SantoriniDave.com

Where to Stay in Naples

Updated: October 26, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Hotels in Naples

Retro-style blue velvet chairs facing out a wall of windows over the city at De Bonart Hotel in Naples, Italy

The top-floor bar at De Bonart, one of my favorite luxury hotels in Naples. The views over the city and Bay of Naples are fantastic.

Where to Stay in Naples

Centro Storico is my favorite area for first-time visitors to Naples. You’ll be surrounded by historic churches, excellent pizzerias, lively streets, and many of the city’s best sights. I particularly like the western side of the Historic Center around Piazza Bellini and Santa Chiara. My favorite hotels are Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel and Hotel Piazza Bellini.

Chiaia is my favorite area for upscale hotels, restaurants, and shopping. It’s more elegant and less hectic than the Historic Center, with excellent restaurants and easy access to the waterfront. De Bonart and Grand Hotel Parker’s are outstanding luxury hotels, though both are uphill from the waterfront.

San Ferdinando and the Santa Lucia waterfront are best for sea views and a quieter stay. The area around Piazza del Plebiscito is convenient for sightseeing, while hotels along the Lungomare overlook the Bay of Naples and Castel dell’Ovo. My favorites are Grand Hotel Vesuvio and Grand Hotel Santa Lucia.

Stay near Napoli Centrale only if train connections are your priority. It’s convenient for Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, Rome, and Salerno, but the immediate station area is busy and less appealing for evening walks. For most visitors, I’d rather stay in Centro Storico and take the metro or a taxi to the station.

Ancient columns and walls in Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background

Ancient Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background. Trains from Naples reach Pompei Scavi station, near the archaeological site’s main entrance, in about 35 to 40 minutes.

Naples – My Advice

  • Don’t skip Naples on your way to the Amalfi Coast. It’s one of Italy’s most interesting cities, with outstanding food, historic neighborhoods, museums, and waterfront views. Two full days is enough for the main sights; three or four days allows time for Pompeii, Herculaneum, or a day trip to Capri.
  • Naples is a great base for Pompeii and Herculaneum. Herculaneum is closer, smaller, and easier to visit in a few hours. Pompeii is much larger and deserves at least half a day. Both are easy to reach by train from Naples. Start early, especially in summer.
  • Naples is not the best base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. For several days visiting Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, I recommend staying on the coast itself. Naples is better for exploring the city, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri, and Ischia.
  • Don’t rent a car in Naples. Driving is stressful, parking is difficult, and many central streets have restricted access. Walk, use the metro, or take taxis.
  • Check hotel access if you’re traveling with luggage. Many streets in Centro Storico are pedestrian-only, with uneven paving and limited taxi access. Some hotels require a walk from the nearest vehicle-accessible street. Confirm the drop-off point before booking.
Outside Napoli Centrale train station with buses and taxis parked in front in Naples, Italy

Napoli Centrale is the city’s main train station. High-speed trains connect Naples with Rome and other Italian cities; regional and Circumvesuviana services provide connections to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, and Salerno.

Getting To and Around Naples

  • Walking: Centro Storico is best explored on foot. Most major sights, restaurants, and shopping streets are within walking distance if you stay centrally. Naples is hilly, though, and taxis or public transportation are useful for longer journeys.
  • Napoli Centrale: The main train station has high-speed connections to Rome, Florence, and other Italian cities, plus regional trains to Salerno. Garibaldi Metro station is beneath the station complex. Staying near the station is convenient for early trains and day trips, but less appealing for atmosphere.
  • Metro and funiculars: Metro Line 1 connects Napoli Centrale with Duomo, Municipio, Toledo, Dante, Museo, and Vomero. Line 2 is useful for reaching Chiaia. The funiculars connect the lower city with hillside neighborhoods, especially Vomero.
  • Naples Airport: The Alibus connects the airport with Napoli Centrale and the ferry port. For hotels in Chiaia, Centro Storico, or along the waterfront, I generally recommend a taxi if you’re traveling with luggage. Use the official taxi rank and ask for the applicable fixed fare.
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento: Circumvesuviana trains depart from Napoli Porta Nolana and Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, beneath Napoli Centrale. Get off at Ercolano Scavi for Herculaneum or Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri for Pompeii. Trains are inexpensive but can be crowded.
  • Ferries: Molo Beverello is the main terminal for high-speed ferries to Capri, Ischia, and Sorrento. Conventional ferries may use nearby Calata Porta di Massa. Services to Positano and Amalfi are more seasonal and weather-dependent. Check your departure terminal when booking.

