Naples, Italy
Naples, Italy, was one place I wish we would have had more time in. This was a drive-through city for us, and we only spent a few hours there. My main reason for stopping was to eat pizza right from the source. Whether you come by boat, plane, train, or automobile, please take the time to explore this busy old-centric city full of charm, grit, and food options around every corner. Naples, Italy, gave New York City vibes but the old Italian version.
Castel dell’Ovo is the main focal point in Naples, Italy. You will truly miss out if you do not go to Borgo Marinari to visit the castle and see the colorful small boats. You can tour the castle inside and hang out on the bridge listening to music while taking in the water backdropped by Mt Vesuvio. You will also find many small restaurants nearby the castle that are tourist traps, so beware. We easily spent an hour relaxing and watching the water roll in and out.
I heard that driving in Italy was an experience in itself before arriving. Still, I was not prepared when we arrived in Naples, Italy. The narrow roads are shared with mopeds who fly past you and get upset when you're not going their speed. There are twists and turns in the most obscure places that change into one-way roads at a moment's notice. Main roads are dangerous, and if you do not have a sense of urgency and a sense of heart-racing adventure, then you better ride a bike. All main roads with intersections in the city are chaos, and you better be ready to press the gas and go. If you’re the passenger, take it all in.
Driving around Naples, there are many places you can stop to see the city and Mt Vesuvio. Drive up to Salita della Pedamentina for jaw-dropping 270-degree views. Drive along Vittorio Emanuele for the views pictured above. If you want to go all out, make sure to stop in at Castel Sant'Elmo and Chiostri di San Martino.
Before arriving in Naples, I went on the hunt for the top pizza options, and I was led to Sarita. Sarita is known for its traditional pie and extensive menu. Sarita was the one place where I actually liked the pizza in Italy. Pizza in Rome was such a miss for me. It was greasy, which left it soggy; the crust was black burnt, and even though Italians like it that way so I am told, I do not. The pizza at Sarita was pure perfection, and it all made sense knowing that Naples is the birthplace of pizza. That's Amore, as Dean Martin once said.
Other great options mentioned are
- L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele (this is the one that will show on most known if googled)
- Pizzeria Nennella
Other mentionable things to do in Naples include:
- Galleria Umberto I - This historic landmark has been seen in many photos. The Galleria is well known for its glass-encased ceiling and shops below it.
- Piazza Plebiscito - This is the largest square in Italy and is known for the Basilica of Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola.
- Via S. Gregorio Armeno or known as Christmas Alley - Check this area out for local shops and a quaint alley.
- Archaeological Park of Herculaneum - If you want an experience like Pompeii without all the people, check out this place.
- Galleria Borbonica - This tour will take you on an underground adventure full of history.
Royal Palace of Caserta
Going beyond Naples, Italy, you will come across the Royal Palace of Caserta. If driving from Rome to Naples or the Amalfi Coast, you will cross the path of the largest palace in the world (by acreage). Plan to stick around for at least two hours to cover the expansive property, and at $15 a person, why would you pass this up? Just ensure you wear walking shoes and something cool.
Although the palace has now been converted into a tourism destination, you will still walk through the front door. The Palace of Caserta did not blow my mind as I hoped. With its 1200 rooms, 4 courtyards, 1026 fireplaces, and an abundance of acres you can tour by bus, you have unlimited options for all of your Palace fantasies or feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the end of your tour.
Grab a map and take a tour. Check out the ceilings on the insides and the waterfalls on the outside.
Thank you for checking out my post on Naples, Italy. I hope you found something of interest or useful. Please use the comment section for more ideas, but please don’t be rude; as always, travel on and always eat pizza.