Top 14 Things to Do in Naples, Italy

 

If you’re ready for a vacation to an extraordinary place, we have the perfect getaway for you! Prepare for a week or two exploring ancient cities, basking on sunbaked beaches, shopping and dining.

On a European cruise with Carnival, you’ll have the opportunity to stop in exciting ports of call like Naples, located in the Campania region of southern Italy.

If you’re ready for a vacation to an extraordinary place, then a cruise to Naples is the perfect getaway for you.

In Naples, you’ll find a historic downtown area and a thriving art and culinary scene. The outskirts of the city offer even more wonders, including an active volcano, amazing archeological sites and picturesque seaside villages.

We’ve created a list of must-do activities so you can just focus on the fun! Check out our top 14 things to do in and around the city of Naples, Italy.

1. Visit the Royal Palace of Naples

Located in the city’s center at the Piazza del Plebiscito, you can find the Royal Palace of Naples. A tour of the building showcases furniture, tapestries, frescoes, porcelain and other decor dating back to the days of Spanish and Bourbon rulers. More features include a theater, library, throne room and chapel with artifacts like an 18th-century nativity scene and fragments of a fifth-century Bible.

2. Climb Mt. Vesuvius

Tap into your adventurous side and experience the Mt. Vesuvius Volcano just a few minutes east of Naples. This iconic and still-active volcano rises over 4,000 feet into the air and is a must-see on your trip.

After a 45-minute ride via motor coach, a 1,000-foot hike will lead you to the rim of the volcano’s crater. This exciting, guided journey requires energy, a sense of adventure and a passion for exploration!

3. Discover the Ancient City of Pompeii

If you long for adventure, don’t leave Naples without visiting the ancient city of Pompeii, which was covered in 20 feet of ash and pumice stone when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.

Excavation over the last two centuries has revealed homes, temples, an amphitheater and more. Walk through the cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in the history that is Pompeii.

4. Explore the Ruins of Herculaneum

Discover the ancient ruins of Herculaneum, a city once buried in mud during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. This mud preserved the contents of the city.

The stone, the wood and even fabrics remained intact under this mud for centuries. A tour of this ancient community features the buildings, bridges, stone walkways, tunnels and details like marble furniture, frescoes and mosaics. Step back in time and discover how this community lived centuries ago.

5. Visit Naples’ Archeological Museum

If your vacation schedule doesn’t permit a trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum, see artifacts from the prestigious archeological museum of Naples.

The museum’s vast collection features relics from Greek and Roman cultures, including mosaics, frescoes, sculptures, coins and more.

6. Take a Trip to Sorrento

Southeast of Naples, located on the bay, you will discover the beautiful town of Sorrento. Visit the beautiful main square filled with flowers and lots of opportunities for shopping.

Find vendors selling hand-painted ceramics, custom-made sandals and some of the tastiest oranges and lemons in the world. On a day out in Sorrento, you can visit a nearby farmhouse and sample Italian delicacies like salami, cheese, olive oil, wine and limoncello, a delicious, local liquor.

7. Explore the Wild at the Naples Zoo

Animal lovers looking for fun things to do in Naples can enjoy a trip to the Naples Zoo. Spread over 25 acres, this zoo is home to over 400 animals, including elephants, leopards, tigers, zebras and more.

In addition, the facility offers a beautiful botanical garden that displays plants from around the globe and a number of events for children throughout the year.

8. Discover Italian Wines

If you want to experience authentic Italian wines, head out to Sorrento and visit the region’s local wineries. Along the way, you’ll be take in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and travel through coastal roads.

When you arrive in Sorrento, you will have some free time to get to know Sorrento’s local shops. Afterward, you will be taken to a winery on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius where you may sample five wines and enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard.

9. Find Your Way Through the Catacombs

When you’re looking for cool things to do in Naples, Italy, consider a trip underground. Located beneath the neighborhood of Capodimonte are three cemeteries collectively known at the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Two, dark levels feature arched walkways, tombs and colorful frescoes depicting the likenesses of the deceased, such as some of Naples’ first bishops and the city’s protector saint, San Gennaro.

10. Enjoy a Short Cruise to Capri

No visit to Sorrento is complete without experiencing Capri and the Amalfi Coast, a place that is sure to make you feel like a celebrity for the day. You can take a quick trip from Sorrento by an electric surfboard, and you’re ready to explore.

Walk along the shorefront or ride the funicular to the hilltop central square. You’ll find charming shops and cafés, as well as plenty of opportunities to people watch.

11. Board the Central Funicular

For a fun way to get around Naples, board the Central Funicular, known to locals as the Funicolare Centrale. Operating since 1928, this 4,167-foot cable railway transports passengers from the city center to the Piazza Vanvitelli located in the Vomero neighborhood atop the hill.

While you’re exploring this elegant area, make sure to stop for authentic Italian pizza or pasta and gelato for dessert.

12. Experience Positano

Just around the corner from Sorrento, along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find the picture-perfect village of Positano. This popular vacation destination features colorful, sun-bleached structures built into the hillside. See the charming homes, restaurants, shops, galleries and hotels that line the steep, narrow streets.

Down at the bottom of the hillside, a pebble-covered beach offers sunbathing and water fun. While you’re exploring Positano, make sure to visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which features Byzantine artifacts and a golden Moorish tiled dome.

13. Check Out the Castel dell’Ovo

When you’re taking a cruise to Naples, don’t forget to add a few castles to your bucket list.

Built in the 12th century, the Castel dell’Ovo (Castle of the Egg) is the oldest castle in Naples. Legend has it that the Roman poet Virgil placed a magical egg under the castle’s foundation to keep it safe from ruin. According to this legend, as long as the egg remains intact, the castle will stand.

Sitting on a peninsula and jutting out to sea, the Castel dell’Ovo is open to the public for free, and its Museum of Prehistory holds various ticketed exhibitions throughout the year.

14. Stop at Castel Nuovo

Located in central Naples, Castel Nuovo (New Castle) is one of the city’s most visited architectural landmarks. Also called Maschio Angioino (Angevin Keep), the construction on this castle was completed in the late 13th century for Charles I of the House of Anjou. If you’re an art lover, you’ll enjoy touring this castle for its collection of Neapolitan paintings and a variety of other creative works.

Are you planning to cruise the Mediterranean for a week or two? Chances are you’ll pull into the port of Naples, Italy. These 14 ideas are just a few of the many things Naples has to offer.

Immerse yourself in its history, explore iconic landmarks and spend your days simply enjoying the beauty that surrounds this city. We’re ready to help you create memories that will last a lifetime, so don’t forget to tag us in your Naples, Italy adventure using #Choosefun!

Carnival Cruise is ready to take you on a memorable European vacation and a cruise to Naples, Italy is the perfect destination for you!