Rome — 3 nights
Perfect base to start your trip. It’s best to explore on foot and rent a car only after leaving to avoid problems with the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones). Must-sees: Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Trastevere.

Complete Rome Itinerary

Rome-Naples

Rome → Naples
230 km — 2h30
Optional high-speed train: 1h10

Where we stayed – Locanda Parlamento – Rhome Luxury Suites

Car rental: Trayectis (personalized experience, family cars, full insurance included) Discount coupon: EUROPAACOMPANADA5

Search engines Discovercars. Other car options and offers.

Naples — 4 nights
We recommend choosing a hotel with parking. Ideal base for visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Caserta Palace y las islas de Procida e Ischia. Ciudad intensa, caótica y con muchísimo encanto.

Ticket pass: Campania Pass

Complete Naples itinerary

Naples-Sorrento

Naples → Sorrento
50 km — 1h approx.

Where we stayed – Real Paggeria

Sorrento — 2 nights
An excellent alternative for exploring the Amalfi Coast without paying Positano prices. Ferry to Capri and spectacular sea views.

Where we stayed – The Night Guest House

Amalfi Road

Ruta Amalfitana
Sorrento → Positano: 14 km
Positano → Amalfi: 17 km
A few kilometers, but lots of traffic and a slow road.

Amalfi — 1 night
Highlights: Amalfi Cathedral, the coastal atmosphere, and sunset in the main square. Parking is very limited; a hotel with parking is recommended.

Where we stayed – Baia de Amalfi

Amalfi → Ravello → Vietri sul Mare
Ravello: 7 km
Amalfi → Vietri: 20 km

Vietri sul Mare — 1 night
A strategic stop before continuing south. A town famous for its handcrafted pottery. Optional visit to Salerno.

Where we stayed – Mareteré

Vietri sul Mare- Matera

Vietri → Matera
A complete change of scenery heading inland.

Matera — 2 nights
Sleeping in a cave house is part of the experience. Must-sees: the Sassi and the Murgia Timone viewpoint.

Where we stayed –19.52 Matera

Full itinerary for Matera

Matera → Lecce
200 km approx.

Route through Puglia

Lecce — 2 nights
The “Florence of the South”. Ideal base for visiting Gallipoli and Otranto without constantly changing hotels.

Route through Puglia
Lecce → Ostuni → Cisternino → Alberobello: 100 km approx.

Complete route through Puglia

Alberobello — 2 nights
Sleeping in a trullo is mandatory. From here you can visit Locorotondo and Martina Franca..

Where we stayed –Trullo Mont Santo 50

Alberobello → Polignano a Mare
33 km
Recommended stop in Monopoli.

Polignano a Mare — 1 night
Cliffs, panoramic terraces and the famous Lama Monachile cove.

Polignano → Bari
35 km

Bari — 1 or 2 nights
Ideal end of the trip. Bari Vecchia, focaccia barese and authentic southern Italian atmosphere.

Option to return to Rome
Bari → Rome: 450 km
Possible intermediate stop in Foggia to rest.

Quick summary of nights

20-day itinerary through southern Italy

• Rome — 3
• Naples — 4
• Sorrento — 2
• Amalfi — 1
• Vietri sul Mare — 1
• Matera — 2
• Lecce — 2
• Alberobello — 2
• Polignano a Mare — 1
• Bari — 2 ( o 1 y otra en Roma)

Map with the route

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many days does it take to travel around southern Italy?

Ideally, you should allow 15 to 20 days to combine Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Puglia at a relaxed pace. If you only have that many days, we recommend Calabria and Sicily on a separate itinerary.

Is it worth exploring southern Italy by car?

Yes, especially in Puglia and the Amalfi Coast, where many towns and viewpoints are much more enjoyable on a road trip.

Where is the best place to rent a car in Italy?

The best option is to pick it up when leaving Rome and return it in Bari or again in Rome depending on the return price.

