2ndcupoftea

Things to do in Naples, as well as places to stay, see and eat…

Ok, I can’t say it’s my favourite city in Italy – I know they say you need to know someone then it’s amazing, but I don’t always by that… I mean you shouldn’t have to know someone to not get ripped off or feel unsafe. That said, on this my most recent visit (2015) things seemed to have improved for the tourist at least. And it certainly as a scenically fascinating city that is for sure.

Red Girl – Bay of Naples…

I have managed to find a great place to stay, right in the city centre and of course this is a place where eating is good in most places – just avoid the few very obviously for tourist places and you’ll be fine.

Accommodation

Napolart, Bed and Breakfast, Via Medina 17. This is certainly not your average B&B that’s for sure. More like a luxury one, Napolart could not be located more centrally. It’s a two minute walk to the castle, four to the boats for Capri and Ischia, five to the Opera; truly a perfect location. The rooms are very stylish.

Individually Decorated, Stylish Rooms…

The owner said sometimes people are a little surprised as they walk into the old courtyard – I loved it, but perhaps if you’re not familiar with these old Italian Palazzi you might be surprised… have faith. Inside the decor and renovated rooms are a wonderful mixture of the old 16th C building and the brand new. Very nice breakfasts, friendly informative staff. Certainly not the cheapest B&B either put you get what you pay for in life. Here is their website for bookings; Napolart.

Day Trip (or longer if you can)…

Ischia, Island in the Bay of Naples.

Some would have it that it was on this very island that Ulysses met Circe and stayed for a year, feasting and drinking wine. That rather makes a day trip sound a little pathetic in comparison. But whatever the time, go. I’ve been to Capri for work as a guide so many times and I get that it is nice, but I have to say Ischia to my mind is much more so.

Solving The Worlds’ Problems… And Forgetting The Solutions Overnight

There are a fraction of the tourists (though it can still be busier); it’s bigger with much more to explore; the sites are more numerous; the people I think, friendlier; much cheaper and provides once again a chance to escape the ‘sheep’ who head to that other island…

Aragonese Castle, Ischia. This may be my new favourite castle – what a stunning setting and just the most wonderful place to explore. I suggest strolling there from the port – along via Roma, ever so often popping down to the sea for great views.

If Carlsberg Made Castles…

There is evidence of fortifications here as far back as the 5th Century before Christ and it was in use as a prison still as late as the 19th Century. If ever any hollywood location scouts need a ‘pirate fort’, I’d say this should work. It’s €10 to get in – which seems a lot, but the views alone more than justify the expense. Note: look out for the bizarre funeral chairs of the nuns – the smell must have been incredible. See for yourself.