The immense beauty of Naples can also be measured in the vastness of choices and options it offers visitors who flock there to discover the city. We are not just talking about the centre and the peripheral areas, which in any case already suffice for the opportunities present, qualitatively and quantitatively speaking.
We pick out 10 things to do around Naples, destinations that you absolutely must visit without straying too far from the city. The options are the most varied and interesting: islands and sea, parks surrounded by greenery, cultural attractions and history (and stories) to embrace and experience. We just have to discover them.
10. Royal Palace of Caserta
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The first destination we have chosen is an Italian excellence, not just from Campania, located about 30 km from Naples. We are talking about the Reggia di Caserta, the largest royal residence in the world, declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1997. It was the architect Vanvitelli who designed it during the 18th century at the behest of Charles of Bourbon, King of Naples and Sicily, and it was completed in 1845. It is a unique and complete site, containing art, history and a huge green park in which to immerse oneself.
The scene is taken by the Royal Apartments, perhaps the most fascinating and intriguing places in the entire palace. Dominating them all are the King's and Queen's flats, symbols of the Baroque art that characterises the site. Immediately after the flats we have the Quadreria with a truly extensive art collection, no less than eleven rooms full of paintings and works. In the elliptical room we instead find the Royal Crib where numerous contemporary collections are gathered, including some by Andy Warhol. Outside we have the Park with its majestic fountains and two different gardens.
9. The islands: Procida, Ischia and Capri
We move by sea and reach the islands heading towards Procida, Capri and Ischia. Three very different pearls whose beauty is waiting to be discovered. We begin on Procida, the smallest of the three, the island of colourful little houses and numerous craft shops. The most characteristic spot here is certainly Marina Corricella, the island's oldest village. A place full of light, sea air but above all relaxation and calm.
We move on to Capri, the island of exclusive and rather affluent tourism, with its luxurious alleyways. There are also numerous natural beauties that can be seen, above all the Faraglioni, two enormous rocks that rise from the blue sea and make the landscape more atmospheric. Ischia, on the other hand, is the largest island of the three, the one where perhaps more activities can be enjoyed. Above all, there are the numerous spa facilities available. Great attention is also paid to the charm of the village of Sant'Angelo, an authentic corner of paradise that descends just a stone's throw from the sea.
8. Pietrarsa National Railway Museum
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Moving between Portici and San Giovanni a Teduccio, in the province of Naples, we find the Pietrarsa National Railway Museum. It is a fascinating structure covering 36,000 square metres, an authentic gem for railway history and technology enthusiasts. Founded in 1989, the museum is located inside the old Bourbon workshop built in 1840, which represents one of the earliest examples of industrial railway installations in Italy.
Here at the Pietrarsa Museum you can find a rich exhibition of historical locomotives. Among them are steam, three-phase electric, direct current and diesel locomotives. The main locomotive is the 'Ferdinandea', the first steam locomotive built in Italy in 1839. Also fascinating are the various passenger carriages and many railway relics of the time. We would also like to emphasise how the museum often organises interesting events, temporary exhibitions and guided tours.
7. The Vesuvius
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Among the destinations around Naples, it is impossible not to include Vesuvius, one of the city's main symbols. We are located in the middle of the province, with the municipality of Ottaviano being the closest to the supreme volcano. Immersing oneself in nature and venturing along the paths leading to Vesuvius is a unique and unforgettable experience. Once you reach the top, you are guaranteed an incredible panorama, overlooking the bay and the Gulf of Naples.
The Vesuvius National Park comprises a total of 11 trails amounting to 54 km. Along the way, it is possible to encounter numerous species of animals, plants and minerals found there. In short, a riot of biodiversity waiting to be discovered. The effort will certainly be a lot, but we are sure it will be worth it: the view from up there will be one that leaves you speechless. In short, the whole of Naples at your fingertips!
6. The ruins of Pompeii and Hercolaneaum
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Speaking of the Vesuvius National Park, we could not go on without the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These are places of incredible fame, among the most important and famous archaeological sites in the world. There are numerous fascinating attractions here, where you can dive back two thousand years. Starting with Pompeii, famous are the public buildings such as the Forum, the Amphitheatre and the Temple of Apollo. Let us also not forget ancient domus, such as the House of the Faun and the Villa of the Mysteries.