What is the best time to travel to southern Italy?

May, June and September are usually the best months due to pleasant weather and less tourism.

 NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience and is entirely objective. This article contains affiliate links.

La entrada 20-day road trip through southern Italy: Rome to Puglia se publicó primero en Europa acompañada.

Travelling to Pompeii is like stepping back in time. This ancient Roman city, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of the most fascinating archaeological wonders in the world. Its incredible state of preservation allows visitors to explore streets, houses and squares that seem frozen in time. If you’re planning your visit, here’s a complete guide to making the most of this unique historical experience.

How to get to Pompeii? Options for all travelers

There are several ways to get to Pompeii depending on your starting point:

From Naples or Rome

• By train: From Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train line in the direction of Sorrento and get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
• By bus: Several companies offer services from Rome and Naples to Pompeii.

By car: Flexibility and comfort

We opted for this option as we were travelling by car. This allowed us to organise our itinerary without depending on public transport timetables. There are several car parks near the main entrances, although some can be a bit expensive, so it is worth looking for options before arriving.

Book a car for your tour of Italy

Tickets & Rates: Plan Your Visit Hassle-Free

The easiest way to manage your tickets is by using tourist passes such as the Campania Pass. We used it and it was a great choice: it includes entry not only to Pompeii, but also to other sites such as Herculaneum and Vesuvius, as well as public transport in the region.

If you prefer individual tickets, these can be purchased online or directly at the ticket office, although it is recommended to buy them in advance in high season to avoid long lines.

If you want to forget about a Spanish excursion from Naples to Pompeii is an excellent idea, as well as an excursion in Spanish from Rome to Pompeii

What is the best time to visit Pompeii?

Schedule planning can make all the difference in your experience.

• Afternoon: We decided to visit Pompeii during this time, and it turned out to be a great idea. In the mornings, there are usually more tourists and group tours. In the afternoon, however, the flow slows down, which allowed us to explore at our leisure and take better photos.
• Very early in the morning: It can also be an option to arrive as soon as it opens and get a little ahead of the excursion groups.
• Low season: From November to March you will find fewer tourists and cooler weather. In summer, temperatures can be intense, so bring water and protect yourself from the sun.

What to see in Pompeii: An essential tour

Pompeii is full of archaeological treasures that you can’t miss:

1. The Forum: The political and social heart of the city. Here you can see the ruins of temples and administrative buildings.
2. Pan’s House: One of the most luxurious residences in Pompeii, famous for its mosaics.
3. The Amphitheatre: Perfectly preserved, it is the oldest in the Roman Empire.
4. Frescoes and graffiti: The paintings and writings on the walls offer a glimpse into the daily life of the Pompeians.

We recommend you bring a map or use a mobile application that guides you through the most outstanding points, since there are several.

Combine your visit: Herculaneum, Vesuvius and more

If you’re in the region, you can’t miss other nearby places. We complemented our visit to Pompeii with an excursion to Vesuvius and Herculaneum.

• Herculaneum: Less extensive but just as impressive, this archaeological site shows a different perspective on Roman life.
• Vesuvius: Climbing the crater of the volcano that buried these cities is a unique experience. You can get there by car or bus and walk the last few stretches.

Dedicate at least a full day if you plan to do all three visits, or split them into two days for a more relaxed experience.

Transportation from Herculaneum to Vesuvius

You can do an excursion to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius for the day, but if you can divide it into two days it is more advisable to give you better time to get to know and enjoy

Vesuvius official website information and tickets.

Practical tips to make the most of Pompeii

• Comfortable clothes and shoes: The streets of Pompeii are made of stone, so wear sturdy shoes.
• Bring water and snacks: Although there are cafes on site, having something with you will be practical.
• Sun protection: In summer, the sun can be intense, so don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
• Guides or apps: We chose to use a digital guide on our mobile, which made it easier to understand the historical context of each site.

