Naples

Beautifully situated between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the mountains, Naples is one of Italy’s top tourist destinations. It offers stunning scenery, countless fine buildings and wonderful Neapolitan cuisine, while providing an excellent base for exploring the surrounding attractions.

The city of Naples is ideal for visiting the spectacular Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii. The large Roman city of Pompeii was completely submerged in volcanic ash by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD; it then remained untouched until excavations began in the late 18^th century. Visitors should spend some time exploring the fascinating city, while the more adventurous can attempt the climb to the rim of the volcanic crater.

Housed in a grand old building in the city, the National Museum and Gallery (Museo e Gallerie Nazionali di Capodimonte) has two large floors dedicated to the National Gallery that display works by some of Italy’s most important painters. Other floors of the museum display collections of fine porcelain and furniture of former Royal apartments.

Naples is also home to the National Archaeological Museum. The museum is housed in a former university and contains a priceless collection of artefacts including many of the finest pieces excavated from Pompeii.

Those looking for some peace and quiet away from the hectic city should head to the Orto Botanic Gardens (Orto Botanico). These beautiful gardens were founded 200 years ago by the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte and contain a vast collection of exotic plants in tranquil surroundings.

Although Naples has a great deal to offer the visitor, there are many equally interesting attractions within a comfortable drive of the city so hiring a car can give you the opportunity to wander at will. Head to the Solfatara Crater for bubbling mud pits, sulphur gas vents and steam jets, or take a look at the extensive Roman ruins in the small city of Pozzuoli, also famous as the birth- place of the screen icon Sophia Loren.

Visitors travelling between the city and the airport should have little difficulty as Naples International Airport is conveniently located just 7kms from the city centre. From Naples, take the Tangenziale bypass towards Capodichino, and then follow the signposts to the Aeroporto exit.