Best Places to Stay in Naples

Outside the modern glass and steel Romeo Hotel with succulents in black flower boxes in front in Naples, Italy

The contemporary Romeo Napoli near the ferry port is one of Naples’ best luxury hotels, with a rooftop pool and excellent spa.

Best Places in Naples for…

  • Best for First-Time Visitors: Centro Storico
    The best area for experiencing Naples’ historic streets, churches, pizzerias, and lively atmosphere. I particularly recommend the western side around Piazza Bellini, Santa Chiara, and Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. You’ll be within walking distance of Spaccanapoli, Cappella Sansevero, the National Archaeological Museum, and Via Toledo. The streets can be noisy, so choose a hotel with good soundproofing or rooms facing an interior courtyard.
  • Best for Sightseeing: Centro Storico and San Ferdinando
    Centro Storico is best for churches, museums, historic streets, and food. San Ferdinando is better for the Royal Palace, Piazza del Plebiscito, San Carlo Theatre, Galleria Umberto I, and the waterfront. Both are good choices, and you can walk between them in about 15 to 25 minutes depending on your exact location.
  • Best for Couples: Chiaia and Santa Lucia
    Chiaia has elegant streets, excellent restaurants, upscale shopping, and some of Naples’ finest luxury hotels. Santa Lucia, on the waterfront in San Ferdinando, is better for sea views and evening walks along the Lungomare. I would choose Chiaia for restaurants and shopping, Santa Lucia for waterfront scenery.
  • Best for Families: Santa Lucia and Western Centro Storico
    The Santa Lucia waterfront has broad pedestrian areas, sea views, and family-friendly restaurants. Western Centro Storico is better for sightseeing and convenient meals, especially around Piazza Bellini. Families planning frequent train trips may prefer a hotel near a Line 1 metro station rather than the station district itself.
  • Best for Nightlife: Piazza Bellini, Centro Storico, and Chiaia
    Piazza Bellini and the surrounding Historic Center have lively bars, wine bars, casual restaurants, and plenty of students. Chiaia has a more polished restaurant and cocktail-bar scene. The Spanish Quarters are also busy in the evenings, especially around their popular restaurants and bars.
  • Best for Local Atmosphere: Spanish Quarters
    The narrow streets west of Via Toledo are packed with markets, neighborhood restaurants, murals, and everyday Neapolitan life. It’s lively, crowded, and increasingly popular with visitors. Stay near Via Toledo for the easiest access to the metro, shopping, and central sights.
  • Best for a Quieter Residential Stay: Vomero
    This hilltop neighborhood has attractive shopping streets, restaurants, parks, and excellent views. It’s a good choice for repeat visitors and travelers who prefer a residential atmosphere, though reaching the main sights usually involves a funicular or metro ride.
  • Best for Train Connections: Napoli Centrale
    Stay near Piazza Garibaldi if you have an early train, a late arrival, or several trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or Sorrento. The station area is convenient but busy, and I prefer other neighborhoods for a longer sightseeing stay.
View from a height of the Chiaia neighborhood's colorful streets on the marina with the Castel dell'Ovo and Mount Vesuvius in the background

View from Belvedere di Sant’Antonio a Posillipo toward Chiaia, the waterfront, Castel dell’Ovo, and Mount Vesuvius.

Laundry drying in the Spanish Quarters of Naples, Italy with colorful balconies and cobblestone streets

The Spanish Quarters, with narrow streets, decorated balconies, and laundry hanging overhead. A fascinating area to explore, especially around Via Toledo and the Pignasecca market.

The Best Neighborhoods in Naples for Tourists

1. Centro Storico

View of the intricately carved, white stone, Gothic facade of the Cathedral of Naples in the Centro Storico

Centro Storico is my favorite neighborhood for first-time visitors. This is the Naples most travelers come to experience: narrow streets, beautiful churches, crowded pizzerias, small shops, and centuries of history packed into a relatively compact area.