Conclusion: An unforgettable historical experience

Visiting Pompeii is more than just a sightseeing excursion; it’s a trip back in time that connects you with Roman life almost two thousand years ago. With proper planning, such as choosing an afternoon for your visit, taking advantage of passes like the Campania Pass, and combining it with nearby sites like Herculaneum and Vesuvius, you can create an unforgettable experience.

If you love history and unique adventures, Pompeii should be on your list. Pack your things and get ready to discover this archaeological gem!

 NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience, being totally objective. This article contains affiliate links.

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Located in the heart of the Gulf of Naples, Procida is an Italian gem that combines colorful landscapes, fascinating history and a relaxed atmosphere. Its authenticity and charm make it a must-see destination for those looking to explore the culture and natural beauty of the Mediterranean.

How to get to Procida: Ferry and other transport options

The ferry is the most popular way to reach Procida. From Naples or Ischia, travelers enjoy a short ride with spectacular sea views. Arriving at Marina Grande, the vibrant reception of pastel-hued houses marks the perfect entrance to the island.

In my case, I took the ferry in September. The mild weather and sea breeze made the journey a very pleasant experience, anticipating what the island had to offer.

When choosing a ferry from the port of Naples you have two options:

You have options of ferry or aliscafo (the latter is faster). Travel time will be between 40 and 60 minutes depending on the option

You have a search engine in which putting your dates will give you the options of prices and schedules. Let’s look for: Direct Ferries

Prices range from 35 to 50 euros round trip depending on the season.

Touring the island by bike: A unique way to explore

The ferry will drop you off at Marina Grande, the main port of Procida and the gateway to this beautiful island.

Once there, renting a bike is one of the best ways to get around. Procida is small, and its roads are ideal for exploring on two wheels, stopping at viewpoints, beaches and picturesque corners. Pedaling through streets lined with flowers and traditional houses made our tour something special.

This means of transport also allows you to discover hidden corners, such as the flooded crater, a place of peace where water and vegetation mix in perfect harmony.

We did this at General Rental which is conveniently located near the port, and the rental process was quick and easy.

Prices: Scooters start at €35-€45 per day. Bikes are €20/25 per day. For around 70/80 euros you can get small cars for 4 people.

You also have buses that cover the main areas, they usually run every 15-30 minutes, although they can vary depending on the season and time of day. The ticket price ranges from € 1 to 2.

If you are not into going to the places on your own, there are some excursions from Naples to Procida, although they are in English or Italian they can be a good option. You also have the option of arriving on your own but then taking a guided tour of the island, also the options are in English or Italian.

What to see in Procida: Viewpoints, Marina Corricella and more

The charm of Marina Corricella

This fishing village is one of Procida’s most iconic spots. Its vibrantly coloured houses and cobbled streets reflect island life at its finest. Seafront restaurants offer fresh delicacies, while fishing boats add an authentic atmosphere.

The impressive viewpoints

The Belvedere Elsa Morante is one of them, in honor of the Italian writer it offers us magnificent views.

Also Piazza dei Martiri and the Mirador de Corriciella.

Terra Murata: History and spectacular views

Located high on the island, Terra Murata offers panoramic views of Marina Corricella and the Gulf of Naples. Walking through its narrow streets and exploring its ancient fortifications allows you to connect with the history of Procida.

The flooded crater

This unique, lesser-known but equally impressive spot is a reminder of Procida’s volcanic origins. Surrounded by greenery, it is ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Beaches of Procida: From volcanic sand to crystal clear waters

The island has charming dark sand beaches that stand out for their volcanic origin. Pozzo Vecchio and Chiaiolella are perfect for relaxing and swimming in calm waters. There are also small hidden coves, accessible by walking along winding paths.

The island of Procida has an area of ​​about 4 km², and a perimeter of about 16 km, so as you can see it is small to explore, but do not be fooled by this because it has many hills and in these few kilometers there are many beautiful and colorful places.

