the equally beautiful sandy beach of Spiaggia di San Francesco, where you can definitely watch the sunset over the sea while enjoying a cool drink at a bar. Giardini Ravino & Giardini La Mortella. Two wonderful, flowering estates on Ischia await you in the west and northwest of the island. While Giardini Ravino boasts one of the most beautiful collections of succulents and transports you to the realm of cacti, Giardini La Mortella awaits you. This botanical garden impresses with its exotic flora and is definitely one of Ischia's highlights.

The Poseidon Gardens (Parco Termale Giardini Poseidon) are the ideal place for rest and relaxation. Here you will find 20 pools, expansive terraced landscapes, and a beautiful beach by the sea. The pools have varying temperatures from 22 to 35 degrees Celsius. The hot, health-promoting thermal water comes from a volcano and is mixed with cold water as needed. To the west of Ischia lies the small town of Forio. Particularly worth seeing are the beautiful town center and the pilgrimage church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, from where you can enjoy magnificent sunsets from a unique location. The town of Sant'Angelo d'Ischia in the south of Ischia is a pretty, car-free town with a small beach, a few shops, and a few pleasant cafés. From one of these cafés, which also offers excellent Neapolitan sweets, you can enjoy magnificent sunsets. Continuing your walk from Sant'Angelo, after conquering a small hill, you'll reach the large, 3 km long sandy beach, Spiaggia dei Maronti. Monte Epomeo, which towers above the island at 780 meters, is the landmark of Ischia. The ideal starting point for the hike to the summit is the highest village, Fontana, which is located at an altitude of 500 meters. From there, the climb is a 3-kilometer walk with an elevation gain of only about 300 meters. Along the way to the summit, you'll find small snack bars or restaurants where you can take a short break. Once at the summit, you'll find peace and quiet, along with breathtaking views of the entire island and beyond, as far as Mount Vesuvius or the much-celebrated island of Capri. The Sorgente Nitrodi Thermal Park is located in Barano, in the Buonopane district. A small footpath near the bridge leads to the Nitrodi thermal spring. The healing tradition of the Nitrodi spring dates back to the Greek period on the island of Ischia (8th century BC). The Nitrodi nymphs, to whom the spring was dedicated, are repeatedly mentioned in numerous classical Greco-Latin texts. Texts engraved on marble slabs dating back to the 1st century BC speak of the spring's healing properties. Today, the therapeutic properties of the spring water are recognized by the Italian Ministry of Health. Following the redesign of the green surroundings of the Nitrodi spring, the park has an aromatherapy path that enhances the effects of the thermal water through direct contact with aromatic and medicinal plants. The park offers several showers on the mountainside, where pure spring water flows at a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. After showering, the park's terraces offer numerous opportunities for relaxation and sunbathing on loungers with a view of the sea.

The picturesque harbor of Ischia Porto was once a closed crater lake, which was blasted open in the 19th century, creating a natural, sheltered harbor. Here, you can stroll along the Via Roma and enjoy the luxurious life by day and night. A must-see for most Ischia visitors is the Calise Bar in Piazza degli Eroi (Heroes' Square), one of the oldest bars with a stunning tropical and subtropical garden. A lovely walk, partly along the sea, leads to Ischia Ponte, with its beautiful old town, whose charming, narrow streets and charming courtyards invite you to linger. Ischia Ponte owes its name to the bridge that connects the old town to the Aragonese Castle. This was built in the 14th century by Alfonso of Aragon. The castle offered the inhabitants refuge from the numerous pirate raids in the Middle Ages and can be visited. In the small bay of Baia di Sorgeto, you can bathe for free in the volcanic hot springs. From the "Panza" bus stop, it's about a 15-minute walk to reach the bay. At the end of the path, 300 steps lead down into Baia di Sorgeto. The hot springs are accessible via a jetty. Here, you can sit in the various natural pools where the hot springs flowing from the rocks mix with the cooler seawater. Right next to these springs is a small beach with a bar. Excursion to the neighboring island of Procida. The island of Procida is located just a few kilometers off the coast of Ischia and is particularly enchanting for its brightly colored houses that greet visitors as soon as they reach the harbor. Procida was formed from seven volcanoes that were active at the time, the craters of which are still visible today. Procida's picturesque landscape and its traditions create a peaceful, pleasant atmosphere. After arriving by boat, the fortress on Terra Murata is not far away. From there, you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of La Corricella harbor. Terme di Elliazzi Thermal baths in the center of Casamicciola. Inhalation and aerosol treatments are also available here, Monday to Saturday. Address: Piazza bagni di Gurgitello 122, Casamicciola (Ischia Island) Phone: +39 081 99 45 80

5. Capri

Capri is a beautiful island, already known for its beauty in ancient times. There is so much beauty here that one day is not enough to experience all the wonderful things this paradise has to offer. Arrival to the island of Capri is by boat from Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Naples, and Salerno. The picturesque harbor of Marina Grande welcomes guests. From the harbor, a cable car (funicular) quickly takes you to the center of Capri. From here, minibuses and taxis run to the more distant towns of Anacapri, Marina Piccola, and the Grotta Azzura. La Piazzetta di Umberto I in Capri Town. The atmosphere of this small but famous piazza is especially evident in the evening, when the day-trippers have left and guests from the surrounding luxury hotels gather here. The adjacent Via Vittorio Emanuele and the Via Camerelle, which branches off from it, are Capri's shopping streets. A few hundred meters from the center of Capri, things become quieter and the picturesque Via Tragara opens up, a panoramic path that leads to the Punta di Tragara viewpoint, from where you can admire the Faraglioni rocks from above.

