About
Naples is a historic port city on the Bay of Naples in Campania, southern Italy. It is often described as the birthplace of pizza, and for many visitors the city's street food and pizzerias are reason enough to come. Its older name, Neapolis, meaning "new city" in Greek, hints at a long past that stretches back well before the modern centre took shape.
The city is also a natural base for exploring the surrounding region. Pompeii, the ancient Roman town buried by Mount Vesuvius, lies a short journey away, and the Amalfi Coast is within reach for those who want to see cliffside villages and sea views. Many travellers use Naples as a starting point and return to it between excursions.
What a visit offers
- Food: traditional pizza, eaten in the city where the dish is said to have begun.
- History: a dense old centre with a layered past, from the Greek foundations of Neapolis onward.
- Day trips: Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast are both close enough to visit from the city.
- Port life: the waterfront and ferries that link the city to nearby islands and coastal towns.
Planning your trip
Naples suits travellers who enjoy lively streets, good food and a city that feels distinctly its own. Allow time to wander the historic quarters on foot, and plan separate days for the wider region, since trips to Pompeii and the coast take a good part of a day each. Check transport and opening times before you set out, as these can vary.
