Includes: round trip boat ride to Capri Island with a skipper, boat tour around island including the Grotta Azzurra, 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.  There will only be a few other passengers, if any at all.  The skipper will tour you around the whole island, permitting stops to swim in the sea, let you relax for 2 hours on the beach, and then  take you through the famous and beautiful Grotta Azzura (blue grotto), which you will have the unique chance to swim in.  On the other hand, if you took the aliscafo boat from the Naples port you would pay €32 each roundtrip, then at least an additional €15 for a quick ride through the blue grotto without the opportunity to swim in it.  Boat tours organized from the island do not permit tourists to swim in the grotto.   Also, these tours don’t include a free bar and lunch.  This is a unique opportunity to experience Capri island in a more personalized and exclusive way than you would find on the crowded touristic  boats at the port.  Don’t miss it!

Cost is €60 per person.

Tour departs everyday from Sorrento at 10:00am and returns around 7:00pm.  Trains from Sorrento to Naples run frequently until late.

☼  Please come to the reception for more information and to reserve  ☼

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.  From your beach towel you will have a view of the islands of Ischia and Procida.  Included in the price is entrance to the cistern, the private beach Miseno and your sun chair.  This is the perfect opportunity to socialize, relax and visit another part of Napoli.  Tour departs from the statue at Piazza Dante around 9:15am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Let us know at the reception if you are interested.  Price of tour is 12€, not including transport ticket of 3.7€.

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 tour stops along the main street where you will meet one of Pompeii’s ‘residents’, who will take you on a special journey through time. The city will be brought to life again with various shows, including a visit to the ‘Orto dei Fuggiaschi’ where the famous mummified bodies were engulfed by ash while trying to escape the city.

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. Make sure you reserve before you arrive!

Tours begin twenty minutes after sunset and will last around 70 minutes.

For more information visit www.lelunedipompei.it or email info@lelunedipompei.it.

For reservations call
tel. + 39 081 19303885 (Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am- 20pm)
fax + 39 081 19308787

Cost: €20
€14 for those with the ‘Campania Artecard’
Special Family price: €40 (2 adults, 2 children under 16)

Da maggio tutti i week end  fino ad ottobre al via “Le Lune di Pompei ” il percorso notturno di luci, suoni e voci all’interno degli scavi di Pompei. Tante le novità di questa nuova edizione come la visita all’Orto dei Fuggiaschi dove si trovano i calchi più conosciuti dell’area archeologica pompeiana, la ricostruzione virtuale dell’antica città da ammirare appena varcate le mura, nuove tappe lungo Via dell’Abbondanza e l’incontro con un curioso personaggio che accompagnerà i visitatori in questo viaggio speciale, in cui la luce prende corpo come le parole, i graffiti, le persone.
I percorsi proseguiranno fino a tutto il mese di ottobre.  Dal 6 al 22 Agosto aperti tutte le sere (tranne il martedì).

Ingresso presso gli Scavi di Pompei – piazza Anfiteatro
Informazioni, prenotazioni e calendario
tel. + 39 081 19303885 (mar./ dom., ore 10  -  20)
fax + 39 081 19308787
www. lelunedipompei. it – info@lelunedipompei. it

Inizio dei percorsi un’ora dopo il tramonto (partenze gruppi ogni 20 minuti)
Durata del percorso 70 minuti (si consigliano scarpe comode)
E’ assolutamente necessaria la prenotazione (gratuita)

Costo della visita 20 euro
Possessori Campania Artecard 14 euro
Prezzo speciale per famiglie (2 adulti + 2 ragazzi fino a 16 anni) 40 euro

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…
Here we have compiled a list of places for drinking, dancing and live music that might interest you. Most of them are within a short walking distance from the hostel, that way you can stumble back at whatever hour you prefer, without worrying about public transport or paying for a taxi. Check out each business’ website for the specifics of what event is offered each night. Also, come to us at the reception so we can help you navigate the way on your map.

If you like DRINKS and socializing:

Piazza “Kestè”
-This is one of the most frequented piazzas by Neapolitan youngsters and is located right in front of the Istituto Orientale. A cheap large Peroni for €1.50 is ideal for backpackers on a budget. Find beer in the small corner-shop of the piazza by the stairs. The piazza is also bordered by a couple other small bars where you can get cocktails, such as a delicious mojito from bar Keste, and even a small slice of pizza.

Piazza San Domenico Maggiore
-This piazza is in the heart of the historic center, just going up Via Mezzocannone. You can buy cheap beer in the corner shop at the bottom of the piazza and take a seat to observe or socialize with Neapolitan youth. Quite often there will be entertainment as well. On the warmer nights dancers of traditional Southern Italian dance perform to music in the center of the piazza.

Perdi Tempo
-If you like to mix your drinking with books and intellectual conversation this is your scene. This hip bar tends to serve their cocktails strong and the wine selection also pretty good, although prices are a bit higher than what you would find in the piazzas. Some nights you will also get free munchies like cheese and salami! Mmmm…
Via San Pietro a Maiella, 8
081 444958
www.perditempo.org

Volver
- Volver is definitely a hub for fun activities and entertainment. There is a large seating area where you can order a panino or other smaller appetizers. The beer, wine and cocktail menu is enormous, and the prices are decent. Tuesday night is trivia night. After a couple drinks you won’t worry about the fact that you don’t speak Italian. Thursday nights downstairs there is a music competition, and Friday nights there is a theatre contest. Both start at 22:30. Also, on varied nights during the week there are live international bands of diverse genres. The best part of Volver might be the wide variety of board games they supply. Go with a group, grab a board game and a table, and have fun.
Via V. Bellini, 56
081 0606630
www.volvercafe.it

Piazza Bellini
-This is a great piazza for cafes and bars with outdoor seating. There are 2 places in particular worth checking out. Intra Moenia is serves a wide range of cocktails and wine, with both seating inside or outside among the many plants. If you do an inside tour you will be surrounded by an impressive collection of art. The other popular hangout next door is Caffe Arabo, also with indoor and outdoor seating. This Arab themed restaurant/bar is the place to go to experience Arab cuisine or to smoke tabacco alla frutta with Narghilè while sitting on Persian cushions and rugs.
Intra Moenia 39 081 290988

