Naples — “Napoli” in Italian — is the capital of the Campania area and the third-largest metropolis in Italy. Well-known for its gorgeous shoreline, wealthy historical past and scrumptious native delicacies, Naples and the encircling space is a must-visit vacation spot.
The town itself has a repute as being gritty, chaotic and — although not outright harmful — not precisely the most secure place. Nonetheless, Naples is present process a rebirth as considered one of Italy’s most fascinating and inventive hubs. Simply don’t count on the pristine model of Italy you may see in additional tourist-heavy cities; Naples continues to be a workaday place filled with graffiti and site visitors. It might really feel intimidating at first, particularly within the busy port space, however when you give it an opportunity, it’s a metropolis that may get underneath your pores and skin.
It’s no surprise so many cruise operators — from mainstream cruise strains like Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line to luxurious manufacturers like Explora Journeys, Viking and Windstar — cease in Naples.
3 issues TPG loves about Naples
- Proximity to a few of Italy’s most picturesque locations, such because the Amalfi Coast and Capri
- A bustling metropolis with vibrant piazzas, a top-notch archaeological museum and a royal palace
- A number of the world’s finest pizza, espresso and different scrumptious native delicacies
What we may do with out
- Crowds within the port and the realm the place the ferries depart for Sorrento and the islands most days, no matter whether or not huge ships are in port
- The famously expert pickpockets in Naples
Naples port information overview
There may be an outdated Italian saying, “Vedi Napoli e poi muori,” which translated means, “See Naples and die.” Basically, it implies that Naples is the final word bucket checklist vacation spot — solely when you’ve seen it could possibly you die comfortable.
But for a very long time, Naples was thought-about a spot it’s important to go by to get someplace higher, like Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Whereas these locations stay among the many largest attracts to the realm, Naples is present process a little bit of a metamorphosis nowadays.
Neighborhoods that have been as soon as thought-about harmful no-go zones, just like the Quartieri Spagnoli, have develop into the town’s hippest sizzling spots. Extra vacationers are selecting to remain put and discover the historic heart, with its grand cafes, slender lanes lined with outlets and among the finest pizzerias in Italy.
In case you’re taking a cruise that calls within the port of Naples, the largest problem is perhaps determining how you can profit from your restricted time in port. Learn on for every thing it’s essential know concerning the Naples cruise port.
Associated: Mediterranean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
Naples quick information
Arrival particulars
The cruise port in Naples is the second-busiest in Italy, welcoming greater than 1 million worldwide guests and 6 million ferry passengers yearly. The port is known as Stazione Marittima, and it’s proper subsequent to Molo Beverello, the place the ferries and hydrofoil boats depart for Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri and Ischia, amongst different locations.
The cruise port is a couple of 10-minute stroll from the historic heart of Naples and there are taxis obtainable as nicely. The principle practice station, Napoli Centrale, is about 2 miles from the port. A ten-minute stroll will carry you to the Municipio metro cease, which is a few stops from the practice station (Piazza Garibaldi).
Language: Italian is the official language, however most vacationer companies use English.
Forex: Italy makes use of the euro; at current, the euro and the greenback are almost equal. One euro at present equals $1.10. Most locations settle for bank cards, however it’s a good suggestion to have euros readily available, particularly for small purchases.
Time zone: Italy makes use of Central European Time, which is six hours forward of Japanese Normal Time.
Associated: The best time to cruise the Mediterranean
High issues to do within the Naples cruise port
Towering over the port is the Castel Nuovo, a Fifteenth-century fortress. Within the Cappella Palatina (contained in the citadel), you’ll be able to see fragments of frescoes by Giotto, an Italian painter and architect from Florence in the course of the late Center Ages. Within the citadel’s Sala dell’Armeria, a glass flooring allows you to catch a glimpse of historical Roman baths revealed throughout latest excavations.
The port is lower than a 10-minute stroll from the citadel to Piazza del Plebiscito, the large sq. that’s dwelling to the Royal Palace of Naples and the Teatro San Carlo opera home. From there, you’ll be able to stroll north alongside By way of Toledo, the north-south axis that passes the Quartieri Spagnoli and brings you into the historic heart.
