4.5 and rounded up…read more Why not 5? Like some other reviews mention, the central part of town closer to the pier is pretty touristy nowadays, can get crowded and a disproportionate number of the shops along the path closer are clearly only geared towards tourists. Some people might like this though even as a tourist myself it can be a bit much. I will say--good thing it's less crowded than Sorrento and comparable to Positano, but still has a little more going on than the smaller villages like Atrani, Conca dei Marini, Maiori, or Minori. Though of course it depends what you're looking for, if it's more your thing to relax at a quiet beach town where you can hang on the terrace or lay on a beach, I can see why Amalfi might not do it for you. But let's get to Amalfi's appeal, of which there are many components: - views: why do people come if not for the views? Like most towns along this coast, when I arrived via ferry my eyes widened as we approached the colorful, cascading buildings layered on the hills. It's hard to find a bad view. - location: notated by multiple sources--Amalfi is a well-positioned transportation hub for exploring the coastline, with buses and ferries conveniently accessible. - food: while it didn't seem to have the breadth of sweet options as some of the larger towns, there are plenty of savory options, including many featuring local and regional ingredients. - beaches: the waterfront is quite long and there are several different beaches both private and public. The private beach clubs require day tickets which can be pricey though have more amenities. There are also beautiful grottos and caves that can be visited with individually arranged transportation or private tours. Would certainly return if I have the chance!

It is a must to see and though it is very crowded it is a view that is hard to beat. A lot of…read moretourists but don't forget you are one as well so have patience and soak in the ambiance and beauty. Try to check when the cruise ships are coming into port as the herds definitely create larger crowds (unless of course you came off the ship like we did). It is 2 lane road which is fine unless there is a wreck and then the trip is painfully slow as there is just limited access for emergency vehicles and cleanup. So take your time, and enjoy. We loved the trip.

One of the best experiences I've ever had. We had an archaeologist-led private tour and couldn't…read morehave asked for more. Amazing history, absolutely huge - I didn't understand the scale of Pompeii until we were there. Worth the trip to Napoli to visit Pompeii alone! Spectacular 10/10 highly recommend!!

The Scavi di Pompei is the English name for the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, which is an ancient…read morecity once buried by ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It's one of the most remarkable sites in Italy for visiting, and I would suggest at least make it a half day trip or a minimum three hours visit here.

Constructed in 1279, and for centuries the Royal residence of Naples' kings into the 16th century,…read morethe gothic exterior of this massive fortress with five towers is a magnificent reminder of Napoli's medieval history and maritime prowess, with an entrance over the largest man-made moat I've seen. Arriving at 5pm on a weekday afternoon, I scrambled (ie. speed walked for half a mile) to make it before their assigned last entry time, which I thought was 5pm for a 6pm closing time, though apparently it's last entry at 5:30pm. Well...I got an extra workout. There's a small ticket window to the left inside the main doors, which takes cash or card, and can also validate your city/museum pass (I had a Naples Pass). Regular admission is €15, tickets for local residents €10, free for children under 18. However because of ongoing renovations to major sections, they were offering reduced admissions of €10 and €6 respectively. Inside what's available to view as of mid-April 2026 are several components. To me each stands alone and feels a bit disjointed to the others, though given its lengthy history and different functions over time perhaps the range of spaces truly embodies the story of the castle, one embued with varied relevance and purpose. - Palatine Chapel: an austere chapel with stone block floors, inset with ledger stones.* - Archaeological route and former Armory room: this is where the ruins can be viewed below a glass floor--of what's believed to be past of a lavish Roman villa from 1st century BCE beneath the castle. Tours need to be pre-booked in advance if you want to descend to the underground level to visit these. - Hall of the Barons: this is the kind of grand hall I'd imagine medieval royalty to preside over, with a massive octagonal star-shaped arched stone ceiling and central round skylight, though it was actually a later construction in the 15th century. The layout includes a U-shaped wooden seating arrangement where the current Napoli city council meets. - Chapel of the Souls of Purgatory: single room with entrance off the courtyard to the right of the entrance to the Palantine Chapel, the frescos are colorful though space is small. - First floor Civic Museum - Art Gallery: this is up a flight of steps (aka the second floor for those of us across the pond), a gallery of about 50 works ranging from 15-18th century religious Neapolitan art, transferred here from other historic buildings that are no longer in use. - terrace on second floor with partial view of the port: I was a little disappointed since I thought the roof of the castle would be accessible though I'm glad I didn't rush here on my first day in Naples and instead went to Monte Echia nearby where the views were much better, more panoramic. It took about 30 minutes to walk around the parts that were open, there are more extensive galleries on the upper stories that were under renovation. I felt it made sense to reduce the price since some portions were closed. For more info: https://www.comune.napoli.it/vivere-il-comune/luoghi/castel-nuovo-maschio-angioino/#orari_apertura https://www.naplesinsider.com/en/e/castel-nuovo-maschio-angioino *an inscribed stone slab usually laid into the floor of a church to commemorate or mark the place of the burial of a deceased person. (as per Wikipedia)