BereVino WineBar
-Music, art and wine all come together in this beautifully decorated, slightly sophisticated wine bar. Found on the “street of musicians” in the historic center, it is only a 15 minute walk from the hostel. Wednesday from 19:00-24:00 is “MERCOLEDIDIVINO”, which means appetizers starting with antipasti and ending with desert! There is also a DJ, video art projection, photo exhibitions and more. This bar offers some fancy bottles so prices are average to high. Ideal for singles who want to sit at the bar and also for groups who prefer a table.
Via San Sebastiano, 62
081 0605688
www.berevino.org

If you like to DANCE the night away:

Kinky
-If you need a reggae fix you can satisfy it at Kinky Klub, in the historic center, whose anthem is to spread the reggae vibe throughout the world. The spot is right behind the Modernissimo cinema, near Piazza Dante.
The only catch is that it is a “private” club which means that you are obligated to purchase a members card, the cost of which is 10 Euros. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID (like a copy of your passport). Check out their website to see what the live music/DJ schedule looks like.
Vico della Quercia,26
33 55477299
www.kinkyjam.com

Rise
If your goal is to stay close to the hostel Rise is the place to go for music, drinks and dance. Tuesdays are the official Erasmus Party night. There is a DJ so you can dance the night away with university foreign exchange students and locals alike. Friday night is house music night, while Sundays there is live hip-hop/reggaeton group RealSoundProject at 23:30.
Via Umberto Giordano, 10
081 6584538‎
Facebook page: RISE… Music&drinkfusion

If you like LIVE MUSIC and more:

Mamamù
-This club is not only for music lovers but also for the artsy poetic type. It is in the university zone and features live emerging musical groups, both Napoletano and international. Apart from music they hold poetry readings, and there are always rotating art exhibits (painting and sculpture). After all, why wouldn’t you want to check out a place whose name means “fat woman” in Thai?
Via Sedile di porto, 46
www.myspace.com/mamamubar

U-Turn
-If you like live bossanova, blues, folk and rock, this small and hidden city jewel is for you. This club is small, intimate and literally underground. The crowd is maybe a bit older then the students you would find in the piazzas. But who can complain if they offer 18 types of rum and an excellent beer selection on tap. Live music is on Friday and Saturday. You will definitely want to google map the location.
Vico Pallonetto a Santa Chiara, 15/C

Bluestone
-Bluestone is slightly more fancy than the other clubs mentioned. The bar is opened Sunday-Thursday from 18:30 to 2:00, and 18:30 to 3:00 Friday and Saturday. Happy Hour is from 18:30 to 21:30 and there is a buffet included with small appetizers. Rotating days of the week there is life music with free entry, except on Tuesdays.
Via Alabardieri, 10
081 4238455
bluestonenapoli.it

So what are you waiting for? With so many choices why are you still sitting on your bum!!!???

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.  The gelateria’s fruit specialities are the public’s favorites.

Fantasia not only offers gelato, but also ice cream cakes, filled cakes and other wonderful goodness.  Being that it is practically a commodity of Italian culture you will be happy to know that a handful of loose change should get you a small gelato, which includes a choice of two flavors.  If your sweet tooth likes a challenge, you can dare yourself to try “un brioche con gelato”, which is basically 2 huge scoops of gelato sandwiched between a giant brioche pastry.

The closest Fantasia Gelati to the hostel is at 381 Via Toledo across from the Banco di Napoli.  The best part about this fantasy is that it is open late!

Babà: a little cake baked in the oven and then covered in rum

Sfogliatella Riccia: shaped a bit like a shell, this pastry is crunchy on the outside and filled with lovely sweet ricotta on the inside

Sfogliatella Frolla: a similar kind of thing but with shortcrust pastry as the shell

We reccommend trying AT LEAST one of each, but don’t blame us if you feel a bit queasy afterwards…

Around ten minutes walk from the hostel, get onto Via Toledo and walk towards Piazza Plebiscito, it’ll be on your left hand side, just inside the impressive Galleria Umberto.

A little bit more expensive than just grabbing a pizza but you won’t regret it. Hosteria Toledo offers all the local specialities of pasta, meat and fish, and you’ll still be able to eat a couple of courses with a glass of wine for about 15 euros.  My favourites are the Spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), the Bruschetta al Pomodoro (tomato bruschetta) and the Carne al Ragu (meat in sauce…doesn’t sound so special translated, huh).  Good idea to ask what the daily specials are too.

mmmmmmmmm…………..

Also, helpfully, they have a website (although not so helpfully only in Italian) which gives you a little taste of what they offer.

http://www.hosteriatoledo.it/

You’ll find this little trattoria in the Quartieri Spagnoli area of town, around ten minutes walk from the hostel.  Once you’re on Via Toledo, the main shopping street, take a right when you get to the Banco di Napoli and you’re there!

Via Giardinetto a Toledo, 78
80133, Napoli

The Quartieri Spagnoli area (the Spanish quarters) of Naples is one of the poorest areas and as is true of the rest of Naples, the poorer the area the more religious it is. Along with life-size statues of Padre Pio and shrines to various saints and dead relatives, this area contains an enourmous amount of churches. Although not one of the most famous, La chiesa di Santa Maria Francesca delle Cinque Piaghe (The Church of St. Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus) attracts a particular type of visitor: this church has a repuation throughout Italy for helping women experiencing problems conceiving, and people travel from far and wide (I once met a couple who’d made the trip all the way from Turin) with the hope that the nuns’ blessing will help them to get pregnant.

The church itself is small and very beautiful, but it’s not until you make the climb up the winding staircase that the miracles happen. If you weren’t already convinced, the walls are plastered with the ‘new arrival’ cushions common in Italy: proof of the nuns’ success. Not hoping to get pregnant myself any time soon, I declined the offer to sit in the famous chair where the magic happens, but the popularity and belief in the mircacle can be seen in the queues of women that flock here every day.

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 very first excavations took place 5,000 years ago, and were then proceeded by Greek intervention.  The Greeks obtained tufa stone blocks by digging deep into the ground and used it to build the city walls and temples.  They also dug caves  for use as graves known as hypogea.  During the Augustan Age the Romans continued digging, eventually creating a 400 km long aqueduct named Claudio.  Because of rapid city growth, by the 17th century the Greek Roman aqueduct had to be extended.   In 1629 the Neapolitan nobleman named Carmignano built a new aqueduct in order to finally solve the problem.

