7 Best things to see & do in Naples

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 famously smothered the thriving Roman town of Pompeii with molten lava and choking volcanic ash.

Today, you can stroll along Pompeii’s streets and see the town as it was that day in extraordinarily vivid detail – right down to ruts in the roads caused by chariot wheels. Peer into perfectly preserved homes and shops, and wander round the Forum and Roman Baths.

Home to one of the greatest hoards of Greek and Roman treasures anywhere in the world, this 17th-century palazzo houses King Ferdinando’s enormous collection, along with artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae.

The collections include room after room of brilliant sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings, including the famous Farnese marbles. Another highlight is the Gabinetto Segreto, a collection of pornographic artifacts and mosaics from the houses of Pompeii and other sites.

It may look pretty innocuous but Vesuvius, the background to many a painting of Naples, is an active volcano and still commands respect and fear. Now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s possible to walk all the way up to the cone and experience fabulous views of Naples from the top.

Along the way, take time to marvel at the wonderfully rich diversity of plants thrown up by the volcanic soil.

The Sentiero degli Dei, a 4- to 5-hour hike, lives up to its name as it traverses the Mediterranean’s most spectacular stretch of coastline, south of Naples. This narrow path hugs the precipitous cliffs and slopes of the Lattari Mountains, which plunge straight into the Mediterranean far below.

Pompeii‘s less famous neighbour, the Roman city of Herculaneum, was also destroyed by the AD 79 AD eruption, buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash.

Only partially excavated (a large part of the ancient town still lies under modern Ercolano) it is much smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, and in many ways offers a more vivid glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome. You can see well-preserved buildings, intricate mosaics, and even carbonised wooden furniture.

It’s also far less busy than Pompeii – making it a more authentic and evocative experience.

The pizza phenomenon began in 1889, when visiting Queen Margherita was baked a pizza in the colours of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil leaves). Naples is still the place for the Margherita – made with tomatoes grown on Mount Versuvius and mozzarella from Campania water buffalo.

This a spectacular volcanic island in the Bay of Naples is a dedicated spa destination, boasting thermo-mineral pools, steam holes, rich volcanic mud and dozens of natural springs. Many of the island’s resorts operate as day-parks and the focus is primarily therapeutic rather than pampering. One for the spa aficionados.