Bella Napoli
When in Rome Do Not Do as the Romans – Visit Naples
The city of Naples is often looked down upon by its fellow countrymen but this diamond in the rough is worth the trip.
Do Not Listen to Detractors
The most popular tourist sites in Italy include Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice. These cities have much to offer but do not forget Naples. Some travelers and Italians from the north tell stories about crazy drivers, trash in the streets, rampant unemployment and crime at every turn. There is a modicum of truth to what is said but Naples is not so dangerous that this wonderful city should be avoided. Naples and the surrounding area are full of beautiful vistas, fantastic shopping and history.
Capri
The Isle of Capri is an hour hydrofoil ride across the Bay of Naples. From the boat there are beautiful views of Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento and Capri. Many shops and restaurants are located in the port of Capri. From there, the center portion of the island is accessible by foot. To reach the rest of island requires a short taxi ride. There are many worthwhile sights on Capri but only one is a must see. The Blue Grotto is illuminated by sunlight reflecting up through the water from the bottom of the cave. It can only be reached by boat propelled by an oarsman who will act as a tour guide and entertain by singing Italian songs.
Pompeii and Hurculanium
History comes to life at the excavations of Pompeii and Hurculanium. Both were buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. Pompeii, the more famous of the two sites, was buried by volcanic ash and Hurculanium was buried by the lava flow. Each city was frozen it in time. Everyday life is evident in the preserved shops and homes.
The AmalfiCoast
An hour south of Naples via A3 is the exit for SS163 which meanders along the Amalfi Coast. The mountains rise sharply from the sea. Within each fissure there is a town quaintly nestled between the mountains and the sea. SS163 hugs the coast while making over 1,200 turns from Vietri sul Mare to Sorrento. Some hairpin turns are so tight that tour buses must use both lanes to make the turns and then only clear the rocky outcrops by inches. Shops and restaurants abound. The area specializes in the manufacturing of hand painted pottery and inlaid wood. In most shops you can watch the artisans perform their craft.
Naples
There are many sights to see within the city limits. The Museum of Capodemonti houses many famous works of arts from the renaissance. The Naples National Archaeological Museum has artifacts from Pompeii and Hurculanium and owns one of the largest collections of Roman era artifacts. Naples has world class venues for entertainment. It is the home of a Serie A soccer club and The San Carlo Theater. The San Carlo is the oldest working theater is the world. It hosts Operas and acts from around the world. The views are the best feature. An old saying in Italian refers to Naples' beauty; ‘vedi Napoli e poi muori’. In English, ‘see Naples and die’.