Historical past buffs will wish to go to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which incorporates an unmatched assortment of archeological finds, together with mosaics and work from Pompeii and Herculaneum. One other spotlight is the Museo di Capodimonte, which was constructed because the looking palace of the Bourbon royal household and incorporates masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli and plenty of others.
Widespread Naples excursions
One of many issues that retains drawing individuals to Naples is its proximity to bucket checklist locations just like the Amalfi Coast, the legendary island of Capri and the archeological space of Pompeii. Many cruise ships provide shore excursions to those locations, however you can even go to them by yourself with a little bit of planning.
Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
Pastel buildings cling to the cliffs that overlook the ocean. Lemon groves cowl terraced hillsides. Seashore shacks in little coves serve impossibly scrumptious pasta and fish caught that morning. That is the Amalfi Coast.
From the cruise port, it’s simple to stroll over to Molo Beverello and catch a hydrofoil boat to Sorrento, Amalfi or Positano. Sorrento is 45 minutes from Naples, whereas Amalfi and Positano are a few hours away.
Capri
Probably essentially the most glamorous island in Europe, Capri rises dramatically out of the water, its cliffs and peaks forming breathtaking backdrops. Arrive by hydrofoil boat, then take a funicular from the port as much as the city. There you’ll be able to sip Aperol spritzes at one of many outside cafes on the well-known Piazzetta, store (or window store) on the designer boutiques on By way of Camerelle, go to the Gardens of Augustus and stroll alongside By way of Tragara to the belvedere with views of the Faraglioni. Or, you’ll be able to merely calm down on the pebble seaside at Marina Piccola.
Ischia
Bigger and fewer crowded than Capri, Ischia is named the inexperienced island. Because of the presence of naturally occurring thermal sizzling springs, Ischia has ample wellness-focused experiences. You may soak within the mineral-rich springs at one of many island’s thermal parks, go climbing on Mount Epomeo, or go to the Castello Aragonese and botanical gardens like La Mortella and Giardini Ravino.
Pompeii
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, the bustling metropolis of Pompeii was frozen in time. The ruins at the moment are considered one of Italy’s most visited archaeological websites. Right here you’ll be able to see the Discussion board, amphitheater and several other properties, together with the Home of the Tragic Poet and the Home of the Vettii, which is one of the best instance of a rich service provider’s dwelling. After all, that’s only a fraction of what’s on view — and archaeologists are nonetheless excavating. Simply final yr, they uncovered a fresco that appeared to point out a 2,000-year-old pizza.
Associated: Best Mediterranean cruise shore excursions
The right way to get round Naples by yourself
On foot: Naples is sort of walkable, particularly within the historic heart.
Taxi: You may hail a taxi in Naples, however ensure you’re moving into an official taxi. Additionally, ensure the motive force turns the meter on. To discover a trip, go to an official taxi stand or use the FreeNow app to hail one.
Metro and practice: Naples is nicely related by metro, and regional trains will take you to Pompeii and Sorrento from the principle practice station, Napoli Centrale. The cease closest to the port is Municipio.
Ferry and hydrofoil boats: If you wish to go to the islands, your finest wager is to take a ferry or hydrofoil. Remember the fact that the hydrofoils are quicker than the ferries. There are additionally hydrofoils and ferries that go to Amalfi and Positano.
Automotive: Driving round Naples and the encircling space isn’t beneficial until you will have nerves of metal. Visitors is intense, and drivers are unpredictable. Plus, there are numerous restricted areas, and parking is a nightmare.
Naples eating places close to the cruise port
In case you’re used to consuming Italian meals within the U.S., you is perhaps shocked to be taught that there’s no such factor as a common nationwide delicacies in Italy. As a substitute, Italian delicacies is regional, and Naples is dwelling to among the most recognizable Italian dishes.