Herculaneum is located close to Pompeii, so it is also convenient and easy to organise a double visit discovering both. Here you can discover and observe villas, statues and numerous historical objects well preserved over time. Famous is the Ancient Theatre, used during the Second World War as an air-raid shelter. Also, we find the Baths and several domus rich in statues, frescoes and mosaics. Of course, both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
5. The Amalfi Coast
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From the art and eternal history of Pompeii and Herculaneum we move on to the infinite beauty of the Amalfi Coast, the pride of Italy throughout the world. After all, if it has always been one of Italy's distinguishing features in the eyes of foreign tourists, there must be a reason. Here we find a series of beautiful villages, connected by a single road halfway between the blue sea and the rocky promontories of the Monti Lattari. Each village is different, of course, but each brings with it incredible charm and is all worth visiting.
There are so many places to see, starting with the most famous Positano and Amalfi: the former famous for its close contact with the beach and its small, narrow streets, the latter for its historic cathedral waiting to be discovered. The colours of Vietri sul Mare steal anyone's heart, as do the small but genuine Maiori, Minori and Ravello. Let's not forget Cetara, a cult place for the famous local anchovies. In short, the Amalfi Coast is one of those places that must be visited without hesitation.
4. Trekking in the Ferriere Valley
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Being in the vicinity of the Amalfi Coast, and therefore mentioning Amalfi, we could not but speak of the Valle delle Ferriere. This is an authentic gem of the Campania region, a nature reserve of immense beauty. The route starts from the Monti Lattari and descends towards Amalfi, passing through fern forests and alongside streams. It is an experience open to all, is not the most strenuous and lasts about three hours. Of course, arming yourself with water bottles and dressing comfortably is a must.
If desired, it is also possible to modify the itinerary and lengthen the route, further immersing oneself in the local flora and fauna. In particular, rare animal species such as the peregrine falcon, the green woodpecker and the spectacled salamander can be spotted here. Plants include holm oaks, chestnut trees and oaks, along with a rich vegetation of ferns, mosses and lichens. Not to be missed are the waterfalls, reached by a stream, and the watermills.
3. Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia
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Let's return to history and archaeology by exploring another magical, timeless place: the Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia. We are talking about a very ancient archaeological site, dating back to the times of ancient Greece (6th century), recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. There is so much to discover and experience here, starting with the remains of the ancient Greek Agora and reaching back to the times of Hera, Neptune and Athena.
And that's not all, you cannot visit Paestum without admiring the Forum, built by the Romans on the Greek model, and the Amphitheatre, designed for gladiator battles. Within the ancient city of Paestum, the National Archaeological Museum was also built in 1952, a cradle of priceless treasures. Inside the site, the history and evolution of the city is meticulously documented, from daily life to art and religion; every facet is perfectly described and presented.
2. The Cilento National Park
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We remain on another UNESCO World Heritage site, albeit one that is decidedly outside the artistic and historical canons we spoke of a moment ago. We are still in the province of Salerno and we are talking about the Cilento National Park, a truly unique park that offers a wide range of landscapes to be experienced. Here we find rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, olive-covered hills and wild mountains.
In the Cilento National Park, nature lovers can explore a variety of hiking trails leading to natural wonders such as the Calore Gorge and the Morigerati Waterfalls. Between scenic beauty, biodiversity and cultural heritage, the park offers an unforgettable experience for anyone wishing to be fully in touch with nature.
1. Salerno
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We close this list of things to do around Naples with a destination that goes far beyond the Neapolitan city, about an hour's drive away. We are talking about a visit to Salerno, another jewel in the crown of Campania. Already several of the locations and destinations mentioned are in the Salerno province, but now let's take a look at the heart of the city, which is also full of charm. In fact, we find several attractive areas all waiting to be discovered.
We can start by mentioning the historical centre, rich in that medieval charm that characterises the history of the city, once the capital of the Longobard kingdom. One of the main attractions is certainly the Cathedral, clearly Romanesque-Gothic in style, with numerous relics and works of art inside. Of course, the sea always takes its share, in fact the Lungomare Trieste will win the heart of anyone who takes a stroll along it. Not to be missed is a visit to the Arechi Castle, where one can then admire the entire city from above. All this, of course, always with the magnificent Campanian (and Neapolitan) cuisine.
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