Castel Nuovo was one giant construction site when we were here…read more Of course, it's been under construction for nearly nine hundred years. From Charles I House of Anjou, to the Kingdom of the two Sicily's (1266), to the Kingdom of Naples. It was also used by Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, who lived there for a short time in 1535. But no Italian history would've complete, without the involvement of de' Medici family of Florence. Seemed Alfonso V of Aragon (1443), had established a royal court here after conquered the throne of Naples and as with most little boys, he needed his to be, er um...grander. He intended for the Castel Nuovo to compete with the one in Florence by Lorenzo de' Medici. Ultimately he ended up completely rebuilding the entire fortress. A famous architect friend once observed to me, that it's important to be able to distinguish between "good" and "better." LOL The castle is very imposing. It has five huge turret like towers, that can be seen throughout Naples. Our driver couldn't figure out how to drop us off because of all traffic on Via Nuova Marina, so we settled for the nearby Galleria Umberto mall (see review) instead. LOL. See photos.

The Blue Grotto ... is an AMAZING little tourist attraction that is gorgeous. It's beautiful to see…read morethe water sparkle blue and to have to take a small boat inside. To get inside is 13 euro, but it's worth it especially your first time to Capri. The guys who are on the boat tell you the history of the Blue Grotto and do some singing also (I'll save the history for you to experience.) You aren't supposed to swim inside.. but they usually will let you anyways. They probably only let you spend about 20 minutes in here tops, because there's a constant rush of tour groups trying to get in. Come here by boat or if you are already in Anacapri, take a bus labeled Grotta Azzura and you are on your way!

Is this a tourist trap? Yes, absolutely, they know it and at every turn you are paying or tipping…read moresomeone. But, is this a must do experience? Yes, absolutely. I had to see that blue water for myself and I'm so happy I did it. Having been to Capri once before and not seeing the Blue Grotto, this trip we made sure to schedule this first thing in the morning and went with a private tour to simplify the process. Since it's popular and the grotto itself is small, there is often a long wait for your small boat to enter the cave. Especially in high season. Best advice, get there early, before it even opens at 9am otherwise you can wait 1-2 hours. That's waiting in a small boat in choppy waters! Also be aware that if the weather is bad and the water is too rough, the boats can't access the cave. We took a ferry from Sorrento to Capri then hopped on a boat that took the 25 of us over to the Blue Grotto. The ride there was about 15 minutes with beautiful views everywhere. We got there early before the cruise ship passengers and other tourists so the small boats and rowers immediately came over to us and explained the process which I will share, because if you are like me, the details matter. We sat on the edge of the larger boat and stepped down into the small boat with the help of the skipper and then immediately sat flat on the floor, legs stretched out. Each boat can hold 3 or 4 passengers based on weight,, 2 per side, and the second person sits within the legs of the first. Since we were the first boats this day, we didn't get wet but later in the day, I can imagine you will definitely be laying in water. The skipper took us over to a larger boat where you pay an entrance fee. After some discussion and showing proof that we already paid, they let us pass. Be prepared because they will try to get more money from you! The skipper then rowed us over to the cave entrance where we all had to lay flat as he grabs a metal chain attached to the inside wall of the cave and pulls the boat into the cave. It takes just a few seconds and then you can lift your head and marvel over the iridescent blue water inside. The water is as blue as the pictures, a result of the sunlight passing through an underwater cavity that shines upward creating a spellbinding blue color. It's truly one of natures miracles and wonders. The cave is small, much smaller than I envisioned. I assumed once we went through the opening it would be a large pool of water. It's not. It's a small area and there are 10 or 15 other boats and they row around in a circle. All of the skippers serenade their passengers but not in unison! It's quite an experience. It was challenging to get good pics inside. I recommend taking a video as that provided the best capture. After just a few minutes, the ride is done and you exit the cave, once again laying down. The skipper takes you back to the larger boat. This is when I got nervous wondering if I could get out without falling or tipping the boat! You step onto a wooden board that goes across the small boat, then sit on the edge of the larger and turn to bring your legs inside. Phew! Made it. The skippers are aggressive about tips but mine didn't have to be. I happily gave him $5 euros for the experience and for getting me out of the darn boat safely! So yes, it's touristy, but for me, it was a bucket list item and I'm happy I experienced it. Others in my group had been to Capri before and did the Blue Grotto so they passed and just spent more time exploring the shops and cafes. When I go back to Capri, I'll do the same as this is not something I have to experience twice.

