Tourism in Naples and Campania: The Complete Tourist Guide

Naples is one of Italy's most beloved destinations and the ideal starting point for discovering an extraordinary region. This guide brings together all our travel guides for Naples and Campania in one place, with practical tips to help you plan your trip.

From the islands of the Gulf to the Amalfi Coast , from Vesuvius to Pompeii , from the beaches to the villages of the hinterland: here you will find the links to all our in-depth articles, divided by topic,

plus essential tips for first-time visitors to Naples.

How to get to Naples

Naples Capodichino International Airport is about 7 km from the city centre and hosts flights from all over Europe.

There are several options to reach the city: Alibus to Piazza Garibaldi and the port, fixed-rate taxis , and shuttles to the main areas.

All the details in our guide on how to get from Naples airport to the city center.

Those arriving by train will find Naples Central Station (Piazza Garibaldi), a hub for the metro, buses, Circumvesuviana, and regional trains.

To understand tickets, passes, and fares for all means of transport, consult the guide to tickets and passes for transport in Naples.

By car, be careful of the restricted traffic zone (ZTL) in the historic center: before entering, check whether a ZTL permit for tourists is required.

Here's where it's best to park in Naples , including garages, street parking, and park-and-ride lots.

If you prefer to travel independently, our guide to car rentals in Naples compares agencies, prices, and terms.

For getting around the city, here's how to call a taxi in Naples with an app, numbers, and no-hassle fares.

Getting around Naples: Metro, Buses, and Funiculars

The Naples metro has three lines: Line 1 connects the center with Vomero and the hills, Line 2 crosses the city to Pozzuoli, and Line 6 serves Bagnoli and Fuorigrotta.

The funiculars (Centrale, Chiaia, Montesanto, Mergellina) go up towards Vomero and Posillipo.

Tickets are integrated with ANM and regional: a single ticket is valid for 90 minutes, while the UniCampania is the best choice for multiple days.

Night buses cover the main routes and taxis have regulated fares with supplements for night and luggage.

For drivers, there's also advice on charging your electric car in Naples, including charging stations, apps, and costs.

And the guide on how to save on transportation while traveling.

Getting out of town: ferries, trains, and excursions

For the islands in the Gulf , ferries and hydrofoils depart from Molo Beverello, Calata Porta di Massa and Pozzuoli.

The guide on ferries and hydrofoils to Capri, Ischia and Procida explains companies, timetables, prices and the right ports,

Here you'll find how to reach Capri, Ischia, and Procida in every season.

For the archaeological excavations , Circumvesuviana and regional trains connect Naples to Pompeii and Herculaneum: here is the guide on how to get to Pompeii and Herculaneum from Naples by train,

buses and organized tours.

For the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula there are dedicated guides on how to get to the Amalfi Coast and how to get to Sorrento.

You can also find ideas for day trips between Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

When to go: pros and cons of each season

Naples is a great place to visit year-round, but each season has its pros and cons. Here's a comparison to help you choose the right time.

Spring (March-May)

Pros: mild climate, long days, flowers and scents, fewer crowds than in summer. It's the best time to explore the city on foot and visit Pompeii and the islands without the excessive heat.

Cons: Some rainy days and variable temperatures, prices rising towards May. Around Easter, the art cities fill up.

Summer (June-August)

Pros: Sea and beaches at their best, lively Gulf islands, events, concerts, and outdoor shows, long evenings on the seafront. It's the perfect season for those seeking Naples' seaside escapes.

Cons: It's very hot , often over 30 degrees Celsius, with intense heat, and the sun beats down hard in the city center. Crowds and lines everywhere, hotel and ferry prices sky-high, and parking is hard to find.

Autumn (September-November)

Pros: September retains the summer heat with fewer crowds, October is ideal for museums and excursions, prices drop, and the city becomes livable again. Perfect for combining beach and culture.

Cons: Shorter days, increasing rainfall from November, some seasonal establishments and services close after September.

