Naples (tours to Capri or Pompeii), Italy cruises

A cruise to Naples begins as soon as you gently sail into the picturesque bay, shadowed by Mount Vesuvius, and nestled away in the heart of the Campania region – famed for the most delicious pizza in Italy.

With spectacular views stretching out toward Capri and Ischia islands, the port of Naples is an extraordinary gateway to a magical region.

Naples port guide

A bustling city steeped in history, full of winding back streets, cosy cafes, delicious eateries and a multitude of museums and galleries overflowing with artefacts and artworks from a bygone age.

Naples has no shortage of things to see and do and a rich historical and cultural heritage all its own, yet Naples also acts as the perfect gateway to discover the beauty and wonder of the region.

With lavish architecture, hidden secrets, and mouth-watering cuisine to discover, a cruise to Naples is a wonderful opportunity to sample one of the most intriguing and beautiful cities in Italy.

Top landmarks and sights in Naples

Mount Vesuvius

As you cruise into the port at Naples, you’ll spy the unmistakable shape of Mount Vesuvius emerging from beyond the distant waves. Situated along the coast of the Bay of Naples, around six miles east of the city centre itself, this infamous volcano is known for its devastating eruption in A.D. 79 which wiped out the nearby city of Pompeii, perfectly preserving the city under layers of ash and stone.

Castel Nuovo

You won’t have to go far beyond the cruise terminal to begin to see the remnants of an ancient world. Castel Nuovo sits at the edge of the cruise terminal – an imposing 13th-century military castle which served as a royal seat for the king of Naples, Aragon, and Spain until 1815.

Piazza del Plebiscito

A short walk from the port, you’ll find Piazza del Plebiscito – one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Naples, first commissioned in the 19th century by Joachim Murat, the king of Naples and Napoleon’s brother-in-law.

The Basilica San Francesco de Paola sits proudly within the square with its impressive domed roof and Greek-style columns. Around the square, you’ll also find the renowned 18th-century San Carlo Theatre and Opera House as well as the sumptuously decorated Royal Palace of Naples.

Naples Old Town

In Naples Old Town, meander down colourful, authentic streets bursting with shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, street vendors, musical performances and more.

There you’ll also find the famous Spaccanapoli – a long, narrow promenade with historic churches, palaces, and piazzas to explore.

Things to do in Naples

Naples is famed for its neighbouring sites of historical significance.

Pompeii

One such site is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii. Once a cosmopolitan resort town populated by wealthy Roman citizens, life in the city came to an abrupt end in A.D. 79 when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted.

Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans, stroll along the town’s paved streets, explore lavish villas, elegant bathhouses, intricate mosaics, and a huge 20,000-seat amphitheatre.

Herculaneum

Suffering the same fate as Pompeii, Herculaneum is a lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet is often overlooked for the more popular Pompeii, despite its buildings having been preserved to a better standard than that of their neighbour.

San Gennaro Catacombs

Head underground and experience the San Gennaro Catacombs. Located in the northern area of the city of Naples, this fascinating two-level underground series of tunnels and passageways lace the city and are lined with over 3,000 graves and crypts dating back thousands of years.

Naples Cathedral

Visit the ornate Naples Cathedral – a stunning building rich in golden Byzantine mosaics and frescos. Built-in the 13th century, the cathedral sits atop the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo. Most importantly, the cathedral is home to the skull of San Gennaro, as well as an ampoule of his blood which is said to miraculously liquefy twice a year.

Eating and drinking in Naples

It goes without saying that pizza is at the top of many travellers' lists when looking for the best food in Naples.

Renowned for being the birthplace of the Margherita Pizza, the dish dates back to 1889 when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita were in need of a respite from their decedent diet of French Haute Cuisine. After a selection was presented to the royal couple, the queen favoured a topping of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil – a dish which went on to become one of the most famous across the world.

But pizza isn’t the only delicacy to be found in Naples. Minestrone napoletano soup is a favourite with locals, pairing vegetables and legumes with small pieces of fresh pasta, best served warm.

Ragù Napoletano is another popular and hearty dish within the region and encapsulated the true spirit of Italian cooking. Prepared with various cuts of tender meat and a rich tomato sauce, cooked for many hours over low heat, the dish is rich, flavourful and warming and often served with pasta or by itself as an appetiser.

Shopping in Naples

Indulge in a spot of retail therapy in Naples, with plentiful shops and markets to peruse.

Some of the most popular markets include Poggioreale Market, Antignano Market and San Gregorio Armeno Market.

Galleria Umberto 1 and Galleria Principe De Napoli are beautiful shopping arcades, with breathtaking architecture housing a range of high-end Italian retail stores from Gucci to Versace as well as a host of cafes and restaurants – a perfect spot to people watch.

Getting around, Naples transport

Naples is a wonderful city to explore on foot, but there is also a range of public transport systems both within the city, and those that can transport you further afield.

Trains are frequent from the Napoli Centrale station and can transport you to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and beyond.

The local bus system, known as SITA busses, are available throughout the city and to neighbouring villages.

Ferries are also available to the nearby islands and the Amalfi coast.

Taxis are easily accessible throughout the city with many operating at a set price to some of the more popular locations around the city. Make sure to agree on a price before you commence your journey.

There are also trams, metros and a funicular within the city.

Naples port facilities

The port of Naples is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Just a short walk from the centre of the city.

The cruise terminal is called Stazione Maritima, with the main cruise pier named Molo Beverello situated close to a busy marina where you can find ferries to nearby Sorrento and Capri islands.

The large terminal building is home to a large shopping mall, tourist information desks, ATMs, restrooms, cafes, and restaurants.

Naples quick tips

Currency

The Euro is the official currency in Naples and around Italy. Cash is widely used but many establishments will accept major credit cards.

Tipping is not expected when ordering a coffee or drink, however, it is common to practise leaving a tip of around €1 per person or round up the bill to the nearest five or ten euros when dining at a restaurant.

Weather

Spring in Naples sees a gradual increase in temperature, sitting between 7-16 °C in March and 12-23°C in May.

Summers in Naples can get very hot, with temperatures of around 26°C, reaching up to over 30°C in July.

Autumn in Naples brings cooler, more comfortable weather with temperatures reaching around 27°C in September and dipping to around 17°C in November.

Through the winter months, temperatures stay consistent between 6-13°C with chilly winds and rain.