In 1884, due to the cholera epidemic, people stopped digging and the aqueduct was definitely closed.  The result was the abandonment of two million square meters of tunnels and empty space.  The most recent use of the caves was during WWII when Neapolitans used them as air-raid shelters.  Because of extensive damage during this time, some parts of the caves are not reachable.

Address: Piazza San Gaetano, 68

Phone: 081 296 944, cell 368 354 0585

Hours: Mon-Fri, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00.  Thursday also at 21:00. Sat-Sun & holidays, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00.

Directions: Turn right our of hostel.  Turn right on the first main street that you come to, Via Depretis.  Follow Via Depretis, which becomes Corso Umberto.  From Corso Umberto turn left on Via Mezzocannone (by the university).  Continue up the hill into the historic center until you arrive at Via dei Tribunali.  Turn right and follow Tribunali until you reach Piazza San Gaetano.  The sign for Napoli Sotterranea is on your left side.

The tours last about 1 hour and a half.  It is advisable to wear a sweater even if it is hot outside.

More info: www.napolisotterranea.org

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.

The lower level is the oldest, going back to the 3rd-4th century and may actually be the site of an earlier pre-Christian cemetery later ceded to the new sect. It apparently became an important religious burial site only after the entombment there of Bishop Agrippinus of Naples. The second level was the one expanded so as to encompass the other two adjacent cemeteries.

The foundation of San Gennaro extra Moenia is connected with the Catacombs of San Gennaro, the largest Christian catacomb complex in southern Italy. The first structure was probably the result of the fusion of two ancient burial sites, one from the 2nd century CE that contained the remains of Saint Agrippinus of Naples, the first Patron saint of Naples, and the site from the 4th century CE that contained the remains of San Gennaro, the now traditional patron saint of the city.

The site was consecrated to Gennaro (Januarius) in the fifth century on the occasion of the entombment there of his remains, which were later removed to the Cathedral of Naples. Until the eleventh century the catacombs were the burial site of Neapolitan bishops. Between the 13th and 18th century, they were the victim of severe looting. Restoration of the catacombs was made possible only after the transfer of skeletal remains to another cemetery.

Address: Via di Capodimonte 13

Hours: Guided tours only. Tue-Sun, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm

Phone: 081 7411071

Price: €3

Directions: Turn right out of hostel and you will arrive at Via Depretis.  Cross to the bus stop on the other side of the street and catch R4 bus to Via Capodimonte.  Follow alley alongside of the Madre del Buon Consiglio church.

The card is activated on entry to the first site or on first use of the transport system and is valid for 3 or 7 days depending on the chosen itinerary.
While the card is valid it is possible to charge it with a single itinerary and several special events (pluses).
The card can only be used by the holder, is not transferable, must be endorsed on entry to each site and shown to site or transport staff on request. The “card giovani” must be supported by an identity document when shown and can be used by 18 to 25 year olds from EU member countries and from states subject to conditions of reciprocity, in observance of the provisions in force governing admission to Italian state museums and archaeological sites.
Admission to all sites is permitted until one hour before closing.

3 Days Artecard:

Price: 27 Euro

UE citizen age 18-25 : 25 Euro

Free public transportation access

Free access to first 2 sites in itinerary

Valid for 3 days

50% discount from the 3^rd entrance to all other sites in the itinerary

7 Days Artecard:

Price:  30 euro

Free Access to first 5 sites in itinerary

Valid for 7 days

50% discount from the 6^th entrance to all other sites in the itinerary

What you can visit:

-         National Archaeological Museum

-         National Museum of Capodimonte

-         Certosa di San Martino

-         Sant’ Elmo Castle

-         Museum of Duca di Martina

-         Pignatelli Cortes Museum

-         The Royal Palace of Napoli

-         Civic Museum of Castel Nuovo

-         Diocesano Museum

-         Treasury Museum of San Gennaro

-         MADRE museum of Contemporary Art

-         Church of S. Maria Donnareggia Vecchia

-         National Railway Museum

-         Campi Flegrei Archaeological Museum

-         Baia Archaeological Park

-         The amphitheatre of Flavius in Pozzuoli

-         Tempio di Serapide

-         Rione Terra

-         The Royal Palace of Caserta

-         Anfiteatro Campano

-         The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Capua

-         Gladiators Museum

-         The Mithraeus

-         Complesso Monumentale Belvedere di San Leucio

-         Pompei Archeological Site

-         Ercolano Archeological Site

-         Scavi di Oplontis

-         The Antiquarium of Boscoreale

-         Scavi di Stabia

-         Archaeological Museum of Paestum

-         Museo Narrante di Hera Argiva

-         Pastum Scavi

-         Scavi di Velia

-         The Certosa of San Lorenzo

-         The cave of the Angel or San Michele

-         Città della Scienza

Where you can buy:

Naples Central Railway Station

Moday – Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm

Sundays and Holidays: 9 am – 5 pm

Capodimonte Museum

Certosa di San Martino

Royal Palace of Napoli

Everyday from 9 am to 7pm (except on Wednesday)

National Archaeological Museum

Everyday from 9 am to 7 pm (except on Tuesday)

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 construction was the foundation of a decades-long project, leading up to World War I, to rebuild Naples. The project was appropriately termed the risanamento, literally meaning “make healthy again”.  The architectural design is that of Emanuele Rocco, who used modern architectural elements similar of those used for the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

The Gallery has an open and spacious inside with high glass dome ceilings.  There are four glass-vaulted wings, two of which open to the street.  One on the side of Via Toledo, and the other onto the San Carlo Theater.  It is interesting to note that Galleria Umberto was the setting for John Horne Burns’ The Gallery (1947).  It was based on this American writers’ experience as a soldier in post-war Naples.

Directions: Turn right out of hostel, then left on Via Depretis.  Walk towards the castle and pass it by about 100 meters.  Entrance to Galleria Umberto is on the right side of the street, facing the Teatro San Carlo.

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 longest consistently operating venue of its kind in all of Europe.  Over the years the Reale Teatro San Carlo has won many prestigious music awards.