Winter (December-February)

Pros: Museums and churches without queues, low prices, Christmassy atmosphere with nativity scenes and lights, never too cold weather. Ideal for underground Naples and museums.

Cons: Short days, cold and humid weather, and some seasonal closures on the islands and along the Amalfi Coast, where many restaurants and hotels reopen at Easter.

Where to stay in Naples and Campania

Your choice of accommodation depends on your type of trip. Within the city, the historic center is the ideal base for exploring on foot, while Chiaia and Vomero offer elegant, quieter neighborhoods. By the sea, Posillipo offers spectacular views of the Gulf.

We've collected everything in the guide Where to stay in Campania: hotels, B&Bs, and farmhouses , with the best areas for every budget.

Before booking, also read the tips on booking a hotel at the best price.

For the most popular destinations there are specific guides: where to sleep in Sorrento , where to sleep on the Amalfi Coast ,

where to sleep in Capri , where to sleep in Ischia and where to sleep in Procida.

What to see in Naples: museums, art, and the underground

The historic center of Naples , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of alleys, baroque churches and historic buildings.

From Spaccanapoli to the Spanish Quarters , every corner tells centuries of history, as the guide to walking in the Spanish Quarters explains.

Among the unmissable stops: the Duomo , Sansevero with the Veiled Christ, the Royal Palace and Castel dell'Ovo.

Beneath the city, the Naples Underground reveals Greek aqueducts and wartime bunkers: a unique experience, perfect even in the rain.

For art lovers, the National Archaeological Museum and Capodimonte are must-sees, as are the contemporary museums MADRE and PAN.

Here's a guide to contemporary art in Naples and a guide to free museums in Naples, including free admission days.

To make sure you don't miss a thing, start with the definitive tourist guide to Naples , which includes all our guides on what to see in the city.

The islands of the Gulf: Capri, Ischia, Procida and Vivara

The Gulf of Naples is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.

Capri enchants with its Piazzetta, the Faraglioni, and the Blue Grotto; Ischia is famous for its spas and gardens; Procida , the most authentic, captivates with its colorful villages; Vivara is a pristine nature reserve.

The guide to the Islands of the Gulf of Naples: guide to Capri, Ischia, Procida and Vivara collects all the in-depth information,

with many individual guides: the tour of Capri by boat , Villa San Michele in Anacapri ,

the island of Vivara and Procida in one day.

For those looking to save money or visit different periods, there are guides on low-cost Capri , Capri in winter and Ischia in winter.

Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world: Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Cetara, and Maiori climb cliffs overlooking the sea, connected by the famous State Road 163.

The Sorrento Peninsula offers villages such as Sorrento, Sant'Agnello and Massa Lubrense.

The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula: The Ultimate Guide is your starting point, with itineraries, villages, and beaches.

From there you can delve deeper into the Path of the Gods ,

the panoramic points of the coast and the weekend on the Amalfi Coast.

There is no shortage of practical guides: the most beautiful villages on the coast ,

where to eat fish on the Amalfi Coast and the Amalfi Coast with children.

Vesuvius, Pompeii and Herculaneum: the archaeological area

Vesuvius National Park overlooks the Gulf, and you can climb to the crater along the Gran Cono trail. At its foot, Pompeii and Herculaneum are among the most important archaeological sites in the world, preserved from the eruption of 79 AD.

The Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Herculaneum guide: a guide to the archaeological area explains tickets, opening hours, and itineraries.

For further information: the Gran Cono path on Vesuvius ,

What to see in the Vesuvius National Park and the Vesuvian villages to visit.

The Phlegraean Fields: Pozzuoli, Baia and the thermal baths

To the west of Naples lie the Phlegraean Fields , a volcanic area rich in history: the Rione Terra of Pozzuoli , the Underwater Park of Baia , Lake Averno and the Macellum , known as the Temple of Serapis.

