Cruising into Naples…….

Naples, Napoli in Italian, is the third most-populated city in Italy and the biggest city in Southern Italy. Its name comes from the Greek Neapolis meaning new city. Its close proximity to many interesting sites, such as Pompeii and the Bay of Naples, makes it a good base for exploring the area. Naples is a lively and vibrant city, full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets with small shops, making it worth a visit.

Naples is in the region of Campania in Southern Italy, about 2-hours south of Rome. It sits on the coast on the northern edge of the Bay of Naples, one of the most beautiful bays in Italy. Its harbor is the most important port in Southern Italy.
Naples has good public transportation and lots of traffic problems so it’s best to avoid having a car in Naples. Naples has a large but crowded bus network, trams, a subway, funiculars, and a suburban train line, the Ferrovia Circumvesuviana, that will get you to Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Sorrento.
Pizza, one of Italy’s most famous foods, originated in Naples and pizza is taken very seriously here. You’ll find lots of great pizza places but be sure you look for one with a wood-burning oven! Eggplant Parmesan originated in Naples and spaghetti also became popular in Naples, try it with clams or mussels. Seafood is abundant and very good in Naples.
Naples gets quite hot in summer so spring and fall are probably the best times to visit. Since Naples is near the coast, it’s more temperate in winter than interior cities of Italy.
Naples has one of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in Italy. During Christmas, hundreds of Creches or nativity scenes decorate the city and the street Via San Gregorio Armeno in central Naples is filled with displays and stalls selling Nativity scenes.
On Easter, there are many decorations and a big parade. Two huge religious festivals are held in September, the Festa di Piedigrotta on the 7th and San Gennaro on the 19th. During the summer, there are music festivals, too.