About Naples
Naples is the largest city in the south of Italy — and undoubtedly the most real. Rome ironed, Florence museum, Venice showcase; Naples, on the other hand, is a life screaming on the streets. In the shadow of Vesuvius, 12 km away lies the still active crater of the same volcano that buried a Roman city in 79 AD. Pompeii + Herculaneum + Vesuvius + Capri + Amalfi Coast — there is no other place in the world where these five can be accessed from a single center.
Pizza Margherita was invented here in 1889. Pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito put the colors of the Italian flag (green basil, white mozzarella, red tomato) on a dough for Queen Margherita, and the world's most beloved dish was born. The pizza you eat for 5 EUR at Da Michele today is that tradition.
There is a 30-meter-tall Maradona fresco on the streets of Quartieri Spagnoli — the Argentinian legend who led Naples to the championship in 1987 is like the patron saint of this city. Laundry hangs from the balconies, motorcycles cling to their horns, vendors are shouting, children are playing football, pizza fritta makers are taking hot dough out of the oven. Chaos? Yes. Noise? A lot. But this happened, this is real, this is not Disneyland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naples safe?
Generally yes, but normal city warnings apply. The area around Garibaldi train station and some surrounding areas are deserted at night; Watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas (Spaccanapoli, Toledo). Carry your bag in front, wave your phone in the air. Naples is a safe city if you know the rules.
Can Pompeii and Vesuvius be reached in one day?
Yes, if you plan hard, it will be enough. Enter Pompeii at 9 am and tour for 4 hours. Take a shuttle from Pompeii to Vesuvius (45 minutes drive + 40 minutes crater walk). Return to Naples at 17:00. It's tiring but possible. Ideally leave it for two days.
Amalfi or Capri?
If you can do both, do it. If you have to choose only one: Capri if you stay for one day (ferry + island tour), Amalfi Coast if you can spare two days (Positano + Amalfi + Ravello trio). Capri is an expensive pocket watch, Amalfi is a large painting.
Where is the best pizza: Da Michele or Sorbillo?
There is no answer to this debate. Da Michele is classic, just Margherita and Marinara, thin dough, same since 1870. Sorbillo has a more diverse menu, a more modern interpretation, the queue is still there. Try both and find your own answer. Third step: 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo — the new generation dough specialist.
How to get from Istanbul to Naples?
Turkish Airlines offers direct flights from Istanbul to Naples (approximately 3 hours). Pegasus and Wizz Air may have limited seasonal flights. There are also connecting options via Rome or Milan. Ticket prices increase in the summer months, March-May and October-November are more affordable.
Is Naples the city of Maradona?
Undisputed. Diego Maradona, who played for Naples from 1984 to 1991, led the club to two Serie A titles (1987, 1990) and a UEFA Cup (1989) — Naples have never been greater before or since. When he died in 2020, the city mourned for days. San Paolo Stadium was renamed 'Diego Armando Maradona Stadium'. The giant fresco in the Quartieri Spagnoli is like a place of pilgrimage.
Which neighborhood makes sense to stay in Naples?
Centro Storico (Spaccanapoli area) is ideal for a first visit — walking distance to everything, but noisy. Chiaia is more elegant and calm, for couples. Vomero is a high neighborhood, with a view, but you can get to the center by funicular. Avoid the area around Garibaldi train station.
How many days to visit Naples?
2 days are enough for the city center. But if you add Pompeii + Vesuvius (1 day), Capri (1 day), Amalfi Coast (1-2 days), 5-7 days is ideal. The richness of the region does not make the city worth visiting alone — think of it with its surroundings.