The Campi Flegrei guide: a guide to Pozzuoli, Baia, and the thermal baths is the starting point.

Learn more about the Underwater Park of Baia ,

what to see in the Phlegraean Fields and the beaches of the Phlegraean Fields.

Cilento and Paestum: temples, villages, and beaches

Further south, Cilento is a national park with wild beaches, hilltop villages, and authentic traditions. Paestum is home to Italy's best-preserved Greek temples, surrounded by a plain famous for its buffalo mozzarella.

The Cilento and Paestum guide: a guide to temples, villages, and beaches organizes the trip.

From there you can discover the most beautiful villages of Cilento ,

the best oil mills in Cilento and where to eat fish in Cilento.

Campania's hinterland: Sannio, Irpinia, and Benevento

Campania isn't just about the sea: the hinterland offers medieval villages, forests, chestnuts, truffles, and great wines.

Sannio with Benevento , Irpinia with the vineyards of Taurasi and Greco di Tufo, and the Picentini Mountains are perfect destinations for nature and authenticity.

The guide "Campania Hinterland: Guide to Sannio, Irpinia, and Benevento" includes villages, wineries, and itineraries.

Learn more about the villages of Irpinia , the wineries of Irpinia and what to see in Benevento.

The most beautiful beaches in Campania

From the black sand beaches of Pozzuoli to the pebble coves of the Amalfi Coast, from the equipped beaches of Naples to the wild beaches of Cilento: the Campania sea is varied and surprising.

The guide The most beautiful beaches in Campania: a guide to the sea is the starting point.

For the city and its surroundings there are guides on the best beaches in Naples and its province ,

free and equipped establishments and the secret coves of the Sorrento Peninsula.

Where to eat in Naples and Campania

Naples is the world capital of pizza , but Campanian cuisine is so much more: ragù, fresh fish, sfogliatella, babà, artisanal gelato . From historic pizzerias to neighborhood trattorias, eating well here is almost guaranteed.

The guide Where to eat in Campania: the definitive guide collects the best places, area by area.

For the city, the selection is vast: the best pizzerias in Naples , the historic pizzerias ,

Neapolitan street food and typical trattorias.

For those with a sweet tooth: artisanal ice cream shops ,

where to eat sfogliatella and where to buy babà and pastiera.

Before going out to dinner, read our tips on booking a restaurant in Naples.

Typical products and wines of Campania

Campania is a food and wine paradise: buffalo mozzarella, Piennolo tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, lemons from the Amalfi Coast, provolone del Monaco and great wines such as Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina and Lacryma Christi.

The guide "Typical Products and Wines of Campania: A Guide to Flavors" leads you to discover producers and wineries.

Among the individual guides: where to taste buffalo mozzarella ,

And the history of the symbolic fruit of the peninsula: the origin of the lemon and the evolution of the Sorrento PGI lemon.

the Piennolo cherry tomato and the Lacryma Christi cellars.

Thermal baths, spas and wellness

Thanks to its volcanic nature, Campania is among the regions with the greatest spa tradition in Italy: Ischia, Agnano, Baia, and Casamicciola offer pools, mud baths, and wellness treatments immersed in nature.

The guide to spas and wellness in Campania: the definitive guide to the best facilities.

For the city and its surroundings: the Campi Flegrei thermal baths ,

spas and wellness centers in Naples and yoga and meditation in Naples.

Unmissable itineraries and excursions

For those who have little time, we have prepared ready-made itineraries : the weekend on the Amalfi Coast ,

Procida in one day and excursions on the Path of the Gods.

From the sea to the mountains: boat trips and sailing in the Gulf , urban trekking in Naples ,

Mount Faito and Mount Epomeo in Ischia.

The definitive tourist guide also includes pre-departure tips: a 3-day itinerary, packing, bookings, and much more.

Naples and Campania with children

Naples is a destination suitable for even the youngest visitors: interactive museums, parks, well-equipped beaches, and nature walks. Boat trips in the Gulf and archaeological digs are a delight for all ages.

