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| | | The home of pizza |  | Why go on holiday to Naples?
For a taste of real chaos and a flavour of true Italian food. Naples is the home of that most Italian of food stuffs, the pizza, and even has a festival dedicated to it every September. It's the real thing.
Naples has plenty of buzz but if you are looking for a calm, chilled-out experience then you are in the wrong place. This is a noisy, busy city and for some visitors that is its attraction. Others will hot foot it to the countryside and escape.
How much will it cost?
Low-cost airline easyJet flies into Naples, so you can pick up flights fairly cheaply if you book well ahead. City breaks can cost around £350, depending on tour operator.
When should I go?
Try to avoid the summer months as Naples is hot and sweaty. Temperatures reach 35C. In August, the Italians tend to take their holidays and the city is packed. Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit.
Is it very historic?
The city was settled by the Ancient Greeks in 600BC. They were followed by the Romans, then the Bourbons as part of the Spanish Empire. Many visitors to Naples will be planning to fit in a visit to the preserved Roman city of Pompeii nearby.
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| | | Cross the roads with nuns | | What is it famous for?
The Neapolitans are famous for ignoring all the rules. It's a mad, mad city with lots of noise, colour and people. Even more than the rest of Italy, the rules of the road are ignored, so crossing them can be hazardous. Take a tip from a regular visitor and cross with the nuns, if you see any, as no-one ever drives towards them. The road between Sorrento and Naples is hazardous. If you can find a bus tour or an Italian to drive you, that might be a sanity-saving option.
And what about the sights?
The Solfatara Crater was known to the Romans as the home of the god of fire. It's a natural phenomenon and well worth visiting. Also on the tourist trail are the catacombs, a second-century construction of winding corridors held up by columns.
Next stop should be the cathedral (duomo) where the congealed blood of the city's patron saint, Gennaro, is kept in vials. Every year thousands come to pray that the blood will liquefy and save the city from future calamities.
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is probably the best museum in the city with its collection of Roman remains including mosaic flooring. Don't miss the secret room with its exhibit of erotic artefacts, many of which date from Roman times.
If you are on a walking tour then head for Spaccanapoli, the old city quarter, where you will find a maze of picturesque streets.
Hasn't it got a dodgy past?
Naples is famous for its links with the Mafia. Its local branch is called the Camorra, but there were efforts to clean up the city's black-market activity and crack down on crime by the last mayor. Still, general warnings on pickpockets and taking care at night are well worth noting. And as for the driving... well, be warned.
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| | | Pompeii only 30 minutes away | | What should we eat?
Pizza, of course. The city's most famous dish puts in an appearance all over the place. And the world's first pizzeria, the Antica Pizzeria Port' Alba in Via Port'Alba 18, is still open. Pizzerias usually offer slices of pizza to take away and enjoy, perfect for a cheap lunch.
How should we get around?
The best way is to walk or take public transport. The buses, the funiculars and the small underground system are all useful options. Buy tickets from the newspaper stands (tabacchi). Driving in the city takes years of practice. Also, there is a useful train link from Naples to Sorrento.
Are there some great days out of the city too?
Not to be missed if you are in the area is a trip to the infamous Mt Vesuvius and the buried cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum (Ercolano to the locals). Across the Bay of Naples is the beautiful Amalfi coast dotted with pretty towns and villages like Positano and Sorrento. Pick up a ferry from Sorrento to the pretty island of Capri. The ferries run about every half an hour.
Pompeii is one of the great Roman sights and is only about 30 minutes from Naples. Once inside, you will find a vast Roman city that was consumed by an eruption from Mount Vesuvius.
There are dogs and skeletons preserved by the volcanic material, and houses, complete except for their missing roofs. The preserved amphitheatre is impressive. Audio tours are available.
For history buffs who want to avoid the crowds of Pompeii, visit the Roman ruins at Herculaneum, also nearby.
Tourist Office
Italian State Tourist Board, 1 Princes St, London W1R 8AY. Tel 020 7408 1254. Brochure line: 09001 600 280 (calls cost 60p per minute).
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| | Fact File : Naples |
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| | | Naples | | Did you know?
Goethe said a man who has seen Naples can never be sad. Though another famous saying is: "See Naples and die..."
Language
Italian.
Visas
None required from the UK.
Getting there
There are direct flights to Naples from the UK.
Flying time from London
Two hours and 40 minutes
Getting around
It's not a good idea to drive, the traffic here is manic. Walking is a good way to see central Naples, but take care at night. There are buses, trams and a funicular railway. Tickets can be bought at tobacconists.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
At time of writing, approximate prices: bottle of beer £2.50, moderate restaurant meal £15, roll of camera film £2.50-£3.50.
Weather
In summer it can get as hot as 37C/98F, but with an average of 29C/84F; and in winter a cool 13C/56F.
Time difference
One hour ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 39 81.
Voltage
220V/50Hz.
Opening hours
Shops and businesses open Monday-Saturday 8.30am-1pm and 5-7.30pm; banks Monday-Friday 8.30am-1.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm.
Health — before you go
No inoculations necessary. Make sure you have an EHIC form (from UK post offices) so you can claim back the cost of any medical treatment you may need.
Health — when you are there
If you need a hospital, the Ospedale Loreto-Mare is on the sea front (081 20 10 33). There's a pharmacy in Stazione Centrale.
Warnings
Pickpockets and bag-snatchers are the main problems for travellers. Keep all your belongings in a money belt.
Emergency
Police 113. The police station is at Via Medina 75 (call 112 for emergency services in foreign languages). For an ambulance, call 081 752 06 96.
Customs
Siestas are the norm so expect shops to shut between 1 and 4pm.
Pets
Provided you have the correct paperwork, your pet can go between Italy and the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme. This takes several months to set up, so see your vet.
Tipping
You are not expected to tip on top of restaurant or taxi charges.
Tourist office
Italian State Tourist Board, 1 Princes St, London W1R 8AY, Tel. 020 7408 1254. Brochure line: 09001 600280 (calls cost 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Naples |
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