Nothing beats a summer bank holiday in Naples.

30 Jul 2019

Gruppo UNA

Moreover, the region around Naples is full of attractions, from the ruins of Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri. So beach fans, foodies, history buffs - everyone can feel right at home.

That's especially true when you travel with Gruppo UNA. When you arrive, the staff at the UH Napoli will see to your every need. From Pompeii tickets to seats at a Napoli football match, everything can be arranged. But how should you spend your summer holiday in Naples? Let's make some suggestions to get you started.

Amalfi Coast

Go Back in Time With a Visit to Pompei.

Spread across 163 acres, Pompeii is probably the world's most famous archaeological site. As you probably know already, what was once a thriving coastal port was buried by an ash cloud from the Vesuvius volcano in 79AD.

In places, visiting is a sobering experience. Caught unawares, many inhabitants were frozen in place by the heat of the blast, and visitors can still see where they lay. But on a brighter note, the volcano preserved the paintwork and mosaics of Roman homes to a degree unmatched anywhere else.

pmpei

With such a large site, it's best to take a guided tour. Experts can provide all the background you need about the Temple of Jupiter, the Forum, the huge Teatro Grande, and domestic locations like the House of Menander. But leave a day (or two) to see it all. You won't regret it.

As a side note, neighbouring Herculaneum was also buried in 79AD, and maybe less packed with crowds. In fact, it's worth doing both cities, as Herculaneum features multi-storied Roman buildings that are very, very rare. If you love history, it's a must-see.

Live the movie star Lifestyle on Capri.

Just 45 minutes by hydrofoil ferries from Naples' Molo Beverello, the island of Capri has captured the hearts of Roman emperors, writers, film stars, and generations of tourists. And when you descend to the magical Blue Grotto, chow down on seafood at the Marina Piccola, or clamber the gorgeous terraces of the Gardens of Augustus, you'll see why.

If you plan ahead, you can see most of Capri's sights in a day, but take transport into account (renting bikes is one good idea). Don't miss the ancient artefacts held at the Villa San Michele, the chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro, or the villa of Emperor Tiberius.

Enjoy Some Neapolitan Street Food.

One of the great joys of spending a summer holiday in Naples is the chance to devour the city's world-famous cuisine. For many people, Naples is most famous for being (according to legend) the birthplace of pizza. And you won't struggle to find exceptional examples, especially with the guidance of your Gruppo UNA staff.

But Neapolitan food goes way beyond dough, cheese, and tomato. A trip to La Pignasecca market will expand your horizons in this regard, offering a chance to sample almost everything the city has on its menu.

There are bowls of crisp, freshly-fried calamari, plucked straight from the Mediterranean, which combines well with deep-fried courgette leaves and a dash of lemon from the region's groves. Panuozzo sandwiches bridge the gap between healthy sandwiches and pizzas, while sfogliatella pastries come packed with ricotta cheese and candied fruit - the perfect complement for street food snacks.

And yes, in case you were wondering, it is possible to buy deep-fried pizzas. And yes, they are delicious, if a little demanding on the digestive system.

Take a Tour of Naples Historic Attractions.

While Capri and Pompeii offer historical interest outside Naples, the city itself competes well when it comes to antiquities, with an endless choice of museums, galleries, and palaces. After all, Naples was the capital of a kingdom which once spanned the Mediterranean, so there's a lot left over for modern visitors to see.

Castel Ovo is a good place to start. Located by the sea, this 12th-century castle is a symbol of Naples' seafaring past, and it's full of bloody stories, along with an engaging ethnology museum. After that, the Cappella Sansevero offers artistic delights and unexpected scientific treats, with its Renaissance models of the human body.

Castel dell'Ovo, Napoli

Going underground, the Catacombs of San Gennaro are always fascinating, dating back to the early Christian era. And back on the surface, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale deserves a day on its own, filling visitors in on the deep past of the city, and the fate of Pompeii.

Finally, make time to visit Capodimonte. One of Italy's most spectacular palaces, Capodimonte holds a slew of masterworks by Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, and el Greco (to name a few). But the furnishings and architecture of this baroque jewel are a work of art in their own right, making the palace an unforgettable attraction.

Head to Naples for a Summer Holiday you'll always remember.

Naples is an intoxicating city. Lively, full of energy and passion, it seems to be both stuck in time and ever-changing. And it's a joyous place to visit, whether that's for the very first time, or to relive past vacations.

If you want to spend a summer holiday in Naples, we would love to help you enjoy your stay. Gruppo UNA manages some stunning accommodation in the Naples region, making it easy to relax and take in everything there is to see, learn, and taste in this superb destination.

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