A short break in Naples, Italy
Naples is a great choice for a short spring getaway, thanks again to the low cost and charter airlines that fly into its International Airport, 7km outside the city centre.
Again accommodation options are various, with prices and styles to suit all tastes and budgets. Take for example the Ramada hotel in the city centre, which offers luxurious rooms for around £65 per night. Those travelling on a budget will also be impressed by the many free , historic attractions within the city and the fact that the incredible Mount Vesuvius is just a short drive away.
So where to begin with so many interesting museums on offer? If you only have time to visit one, make it the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. The museum has been open since the 18th century and is full of incredible Roman period artefacts and ruins. Take for example the Farnese Collection, which brings together a spectrum of items unearthed during the excavations in Pompeii. Or, the Numismatic Collection which boasts more than 200,000 coins and medals as well as incredible large mosaics (some measuring up to 216 square feet). But, the Meridiana Hall is where many of the true wonders exist. Here you will be able to see first-hand, complete ruins recovered from nearby Roman towns and villas.
Another must is, of course, the Duomo – Naples’s enormous Cathedral. The luxury inside is characterised by precious artwork as well as the beautiful mosaic floors and marble decor. Across from the Duomo is Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro. The collection is so vast, it is impossible for the museum to display all of it at once, forcing them to rotate various parts of it around other Italian museums.
Also high on the agenda should be the Musei Nazionale di Capodimonte. A whopping four floors contain extensive artwork from some of Italy’s greatest, including Bellini, Botticelli, Reni, Carvaggion and many more. The museum also hosts a contemporary artwork floor, boasting works by artists such as Any Warhol and Jannis Kounellis.
The San Domenico Maggiore church is another focal point of this deeply religious city. The beautiful marble spires hint at the majestic interior which doesn’t disappoint. Inside you will see a number of valuable artworks, frescos and also intricate Renaissance period tombs.
It’s also worth making time for the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara Basilica. This fantastic Gothic structure dates back to 1310. Its sheer size will impress, likewise the ornate chapels and royal tombs that are found within. For a small entry fee, you are able to enter the Coro delle Clarisse, which features stunning 14th century marble and beautiful Majolica tiles from the 18th century – masterpieces of the Neopolitan era. Also inside is the Musei dell Opera di Santa Chiara, which celebrates the history of the building as well as allowing access to incredibly well-preserved Roman baths which date back to the 1st century.
Now for what many consider to be the highlight of a visit to Naples - hire a car to drive out of the city and venture out to Mount Vesuvius. This (still active) volcano hasn’t fully erupted since 1944, and is within easy driving reach of central Naples.
You enter the Mount Vesuvius National Park at an altitude of 1000m above sea level. On arrival, head for the visitors centre to sign up for a tour of the park, where you will be informed of the metrological conditions (in case an eruption is imminent!) before embarking on tours which allow for exploration of the crater itself.
Also close to the National Park is an Observatory. Opened in 1841, it has been used to monitor the activity of Vesuvius and remains one of the oldest, yet most advanced volcanology research centres on the planet.
Carhire3000 offers a wide variety of vehicles at affordable prices throughout Italy, including car hire in Naples.
From Naples, the delights of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are within easy reach. To read more about this part of Italy, please follow this link
Your comments and questions
T. Green asks about Nice and the French Riviera...
"I am planning a trip to Nice with my husband, and I would like to explore a bit more of the French Riviera. We are going to drive to Antibes and Cannes, and maybe even Marseille, but I am not sure if this might be a bit too far. Has anyone done this route and have any tips?"
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C. Holmes comments on Naples...
"A trip to Naples is not complete without a trip to Pompeii. Arm yourself with a guide book and give yourself plenty of time to wander about. Last time I visited on a tour and we were rushed in and out, and straight into a "friend's" restaurant! Next time, I'll do it myself and take my time - it was truly amazing to see."
Claire Yates comments on Nice...
"We visited Nice last summer and came up with what we thought was an original and romantic idea to share an evening picnic down on the beach. Unfortunately it seemed the whole of France had the same idea that day! So we abandoned the idea and headed up into the hills in our hire car, found ourselves a wonderful little restaurant and enjoyed a traditional "Amphora" seafood dish - delicious."