The venue was inaugurated in 1737, on the name day of the Bourbon Charles VII of Naples, November 4th.  From the start  this opera house enjoyed widespread fame and recognition.  Not only because of its grandeur, but also because it had the largest seating capacity, 3,300 people, of all opera houses in Europe.    The inside is appropriately decorated with gold trim and blue upholstery, gold and blue being the official Bourbon colors.

During the days when Neapolitan artists were on top, and the opera house was in its heyday, guests could enjoy not only opera buffa, but also opera seria.  Naples virtually became the capital of European music, and many foreign composers considered a performance at San Carlo as the high point of their careers.  Some notable composers from the Neapolitan school of opera include: Feo, Piccinni, Durante and Anfossi.

If you would like information on seeing a ballet, opera, or musical performance you can go there directly for schedules, or you can check out their website: http://www.teatrosancarlo.it

Box office hours: Mon-Sat, 10:00-19:00.  Sun 10:00-15:30

Phone: 081 79 72 331

Directions: Turn right out of hostel.  Turn left on Via Depretis and head towards castle.  Pass castle and continue up hill about 50 meters.  Theatre is on left hand side on Via San Carlo.

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 the Amalfi Coast can you beat the spectacular views, majestic gardens and relaxing atmosphere you find in Ravello.

Of the town’s main attractions is the Duomo, found on the eastern end of the Piazza del Duomo. It was built in 1086, and since then has had many makeovers. Take special note of the impressive pulpit. It is supported by a fusion of six twisted columns upon marble lions, topped off with decorations of peacock and dancing lion mosaics. To amplify perspective the floor is slanted towards the square. The downstairs area of the Duomo houses the cathedral museum which contains a fair amount of religious artifacts.

Another sight that should not be missed is the Villa Rufolo, located south of the cathedral. It is renowned for its illustrious 19th century gardens that lend spectacular views. The garden’s flowers are best described as exotic and colorful with splendid blooms. Upon seeing this impressive feat of nature Wagner decided that the gardens would be the setting for an act in his opera Parsifal.

If you would like to visit another villa, check out the 20th century Villa Cimbrone, east of Piazza del Duomo. There are more gardens and views, the best viewpoint being the Belvedere of Infinity.

Directions: From hostel go to the SITA bus station inside of Porta di Massa and buy a ticket to Amalfi. From Piazza Flavio Gioia in Amalfi another SITA bus departs every 30 minutes for Ravello. Cost is €1, ride is approximately 25 minutes.

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.

The island is only 4 square kilometers. If you are not looking for a day of beach lounging, covering most of the island on bike or foot shouldn’t be a problem. Bike hire and boat trips are available once you reach the island.

Sights to see on Procida:
1) Castello d’Avalos- previously a Bourbon hunting lodge and prison.
2) Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo- old Benedictine abbey, contains paintings and catacombs.
3) Corricella- colorful pink and yellow village at the marina.
4) Chiaia beach- possibly the island’s most beautiful beach.
5) Marina di Chiaiolella- go here for good eats, old-style

If you want to acquire a new skill, diving courses are available. It is also possible to hire the equipment, and you may also charter a yacht.

How to get there:

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.

Cuma became a sacred place in Roman mythology according to Virgil’s tales. At Avernus, a lake near Cuma, there is an entrance to the underworld used by Aeneas to be able to communicate with the Sybil. Since ancient times the “Cave of Sybil” has been the most mysterious place in all of the Phlegraean Fields. The cave measures 5 metres in height and over 130 metres in length. The cave would be pitch black if it wasn’t for the piercing shafts of light streaming down the cave walls.

Things to see at Cuma:
1) The Cave of Sybil
2) The Temple of Apollo
3) The Temple of Jupiter
4) The Forum of Samnite and Roman periods
5) Spa complex of the Republican period
6) Necropolis with royal tombs
7) Amphitheatre

Acropoli di Cuma: 081 854 30 60, Via Montecuma
Hours: daily, 9am-1hr before sunset
Price: €4, or €2 for EU members 18-24
Directions: From Montesanto station (near via Toledo) take the Cumana train and get off at Fusaro. From there take the S.E.P.S.A. Miseno-Cuma bus.

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.

From the palace’s courtyard a gigantic  double staircase leads to the entrance of the  royal apartments.  Today these apartments house the Museo del Palazzo Reale.  Inside the museum you will find an extensive collection of both neoclassical and baroque remains that evidence  how  royalty furnished their residences.  Included are porcelain objects, tapestries, paintings and statues.  As part of the royalty’s life of luxury a private theater was built on the premises, the Teatrino di Corte.  In the Cappella Reale, or Royal Chapel, there is an enormous presepe, a traditional nativity scene.  The national library contains more than 2000 papyruses uncovered at Herculaneum, and also pieces of a 5th century Coptic Bible.  Don’t forget your ID or you’ll miss out.

Royal Palace: 081 40 05 47

Hours: Thu-Tue, 9am-7pm

Price: €4

Directions: Turn right out of hostel.  Take a left on Via Depretis and walk towards the Castel Nuovo.  Walk passed Piazza Municipio and passed the Castel Nuovo.  Continue up Via San Carlo.  You will walk directly into Piazza Trieste e Trento which is the side where you may enter the palace.

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.

Work began on this castle in 1279, when Charles I of Anjou ordered a castle to be built to house the court.  He did this when the capital of the Kingdom of Naples moved from Palermo to Naples.   It took 3 years to finish construction which was managed by French architects, however, the castle has undergone several reconstructions since the original.  The castle is distinguishable by its facade of tough grey stone imported from Mallorca.

In the following years after construction was complete the castle became the epicenter of important activities and events:  In 1294, in one of the castle’s halls,  Pope Celestine V resigned his position.  Less than two weeks later, also in the castle,  Boniface VIII was elected as the new pope by the cardinal collegium.

In the following years the castle came under assault many times until the Kingdom was finally annexed by Spain in 1494, at which point it was reduced to use as a military fortress.

Inside the castle’s Cappella Palatina you will find worn away traces of Giotto frescoes near the Gothic windows.  You can also visit the Museo Civico that occupies the halls on three separate floors.  There is an abundance of 14th and 15th century sculptures and frescoes, as well as 17th-20th century paintings by Neapolitan artists.