The two main east-west routes are Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali. Along and between them are some of Naples’ most important sights, including the Duomo, Cappella Sansevero, Gesù Nuovo Church, and the Santa Chiara complex with its beautiful majolica-tiled cloister. Via San Gregorio Armeno is famous for its workshops making traditional Nativity scenes and figurines. Underground tours reveal ancient Greek and Roman structures beneath the streets.

For hotels, I prefer the western Historic Center around Piazza Bellini and Santa Chiara. It’s convenient for restaurants, sightseeing, and the Dante and Museo metro stations. The eastern side around the Duomo is atmospheric and can offer better value, but it’s less convenient for some of the city’s main sights.

The biggest drawbacks are noise, crowds, and limited vehicle access. If you’re a light sleeper, book a room away from the street. If you’re arriving with large suitcases, ask your hotel where a taxi can drop you off.

2. Chiaia

View toward the Chiaia neighborhood with the Lungomare promenade on the seafront, Villa Comunale park, and the hill of Vomero in Naples, Italy

Chiaia is one of Naples’ most attractive neighborhoods, with elegant shopping streets, excellent restaurants, galleries, and some of the city’s best luxury hotels. It’s my favorite area for couples and travelers who prefer a quieter, more upscale setting than Centro Storico.

The main shopping streets include Via dei Mille and Via Chiaia, while the waterfront has the Lungomare promenade and Villa Comunale park. Villa Pignatelli, a beautiful historic mansion and museum, is worth visiting. The neighborhood also has excellent restaurants, from traditional Neapolitan pizzerias to sophisticated contemporary dining.

Location matters in Chiaia. The waterfront and lower streets are relatively flat, while hotels farther uphill toward Vomero can involve steep walks. De Bonart and Grand Hotel Parker’s have wonderful views but are not ideal if you want to walk easily to the waterfront and Historic Center.

Chiaia is less convenient for the Duomo and eastern Historic Center than staying around Piazza Bellini, but metro, funicular, and taxi connections make sightseeing straightforward.

3. San Ferdinando and Santa Lucia

In the Piazza del Plebiscito with the dome of the Basilica of San Francesco da Paola plus numerous statues and colorful buildings in Naples, Italy

San Ferdinando is an excellent area for sightseeing, shopping, and waterfront hotels. It’s home to Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, San Carlo Theatre, and Galleria Umberto I. Via Toledo and Via Chiaia provide easy access to shopping and restaurants.

The southern part of the neighborhood, around Santa Lucia and the Lungomare, is particularly appealing. Hotels here overlook the Bay of Naples, Castel dell’Ovo, and Mount Vesuvius. The broad waterfront promenade is one of the best places in Naples for an evening walk.

Choose the area around Piazza del Plebiscito for sightseeing or Santa Lucia for sea views. The waterfront is calmer than Centro Storico and particularly good for couples and families. The main disadvantage is that you’ll need a longer walk or public transport to reach the Duomo and eastern Historic Center.

4. Vomero

Castel Sant Elmo with colorful apartment houses on the hillside of Vomero in Naples, Italy

Vomero is a pleasant hilltop neighborhood with broad shopping streets, residential buildings, restaurants, parks, and some of the best views in Naples. It’s a good choice for repeat visitors and travelers who want to stay away from the crowds of Centro Storico.

The main attractions are Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino, both offering spectacular views over Naples and the bay. Via Alessandro Scarlatti and Via Luca Giordano are lively pedestrian-friendly shopping streets, while Villa Floridiana has gardens and walking paths.

Vomero is connected to lower Naples by metro and funiculars. These make sightseeing practical, but you’ll use public transport more often than if you stay in Centro Storico. I particularly like Vomero for longer stays when exploring local restaurants and neighborhoods is as important as visiting famous sights.

5. Spanish Quarters

Neoclassical and colorful stucco buildings on Via Toledo in the Montecalvario neighborhood of Naples, Italy

The Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli) are among Naples’ most distinctive neighborhoods, with narrow streets, hanging laundry, small shops, family-run restaurants, and murals dedicated to Diego Maradona.

The district was built in the 16th century to house Spanish troops. Today it’s a lively mix of residential streets, markets, restaurants, and increasingly popular tourist attractions. The Pignasecca market, near the northern edge, is one of my favorite places to browse food stalls and try Neapolitan street food.

