Quite a lot going on outside a salumeria in the Spanish Quarter in Naples
From our editorial team
Naples sounds like chaos, passion and southern Italian joie de vivre. Italy's third largest city is a melting pot of history, culture and a pinch of anarchy.
Directly at the Situated at the foot of Mount VesuviusIt is a city of extremes: magnificent palazzi next to dilapidated old buildings, dolce vita next to Camorra, and the best pizza in the world in the middle of traffic chaos. But it is precisely these contrasts that make Naples so unique. Anyone who gets involved with the city will be rewarded with an unrivalled atmosphere.
A city on explosive terrain
Few cities are as spectacular and at the same time as dangerous as Naples. Built directly in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, one of the world's most notorious volcanoes, the city lives with a constant, albeit often suppressed, threat. The last eruption was in 1944, but scientists warn: Vesuvius is only sleeping, it is not extinguished. The Phlegraean Fields to the west of the city, a huge underground volcanic landscape, are also highly active geologically. But it is precisely this explosive environment that makes the region one of the most fertile and fascinating places in Italy.
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And as if that wasn't enough, perhaps the most beautiful coastline in the world lies just outside the city gates: the Amalfi Coast with its steep cliffs, pastel-coloured villages and azure blue sea is just a short drive away. And for those who like it sophisticated, take the ferry across to Capri - the island of the rich and beautiful, which has enchanted visitors for centuries with its Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni rocks and a glamorous piazzetta.
The heart of Naples: the old town
The centre of Naples resembles a huge open-air museum - and yet it is pure life. The historic city centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Impressive buildings stretch between the narrow alleyways, the so-called "vicoli": the Gothic cathedral of San Gennaro, the Baroque monastery of Santa Chiara and the imposing Castel Nuovo.
A stroll along Spaccanapoli, the famous street that divides the historic centre, is like a journey through time. Here, centuries-old churches stand next to hip bars, while traders loudly offer their wares. A tourist magnet is Via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous street of nativity scenes, where elaborate nativity scenes are sold all year round - a typical Neapolitan tradition.
Much more than pizza
Naples is inextricably linked with pizza - and for good reason. This is where the Margherita pizza was invented, with its simple but perfect ingredients: Tomato, mozzarella, basil. In traditional pizzerias such as "Da Michele" or "Sorbillo", pizza is baked in the old Neapolitan tradition - with a fluffy crust and wafer-thin base.
But Naples has so much more to offer in culinary terms - as you can see when you stroll through the streets: sfogliatelle, crispy puff pastries filled with ricotta, or the delicious Neapolitan espresso, which is drunk in small, strong sips. The street food in Naples is legendary, from sweet to savoury, the whole range is available here. Just have a baguette filled in a salumeria: an explosion of flavour! And we haven't even mentioned the Campania classics, such as spaghetti alle vongole, spaghetti with clams. The tip in summer is freshly squeezed lemon juice on ice - the local lemons are sometimes the size of a mango.
Traffic for the really tough
Naples is not a city for the faint-hearted. The traffic is a spectacle in itself, traffic lights are often ignored and anyone travelling on foot needs a good dose of self-confidence. But there is a method to the chaos - and those who get involved will soon realise: Naples lives by its own rules. And if ten scooters come towards you in the one-way street - no need to panic. They will pass you in the nick of time.
But despite all its wildness, the city is also full of warmth. The Neapolitans are proud of their city and their traditions. Music is omnipresent, whether in the form of Neapolitan folk songs or the modern street rapper Liberato. And football is almost a religion: SSC Naples, once home to the legendary Diego Maradona, is a central part of city life. The fact that the Neapolitans are generally very religious, but also very superstitious, does not seem to be a contradiction in terms. The red lucky charm, the Cornicellois now also a popular tourist souvenir.
Discover Naples: tips for an unforgettable visit
- Quartieri SpagnoliNarrow alleyways, washing lines and street art - an authentic Naples experience.
- Metro dell'Arte: The artistic spectacularly designed underground stations in the citywhich is the world's largest underground museum of contemporary art.
- Vesuvius & PompeiiA day trip to the legendary volcano and the ruins of the ancient city is a must.
- Galleria Umberto I: A magnificent 19th century shopping arcade, ideal for a short break.
- Castel dell'OvoOne of the oldest fortresses in Naples with a fantastic view of the gulf.
- National Archaeological MuseumIf you want to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, you should start here - one of the best collections in the world.
Naples is loud, chaotic and sometimes challenging - but that's exactly what makes it so charming. Naples is a city that you don't just visit, you experience. You cry twice when you're in Naples, as the saying goes: once when you arrive - and once when you have to leave.