Capri. The Blue Grotto. The entrance to the Grotta Azzura is a barely 1.50-meter-high hole in the sea. Behind it lies a cave approximately 60 meters long and 30 meters wide. Below the entrance is another hole below sea level, through which daylight reflects into the grotto. The light is filtered and the red components are absorbed. This is how the water inside the cave shimmers in a strange, intense blue hue. Getting into the Blue Grotto requires a bit of patience. You transfer from larger tourist boats to smaller fishing boats that fit through the narrow opening. When the sea is calm, the grotto is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If it's not cloudy, the grotto's magnificent colors are best displayed between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Gardens of Augustus The small and unique Gardens of Augustus are a historical heritage site on Capri and were created by the German Friedrich Krupp in the early 1900s. Here, the flora typical of Capri grows, there are hundreds of sculptures, and from here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the island's legendary rock towers, the Faraglioni. These steep cliffs, rising about 90 meters from the sea, are a popular photo subject. The most impressive are boat rides through the needle's eye of the central rock. Right next to the Gardens of Augustus is the Via Krupp. The German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp had this spectacular serpentine path carved into the rock in 1900 to provide a faster descent from his favorite hotel up in Capri to Marina Piccola. The result is one of the most spectacular serpentine paths, with a height difference of approximately 100 meters and stunning views. Marina Piccola. Here we are on the south coast of Capri, the best spot to see the Faraglioni. The rocks have divided Marina Piccola into two small bays, each with beautiful beaches. Arco Naturale (Natural Arch). This rock, shaped like an elephant's head, is located in the east of the island in one of the most scenic parts of Capri. Through this arch, breathtaking views of the bays and the open sea are offered. The Arco Naturale can be reached on foot from Capri Town in about an hour. Afterwards, it's worth taking the walk along the steep cliffs to Cape Tragara, with views of the Villa Malaparte and the Faraglioni rocks. Villa Jovis. The first Roman emperor, Augustus, had this monumental palace built on Capri, and his successor, Tiberius, moved his seat of government from Rome to Capri and lived in the villa himself. The ruins that still exist today give an idea of how monumental and magnificent the villa must have once been. The fantastic view was probably the same then as it is today. Villa San Michele. This former villa of Axel Munthe is located on the road from Capri to Anacapri in a fantastic location on the edge of a precipice and offers an unforgettable panorama. The light-filled villa, built in the Saracen-Romanesque style with ancient marble fragments, is now a museum. Villa San Michele features many beautiful architectural gems, such as the head of Medusa and the marble bust of Emperor Tiberius. Here, you can stroll through the most picturesque gardens on the entire island of Capri. Anacapri, with its picturesque alleys, is more rural than Capri Town. From Anacapri, you can also reach Monte Solaro, Capri's highest mountain at 589 meters. A chairlift takes you up the mountain and rewards you with a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the island, with views of Ischia, Procida, the Gulf of Naples, and the Sorrento Peninsula. In the center of Anacapri is the Church of the Archangel San Michele in Piazza Armando Diaz. This 17th-century Baroque church houses a major attraction: the floor mosaic depicting Adam and Eve being expelled from the earthly paradise by an angel, surrounded by plants and animals.

6. Costa Amalfitana

The most famous town on the Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly Positano! This former fishing village attracts numerous tourists with its picturesque terraced houses, which tower against high cliffs. Vietri sul Mare. This town is famous for its tradition of hand-painted ceramics. The colorful majolica art can be admired in many places in the town, and you can always find that special souvenir to take home. Amalfi is a pearl on the Gulf of Salerno. The highlight in the heart of Amalfi is the majestic Cathedral of Sant'Andrea with its cloister and its characteristic Arab-Sicilian architecture. Ravello is a hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast. It is elegantly and noblely situated high on a mountain. Particularly worth seeing in Ravello are the imposing villas with their exotic flower gardens, which are considered the most beautiful on the entire Amalfi Coast. The main attractions here are Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Both offer breathtaking panoramic views of the sea. Atrani and Maiori are home to one of the few large beaches on the Amalfi Coast. But there are many smaller beaches and coves to discover along the coast, such as the Fjord of Furore and the Bay of Leranto. The Amalfi Coast is a true hiking paradise. One of the beautiful trails is the Sentiero degli Dei, the Path of the Gods. It leads along the coast from Bomerano to Positano, offering magnificent views.