For hotels, stay close to Via Toledo. You’ll have easier access to the metro, shopping, restaurants, and the Royal district. Streets farther uphill are steeper and less convenient with luggage. The Spanish Quarters can also be noisy at night, particularly around busy restaurants and bars.

This is a good area for travelers who enjoy crowded, energetic neighborhoods. For a quieter stay, I’d choose Chiaia or Santa Lucia.

6. Porto

View toward Naples' port with ferries and merchant ships in the sea and buildings along the waterfront

The Porto district sits between the Historic Center and Naples’ busy harbor. Its biggest advantage is transportation: the ferry terminals are nearby, and the Municipio and Università metro stations make it easy to reach other parts of the city.

The area is a mix of modern buildings, historic streets, university buildings, offices, and restaurants. It doesn’t have the atmosphere of Centro Storico or the attractive waterfront setting of Santa Lucia, but it’s practical for travelers taking ferries to Capri and Ischia.

Stay here if ferry connections are important. Romeo Napoli is the standout hotel, with contemporary design, a rooftop pool, and an excellent spa. For most first-time visitors, however, I’d choose Centro Storico or San Ferdinando.

7. Rione Sanità

The green and yellow church dome of Santa Maria della Sanità surrounded by rooftops with Mount Vesuvius in the background

Rione Sanità is a fascinating neighborhood north of the Historic Center, known for its markets, Baroque palaces, churches, and underground burial sites. It’s less polished than Naples’ main tourist districts but increasingly popular with visitors interested in the city’s history and everyday life.

The main attractions are the Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, and the elaborate staircases of Palazzo Sanfelice and Palazzo dello Spagnolo. The neighborhood also has excellent traditional pizzerias and pastry shops.

I recommend visiting Rione Sanità even if you stay elsewhere. For hotels, it’s better suited to travelers familiar with Naples than to first-time visitors. The area is lively during the day, but public transport is less convenient than in Centro Storico.

The National Archaeological Museum is near the southern edge of the area, close to Museo metro station, making it easy to combine with a visit to Rione Sanità.

8. Napoli Centrale and Piazza Garibaldi

Steel geometric bars and glass window panes above the entrance to Garibaldi Station in Naples, Italy

The area around Napoli Centrale is the most convenient place to stay for train travel. High-speed trains connect Naples with Rome and other major Italian cities, while regional and Circumvesuviana services provide access to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, and Salerno.

Piazza Garibaldi is busy and traffic-heavy, with plenty of inexpensive hotels, restaurants, and shops. The surrounding streets can feel rougher than the main tourist neighborhoods, particularly late at night. It’s not my favorite part of Naples for sightseeing or evening walks.

Stay here for an early departure, late arrival, or frequent train trips. For a longer stay, I’d rather book a hotel near Piazza Bellini or Santa Chiara and use Metro Line 1 to reach the station.

The 12 Best Hotels in Naples, Italy

1. De Bonart Naples – Best Luxury Hotel

Inside a junior suite with a king-sized bed, coral wall art in turquoise and gold, and parquet floors at De Bonart in Naples, Italy
My favorite luxury hotel in Naples. De Bonart occupies a beautifully restored historic building on the hillside above Chiaia, with spectacular views over the city and Bay of Naples. The rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar are highlights, particularly at sunset. Rooms and suites are contemporary and elegant, with original artwork and sea views in some categories. Facilities include a spa and fitness center. The location is excellent for a quiet luxury stay, though the hillside setting means you’ll probably use taxis more often than if you stay in the Historic Center.

2. Romeo Napoli – Best Contemporary Luxury Hotel

Rooftop pool with hydrotherapy jets and sun loungers on the terrace at Romeo Hotel in Naples, Italy
Outstanding contemporary hotel near Naples’ ferry port, with bold architecture, stylish rooms, and an excellent spa. The rooftop pool overlooks the harbor, while the upper-floor restaurant offers fine dining and city views. Rooms and suites feature modern design, with harbor views in the best categories. The hotel is particularly convenient for ferries to Capri and Ischia, and it’s within walking distance of Castel Nuovo and the Royal district. The surrounding port area is busy and less attractive than Chiaia or Santa Lucia, but the hotel itself is exceptional.

3. Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel – Best Boutique Hotel in Centro Storico

The bamboo shaded rooftop terrace of Santa Chiara Hotel in Naples, Italy
Beautiful boutique hotel in a historic palazzo on Spaccanapoli, with spacious rooms and suites, high ceilings, and a lovely rooftop terrace. Some suites accommodate families of up to six, making this one of my favorite choices for families who want to stay in the Historic Center. The location is excellent, close to Santa Chiara, Gesù Nuovo, Cappella Sansevero, restaurants, and pizzerias. The surrounding streets are pedestrianized and busy, so arrange your taxi drop-off with the hotel. An excellent choice for first-time visitors.

4. Grand Hotel Vesuvio – Best Waterfront Luxury Hotel

The 19th-century stone and stucco exterior of Grand Hotel Vesuvio in Naples, Italy
One of Naples’ most famous hotels, occupying a prime waterfront location opposite Castel dell’Ovo. The atmosphere is traditional five-star luxury, with elegant public rooms, attentive service, and a rooftop restaurant offering spectacular views over the bay. Rooms and suites are classically furnished, with sea views and balconies in some categories. The hotel also has wellness facilities. Some interiors feel more traditional than modern, but the location and views are hard to beat. My favorite choice for travelers who want a grand hotel directly on the Lungomare.

5. Artemisia Domus – Best Romantic Boutique Hotel

Inside a suite with a king bed, sofa and orange accents at Artemisia Domus hotel in Naples, Italy
Intimate boutique hotel in an 18th-century palazzo near Santa Chiara and Via Toledo. Rooms and suites combine historic architecture with contemporary furnishings, and some suites have private whirlpool baths and spa features. The location is excellent for exploring Centro Storico, with restaurants, shopping, and major sights within easy walking distance. A wonderful choice for couples who want a romantic hotel in the heart of Naples without staying in a large luxury property.

6. Grand Hotel Parker’s – Best Classic Luxury Hotel

A room dressed in white, blue, and yellow with a view toward the sea at Grand Hotel Parker's in Naples, Italy
Elegant historic hotel above Chiaia, with traditional furnishings, beautiful public spaces, and sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. The rooftop restaurant and bar are among the hotel’s biggest attractions. Rooms and suites are individually decorated, with sea views in the best categories. The hillside location is peaceful and convenient for Chiaia’s restaurants and shopping, though it’s a steep walk to the waterfront. A great choice for couples who appreciate traditional luxury and excellent dining.

7. Grand Hotel Santa Lucia – Best Sea Views

An opulent bar with velvet chairs, a marble column, and floral-themed wall art at Santa Lucia Hotel in Naples, Italy
Elegant hotel in a beautiful Belle Époque building directly on the Lungomare, overlooking Castel dell’Ovo and the Bay of Naples. Rooms combine traditional details with modern comforts, and the sea-view categories are worth the extra cost. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, with numerous waterfront restaurants nearby. The location is excellent for evening walks and sightseeing around Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace. A lovely choice for couples who want a quieter setting than Centro Storico.

8. SuperOtium – Best Design Hotel

Bed with a red and orange canopy in a room with a maiolica tile floor at SuperOtium Hotel in Naples, Italy
Creative boutique hotel near the National Archaeological Museum, with colorful rooms, original artwork, and a strong connection to Naples’ contemporary art scene. The hotel hosts exhibitions and cultural events, and its rooms combine historic architectural details with playful design. The location is convenient for the museum, Museo metro station, and the western Historic Center. A particularly good choice for travelers interested in art, design, and exploring neighborhoods beyond the main tourist streets.

9. La Ciliegina Lifestyle Hotel – Best Central Boutique Hotel

A room with a double bed and sofa bed in white with a blue coral pattern at La Ciliegina Hotel in Naples, Italy
Stylish small hotel near Galleria Umberto I, Castel Nuovo, and Piazza del Plebiscito. Rooms have bright Mediterranean-inspired decor, while the rooftop terrace has a hot tub, sun loungers, and city views. The location is excellent for sightseeing, shopping, and reaching the ferry port at Molo Beverello. A good choice for couples who want a boutique hotel in a convenient central location.