Museo Civico: 081 795 5877

Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-7pm

Price: €5

Where: You can’t miss this coming from the hostel! Turn right out of the hostel, walk to the end of our street, look to your left.

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.

The town of Caserta was founded by the Lombards in the 8th century.   Beginning on top of an ancient Roman site, it continued to expand down the plains.  The construction of this grand Bourbon palace has assured that this otherwise sleepy town will never not be forgotten.

In 1996 the Palace of Caserta was named as an UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of the spectacular Baroque art.  It is also of interest that scenes from the films Mission Impossible III, Star Wars Episode 1, and Star Wars Episode 2 were filmed at this site.

Phone: 0823-448084

Hours: 8:30am-7:00pm.  Park: opens 8:30, last entrance 2:30pm.  Closed Tuesday.

Price: €7 palace, €3 park/garden

How to go: From hostel catch the R2 bus to train station Garibaldi.  Take the Circumvesuviana train to Caserta.  Castle is right outside of station.

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!

Spaccanapoli begins in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, identified by an 18th century baroque obelisck in its center. On the north side of the piazza you will find the famous Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo. The church’s unique facade of protruding pyramid-shaped stones will drawn you inside for a visit. Being from the 16th century, the church is exemplary of the city’s Renaissance architecture. Inside you will find frescoes by Neapolitan artists Cosimo Fanzago, Luca Giordano and Francesco Solimena.

On the east side of the piazza you find the Basilica di Santa Chiara, a reconstructed Gothic style complex. This church is famous for the beautiful, individually hand-painted ceramic tiles that completely cover the nuns’ cloisters. These tiles are a true example of unique local artwork, as the tiles convey scenes of Neapolitan culture and landscape, as well as the nuns’ lives.

Heading east on Spaccanapoli you will eventually hit the crossroad Mezzocannone. Venturing down this street you can visit the Centro Musei Scienze Naturali. One of the natural science museums is the Museo della Mineralogia, which features around 30,000 minerals, making it one of Italy’s most important. Also, take a look at the Museo della Antropologia, Museo della Zoologia and the dinosaur bones at the Museo di Paleontologia.

Back up at the intersection of Mezzocannone and Spaccanapoli you can relax with a beer or a coffee in Piazza San Domenico Maggiore. This piazza, along with Piazza Gesù, tends to be a hangout spot for students, as it is right next to the univerity.

Reaching Spaccanapoli is a quick 20 minute walk from the hostel. Just ask one of our staff members to point out the way on your map.

Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo: 081 551 86 13
Hours: 6:45am-1pm and 4-7:30pm

Basilica di Santa Chiara: 081 552 62 09
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm and 4:30-5:30pm. Sun, 8am-1pm and 5:30-7:30pm.
Nuns’ Cloisters: Mon-Sat, 9:30am-6:30pm. Sun, 9:30am-2:30pm.
Price: €4

Centro Musei Scienze Naturali: 081 253 51 60
Hours: Mon, 9am-1:30pm and 3-5pm. Tue-Sun, 9am-1:30pm.
Price: €2.50 each museum or €4.50 for all museums.

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.  During what may be the most important festival  of the city, the Festa di San Gennaro, thousands of people congregate in the Duomo to hope for a miracle.  The Saint’s blood is brought out with the hopes that it will liquefy.  According to superstition, this miracle protects any harm or evil on the city of Naples.  If the blood doesn’t liquefy disaster can strike.  Coincidentally the miracle failed in 1944 and there was an eruption of Vesuvius.  It failed once again in 1980 and an earthquake struck the city.  The festival takes place three times a year, once on the first Sunday of May, and again on 19 September and 16 December.

This cathedral was built on top of previous churches, which were built on top of a temple for the god Neptune.  The present Duomo was began in 1272 by Charles I of Anjou.  Because of countless remodels over the centuries the Duomo’s stylistic characteristics come from several influences.  Inside, in the Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius, the main attraction is the collection of famous frescoes by artists such as Domenichino and Giovanni Lanfranco, as well as alterpieces by Massimo Stanzione and Jusepe Ribera.  Don’t forget the bronze railing by Cosimo Fanzago and the 14th century reliquary by French masters.   Apart from these works you will find a plethora of other frescoes, canvasses and sculptures throughout the cathedral and the chapels.

Duomo: Via Duomo 081 44 90 97
Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am-12:30pm and 4:30-7pm. Sun, 8:30am-1pm and 5-7pm
How to go: Turn right out of hostel onto Via Depretis which becomes Corso Umberto.  Walk about 10 minutes to Via Duomo.  Take a left on Via Duomo and continue about 5 minutes.  Duomo is on your right side.

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 Certosa di San Martino, or, Saint Martin’s Charterhouse, was initially a Carthusian monastery, completed in 1368.  In the 17th century it’s expansion  was directed by Cosimo Fanzago, and has remained the same exemplary baroque structure we see today.  In the early 19th century, under French dominion, the monastery was shut-down and subsequently abandoned by the religious order.  Today we can enjoy the museum the ex-monastery houses.  There you will find a fine collection of Spanish and Bourbon artifacts.  In addition there are plenty of  famous frescoes and paintings, not to mention one of the world’s finest presepes, or Nativity scenes.

Right next to Certosa stands Castel Sant’Elmo whose origins date back to 1275.  It was originally built in a medieval architectural style, but was modified to serve strategic-defensive purposes.  Seen from an aerial view the castle takes the shape of a six point star, supposedly the most militarily strategic shape.  Ironically, the castle’s military use was minimal.  Instead, it’s dungeons got plenty of use as a military prison up as far as the 1970’s.

Castel Sant’Elmo: Via Tito Angelini, 20.
Tel: 0815784030
Hours: daily, 9:00- 18:30, closed Wednesday
Price: 3 Euro.
How to go: From hostel walk to Via Toledo.  Take the Funicolare Augusteo until the last stop, Fuga.  The Castle is at 5 minutes walking distance.

Certosa di San Martino: Piazzale San Martino 5.
Tel: 0815586408
Museum Hours: 8:30-19:30, closed Wednesday
Price: 6 Euro.
How to go: From hostel walk to Via Toledo.  Take the Funicolare Augusteo until the last stop, Fuga.  The Certosa is at 5 minutes walking distance

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 islet Megaride, 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.

