There’s something magical about that first glass of prosecco before a trip begins. At Manchester Airport, with the evening sun spilling across the runways, it already felt like we’d stepped into holiday mode. A smooth flight later and we were landing at Napoli International Airport, ready for a taste of southern Italy.
Landing in Naples was just as easy. We breezed through customs and hopped straight onto the AliBus, which whisked us from the airport to the central bus station in no time. Tickets were pre-booked and validated on the app (ANM Go), making it quick, simple and stress-free.
After checking into our hotel, we had a warm greeting from the concierge before collapsing into bed, travel-tired but excited for the days ahead. Sleep didn’t come easy though, our floor was filled with jubilant Napoli football fans celebrating a win that night. Their joy echoed through the corridors, a true baptism into Neapolitan passion!
The next morning, after a quick breakfast, we hit the streets ready to explore. Naples was absolutely heaving, it felt like the entire city was out enjoying the sunshine. We wandered through the narrow lanes of the old town along Via dei Tribunali, peeking into the beautiful courtyard of the Fondazione Banco di Napoli before stepping inside the magnificent Duomo di Napoli, the city’s grand cathedral. With it being Sunday, we had the chance to witness part of a traditional mass, a moving experience surrounded by such grandeur.
From there, we made our way through the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter) and along the bustling Spaccanapoli, a narrow street that slices the city in two. We couldn’t resist exploring San Gregorio Armeno, known as “Christmas Street,” where artisan workshops display handcrafted nativity figures year-round.
By this point, it was definitely pizza o’clock. Because no visit to Naples is complete without it. We stopped at Antica Trattoria e Pizzeria da Nanninella for our first authentic Neapolitan pizza and it did not disappoint! Sitting outside on a lively, narrow street, with scooters zipping past and chatter filling the air, it was a perfect slice of Naples life in every sense.
If I’d planned a little further ahead, I’d have booked us into see the Veiled Christ at the Sansevero Chapel Museum and perhaps the Catacombs of San Gennaro, but that just gives us the perfect excuse to come back.
From Castles to Sunsets
Determined to walk off that incredible pizza, we strolled down towards Castel Nuovo and the port area before making our way to Piazza del Plebiscito.
On a whim, we decided to climb up to Castel Sant’Elmo, perched high on Vomero Hill and what a climb that was! The steps seemed endless (my legs are still recovering), but every bit of effort was rewarded. From the castle rooftop, the panoramic view of Naples is simply breathtaking and if you time it right, like we did, watch as the sun sets and the golden light washes over the city, with Vesuvius watching silently in the distance. Unforgettable.
The walk back down was far easier and we found a friendly little bar called Wine and Ammor (though the sign cheekily read “Master Beer”) and toasted our first full day in Italy with a perfectly chilled Aperol Spritz. Dinner followed at Green M’Ama, a lovely vegan eatery, before weaving our way back through the still-buzzing streets. Traffic, horns and chatter filled the air, Naples was alive and we loved every chaotic minute of it.
Arrivederci, Naples – Next Stop, Pompeii!
Monday morning came too soon and as if to see us off, the heavens opened the moment we stepped outside. We dashed for cover in a cosy café, watching the rain pour down over the cobbled streets before making our way to Piazza Nazionale for one last wander. Then it was on to the station, tickets in hand, ready for the next chapter of our journey — Pompeii!