10. Palazzo Caracciolo Naples – Best Historic Palace Hotel

A colorful painting of a mermaid above a green sofa with a dining table in a suite at Palazzo Caracciolo in Naples, Italy
Upscale hotel in a restored historic palazzo on the eastern side of Centro Storico. The impressive courtyard is a highlight, and the hotel has a restaurant, bar, and wellness facilities. Rooms and suites combine modern comforts with traditional architectural details. The location is convenient for the Duomo, Porta Capuana, and the eastern Historic Center, with Napoli Centrale also within reach. It’s farther from Piazza Bellini and Via Toledo than some other central hotels, but an excellent choice for travelers who want a spacious, full-service hotel in a historic building.

11. Hotel Piazza Bellini – Best Midrange Hotel

The top floor of a loft room with a bed and clear chair at Piazza Bellini Hotel in Naples, Italy
One of my favorite hotels in Naples for location and value. Set in a historic palazzo near lively Piazza Bellini, the hotel has contemporary rooms, a pleasant courtyard, and apartments with kitchen facilities that are particularly good for families. The National Archaeological Museum, Cappella Sansevero, Spaccanapoli, restaurants, and metro stations are all within easy walking distance. Piazza Bellini can be noisy at night, so request a quieter room if you’re a light sleeper. An excellent base for first-time visitors.

12. Royal Continental – Best Rooftop Pool

Modern, boxy exterior of the Royal Continental hotel in Naples with balconies on front of every room window and a glass-fronted second floor
Large waterfront hotel overlooking Castel dell’Ovo, with a famous rooftop swimming pool designed by architect Gio Ponti. The pool is a highlight, but access is seasonal and may require reservations or an additional fee. Confirm the arrangements before booking if swimming is a priority. Rooms vary in style and size, with balconies and sea views in many categories. The hotel has restaurants and bars, and its location on the Lungomare is excellent for waterfront walks and dining. A good choice for families and travelers who want sea views, a pool, and a convenient location.

Read More

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.

  1. Positano Tours and Things To Do

    Hi Dave,

    Would you be able to suggest tour/activity ideas for the Amalfi Coast? We will be staying in Positano for 5 nights the 1st week of June and would like to start booking our activities. We traveled to Santorini, Mykonos and Crete last year and stayed in your top hotels and did most of the tours you recommended and had an amazing time! We are hoping you can guide us again to a fantastic vacation.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Positano itself doesn’t have any must-see sights but it’s a great place to hang out. It has a small but beautifully-sited beach and its steep streets are lined with boutiques selling colourful fashions and local ceramic ware. To explore further afield, I’d recommend a day trip to Amalfi. Easily accessible by bus, taxi, or a summer boat service, the Coast’s main town boasts a medieval cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea) and a fascinating paper museum (Museo della Carta) housed in a 13th-century mill. From Amalfi, buses continue up to Ravello. This charming hilltop town offers sensational views and a series of delightful gardens at its two historic villas: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Offshore, Capri is another popular day trip. The island, which is served by regular ferries and hydrofoils, is centred on two main settlements, Capri Town and Anacapri, both of which are worth exploring. A further highlight is the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), a sea cave famous for its other-worldly blue waters. (A Capri boat tour is recommended to do everything in one day.) If you’re into hiking, the Amalfi Coast’s best-known walk is the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). This 12km trail links Positano and Praiano, offering fabulous views as it snakes along a high ridge above the coastal towns.

  2. Where To Stay on Procida Island

    Any suggestions on where to stay on Procida Island? We’d like to stay a couple of days just to relax by the sea, and thought the relative obscurity and un-touristy nature appealed to us.
    Rowena

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      There are numerous hotels and B&Bs dotted around the northern part of the island. You could try Albergo La Vigna, a lovely four-star near the picturesque fishing village of Marina Corricella. Housed in a red hillside villa, it has elegant, simply furnished rooms, an in-house spa and, outside, its own vineyard. For beach time, your best bet would be to head over to Chiaiolella on the other (southern) side of the island.

  3. Naples and Monastery Visits

    Hello Dave,
    I am planning to stay about a week with my 2 teenage kids early July in Naples.
    Do you know any nice, clean and not expensive monasteries that welcome visitors?
    I look forward to your reply.
    Thank you very much!
    Céline

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      To find a monastery stay I’d suggest checking monasterystays.com, an online booking service with several properties in and around Naples. Alternatively, ospitalitareligiosa.it lists a couple of religious institutions in Naples.

