The highlights of Naples

Naples, capital of the South and the cradle of pizza

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Naples (Napoli in Italian) is the third largest city in Italy and the capital of Campania. A passionate city and incredibly rich in history, it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic center. It is also the city where Neapolitan pizza was born, recognized as an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2017.

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From Corsica, Naples can be reached via the Cors'Express ferry from Bastia to Civitavecchia (port of Rome, 3 hours of crossing). From Civitavecchia, a train connects Rome to Termini (1h20), then Naples is 1h10 away by train to Frecciarossa. Allow about 5 hours of total travel. THENaples Tourism Office centralizes information and reservations for visits and activities.

The highlights of Naples

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The historic center and Spaccanapoli

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The historic center of Naples is a labyrinth of narrow streets and monumental Baroque churches. Spaccanapoli — the long straight street that splits the city in two — is the living heart of Naples: bakers, bookstores, craft nursery shops and historic pizzerias follow one another for a few hundred meters. The San Gregorio Armeno Church, street of nativity scene artisans, is famous throughout Italy.

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The National Archaeological Museum

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The National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) is one of the most important museums of ancient archaeology in the world. It houses the great collections of sculptures, mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Allow 3 to 4 hours minimum.

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Castel dell'Ovo and the seaside

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The Castel dell'Ovo, a medieval fortress on an island on the edge of the Gulf of Naples, is one of the city's iconic images. As you drive along the seafront to Lungomare Caracciolo, you discover a more airy Naples with a view of Vesuvius. A Neapolitan pizza at one of the historic houses — Da Michele, Sorbillo or Di Matteo — is a must.

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Excursions from Naples

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Pompeii, Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast

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Pompeii is 30 minutes away by Circumvesuviana train. La Amalfi coast, with Positano, Ravello and Amalfi, is a 1.5-hour drive or ferry ride from Naples. The island of Capri is 45 minutes away by hydrofoil from the port of Naples. To reach Rome from Naples, see our complete guide to Rome. For accommodation, compare on Booking.com Napoli.

How to get from Civitavecchia to Naples?

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Naples, the cradle of pizza and a city of intense art, is located south of Civitavecchia. After your ferry crossing, you have two options to reach the foot of Vesuvius.

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Option 1: The train, the fastest

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It is the most efficient option to cross central Italy to the south without fatigue.

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• Logistics: Take a regional train from the station in Civitavecchia to the station of Roma Termini (about 1 hour).
• Journey: In Rome, board a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo). The trip Rome-Naples is then done in only 1:10.
• Total travel time: Environ 2:30 to 3:00 (including correspondence).
• Advantages: A spectacular arrival in the heart of Naples (Napoli Centrale), avoiding the heavy traffic at the entrance to town.

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Option 2: Car rental

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Ideal for families or those who want to stop at the seaside resorts between Rome and Naples.

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• Logistics: The rental agencies are located a few minutes from the Civitavecchia ferry terminal.
• Itinerary: Take the highway A12 to Rome, then the highway A1 (Autostrada del Sole) heading south.
• Travel time: Environ 2:45 direct route.
• Advantages: The possibility of stopping in Gaeta or visiting the archaeological site of Pompeii independently before reaching Naples.