A main street in the Centro Storico (historic center) of Naples, Via dei Trubunali is lined with…read moreboth touristy businesses as well local restaurants, boutiques, landmarks and historic sites that existed prior to this neighborhood becoming the tourist hotspot it is today. A bit torn on this review since it I'm not usually a fan of super crowded, souvenir-store-lined streets, however there are a significant number of worthy destinations here so rounded up. Some noteworthy spots include (from west to east: LAPIS Museum - Museo dell'Acqua Napoli, Sorbillo pizzerias (more to come in separate review), Napoli Sotturnea (underground tours), Complesso Monumentale San Lorenzo Maggiore (a basilica and history museum), and Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro (contains the jeweled relics from the treasury of the Naples Cathedral). Two notable streets that intersect Via dei Tribunali are Via S. Gregorio Armeno - with Christmas nativity figurine artisan shops, and Via Duomo - where Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta (aka Naples Cathedral) is located a block away. There are a good number of restaurants serving delicious local specialties including spaghetti puttanesca, pasta with Neapolitan ragu or local clams and white wine (alla vongole), Neapolitan style pizza, cuoppo frittura (cup of fried seafood, vegetables, pasta, etc). Considering the cobblestone streets and tight quarters, most of these family run restaurants are small so make reservations where you can or get there early!

Even on a rainy weekday in January, this is the place where it all happens. This is the main…read moretourist district of Naples and where you'll find all the trinkets, mementoes, street food and probably pickpockets. We returned later in the evening and it was interesting to see *everything* was closed. Despite tourists wandering around also looking for eats, I guess they don't mind. [Review 19211 overall - 362 in Italy - 181 of 2023.]

This is a small gift shop specializing in donkey themed merchandise, a traditional regionally…read moreimportant animal for the coastal towns established on steep hillsides. Notably there's a small man-made grotto on its exterior north face that exemplifies this region's longstanding love of miniature town and nativity scenes. The irregular coral-like stone formations form the landscape for hundreds of little figurines, shown herding sheep, preparing meals, gathering firewood, even drinking a beer. A few brightly colored goldfish live in this small fountain too. Amusing for a quick stop while walking down the central street in Amalfi.

3.5/5 stars Naples…read morereminds me a lot of NYC or Paris, minus things to do and green spaces or charm. TBH I was only here for a few days for pizza and Pompeii. Loved my Airbnb. Loved a couple cafes. The city is fun to walk around for a day, but I can't imagine spending more than a few days max. I don't believe Naples is a fair representation of Italy; it's just a dirty big city that gets incredibly crowded from huge cruise ship tourists pouring in daily.

Napoli is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city in Italy, after Rome and…read moreMilan. As of 2022 population was 909,048 within the city's administrative limits. Now it has been a while since I visited but since my maternal grandfather was born in Napoli I have to review. When I was there I saw why my grandfather loved spending the second half of his life in South Florida. I felt like I was at home. To me the food was a memorable experience. Delicious fresh pasta and seafood combination at a family owned restaurant. I have old photos that are precious to me. I'm recommending you visit and take your own!