You may be wondering about the origin of this castle’s strange name.  Well, legend has it that the classic poet Virgil placed a magic egg under the foundations of the castle as a way to protect it.  Unfortunately, if the egg breaks, both the castle and the entire city will meet their doom.

The small islet was first colonized by Greeks in the 9th century B.C.   Since this time, the islet has been under control of various rulers, who have transformed the edifice from a fortress, to a Roman villa, to a monastery, and to a castle (the city’s oldest).

Places to visit inside the castle include the Museum of Ethno-Prehistory, Sala delle Collone (”Columns Hall”), and Loggiato.  For spectacular views don’t miss the Torre Maestra and the Torre Normanna.  If you want to dine, just outside the castle there are old fisherman’s houses which have been turned into quality restaurants.   The site is only a 15-20 minute walk from the hostel.

Phone: 081-2400055

Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm. Sun, 8am-2pm

Bus: 152, C25, or 140

Admission: Free for castle.  Prices vary for exhibits, 10% discount with Artcard.

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 archaeological museum in Europe.

The building which houses the museum was built during the later half of the 16th century, initially called the ‘Palace of the Royal Studies’. Among the most important in the museum is the Farnese collection of Charles of Bourbon, including Roman sculptures and portraits, added to the museum at the beginning of the 19th century and the archaeological findings from Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabiae, towns buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The museum contains over 100 various exhibitions located throughout the basement, mezzanine, ground and first floors of the museum, some dating as far back as 200 BC. Also in the collection are many sculptures attained from Pompeii, Herculaneum and other archaeological sites in Campania. The frescoes located throughout the museum, collected from various sites around Campania and southern Italy give us a wonderful insight into the everyday life in these cities during Ancient times. These paintings range from human sacrifices to burial rites to the beginning of spring. What perhaps amazes the most is that these frescoes, sculptures and other antiquities have survived so well the eruption of Vesuvius as well as over 2000 years of existence.

Opening times: Tuesdays closed, Wednesday-Monday   9am – 7.30pm

Admission: €6,50, 18-25 years €3,25, under 18 and over 65 free

How to get to the museum:

The museum is located in the historical centre of Naples, at the top of ‘Via Toledo’ and is easily reachable by foot from Hostel of the Sun, by taking the Metro Line 1 to ‘Museo’ station, or the buses R4, C57 or C63.

Piazza Museo, 19

The Museum owes its name to the building that houses it, the Palazzo Donnaregina, which stands next to the Monastery of S. Maria Donnaregina. All that remains today are two churches: the church of S. Maria Donnaregina on Piazza Donnaregina, built in the baroque period, and the earlier church of S. Maria Donnaregina Vecchia, in Quattrocento Gothic, today open to the public during exhibitions and special events organized by the Museum.
In June 2005, the MADRE celebrated its new premises by opening the site-specific installations on its first-floor rooms. This was followed in December 2005 by the inauguration of the historical collection housed on the second floor. The third floor of the building houses temporary exhibitions, current details of which can be found on the museum website.

Via Settembrini 79, 80139 Napoli
+39.081.193.13.016

OPENING TIMES:
Wednesday-Sunday
10.00am – 00.00pm
Tuesday: CLOSED

ADMISSION:
Ticket € 7,00
Reduced € 3,50
Special pre-booked groups [max 30]: € 4,00
INFO AND RESERVATIONS
Phone: +39.081.193.13.016
[Monday - Sunday: 10.00am - 08.00pm]

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.

The first and second floors house the Galleria Nazionale (National Gallery), with paintings from the 13th to the 18th centuries including major works by Simone Martini, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, El Greco and many others. The museum is by far the best place to see Neapolitan paintings.  Much of the ground floor is taken up by part of the magnificent Farnese collection of classical, mostly Roman, sculptures.

HOW TO ARRIVE:
From the National Archaeological Museum take buses C57, R4 and C63.

OPENING TIMES:
Thursday-Tuesday 8.30-19.30
Wednesday: CLOSED

ADMISSION:
Ticket  € 7,50
18-25 year olds €3,75, under 18’s and over 65’s free admission

INFO AND RESERVATIONS:
Tel. 0039.081.7499111
www.museo-capodimonte.it

ADDRESS:
via Miano 2, 80131 – Napoli

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 volcanoes 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.  If you can handle it you will have the chance to get up close and personal with the explosions of sulphuric gas, as there is typically no barrier that separates you and the “‘devil’s stink”.  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.

A stop at Solfatara will give you a bit of insight into how people in the Middle Ages used to relax.  During its heyday it was among the most famous spa destinations.   The sulphurous waters, boiling mud and hot saunas were believed to have a therapeutic effect on the body and overall health.  Furthermore, young travelers of noble families wouldn’t miss a trip to the volcano for the educational experience.

Some of you more adventurous travelers may want to visit this volcano for your own personal field research.  Recent scientific studies have caused debate concerning a link between the volcanic sulfor and an above average number of weddings and births in its location, Pozzuoli.  Is this just coincidence?     It has been discovered that two of the enzymes which cause a particular erotic reaction in the male member are also present is the sulforic gas that streams out of the Solfatara.  You may want to ask yourself if this is the real reason that Solfatara is visited by over 100.000 tourists annually.

The site is only 10km from the center of Naples, and requires only 1-2 hours to visit.  We recommend going either in the morning or the afternoon in order to beat the heat that the ground emits, and also a pair of sturdy tennis shoes.  From the ticket office the site is just a 10 minute walk on flat ground.

Hours: open daily from 8:30 until one hour before dusk.

Cost: 6 Euro

By Bus: line 152 or Sepsa bus from Piazza Garibaldi.

By Train: take Metro to Pozzuoli-Sulfatara station. From here you can walk 800 meters to the entrance, or take the cit bus P9.

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.

Reviews Of Naples Food

Fodor’s Reviews Of Naples Food

Travelmuse Food Options

But please note that 3 pizza shops carry Sorbillo name on Via dei Tribunal.   Make sure to look for the crown and correct address listed below.  The best pizzas here are the standard  Neapolitan pizza, but Sorbillo has a tasty Pesto Pizza and dozens of choices.  Of all the pizzerias in Naples, this location provides the best atmosphere and open-seating.