The region is also family friendly: the Amalfi Coast with children ,

Ischia with children and Procida with children have dedicated guides with beaches, parks, and activities.

Events, shows and nightlife

Naples is alive all year round: concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and fairs enliven the city center and the surrounding villages. In the summer, outdoor events multiply, from the waterfront to open-air theaters.

For the evening, the city offers everything: historic venues in the center, rooftop bars overlooking the Gulf, pizzerias open until late and theaters such as the San Carlo and the Bellini.

The nightlife is concentrated between Piazza Bellini, the Spanish Quarters and Chiaia.

To stay up to date, check out our guide to summer events in Naples and our weekly columns on events and festivals.

Shopping and typical markets

The Neapolitan nativity scene in Via San Gregorio Armeno, the coral craftsmanship of Torre del Greco and the typical products are the most popular souvenirs.

For everyday shopping, local markets like Pignasecca and Porta Nolana offer fresh produce at affordable prices.

Here is a tour of Naples' local markets and a guide to where to shop in Naples.

For more elegant shops, Via Toledo, Chiaia and Vomero host boutiques and big brands.

Naples on a budget: how to save money

Naples is among the most affordable of Italy's major cities, and with a few tricks you can save even more: free museums on the first Sunday of the month, street food instead of restaurants, and public transportation instead of taxis.

The islands can also be visited on a budget: the Capri low-cost guide explains how to enjoy the island without spending much.

In general, avoid restaurants in the more touristy squares and look for trattorias in the alleys: same quality, half the price.

What to do in Naples when it rains

If the weather isn't cooperating, Naples has plenty to offer indoors: museums, churches, galleries, the Naples underground, and historic cafés . The National Archaeological Museum and Capodimonte alone are worth a full day.

This guide to what to do in Naples when it rains includes the best ideas for gloomy days, including underground tours, museums, and historic cafes.

Practical advice for tourists

Some helpful tips before you leave: book tickets to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the islands during high season, bring cash for small purchases and markets, and be careful with bags and valuables in crowded areas.

Among the most useful practical guides: where to leave your luggage in Naples ,

how to get internet in Naples ,

pharmacies on duty and how to access the emergency room.

For emergencies, the only number to call is 112. All practical guides, from luggage storage to security, are in the complete tourist guide to Naples.

Frequently asked questions about tourism in Naples

How many days do you need to visit Naples?

To visit the historic center, the main museums, and take a day trip (Pompeii or Capri), you'll need at least 3-4 days. With a week, you can add the Amalfi Coast, the islands, and an inland experience.

When is the best time to go to Naples?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer the best weather with fewer crowds. Summer is perfect for the beach and islands but is very hot, while winter is perfect for museums and low prices.

How do you get to Pompeii from Naples?

Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Porta Nolana or Garibaldi to Pompei Scavi, or take the regional train to Pompeii. By car, take the A3 motorway and exit at Pompeii, with parking near the ruins.

Which Gulf Islands are worth visiting?

Capri is the most famous and fashionable, Ischia the largest with its thermal baths, Procida the most authentic and tranquil, and Vivara, a nature reserve. If you're short on time, Capri can be visited in a day; Ischia deserves at least a weekend.

Where can you eat the best pizza in Naples?

The historic pizzerias in the city center, such as those on Via dei Tribunali and the Spanish Quarter, are the most famous. Our guide to the best pizzerias in Naples includes a complete selection, addresses, and recommendations.

How do you get around Naples without a car?

Metro, buses, funiculars, and taxis cover the entire city. Metro Line 1 connects the center with Vomero, while ferries, hydrofoils, and regional trains serve the islands and the Amalfi Coast. It's best to get around the historic center on foot.

Is Naples a safe city for tourists?

Naples is as safe as other major Italian cities. Just follow the usual precautions: be careful with your bags and wallets in crowded areas, avoid isolated alleys at night, and use official transportation.