Of the trips from Naples that we did, although I liked them all very much, I would dare to say that this was my favorite.

Procida, film location

Procida has been chosen as a film set on several occasions. The most famous is undoubtedly Il Postino. Based on the novel by Antonio Skármeta,  The Postman  tells the story of a postman who strikes up a friendship with the poet Pablo Neruda. The film, which shows the beautiful landscapes of the island, focused on Procida as a picturesque and peaceful place, and the  Spiaggia del Pozzo Vecchio (Postino Beach) is one of the key locations.

Although this is undoubtedly the most famous film production, as we said, who can forget its soundtrack? I particularly began to become interested in the island when I saw the Netflix series Generation 56k.

This series, released by  Netflix in 2021, is a romantic comedy that explores the nostalgia of the generation that grew up with the Internet of the 90s, and the experiences of the main characters, mixing flashbacks of their youth with their adult life.

 Procida is the main location where much of the series takes place, and the island is used to represent the small coastal town where the protagonists grow up. The island’s colorful houses, narrow streets, and Mediterranean landscapes provide a picturesque setting that fits perfectly with the nostalgic theme of the series. Procida helps to highlight the feeling of a closed community and the dynamics between the characters, which reflect personal relationships in the pre-internet era.

Our experience

We would return to Marina Grande to return the bikes and stop for a pizza, since we had spent lunchtime entertaining ourselves with the views, so it was time to stop, rest, watch the people go by and enjoy this pizza.

In short, beyond marking these points on a map, it goes without saying that getting lost in these streets, whether by bike, walking, or however you choose, is the perfect plan.

We went for the day but you can also stay, there are accommodations on the island, you can also join this trip to the Island of Ischia, but we left it for another time.

Another place near the city of Naples that I recommend you visit is the Royal Palace of Caserta

Where to stay in Procida: Areas and key recommendations

• Marina Grande: Ideal for those looking for comfort and ease of access to the port.
• Marina Chiaiolella: Perfect for longer stays and lovers of tranquility

Find accommodation in Procida

If like us you are going to spend the day alone, we leave you here the hotel where we stayed in Naples.

Local flavours: Mediterranean gastronomy and delicacies

Procida is a paradise for food lovers. Its restaurants offer local specialties such as “linguine ai frutti di mare” and “insalata di polpo”. You can’t miss trying the artisanal limoncello, an icon of the region.

Tips to make the most of your visit

• Rent a bike to explore the island at your own pace.
• Book ferry tickets in advance, especially in high season.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing to enjoy the Mediterranean climate.

Conclusion

Procida is much more than just an island, it is a unique experience that combines history, nature and Mediterranean culture. From the vibrant streets of Marina Corricella to the tranquil landscapes of the flooded crater, every corner of Procida offers something special. Plan your visit, and let this Italian gem surprise you.

Video and map

 NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience, being totally objective. This article contains affiliate links.

La entrada Procida: The Enchanted Island of the Gulf of Naples se publicó primero en Europa acompañada.

Royal Palace of Caserta or Reggia di Caserta. Hello, fellow travelers! Today I bring you a little-known but absolutely spectacular gem: the Royal Palace of Caserta, in Italy. A mix of luxury, history and landscapes.

History of the Palace of Caserta

Let’s start with a little history. The Palace of Caserta, or Reggia di Caserta, was built in the 18th century by order of Charles VII of Naples, who wanted a residence to rival Versailles. And boy did he succeed! However, Charles never saw his project completed, as in 1759 he had to leave Naples to take the Spanish throne as Charles III upon the death of his brother Ferdinand V.

This palace is one of the largest in the world, with over 1,200 rooms, 220 hectares of gardens and fountains that look like they’re straight out of a movie. In fact, did you know that scenes from *Star Wars*, *Mission: Impossible* and Angels & Demons were filmed here? A place straight out of a movie, literally!

 The palace, along with the gardens were declared Heritage of Humanity by the Unesco in 1997.

