Naples / Italy

Naples, the third largest city in Italy, lies on the shore of the Bay of Naples in the shadow of the majestic Vesuvius. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, and its historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow streets, monumental churches, royal palaces, and bustling squares reflect more than two and a half thousand years of history. Thanks to its unique atmosphere and proximity to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast, Naples is one of the most sought-after destinations offering Mediterranean cruises.

What to Taste in Naples?

Neapolitan cuisine is considered one of the best in Italy and has gained fame far beyond its borders.

• Pizza Napoletana – the original Neapolitan pizza with soft dough and high edges, listed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
• Spaghetti alle vongole – spaghetti with clams, garlic, olive oil, and parsley.
• Cuoppo Napoletano – a mix of fried seafood, fish, and vegetables served in a paper cone.
• Sfogliatella – a crispy pastry filled with ricotta, candied fruit, and citrus peel.
• Babà al rum – a fluffy cake soaked in rum syrup, one of the most famous Neapolitan sweets.
• Limoncello – a traditional lemon liqueur made from lemons grown around Naples and on the Amalfi Coast.

Why Will You Love Naples?

• UNESCO Historic Center – royal palaces, medieval fortresses, monumental churches, and the unique atmosphere of narrow streets.
• Vesuvius and Pompeii – just a short distance from the city lies the famous Vesuvius volcano and the archaeological site of Pompeii, one of the most significant in the world.
• Gateway to Campania – from Naples, you can easily visit the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida, as well as the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Practical Tips:

• Official Language: Italian, but in tourist areas, you can also communicate in English
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Opening Hours in Italy (generally): Opening hours in Naples vary by type of establishment. Shops and boutiques usually open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. Restaurants typically serve lunch between 12:00 and 15:00 and dinner from 19:00 to 23:00. Museums and monuments generally have opening hours from 9:00 to 18:00, with some closed on Mondays.
• Public Transport: Public transport in Naples is diverse and adapted to the city's hilly terrain. In addition to classic means such as metro, buses, and trams, there are also several unique types of transport. The city is known for its network of funiculars (funicolare), which connect lower parts with hilly neighborhoods. Another highlight is the historic Circumvesuviana railway, which connects Naples with Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius. Thanks to its seaside location, Naples also has an extensive network of ferries connecting the city with the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
• Weather: Naples has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The main tourist season lasts from May to September, when temperatures reach 25–35 °C. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with temperatures around 15–25 °C, while in winter, they drop to 10–15 °C.     

The Most Interesting from the History of Naples:

Naples was founded in the 8th century BC by the Greeks, who named the city Neapolis, meaning "New City." Later, it became a significant center of the Roman Empire, and after its fall, the city was ruled by Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, and Spaniards. Due to its strategic location, Naples developed into one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Mediterranean. Today, its extraordinarily valuable historic center, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, remains preserved. Naples is also inextricably linked with the volcano Vesuvius, whose eruption in 79 AD buried the nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum. Today, the city is not only one of Italy's most important cultural centers but also a popular starting point for exploring the entire Campania region.

Useful Information

• How to Choose the Right Cruise?
• How to Choose a Cruise Line?