• Credit Cards: AE, DC, MC, V
• Closed: Closed Sun. (except Dec.) and 2 wks in Aug.

Other Information

Facebook Page For Gino Sorbillo

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

Lonely Planet Guide To Naples, Italy

Frommers Guide To Naples, Italy

Hiking Maps For Italy

Naples Nightlife

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! 

How To Get To Da Michele Pizza from Hostel Of the Sun

Via Cesare Sersale 1, Spaccanapoli

Visit their website {Da Michele Official Site}

Di Matteo Pizza

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. Located on the famous Via dei Tribunali in centro and the city’s historical center, you can purchase a pizza and eat on the street, or climb inside and claw your way to an available table. Pizza’s start at just 3EURO.

How To Get To Di Matteo Pizza From “Hostel of the Sun”

Video Of Di Matteo Pizza

Waiters bada-bing their way around to tables, turn on music and request guests to join them in an impromptu dance, while yelling orders to the cook.  Immerse yourself in a dining-environment which brings to life eating dinner within a chaotic Italian family.  If you don’t find yourself laughing at some point during the night, you shouldn’t be allowed to travel in Italy.

How To Get to Nennella from Hostel of the Sun

Vico Lungo Teatro 103-105, Centro Storico

See Nennella In Action With These Videos

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 large number of the artefacts found on the site of Pompeii are now on display in the ‘Museo Archeologico Nazionale’ in Naples. It is best to visit Pompeii as a day trip, and perhaps to avoid the really hot hours as there is very little shade.

How to get to Pompeii

The best starting point to discover Pompeii is from Naples. From Naples you either take a SITA bus from ‘Porta Immacolatella’ to ‘Pompeii-Scavi’ which leaves regularly and takes about half an hour, or catch the ‘Circumsuviana’ train from the Stazione Centrale in Naples in the direction of Sorrento and get out at ‘Pompeii-Scavi’ station (a one-way ticket costs 2.30 euros).

Main sights in Pompeii

1.‘Tempio di Venere’ (Temple of Venus) originally one of the town’s most lavish temples.
2.‘Tempio di Apollo’ (Temple of Apollo), the oldest religious building in Pompeii.
3.The market along Via Marina, including the remains of shop fronts.
4.‘Teatro Grande’ or ‘Large theatre’ which would have seated around 5000 spectators, the ‘Teatro Piccolo’ and the ‘Caserma dei Gladiatori’ or the ‘Gladiators Barracks’.
5.‘Terme Stabiane’, the 2nd century BC baths, where along hot and cold rooms you can still see a number of murals, some with erotic content. If this is your kind of thing take a look as well at the town brothel, the ‘lupanaro’.
6.‘Villa dei Misteri’, one of the best-preserved structures in Pompeii.
7.For a good overview and to see some of the best artefacts take a trip to the ‘Museo Vesuviano’. Admission to the museum is free.

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.

How to get to Amalfi:

Most people visit Amalfi as a stop on a tour of the whole Amalfi Coast. Amalfi is also very easy to reach from Naples centre. In high season there is a ferry that takes passengers from Naples to the port of Amalfi, and there are also two SITA buses from 8:45am and 9:10am which leave from nearby the hostel.  When catching the bus to Amalfi it is recommended that you sit on the right hand side, in order to make the most of the spectacular views.

Top things to do in Amalfi:

1. The ‘Sant’Andrea’ cathedral. Described as one of the most striking cathedrals in the whole of southern Italy, this cathedral is also located on the town’s main square, the ‘Piazza del Duomo’. The cathedral dates from the early 10th century, although has been restored and added to since then.
2. There are a couple of museums in Amalfi, ‘Il museo della carta’, a paper museum in a 13th century paper mill and ‘Museo Civico’ containing the manuscript of the city’s ancient maritime code.
3. A must is a short boat trip costing around 5 euros from Amalfi to the ‘Grotta dello Smeraldo’ or the ‘Emerald Cave’.
4. Shopping is also pretty good in Amalfi, although you will find a huge amount of shops catered to tourists.

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.

How to get there:

From Naples tae the ‘Circumsuviana’ train from the central station to Sorrento. The train takes about an hour and costs 3.60 euros. From the train station it’s about a 300 m walk into town. It’s also possible to get the ferry to and from Naples. There are about 6 per day and will cost you around 15 euros for a round trip. Ferries dock into Marina Piccola, and 200-step climb up from there to the Piazza Tasso, the centre of town.

Top things to do in Sorrento:

1.‘The Amalfi Drive’ so called for obvious reasons, this road originally built by the Romans goes between Sorrento and Amalfi. At some points carved out of the cliff face, this drive is one of the most popular attractions in the area.

2.A trip to the cathedral on Corso Italia: it’s more impressive inside than out.

3.Take a look at the views of the coast from ‘Villa Communale Park’.

4. If you’re planning a trip around Easter, read up on the famous processions that take place through the town on Good Friday. The first one begins very early Good Friday morning, with participants clad in white hooded robes, with the Madonna carried aloft ‘in search of her son’. The second procession begins later in the evening, with participants now wearing black robes, in mourning for the death of Christ. These processions attract hundreds of participants.

5.Make you try a good sample of the famous liquor Limoncello, originating from this region.

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.

How to get there:

It is very simple to get to Ischia from Naples, and if you fancy a bit of island hopping there are also ferries connecting Ischia to both Procida and Capri.  Ferries leave Naples from a number of different ports including ‘Porta di Massa’ and ‘Beverello’ roughly every twenty minutes and take about an hour.  Prices range from 5 euros to 15, depending o the speed of the boat you choose!
There is a bus service on Ischia, but many choose to hire a car or scooter for the day.  Prices aren’t high (around 30 euros), there are plenty of car rental places and you can see a great deal more of the island this way.  There is also the possibility of hiring mountain bikes, which typically cost around 10 euros for the day.  Neither bikes nor cars can be taken off the island.

Top things to do on Ischia:

1.Castello Aragonese, a castle set on a rocky out-crop near Ischia Ponte.  Connected to the mainland by a causeway.  This is not only a interesting historical sight, but provides brilliant views to the island of Procida and Ischia Ponte.
2.The gardens at ‘La Mortella’ are definitely worth a visit whether you’re into gardening or not.  These beautiful landscaped gardens are considered some of Italy’s finest.
3.For fantastic panoramic views take the steep climb up from the village on Fontana in the centre of the island to the top of Monte Epomeo, the highest peak on Ischia at 788 m.
4.Ischia has many brilliant beaches, but some of the best are ‘Marina dei Maronti’, a 3km long beach near the town of Borano, Cartaromana beach and Citara beach, near the town of Forio and one of the more popular on the island.

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.

How to get to Capri:
Ferries to Capri from Naples are operated by a few different companies depart from the ports ‘Molo Beverello’ and ‘Calata Porta di Massa’ (usually the cheaper option).  Prices range from 9.60 euros up to 17 euros, and Ferries or Hydrofoils depart roughly every half an hour from 5.40 am until 20.10 pm. Ferries arrive into the ‘Marina Grande’.

Getting from the port to Capri town:
From the port it is just a five-minute ride on the funicular railway to Capri town.  Tickets for the funicular, which departs every fifteen minutes or less, can be bought from the ticket office in the port.  There is also a pretty good bus service that connects all the main attractions around the island.  Bus tickets can be purchased either on the bus or from the same office as the funicular railway.

Top things to do on Capri:

1.Capri town.  Relax over a drink in this busy square and watch the world go by.  The ‘Chiesa di Santo Stefano’ on the same square is also worth a visit.
2.Anacapri.  Take a visit to the ‘Villa San Michele’.  Built by a Swedish doctor Axel Munthe, this villa has fantastic views of the town of Capri and the coastline.  Open from around 9 am until 6pm during the summer months and only slightly less the rest of the months of the year, the cost of entrance is around 5 euros.
3.Grotta Azzura (the blue grotto).  Given it’s name because of it’ amazingly vivid blue colour; this is a definite must on Capri.  A trip will cost you from 15 to 20 euros and trips depart from ‘Marina grande’ (where the ferries from Naples arrive).  If you’re feeling really brave you always could swim in….
4.Villa Jovis.  Also known as the ‘Palazzo di Tiberio’ this Roman villa was built by the Emporer Tiberius and lies on north east of the island.  Access to the villa is only by foot and takes about an hour from Capri town centre along via Tiberio.

Capri is Italy’s most famous island and has been popular with the rich and famous for centuries because of its immense beauty and exclusivity.  Although it can become incredibly busy with tourists in the high season, it’s definitely worth a visit, although probably best to stay in Naples centre and head over for a day trip if you’re on a budget.  Taking an early boat there and a late one back will give you plenty of time to get the main sites in.

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.

It is not advised to stay in Herculaneum, another one best suited to a few hours’ visit.  We recommend staying in central Naples and perhaps visiting Herculaneum and Pompeii or Sorrento as a day trip.

How to get to Herculaneum

Herculaneum doesn’t attract the kind of numbers that Pompeii does, and is definitely not as well catered to them.  From Naples central station take the ‘Circumsuviana’ train in the direction of ‘Sorrento’ (the same train that takes you to Pompeii) and get off at ‘Ercolano’.  A return ticket from Naples should cost about 3.40 euros.  Although not well sign-posted, the site of Herculaneum is a short walk (around 600m) down the hill from the train station.

Main sights in Herculaneum

1.Terme Suburbane (suburban baths).
2.Casa d’Argo (Argus House) a good example of a noble Roman family’s house.
3.Terme del Foro (Forum baths) brilliant mosaic floor.
4.Casa dei Cervi.  A two-storey villa with a nice courtyard and interesting statues.
5.Sacello degli Augustali.  A school from the time with fantastic murals.

Opening Times:  April-October    daily 8.30 am-7.30 pm
Novemer-March    daily 8.30 am-5 pm
Last entry is an hour before closing time.
Price:            Entry is 11 euros (EU students 5.50, under 10s and over 65s free).
website

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.
The volcano has been very quiet for the last 65 years, and it is for this reason that is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Because it has been quiet for so long  voulcanologists believe that next eruption will be very large, the scale of destruction increasing again due to the fact that over 3 milion people live in the direct path of a potential eruption.  If you intend on climbing Vesuvius a perfect place to base your trip is the city of Naples, from which the volcano is reachable within an hour.

How to get by bus to the top of Vesuvius From Naples

If you decide to climb the volcano you certainly won’t be disappointed, and getting there is very simple.  From Naples you take the train to Pompeii: the ‘Circunvesuiana’ train from Naples city centre takes 20 minutes to arrive at Pompeii, and the ‘SITA’ train and bus leave every 30 minutes.  A one-way ticket from Naples to Pompeii costs 2,40€.  Once you are in Pompeii, inside the Pompeii station you will find the ticket office ‘VESUVIANA MOBILITA’; and it is from here that you buy the ticket (price 8,60€) for the bus that takes you from immediately outside Pompeii station to the top of the volcano.  From here it is roughly 30 minutes walk to the crater itself.

And for those who would rather walk it?

If you enjoy walking, climbing Vesuivius from the very bottom really is a fantastic experience. On the way up you can admire the beautiful natural park and the flora that grow on the lava. The best place to base your stay and plan your climb is the nearby city of Naples.  From here it is best to wake early, and catch the Circunvesuiana from Napoli to Ercolano (Hercolaneum), where most begin their ascent. Outside the station in Ercolano simply follow the signs; the hike will take around 3 or 4 hours.  If you can’t face the trek down you can always catch the bus back from the top!

Facts:

Height:       1281 meters ( 4203 ft)
Base:           40 Km
Number of eruptions:   over 50 ( most famous 79 DC)     Where can you sleep in Naples ?

If you are looking for a place to stay in Naples from which you can begin your trip to Vesuvius, we thoroughly reccomend a stay at ‘Hostel Of The Sun’ , more info ww.hostelnapoli.com.  Here they provide top rated accomodation, which comes reccomended by all the major travel guides: ‘Lonely planet’, ‘Rough Guide’, ‘Let’s go Europe’, ‘Frommer’s’ , and ‘Guide Du Routrad’ to name a few.  This place has reputation of beeing safe, clean and very welcoming, always winning awards and is considered one of the best if not the best hostel in Italy.  Prices start from 16 euros per person including breakfast, free internet and use of a common room and kitchen.