How to get to Reggia di Caserta

The palace is located in the city of Caserta, just 30/40 kilometres from Naples. From this city, you can take a direct train that takes about 40 minutes and leaves you right in front of the palace. The train ticket costs approximately 5 euros one way. You can also take the bus, the price of which on Flixbus is about €5 per trip and takes just over 45 minutes. And if you come by car, there are parking lots nearby, although they tend to fill up quickly, especially in high season. My advice is to go early to make the most of the day!

If you want more comfort there are packages that include train tickets and tickets with audio guide to Reggia di Caserta, or excursions to the Palace of Caserta from Naples in English or Italian, but speaking of tickets we go to the next point

Tickets to the Palace of Caserta

Tickets cost 18 euros for adults, but if you want to visit just the gardens, it costs 9 euros. If you want to add the audio guide, it costs €5 more. There are discounts for minors under 18 years old and for citizens of the European Union between 18 and 25 years old.

Opening hours are 8:30am to 7:30pm, last entry at 6:15pm, and the gardens from 8:30am to 6pm but this varies depending on the season. The complex is closed on Tuesdays. Please note: on the first Sunday of every month, entry is free, although it is often full on that day so bear this in mind. More information on the palace’s website.

Now, a very useful tip to save if you plan to visit several attractions in the Campania region, such as Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum and the palace of Caserta itself: the Naples Pass Campania Museums (Campania Pass). This pass includes entry to several important attractions both within the city of Naples such as the Ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum and option to add public transport, I find it an excellent option if you are organizing a complete itinerary in this area. In all of the above we do not need prior reservation at that time, it was in the month of September, but check in high season if it is so or if it has changed since we used it.

Attention: there are two Naples passes, the Campania Museum is the one that includes this option as well as Pompeii and Herculaneum.

We used this pass on our trip, and it was really worth it, but as I always say, do the math with every pass, it worked for us, check it out for yourselves.

A personal tip: don’t miss the waterfall of Diana and Actaeon at the end of the gardens. It’s a long walk, but there are bicycles, a small bus and electric carts. The price of the bus to the fountain and back is €2.50 each way, €4 for bicycles per hour for regular bikes and €6 for electric ones and €15 for carts per person for the one and a half hour ride.

 NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience, being totally objective. This article contains affiliate links.

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Day 1 what to see in Naples

Plaza del Plebiscito

Before going to meet a free tour of Naples we walk through the Piazza del Plebiscito, heart of the city and place where many events of the city take place. This large square lets us see some important buildings such as the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, the Palace of the Prefecture and Palazzo Salerno.

Royal Palace of Naples

Opposite the Royal Palace, palace that we are going to enter in this tour. The palace was built from 1600 and had the function of residence of the Virreyes Spanish.  Carlos de Borbón made it, from 1734, the main residence of the Borbons of Naples for over a hundred years. It was also the residence of Joseph Bonaparte and Joaquin Murat during French rule (1806-1815), under which extensive redecorations were carried out. After the Italian unification in 1861 it passed into the hands of the Savoyards.

The staircase is beautiful and if you like palatial halls it is a good visit to make. The price of the full ticket is €15.

Naples Pass museums Campania

Here I stop to tell you that we entered with a tourist pass, the Naples Pass Campania Museums. They have several things included and at least when we used it we did not need to book in advance. With this pass, the Caserta Palace, the ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum, several other things here in the city are also included, and you can add transportation. But do not confuse it with the Naples Pass, which although they are from the same company, the latter only includes attractions within the city, which is the one we chose.

Umberto I Gallery

Before going to meet a walking tour we would stop very close, just a few steps away, at the Umberto I Gallery.

Built between 1887 and 1890, although it does not maintain the brightness it had, not so many commercial premises are found inside, its structure is still magnificent and is one of the sights to take during walks through this city.

And now we move on to the place where our free tour would begin, about 600 meters further that would take us to Via Toledo, one of the most famous arteries of the city. I would also like to tell you that if you are going to travel by metro, the Toledo station is one to stop and admire its interior, it is very beautiful.

Quartieri Spagnoli, Maradona Mural and free tour

On this first day we cannot miss a free tour of Naples. A Neapolitan guide with perfect Spanish accompanied us in that first encounter with this colorful city, with hanging clothes, altars with virgins, paintings and statues of Maradona in its streets, the perfect combination to not cease to amaze us, added to scooters that seemed to come from everywhere.

For this first day then we would immerse ourselves in the Quartieri Spagnoli, with the essential visit, whether you like soccer or not, being Argentine or not of the Maradona mural.

Not being either of those things, I couldn’t help but notice the excitement of everyone upon arriving, or the devotion of many for their football idol. As I said, I think the visit is a must.
We continue walking through this neighborhood and go to Vico Totó street, the famous Neapolitan actor.

Will you visit Rome on your tour of Italy? Don’t miss What to see in Rome in five days

On this tour of Naples and throughout Italy, we use Holafly eSIMs as usual. This time we used the Holafly Italia eSIM but if you are going to make more than one country within the continent the eSim Europe is the right one. I leave you the discount coupon: EUROPAACOMPAÑADA5

Hotel

We had the accommodation a few meters behind Piazza dei Plebiscito so the location was perfect for walking a lot, and also convenient for getting to the port where you can take the ferries to Capri or Procida.

The accommodation is in an old mansion, from the outside it may look neglected as well as the street, as is Naples, but inside it is a little gem, a beauty. It has a garage inside, it is difficult to maneuver to get in because the street is narrow, but not impossible. Real Paggeria was a very good choice for our stay in Naples.

What I am telling you is that in this type of accommodation that does not have a reception, you will not have the comforts that a hotel offers and you have to be clear about that before booking. Always read all the details of the hotel carefully. In this case, yes, it has an elevator, but it is common that in this type of mansions it is not like that. So, look at all those details.

Day 2 What to see in Naples

Today we go to Spaccanapoli which translates as divider of Naples and runs through the heart of the historic center of the city. But it’s more than that, it’s a vibrant area that won’t go unnoticed.

Naples Cathedral

We will start with the Cathedral of Naples and a beautiful area of ​​the city. Here we will link things up in such a way that the total walking distance from the Cathedral until the end of the day will be about 2 kilometers, 2 km and a half.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Asuncion,  was built in 1314 where probably, in the ancient times there was a temple dedicated to the god< Apollo. It houses the most ancient baptistery in the West.

With free entry, it is a place not to be missed as its interior is very beautiful. This is a recommendation that I have already given in Rome and that I will surely continue to repeat throughout Italy. There is a cost to enter the baptistery.

A few steps will now take us to the Via dei Tribunali. At 800 meters long, this road is one of the main arteries of Naples.

Enjoying the hike you will be able to find many charming places.

Obelisk to San Gennaro

Thus we arrive at the Obelisk of San Gennaro. This Baroque obelisk dates from between 1636 and 1660. San Gennaro is the patron saint of the city of Naples.

We continue to Piazza Gerolomini, just a few steps away, and we find a graffiti by Banksi, the British street art artist who left this Madonna with a gun in the city of Naples. It is now protected by glass, as part of the artistic heritage of Naples, so that it does not suffer any damage. Here we also find the Girolomini Church.

We continue to Piazza San Gaetano with the obelisk to the saint.

Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore

And we also find the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is one of the oldest in Naples. In its subsoils you can visit archaeological excavations. The entrance fee to visit the basements is € 9.

Via San Gregorio Armeno

And on this walk we arrive at a very, very particular street, Via San Gregorio Armeno, the street of nativity scenes, nativity scenes, or nativity scenes.

All handcrafted statuettes. The tradition of nativity scenes of St. Gregory the Great has a remote origin: in classical times there was in the street a temple dedicated to Ceres, to whom the citizens offered small statuettes of terracotta. The birth of the Neapolitan manger is naturally much later and dates back to the end of the Eighteenth century.

Today, Via San Gregorio Armeno is known throughout the world as the exhibition centre for the artisan shops located there, which make figurines for the Nativity scenes all year round, but not all of them are religious; we also see countless well-known personalities and characters. On the street you can also visit the Monastery of San Gregorio Armeno.

We now take Via San Biagio dei Librai, this street connects Piazzetta Nilo and Via Duomo. And then we arrive at Piazzetta Nilo

Sansevero Chapel

San Severo Chapel. The San Severo chapel houses works of art such as the  Cristo Velado of Giuseppe Sanmartino, famous for the transparency of the marble veil that surrounds the figure of the dead Christ, but as we said it was closed. It is always very crowded so go with time, the entrance fee is € 10.

Church of Pietrasanta.  The Water Museum is inside the illustrious Basilica of Pietrasanta. This project takes us on a tour of the Greco-Roman cisterns. We didn’t, as we said we did other subways, the entrance fee is €10.

And we arrive at Piazza Bellini with the monument to Vicenzo Bellini. It is one of the most frequented squares in the city, due to the numerous shops, literary cafes and bars that overlook it. It is surrounded by several university campuses and close to the Academy of Fine Arts

We now cross the Porta Alba, one of the ancient gateways to the city and arrive at Piazza Dante.

Piazza Dante

Piazza Dante is one of the most important squares in the city and here begins the Via Toledo that we learned about yesterday. If we go down here to the subway we can also see a nice station.

But this time we will choose to continue walking to Piazza and Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo.

Church of the Gesù Nuovo

In this beautiful Piazza del Gesú Nuovo we find the column of the Immaculate Conception to protect against the plague. And the Church of the Gesú Nuovo, another recommendation to enter, is very beautiful.

Almost opposite the Basilica and Convent of Santa Clara, which has a very nice cloister, the entrance fee is €7.

Day 3 What to see in Naples

Napoli soterranea

Today will be a day of castles, but we will start a few meters from our accommodation with a different visit that we really wanted to do, Napoli Soterranea

The term  Underground Naples indicates the very dense and complex network of tunnels and cavities found in the Neapolitan subsoil. The underground city extends beneath the entire historic centre. The tunnels under Naples have been used in various ways over the centuries. Created after the extraction of tuff for the construction of the city, they were used as an aqueduct and also as a shelter during the Second World War.

There are guided tours in Spanish in certain months, we chose to do it in Italian as there were none in Spanish, you also have the option to take it in English, at the time of booking you choose which one. The entrance fee is €12.

 Through some stairs you go down about 40 meters deep and you enter a  labyrinth of tunnels and cisterns from  the Greco-Roman era that dates back more than 2,400 years. The stories and legends that the guide told were very interesting and although it was not in our language, at least I was able to understand him very well.  

Although it is not a must-see, we really enjoyed this visit. However, keep in mind the number of steps you have to go down, and that inside you go through some very narrow places, which may not be pleasant for everyone.

Castel Nuovo

Now on this third day in Naples we go for another of the images that we always have of this city. Castel Nuovo, its port and the views of Mount Vesuvius.

This castle dates back to the time of Charles of Anjou, who after his accession to the throne of the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily in 1266 moved the capital from Palermo to Naples; although the Castel dell’Ovoand and  Castel Capuano already existed in the city, Charles arranged the choice of another castle to house his court. In 1279 the construction works began. The entrance fee is €6.

And from here we go to the Molo Beverello, the port of Naples and its promenade A very beautiful area of the city. From this port ferries depart to Capri, Procida and Ischia.

We will now walk along the coast from here to Castel del Ovo. This area with a seafront promenade and views of Vesuvius is very, very pretty and different from what we had been seeing. If you want conventional hotels, this area is ideal for staying, not so much in the hustle and bustle of the network of streets and more decadent, as if we chose to stay there and then we will show you.

Castel dell’Ovo

Castel del Ovo is the oldest castle in the city of Naples and one of the most prominent elements in the panorama of the Gulf of the city. It was built in 1128 and throughout its history has functioned as defensive element, prison, royal residence and center for events and exhibitions. Admission is free.

Next to the castle in the small boat port there are lots of restaurants to enjoy, and like the previous night we returned for dinner.

Castel Sant’Elmo

We are now going for some beautiful views, we will go up to Castel Sant Elmo. You can ride the Montesanto funicular

This medieval castle built on the hill of Vomero dates back to the thirteenth century and is now a museum, housing the offices of the Directorate of the Museum Complex of Campania and the Museum of the Novecento of Naples. If you want to enter the entrance fee is €5 included in the campania pass, if you don’t enter the views from here they are well worth the climb.

Next to it is the Charterhouse of San Martino. It is one of the largest religious monumental complexes and one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in the city. The ticket price is €6

National Archaeological Museum and Capodimonte Museum

If you are still early when you finish these visits, and it is a day when it is open, you can visit the National Archaeological Museum, the most important museum in the world in terms of Roman history, as well as the Farnese collection, one of the richest collections of ancient marbles, and where you will also find, among many other things, objects rescued from Pompeii. The entrance fee is €7 and is included with the Campania Pass.

If you prefer another museum, there is also the Capodimonte Museum, located in the Capodimonte Palace, which has collections of art pieces. The entrance fee is €15 and is included in the Campania Pass, but prior reservation is required.

Day 4: what excursions to do from Naples

If you have an extra day in Naples, the options for visits are many.

Royal Palace of Caserta

Royal Palace of Caserta. Located less than 40 kilometres from the city, it is a gem to discover. We loved it, of course there will be video. You can visit the Palace of Caserta by train with audio-guided tickets. If you get the Campania pass it is included and you do not need to book in advance.

Procida and Ischia

You can visit the island of Procida by ferry, it is beautiful, we loved it and there will be video too of course. We rented bikes and rode it. You can also add the Island of Ischia. There is an excursion from Naples to Procida and Ischia if you don’t want to go on your own.

Capri

Capri is also a good option, ferries depart from Molo Beverello, you can go on your own or on an excursion to Capri.

Vesuvius Volcano

Another different option is to visit Vesuvius. The truth is that seeing this crater up close and the views towards Naples from there is magnificent. There will also be a video with all the details. There are excursions that include it along with our next options. Excursion to Vesuvius and Pompeii

Ruins of Pompeii

It is perhaps the most popular option, visiting the Ruins of Pompeii. We had the entrance included with the Campania Pass as well as the train since we got it with transport. They have excursion in Spanish to Pompeii if it is more comfortable for them.

Ruins of Herculaneum

Visit the ruins of Herculaneum, also included in the Campania Pass, or if you want to go more comfortably, do it on an excursion to Herculaneum.

Amalfi Coast

And also the Amalfi Coast can be a walk, although we did them as a route of several days there is an excursion to the Amalfi Coast for the day if that is the time you have.

When traveling we know that travel insurance is essential, we use Iati during our tours.

My recommendation is not to go by car. We are used to having one all the time because we are doing long trips around the country, but the traffic in Naples is crazy. We also found a public transport strike the day we arrived, which increased the congestion and the chaos. So if you can, don’t do it, but try to arrive at a time when it is not rush hour and have parking at the hotel. We booked a car at Discovercars, I leave a link in the description, generally they have good prices.

We had dinners on the coast two nights at Tratoría Ó Tabbaccaro and at the Quartiere Spagoli the other two, at pizzerias, Pizzeria Laezza and Pizzeria Donna Elvira.

Video & Map

Download the map/itinerary

 NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience, being totally objective. This article contains affiliate links.

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