      As to things to do in the city, I’d strongly recommend the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, a fabulous museum famous for its ancient sculpture and mosaics from Pompeii. Then there’s the Cappella Sansevero , a lavish baroque chapel, and the Certosa e Museo di San Martino, a hilltop monastery with glorious views over the bay. An easy 35-minute train ride away, Pompeii is another must-see – take the Circumvesuviana train from Piazza Garibaldi (adjacent to Stazione Centrale). Neapolitan pizza is the best in the world and you’ll find pizzerias across the city. Some of the most popular places – like Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo – draw large crowds, so be prepared to queue to get in. It’s well worth it, though. As a general rule, always go for pizzerias with a wood-fired oven (forno a legna). If you’re planning to cover a lot of sights, consider the Campania Artecard. This is a cumulative ticket which provides free and discounted admission to a long list of places and free public transport in the city. A final tip for Naples – don’t be tempted to buy a mobile phone from the sellers on the streets. Instead of the bargain of a lifetime, you’ll get home and discover you’ve bought a brick. It’s a well-known scam.

  4. Herculaneum or Pompeii?

    How would you compare Herculaneum and Pompeii? Have heard from friends that Herculaneum might be the better choice regarding size and crowds. Could you explain the pros and cons? Is doing both worth the effort? Will be staying for 2 nights in Naples in early September.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Both are remarkable sites, and both are easy to get to from Naples. From underneath Stazione Centrale, take the Circumvesuviana train to Ercolano Scavi for Herculaneum (about 20 minutes) or to Pompei Scavi for Pompeii (35 minutes).
      Of the two sites, Pompeii is the bigger, busier and more visually impressive. Here you can see houses, temples, public baths, an amphitheatre, even a brothel (the Lupanare). Body casts lend a sinister edge to the place.
      It is a big site, though, and it requires plenty of time – it’ll take you at least a morning just for the highlights. Crowds are worst at the main entrance and at the best known features but tend to thin out across the rest of the area.
      Note also that in early September it’ll be quite hot, so make sure to take a hat, comfy walking shoes and bottled water. Herculaneum is a much smaller, more compact site. There are fewer ‘big’ features but the houses are better preserved than at Pompeii and there are some wonderful frescoes. It’s also less tiring than its better known neighbour and it attracts far fewer people. You can do both on a day trip from Naples – buy a combined ticket – but be ready for a very full day.

      Whichever you go to, try to find time for the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples. One of Italy’s best archaeological museums, it displays many exhibits from Pompeii, including a series of awesome mosaics.

  5. Best Amalfi Coast Hotels

    hi dave,
    I was wondering if you had any suggestion for Amalfi Coast hotels?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      A couple of recommendations. About a kilometre from Amalfi, the historic Santa Cristina is one of the best hotels on the coast. A luxury five-star, it occupies a handsome Liberty-style villa, offering summery majolica-tiled rooms, magnificent sea views, and private access to the sea. For a more lofty location, the Belmond Hotel Caruso is a great option in hilltop Ravello – for years the hometown of writer Gore Vidal. It has elegantly attired rooms in a restored 11th-century palazzo, an extraordinary infinity pool, and sensational coastal views.

  6. Hotel with Great Location in Naples

    We are an older couple that has a little trouble getting around. Walking more than a few hundred feet becomes a problem but love being right in the heart of lively neighborhoods. Could you recommend a hotel in Naples within a short walk of good restaurants and cafes. Budget not an issue: 3 star, 4 star, or 5 star hotels are fine as long as close to street life and buzz.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Two suggestions, both in Naples’ buzzing historic center. Hotel Piazza Bellini is a lovely boutique hotel on Piazza Bellini, a handsome cafe-clad square in the heart of the action. It’s housed in a 16th-century palazzo but rooms are furnished in a contemporary minimalist style. Also in the historic center is the Decumani Hotel de Charme. Occupying a former Cardinal’s palace, it has elegant rooms, period furniture, and a stunning salon. The surrounding area is fascinating with its cobbled lanes, Dickensian street life and pretty, though somewhat faded, piazzas. You’ll also have your choice of trattorias, cafes, and some of Naples’ most celebrated pizzerias.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *