Naples Cruise Guide

Overview

Naples (Napoli), in the south of Italy, is one of Europe's most beautifully located cruise ports, set in the breathtaking Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius looming above. Naples has an extremely rich heritage, most famous for its Greek and Roman remains but also witness to a whole host of other European invaders who left traces of themselves in the culture and cityscape. Naples as a cruise destination is most famous for the ruins of ancient Pompeii, some 24km (15 miles) southeast, but the city itself is well worth a few hours despite its robust reputation.

Sightseeing

In AD79 the bustling Imperial Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius exploded, completely burying it under rock and ash. Its subsequent excavation has provided a uniquely detailed insight into this period and today Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting over 2.5 million visitors a year. 

The city of Naples is a hybrid of many styles. Spaccanapoli, the long, narrow road running through the historic city centre, is a good place to sample the buzzing street life.

Highlights
• The ruins of Pompeii and neighbouring Herculaneum.
• Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum): One of the most important archaeological museums in Europe, famous for its many ancient erotic artworks.
• Castel Nuevo: Built by Charles d'Anjou in 1279.
• Capodimonte Palace: Built in 1738 by Charles of Bourbon, Teatro San Carlo, this is the oldest opera house in Europe.
• Duomo: The medieval cathedral.

Tourist Information

Naples Tourist Board
Via Santa Lucia, 107, Naples, Italy
Tel: +39 08124 57507.
Website: www.inaples.it

Shopping

Via Toledo is the main shopping street with many high-street fashion stores selling stylish, good value clothing and accessories. More exclusive shops are found on and around Via Chiaia (just a 10-minute walk from the cruise port). Spaccanapoli and the surrounding areas have a large number of shops of all kinds, often at very reasonable prices. Hand-painted ceramics and gold jewellery are typical souvenirs.

Eating Out

Naples is the spiritual home of the pizza, and offers arguably the original and best thin-crust pizzas anywhere. ‘Napoli' is also a byword for tomato-based sauces for pastas. The fresh seafood is invariably good.

When To Go

Naples has a typical Mediterranean climate, hot and dry in the summer, mild in the winter. The low seasons, from April to June and September to October, are very pleasant weather wise and not so busy. Pompeii gets very crowded at peak times.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Naples.

Transfer Distance

2km (1.2 miles).

Transfer Time

10 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Italy

Time Zone

GMT + 1.

Currency

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Language

Italian.

Location

Coast of the Campania region in south Italy.

Population

975,000.

Government

Kingdom of Italy declared in 1861. Republic since 1946.

Religion

Majority Roman Catholic with Muslim and Protestant minorities.

Social Conventions

When ordering food or drink, it is always more expensive to sit at a table rather than at the bar, and the cheapest option is simply to stand. Naples has a reputation for street crime so take the usual precautions.

Tipping:
It is customary to give around 10% if service has been good.
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