How to Spend a Great Weekend in Naples, Italy

As Italy’s third largest city, Naples unsurprisingly attracts over a million tourists to its shores each year. Rome, the country’s capital, and the geographical wonder of Venice are more famous worldwide, but Naples has all of this magic and more with its rich history and sensational seaside setting. When you are planning your trip, make sure to explore Italy tours that cover the Neapolitan coastline and you will discover a cultural heritage that ranges from the destruction of Pompeii to the birth of pizza. What more could you want from a travel adventure? Read on to find more reasons to spend a weekend in Naples.

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How to spend a weekend in Naples

Wander the largest Piazza in Naples

First and foremost is a visit to the spectacular Piazza del Plebiscito. Symbolic of the unification of Italy in the mid-19th century, this grandiose piazza dates from 1860. Neapolitans used rock from Mount Vesuvius which is the key feature of the Naples skyline. Most prominent in the square is the San Franceso di Paola Basilica. It’s one of Naples’ largest churches, with a sweeping semi-circular gallery in a Neoclassical style. Straight across the piazza is the Royal Palace of Naples which dates back to the 1600s.

Visit the Castles

Another must-see attraction in Naples is the Castel dell’Ovo, or ‘Castle of the Egg’. Legend says Virgil buried the egg of a mermaid in the castle. This ancient site which sits on a peninsula overlooking the gulf of Naples has been important since the time of the Ancient Greeks. The present-day castle was constructed here in the 12th century by Normans, on the remains of Roman-era structures. Spectacular views and thousands of years of history await tourists visiting this majestic monument.

Nearby sits another striking castle, the Castel Sant’Elmo. Naples is actually home to seven castles, the most of any city in the world. Hike to the Castel Sant’Elmo to explore an imposing medieval fortress and for spectacular aerial views of the city.

Take a Day Trip from Naples

For history with a twist, venture out to Mount Vesuvius and the ruined city of Pompeii. One of only two active volcanos in Continental Europe, Vesuvius and the area surrounding it are now protected areas. Tourists can hike through the national park and stand on the crater edge of this awe-inspiring natural treasure. Before the hike, stop off to see the ancient ruins of Pompeii which was destroyed when…