There are so many things to see and do in and around Naples it can be hard to know where to begin. Whether you want to head straight to the beach or uncover its ancient past, these highlights cover all bases.
Explore the city’s historic heart
Naples is home to a wealth of historical treasures. Piazza Dante is a great starting point, as this large open square is lined by impressive examples of the neo-classical and Baroque architecture found across the city. In the centre is a huge statue of the poet Dante Alighieri, while the churches of San Michele Arcangelo and Santa Maria di Caravaggio flank two sides. Visit on an evening when the square really comes to life, with families dining and enjoying the atmosphere.
Head over to the Spaccanapoli, which runs right through the centre of the city’s historical heart and the Spanish Quarter. Down this narrow road surrounded by tall buildings and their overhanging balconies on both sides, you’ll come across many of Naples’ most renowned highlights and popular landmarks.
The 14th-century Monastery of Santa Chiara is a large religious complex that mixes the original Gothic style with Baroque touches, when it was decorated years later. Naples Cathedral is another unmissable stop, housing 4th-century mosaics and Western Europe’s oldest baptistery. Plus, there are numerous enchanting palaces along the route, including the Renaissance era Palazzo Marigliano.
Drive along the Amalfi Coast and visit Pompeii
Just nine kilometres away from Naples is the awe-inspiring Mount Versuvius. With a hire car, you can drive along the colourful Amalfi Coast to the foot of the most famous active volcano in the world. Vesuvius towers over the city from behind, having last erupted in 1944 – but it is best remembered for destroying the Roman town of Pompeii nearly 2,000 years ago. There’s a car park at an altitude of 1,000 metres before the start of the trail to the top, which climbs another 200 metres. You’ll be able to take in some incredible vistas of Naples.
Once you’ve been up the volcano (or got as close as you dare), visit the eerie ruins of Pompeii. Much of the town was preserved under the volcanic ash, so today you can walk through its ancient streets at the archaeological site. Look out for the Roman Forum, public baths and the columns, which are still standing.
Continue further south and drive along the 50 km of the spectacular Amalfi Coast, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. With deep blue seas on one side, and mountains, scenic landscapes and villages on the other, it’s a truly picturesque part of the world. Stop for a boat tour out to sea, or get lost in the charming towns that line the coast.
Go underground
There’s another side to Naples that you won’t see from the surface. Underground caverns below the city, running about 40 metres deep, can be accessed when you book onto a guided tour. Their intriguing history dates back to the Ancient Greeks and the construction of the city’s walls, takes in the forming of a Roman aqueduct network, and they were even used as shelters during World War Two.
Down here you can find many fascinating sites, including the city of Neapolis, the remains of a Roman theatre, the Greek-Roman aqueduct and a labyrinth of tunnels. Each part of history that helped form this massive network can be discovered, as you literally see a different side to Naples.
Explore a captivating city and the thrilling landscape around it with car hire in Naples, and make sure you see all that the beauty of southern Italy has to offer.