Because the birthplace of pizza, Naples is a metropolis that’s collectively obsessive about the stuff. There are old-school pizzerias that solely serve margherita and marinara pizzas in addition to locations the place next-gen pizzaioli are slinging up all types of inventive pies. In different phrases, there’s no scarcity of locations to get your fill of the beloved dish. Save room to attempt some pizza fritta (fried pizza), a conventional road meals hailing from Naples.
Neapolitan delicacies makes use of recent, native components. Savor seafood pulled from the waters simply off the coast, buffalo mozzarella produced within the surrounding countryside, lemons that develop in Sorrento and Amalfi, and piennolo tomatoes that solely come from the slopes of close by Mount Vesuvius.
Naples can be well-known for glorious espresso. Pair it with candy treats like sfogliatella (a fan-shaped pastry full of orange-scented ricotta), rum baba (a mushy spongy cake soaked in rum) or torta caprese (a chocolate almond cake).
By way of dei Tribunali — the road well-known for its pizzerias — is a bit more than a mile from the port. Right here you’ll discover historic pizzerias like Pizzeria dal Presidente, Sorbillo and the Antica Pizzeria di Matteo. If you wish to see how in the present day’s pizzaiolo are shaking issues up, head half a mile north to Concettina ai Tre Santi in Rione Sanita; there, Ciro Oliva tops pies with white truffle and provides pizza-tasting menus that elevate the standard delicacies to dizzying heights.
Close to the practice station, you’ll discover Mimi alla Ferrovia, an old-school restaurant that opened in 1944. It has served celebrities like filmmaker Federico Fellini (director of “La Dolce Vita”) and Diego Maradona, a soccer participant whom locals worship like a god. Within the wood-paneled eating room, you’ll be able to attempt basic dishes like eggplant Parmigiana and spaghetti alle vongole.
A few mile from the cruise port, in Chiaia — a classy seafront neighborhood — Mattozzi has one of the best of each worlds: pizza and pasta. See, you’ll be able to have all of it!
Naples cruise port procuring
The Naples cruise port has loads of procuring choices proper within the terminal space. Upstairs is a shopping center with greater than 50 shops, together with a pharmacy, a put up workplace, a meals courtroom and an ATM.
If you wish to store for typical Neapolitan objects and are keen to go a couple of mile farther, head to By way of San Gregorio Armeno, which is understood for workshops promoting nativity collectible figurines. Naples can be well-known for impeccably tailor-made males’s garments, and the store to go to is E. Marinella in Chiaia. For the colourful, exuberant ladies’s garments generally seen on the Amalfi Coast and Capri, try Antica Sartoria by Giacomo Cinque, which has a handful of retailers in Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Positano.
Free issues to do within the Naples cruise port
Whereas Capri and the Amalfi Coast have develop into very costly, Naples continues to be fairly reasonably priced — and there are many issues to do this don’t price a centesimo. It’s all the time free to wander across the Centro Storico, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and stroll alongside Naples’ seafront promenade Lungomare.
It’s additionally free to go to church buildings, such because the Duomo di Napoli and the Capella Sansevero, which homes the famed “Veiled Christ” statue by Giuseppe Sanmartino. One other lovely web site to go to is the 14th-century Santa Chiara monastic advanced; its peaceable cloister with citrus bushes is embellished by lovely majolica tiles.
Associated: Best Mediterranean cruises
Backside line
At first look, Naples cruise port may really feel chaotic and intimidating, however it’s a spot that rewards guests who’ve a little bit of endurance.
Cruise vacationers who wish to use Naples as a jumping-off level to go to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, the islands of Capri and Ischia, or the archaeological advanced of Pompeii can merely hop on a hydrofoil boat or take a practice.
Those that wish to immerse themselves in Neapolitan historical past and tradition can spend a day exploring the town, strolling across the historic heart and seeing the royal palace, the archaeological museum or the Museo di Capodimonte. Plus, they’ll savor among the world’s most scrumptious pizza proper from the supply.
Planning a cruise? Begin with these tales:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- Top ways cruisers waste money
- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin