Hostel Of The Sun: Award-Winning Hostel In The Heart Of Naples, Italy

As we all well know, food is extremely important for Italians, and it should be for any foreigner visiting Italy too.  Yes, the pizza is fantastic but Naples has a load more to offer than just that; from fried street-food to gourmet modern takes on age-old recipes, one thing you can guarantee from a few days in this city is that you’re not going to go hungry…

So just to get your tastebuds going, here’s our tips!

Italian and Traditional Napolitan Cuisine

$ Trattoria Nennella

I’m not sure where to begin. Nennella is crazy, chaotic, fun, and bizarre all at the same time. Not for people who want to have a quiet romantic dinner for two, but absolutely for anybody who wants to have a true Neapolitan experience with true Neapolitan food cooked by a team of seven brothers; the most Neapolitan of Neapolitan hosts. This is not meant to put you off; more to encourage you. And so should the price. There are no prices on the handwritten, daily-changing menus but a brother will give you a grand total on exit of around €10-15 per person for a 4 course dinner and as much wine as you can possibly get down you. Nothing extremely special on the food front but an unbeatable price, and the entertainment is included…

http://digilander.libero.it/trattorianennella/nennella.htm

$$ Timpani e Tempura

Something a little special and certainly off the beaten track. The restaurant only opens at lunchtime and seats less than ten (squashed) people but serves up some of the most traditional of traditional recipes, some of them originating from recipes researched by the head chef from as far back as the 16^th century. In the old town, near Piazza Dante.

http://www.timpanietempura.it/main.htm

$ Trattoria del Buongustaio

Tiny and always packed, this little trattoria in the market area of Montesanto offers again traditional Neapolitan ‘cucina’, at a low price. Perhaps the highlight is the frittura mista (fried seafood) or the seafood pasta. Reassuringly un-tourity.

$$ Hosteria Toledo

One of our very favorites. Run by an enthusiastic family, this little place tucked just into the Spanish Quarter off the main shopping drag Via Toledo, serves up fantastic traditional Neapolitan specialties like Ragu and Polipo all’Insalata (octopus salad)

$$ L’Osteria della Mattonella

Located in a more up-market area of Naples, between Piazza Plebiscito and Chiaia, La Mattonella offers an excellent ‘Genovese’ (pasta with onion sauce and chunks of beef, my personal favourite, just don’t expect to get lucky after eating it…) or Meat with Ragu sauce.

$$ La stanza del gusto

For those who want something a little more modern, sick of the same old Italian dishes this eatery offers modern twists on old classics and a very good cheese board. Also plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians.

$$$ Palazzo Petrucci

Set in a historic ‘Palazzo’ of the same name, on the side of the San Domenico Maggiore church in the heart if the historical centre, Palazzo Peutrucci is one of Naples’ most famous and most exclusive restaurants. Not cheap, but for the quality and originality of the menu, and considering it’s Michelin star status, the 40 euros you pay for the tasting menu could be a lot worse.

http://www.palazzopetrucci.it/home.html

Pizzerias

Word is that anywhere trying to charge you more than €3,50 for a Margherita is not worth it. The top three places mentioned here won’t sell ANY pizza for more than €6….

$ Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

The queue is constant for a reason: this is the best pizza in Naples. Cripsy crust, thin base and delicious toppings. Grab a beer and stand out front until your name is called, it’s worth the wait.

$ Pizzeria Da Michele

Still probably the best known outside of Naples, especially thanks to it’s mention in that film starring Julia Roberts…. Da Michele still continues to serve up their two pizzas; the Marinara and the Margherita to an exceptional standard.

$ Pizzeria Di Matteo

They haven’t tried to refurbish this place.I’m glad they haven’t and they don’t need to; they serve up the best Ripieno and fried tit-bits in town. Try the melenzane fritte and panzarotti before delving straight into the Pizza.

Our wildcard:

$$ Fresco

Relatively very modern, this pizzeria is making a big name for itself. It’s along the seaside, near the Castel dell’Ovo and is a lot flashier than any of the other place listed here. Don’t let this put you off though. Prices are a little higher: on average €1 more per pizza but the view is beautiful and the result just as delicious.

Pastries and Other Sweet Stuff

$$ Scaturchio, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore www.scaturchio.it/

$ Pasticceria Mary, Galleria Umberto, at the entrance from Via Toledo

$ Pasticceria Moccia, Via San Pasquale, 77, 80121 Napoli

$ Pintauro, Open since 1785, Via Toledo 275 http://www.pintauro.it/

Icecream

$ Fantasia Gelati Award-winning Icecream on Via Toledo. Always open. Make sure you try the ’sorbetti’ as well… www.fantasiagelati.it

$ Gay Odin On Spaccanapoli, the famous street in the Centro Storico, some of the best gelato in town. Via Benedetto Croce 61 http://www.gay-odin.it/

For the third year running Ercolano and the volcano Vesuvius will be hosting a weekend-long music festival.

The event is a collaboration between the record label FreshFoodMusic and the events organisers Suonivisioni and promises to be two days crammed with music and art expos.

The festival is in the foothills of the volcano Vesuvius,  on the outskrts of the town of Herculaneum, 10 km south of Naples.

So if you want to hear some original Italian (and other…) reggae, dubstep, ska and D&B then this is the weekend for you.

WHEN:  15th and 16th July

WHERE:  Via Vesuvio, Ercolano

WHY:  Music Festival on a Volcano?  WHY NOT!

Click here for more info

Interested in listening to some of traditional Neaoplitan music for FREE?

Naples in three days

Visiting Naples isn’t just about the city center; the bay of Naples has a huge amount to offer and something to suit just about any tourist. Here’s a good suggestion for how you could spend three days in and around Naples.

Mmmmmmmmmmojito

Introducing Hostel of the Sun’s new Happy Hour!

Includes: round trip boat ride to Capri Island with a skipper, boat tour around island including the Grotta Azzura, lunch and free bar on the boat.

If you plan on visiting Capri Island this boat tour is definitely the best value for your money. You will be picked up by a skipper on a speed boat and will be provided with lunch and a free bar.

Join a fun guided adventure to the Piscina Mirabilis, the biggest ancient Roman freshwater cistern in Italy. The tour begins with a visit to the “Cisterna” and is followed by a day spent laying on the beautiful and clean Miseno beach.

The ruined city of Pompeii will be hosting ‘Le Lune di Pompei’; a night-tour of lights, sounds and voices inside the city ruined by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The evenings will be running every weekend from May until the end of October, and every night except Tuesday from the 6th until the 22nd August. Read on here for more information!

Whether you hang with the reggae crowd, dance with the traditional folk dancers, or just simply prefer getting as sloshed as possible, Naples has the scene for you! Although Naples nightlife is best experienced outdoors, depending on what tickles your fancy (and how the weather acts), you may also enjoy some indoor activities…

Fantasia Gelateria is known as Naples’ best gelateria. There is no right or wrong time to enjoy one of these tasty Italian treats. We recommend at least one visit since they use only the best quality prime materials in the production process. Of course, the most important ingredients are love and passion. Thegelateria’s fruit specialities are the public’s favorites.

The place to get the most delicious sweet napoletan specialities of Babà, Sfogliatella as well as plenty more..

Situated in the Quartieri Spagnoli area of Naples, this beautiful church has a little more to offer upstairs….

The Naples underground has a history that most people don’t know much about. It wasn’t even until recently that Neapolitans themselves drew their attention to it, although it was born and has grown with the city of Naples itself. This simultaneous growth is most obviously demonstrated by the identical symbols and graffiti found on the underground’s quarry walls and on the walls of the city blocks above.

The Catacombs of San Gennaro are underground paleo-Christian burial sites in Naples and are the most important such sites in Italy south of Rome. They are situated in the northern part of the city, on the slope leading up to Capodimonte, on a site that is now easily identified by the large church of Madre del Buon Consiglio.
Originally there were three separate cemeteries, dedicated, respectively, to Gaudiosus of Abitine Severus of Naples, St. Januarius. These Catacombs in Naples are different from their Roman counterparts in that they have more spacious passageways along two levels.

Campania Artecard Plus is the new rechargeable card, a unique item that allows you to travel along and discover the wonderful cultural heritage of the Campania region. The Campania ArteCard is a little-known, but highly useful and money-saving pass that will get you free admission and free public transportation in the Campania region—that means Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii, Amalfi, and more. If you are planning a trip to Campania, consider the benefits of the ArteCard.

Galleria Umberto I is a spacious and elegant public shopping gallery right across from the San Carlo Theatre. It was constructed between 1887-1891 and named after the King of Italy at that time, Umberto I. It was built with the intention of combining public space- businesses, shops and cafes, with private space- apartments on the above floors.

The Reale Teatro di San Carlo is Naples’ most well-known opera house and is located right in the nucleus of the downtown area. It has had the fortune of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its status as the longestconsistently operating venue of its kind in all of Europe. Over the years the Reale Teatro San Carlo has won many prestigious music awards.

Ravello is indisputably the romantic capital of the Amalfi coast. Inhabited by only 2,500 people, it sits pretty in the high hills above Amalfi. The town is tidy and geared towards tourists. In the past the town has hosted its share of bohemian characters, including Virginia Woolf, DH Lawrence and Wagner. Nowhere else on theAmalfi Coast can you beat the spectacular views, majestic gardens and relaxing atmosphere you find in Ravello.

Procida is the smallest and considered the most “authentic” of the Bay’s three main islands. Barely frequented and known by tourists, this is the island those looking for a more genuine locals experience will want to visit. Inhabitants of the island quietly live their day to day lives without much interruption or influence from tourist centers or the mainland. Upon arriving ashore you will be greeted with a colorful scheme of cubic houses along the waterfront.

Cuma was the first ancient Greek settlement on Italian mainland (Magna Graecia). It is said to have been founded in the 8th century b.c. by settlers who had already colonized the island of Ischia. It is located northwest of Naples and is most famous for the Sybil of Cuma. The Sybil was a prophetic priestess sacred to the Greek god Apollo. From her cavern Her sanctuary is open for public view.

Facing the colossal Piazza Plebescito is the rectangular red Palazzo Reale, or Royal Palace, of Naples. This palace was just one of the four residences of the Bourbon Kings when they ruled during the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. Like other palaces and castles of Naples, the Palazzo Reale has undergone many operations that have resulted in its current aspect. Today the palace houses The National Library of Naples, the Museo del Palazzo Reale, and along with adjacent grounds, part of the San Carlo Theater.

The Castel Nuovo is one of Naples’ most prominent landmarks. It sits conspicuously near the Bay’s shore and close to the downtown shopping area. If you have become sufficiently “Italianized” you will probably refer to this castle as the “Maschio Angioino”, as the locals call it. Take a walk under the famous two-storey triumphal arch, of Renaissance style, at the castle’s enterance, which was built to commemorate the arrival of Alfonso I of Aragon to Naples.

A true feat for Italian baroque architecture, the colossal royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) has been dubbed the Versailles of Italy. It was constructed in the 18th century for the Bourbon kings of Naples. A jaunt along its mosaic marble floors and under its gold adorned ceilings will make you feel like royalty yourself. If you aren’t intimidated by the size and luxury of the palace itself, try getting lost in the elaborate maze of gardens, sculptures and fountains in the palace’s backyard.

Napoli’s famous “Spaccanapoli”, one perfectly straight, long street, cuts right through the middle of the historic center. This street may be a paradise for those looking to buy authentic Neapolitan sweets, wine, souveniers, etc. It captures the essence of any historical center whose cobblestone streets lead the way to various ancient churches and monestaries. However, Naples’ Spaccanapoli can’t be mistaken for any other city thanks to the zooming Vespas and exaggerated Neapolitan hand gestures. Don’t miss the opportunity to wander into one of the various shops and sample some delicious limoncello!

Naples’ Duomo is the spiritual heart of the city. You may also say that it is the center of Neapolitan superstition. The cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron, San Gennaro (St. Januarius), and a vial of his blood is held sacredly inside. You will also find a plethora of frescoes, canvesses, sculptures, and other works of art covering the interior and the various chapels.

Both Certosa di San Martino and Castel Sant’Elmo were architectural feats of their time and are still recognized today as impressive structures. Both sit at the highpoint of Naples, in the Vomero area, and lend the most spectacular views of the city and the Bay. The contrast between the ex-monastery and the ex-military prison sums up the true essence of Naples.

The majestic and tranquil “Castle of the Egg” is an ideal and convenient site to see, especially if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Naples’ chaotic downtown. Once you have visited you will understand why this beautiful Spanish castle is often the focal point of pictures of the Bay of Naples. The castle appears to float gracefully over the water, as it sits atop the isletMegaride, linked to the mainland by bridge. Besides touring the picturesque halls of the Castel dell’ovo you may also have the chance to see one of the periodical art exhibits at the on-site museum.

If you enjoy history, archaeology and ancient relics you will definitely want to visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The museum is one of the most important and leading archaeological museums in the world. It contains an unprecedented collection of Roman-Greco antiquities from Pompeii, Stabiae, Herculaneum and other archaeological sites located in and around the region of Campania. It is also the oldest arechaelogical museum in Europe.

The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina (M.A.D.RE) stands in the historical heart of Naples, close to the Cathedral and the Treasure of St.Gennaro, a hundred yards from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. The museum is home to contemporary art with a rich permanent collection of works made specifically for this building as well as many periodic exhibitions.

The Palace and Museum of Capodimonte ‘Museo di Capodimonte’ is a grand Bourbon building in formerly the summer residence and hunting lodge of the kings of the Two Sicilies, set high above the city in beautiful gardens. It houses the main museum and art gallery of the city, and is the prime repository of Neapolitan painting and decorative art, with several important works from other Italian schools of painting, and some important Ancient Roman sculptures.

If you want to experience what the ancients used to consider “the entrance to the regions of hell”, then you can’t miss a walk atop the Solfatara Volcano. There is nothing to fear, as the volcano is dormant, like all of the volcanos in the Campi Flegrei area. However, you should prepare yourself for sensory overload of the nose. The Solfatara volcano is famous today mainly for its explosions of sulphuric gases, topping 160 degrees, its boiling mud pit and its carbon vapors. The combination of green, blue, yellow and red exploding out of the ground is truly an exhibition of mother nature´s ability to create the brightest, most vivid colors you may ever see in person. This volcano is a preferred stop for travelers of any age, with any interest.

To make things a bit easier for you to understand all the great culinary options available while you are in Naples, we’ve compiled links to some great third-party reviews and articles from travel guides and experts.

If you see something you like, stop by the front desk of the hostel and talk to one of our well-trained staff/travel advisors and get a custom map with directions for getting from Hostel to your destination.

Gino Sorbillo has long been considered one of the top pizzerias in Italy. Terrific ingredients, wood-fired oven and recently renovated interior combine to provide the best atmosphere and “vibe” of any Naples Pizzerias. Sorbillo’s family-run establishment and has an extremely open 2nd floor which is always crowed. Expect long wait times unless you arrive at 7:00PM.

One thing you can expect from a stay at Hostel of the Sun is that we will take the time to help you plan out your trip to explore Naples and surrounding areas. Don’t think of us simply as a warm bed because we are here to ensure your travel experience in Naples is a memorable one. Just be honest and direct about your expectations and interests; since we’ve lived here for decades and have had thousands upon thousands of guests just like you—we’ll earn your precious Euros by helping plan the best use of your time in Naples.

If you’re the type who prefer to pour over the details of “professional” travel experts, here are a few links for ya.

The Theatre and Fringe Festivals are in full effect this week in Napoli.  The festival started on June 4th, and will be running through the 28th.  Now in it’s second year, 2009’s Festival is receiving nothing but positive reviews, as the entire city is feeling the excitement and energy that world class theatre brings to “the stage”.   It is not often that quality theatre can be enjoyed at affordable prices.  Tickets for this month’s productions vary from 3-15 euro.  We at Hostel of the Sun strongly encourage you to take a look at the Festival’s website (site is in english or italian) :

http://www.napoliteatrofestival.it

The english option for the site can be found at the lower left hand corner of the homepage.  The Festival also gives information on purchasing tickets, transportation and descriptions of the productions taking place around Napoli.  Truly an international festival, many different languages and genres are being represented.  enjoy! 

Considered by many to be one of the top pizzeria’s in Italy, Da Michele focuses its decades of expertise (it opened in 1870) on two simple pizzas: the margherita and the marinara. Quick service, tasty food–be sure to try if you are spending 1-2 days in Naples.

Di Matteo is the pizzeria of choice for multitudes of locales and the large crowd gathered around the storefront is a strong sign that the pizzas inside are worth pursuing.

Representing the essence of Naples life is this dynamic and memorable dining establishment. If you have 2-3 nights in Naples, make sure to plan an evening trip and catch a 4 course meal for 10EURO. It’s rather impossible to try to and prepare you for your experience at Nennella, but you can be sure it will be unlike any you’ve had.

Pompeii

Opening Times: April-October: daily 8.30 am – 7.30 pm
November-March daily 8.30 am – 5 pm
Last entry one hour before closing time.

Price: Entry costs 11 euros (5.50 euros for EU students, under 18 or above 65 free)
Required time: at least 3 or 4 hours.

Pompeii is one of Italy’s most visited tourist attractions. It stands at the foot of Mount Vesuvius that, with its eruption on the 24th of August 79 AD, destroyed the city of Pompeii by completely covering it in stones and ash. Pompeii lay undiscovered until in 1748 when excavations began on the site, revealing a city frozen in time. A

Population: 5,000

Amalfi is a beautiful town located on the spectacular Amalfi coast around 40 km southeast of Naples. As with the majority of towns along the coast, Amalfi attracts mostly day-trippers and as a result does not have a huge amount of hotels. Those, which it does have, will be very difficult to get a place in the summer months. It is advisable to stay in Naples and head over to the coastal town for the day.

Population: 16,500

Sorrento is a cliff-side town that overlooks the Bay of Naples. The town is famous for its steep slopes, beautiful views of Naples and Vesuvius and most of all Limoncello.

Facts:
Size: about 10 km by 7 km, the largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples, with an area of 47 m² and 37 km of coastline
Population: around 60,000
Location: around 30km from Naples

Although not to the extent of it’s neighbour, Capri, Ischia, the largest of the islands off the coast of Naples, attracts a large number of German and English tourists. Ischia has fantastic beaches, a few very pretty towns, and a number of thermal spa resorts. Despite not being as famous as it’s neighbour, it is considered by most to be the more beautiful of the two. Ischia is also used as the location of some of the scenes in the film The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Capri

Capri

Facts:
Inhabitants: around 7,000. The island has up to 5,000 visitors a day over the summer months.
Size: 6 km x 2.7 km
Pronounced Capri NOT Capri, this island is a single block of limestone in the Bay of Naples that remains relatively unspoilt, despite the masses of tourists that flock there over the summer months. At it’s closest point, it is around 5 km from the mainland.

Nowhere in the world can you have a deeper insight into how Roman life would have been than in Pompeii and Herculaneum. While Pompeii was covered in volcanic ash when Vesuvis ernupted in AD 79, Herculaneum, already partly destroyed by an earthquake in AD 63, being much closer to the volcano was completely submerged in mud, essentially fossilising the whole town. This fossilisation allowed the preservation of many more objects, however delicate. Although smaller than Pompeii, it is though that Herculaneum was a much wealthier town.

What’s the main reason people enjoy visiting here?

Mt Vesuivius is one of the most active volcanoes in europe, and it’s the only one that’s still active and located on the european mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years, it’s most recently occuring in 1944. The Volcano is famous all over the world for his eruption in 79 DC that lcaused the destruction of Pompeii and Hercolaneum, now considered to be the best preserved Roman cities in the world.