✈️ TLV to Naples-capodichino (NAP)
Italy
Naples
CityNAP
IATA2085.4 km
Distance3h 3m
Flight TimeCoordinates: 40.886, 14.2908
Airlines:
About Naples
Weather in Naples
Understand
"Vide Napule e po' muore!" —A famous proverb, saying that one can die peacefully after seeing the unparalleled beauty of Naples. Famously quoted by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in his travel diary Italian Journey . Naples represents one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site with an unmatched heritage as a place of exchange between cultures. This is reflected in the city's structure and monuments, which are a mixture of Greek, Roman, Norman, Angevin, Spanish and French architecture. The UNESCO evaluation committee described Naples' historic centre the largest in Europe – as being "of exceptional value", and went on to say that Naples' setting on its Bay "gives it an outstanding universal value which has had a profound influence". But Italians have known these things for centuries: The view of Naples from the sea is so beautiful that a traditional Italian saying states that once you've seen it, you can die. As a testimony to its extraordinary history, the Naples region hosts an unparalleled concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Center of Naples itself; the Roman archaeological sites of Pompeii , Herculaneum , Cumae, Pozzuoli , Oplontis and Stabiae ; the Royal Palace of Caserta ; the royal site of San Leucio and the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli . It is close to Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the European continent and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Paestum 's Greek temples and the Amalfi Coast are possible day trips, as are the islands of Capri , Ischia and Procida in the Bay of Naples. In literary history, Naples is known as a favourite destination of the Roman poet Virgil. This is where he wrote the Roman national epic "Aeneid" , and where he was eventually buried. A more contemporary Neapolitan author is the pseudonym Elena Ferrante, whose Neapolitan Novels follow two girls growing up in a poor Naples neighbourhood from the 1950s and onward. In 2013, Naples was the World Capital of Cultures and hosted the Universal Forum of Cultures.
Climate
Naples has Mediterranean climate, with short, mild winters and long, hot summers. The city benefits from over 300 days of sunshine per year, a value similar to that of Los Angeles, California. Snowfall is rare enough to be remembered as events. Annual average rainfall is high (1000 mm), usually most of it in a few days during the autumn. The prevailing wind is the libeccio , coming in from the sea in the south-west.
Talk
The most widely spoken language in Naples is Italian , or a mixture of Italian and Neapolitan ( Napulitano ). The Neapolitan language – notoriously unintelligible to many speakers of standard Italian – also bears witness to the town's diverse cultural origins, being composed of French, Spanish and Arabic words, inserted into a Greek, Oscan and Latin structure. Neapolitan is sometimes described as an Italian dialect, but it is recognized by UNESCO as a distinct language. It has well-defined roots and rules, and there is a great heritage of literature (e.g. Giambattista Basile's Lo cunto de li cunti , a collection of fairy tales) and songs (' O sole mio and Torna a Surriento are some iconic examples). Neapolitan is still thriving in Campania and adjacent parts of Lazio, Abruzzo, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria and Molise. The official language of Naples (as of all of Italy), however, is Italian, and everyone can speak it when prompted, though often with a strong local accent. Neapolitan has strong Spanish and French influences originating from periods of Spanish and French rule. Therefore, more Spanish and French words are understood by the locals than in other parts of Italy. English is the most commonly spoken foreign language, although the average knowledge of English is far from excellent.
Get around
Traffic in Naples can be extremely heavy, similar to that of other big cities like Paris and New York. Extensive excavation works are ongoing to complete some metro segments, adding further to traffic in some areas. A typical example is the train station area, which is undergoing a complete makeover (a model of how it will look is observable in the interior of Stazione Centrale), plus the excavation of a metro line connecting it with Capodichino Airport. Another example is Piazza Nicola Amore (commonly known as Piazza Quattro Palazzi because of the four twin buildings surrounding it), where metro line excavations revealed an ancient Roman temple, whose structure will be integrated in the futuristic station designed by the world-class architect Renzo Piano. Normal traffic regulations are generally observed in Naples; however, it is prudent to follow the locals when crossing the street. Since pedestrians often cross the street in the middle of the block, Neapolitan drivers are very attentive, and accidents are very rare. Remember to always look left (and not right) for incoming cars or motorbikes, since circulation follows European standards.
See
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic centre of Naples hosts a huge number of architectural landmarks.
Theatres
Enjoy classical music in the Neapolitan temple of opera, or other performances such as musicals, comedies and actors' exhibitions in one of the theatres in the historic centre. 40.8375 14.249444 1 Real Teatro San Carlo ( Royal Theatre of Saint Charles ), Via San Carlo, 98/F ( Municipio 1 ; beside the Royal Palace. ), ☏ +39 081 797 2331 , biglietteria@teatrosancarlo.it . M-Sa 10:00-17:30, Su 10:00-14:00 . Founded in 1737, is the oldest continuously active opera house in Europe. In the 18th century, Naples was the capital of European music, and even foreign composers like Hasse, Haydn, Johann Christian Bach and Gluck considered the performance of their compositions at the San Carlo theatre as the goal of their career. Two main Italian opera composers, Gioacchino Rossini and Gaetano Donizetti, were artistic directors of the San Carlo for many years. Other prominent opera composers, like Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, Pietro Mascagni, and Leoncavallo, staged here the very first productions of their works (like for example the famous Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti). 40.851 14.250835 2 Teatro Bellini ( Bellini Theatre ), Via Conte di Ruvo, 14 ( Museo 1 2 ; two blocks south of National Archaeological Museum ), ☏ +39 081 549 1266 , botteghino@teatrobellini.it . 10:30-13:30, 16:00-19:00 . Built in 1878 and named after the Sicilian composer Vincenzo Bellini, the Bellini Theatre hosted prestigious events such as operas for almost a century. In 1960s a period of decline started for the structure, that became a sort of cheap movie cinema, away from the splendor of its origins. In 1986 the theatre was restored and reopened two years later, starting a lucky phase that lasts even today. ( updated Jun 2018 ) 40.8389 14.2477 3 Teatro Augusteo , Piazzetta Duca d'Aosta ( Augusteo Centrale ; in front of Galleria Umberto I ), ☏ +39 081 414 243 , botteghinoaugusteo@libero.it . A theatre designed by Pier Luigi Nervi in 1929 and built inside a 18th-century noble palace, along the central Via Toledo. The structure was closed during World War II and reopened during 1950s as a cinema, until it was finally restored in 1992 to resume its status of elegant theatre. It now has a seating capacity of 1,420 and hosted the performances of famous actors and musicians like Bruce Springsteen. From €34.5 to €46 . ( updated Jun 2018 )
Buy
Naples has vibrant markets and many small shops that sell everything from clothes to household appliances at prices much lower than in most of Western Europe. Especially to be seen is the 40.850297 14.267932 1 Porta Nolana , 40.846359 14.247663 2 Pignasecca and the Vasto markets, which also give a grasp of popular Neapolitan life. Don't miss the impromptu fish market which happens especially on Sunday morning at 40.83172 14.230502 3 Rotonda Diaz , the central square of Via Caracciolo. Small fishing boats come ashore, and directly sell fresh and often alive fish and octopuses, a very characteristic and joyful scene of Naples' life. Via Chiaia and Via Toledo are two major shopping streets near the city centre. Spaccanapoli in the Centro Storico is packed with street vendors and odd-shops. The small street Via Port'Alba , near Piazza Dante is home to a large number of bookstores. Do not buy any obviously fake items sold in the street, especially fake big fashion firms' products like purses, foulards, sunglasses and so on. A huge number of plainclothes police raid the streets to combat the trade in counterfeit products, and it's not only the sellers who get in trouble: according to Italian law, if you are caught buying one of these products, you risk being arrested and subjected to a huge fine. Also, do not buy electronic products like iPhones, iPads and cameras on the streets. Normally, the ones which illegal street vendors try to sell you are fakes - they show you a real one, and then made a quick switch through sleight of hand. Don't think you can outsmart these scammers. You can support shops and businesses that fight against the extortion racket (also called "pizzo") by shopping there.
Eat
You will find many sauces based on garlic sauteed in extra-virgin olive oil, tomatoes, and local red wines. Some of the sauces are arrabbiata ("angry") or fra diavolo ("brother Devil"), which means they will contain hot pepper. It's a great cuisine. Fresh mozzarella di bufala (mozzarella made from European buffaloes' milk) is also typical of the region.
Drink
Naples is becoming increasingly popular with a younger generation of Italians and foreigners who flood into the city and lend renewed vitality to its nightlife. The hippest scene is around the bars and cafes on Piazza Bellini, Piazza Santa Maria la Nova and Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, becoming busy after 23:00. Also, Piazza San Pasquale and Mergellina are typical places for the local movida . If you want to venture to the outskirts of the city, there are many bars and clubs near the port and boardwalk of Pozzuoli. While Neapolitans (and Vigili Urbani , the town's local police) are largely tolerant to youngsters drinking, having fun and making noise, even at late hours, getting drunk and causing damage or littering is not tolerated. Campanian wine has become famous worldwide in the last decade or so, and delicious naturally lightly carbonated mineral water with minerals from Vesuvius is available and worth searching out.
Sleep
Accommodation in Naples is normally cheaper than in Rome or northern Italian cities for comparable quality, and a wide range of accommodations is available.
Stay safe
The city has an inequitable distribution of wealth, and some run-down areas are quite close to elegant ones. Two places better to avoid after dark are the "Quartieri Spagnoli" (Spanish Quarters) and the "Sanità" , both in the historic centre, that are reasonably safe during the day and also have notable points of interest. Especially to be avoided, but of no practical interest for tourists, is Scampia , where there is much petty crime and drug traffic. Naples' bad reputation regarding safety is mainly due to stereotypes, since the city's security level is actually comparable to many other European big cities (e.g., Barcelona , Marseille , Amsterdam ). Petty thievery and muggings definitely do happen, so be reasonably watchful, avoid empty streets and dimly-lit alleys at night, and keep your wits about yourself. On the other hand, since weather is generally nice, Neapolitans spend a lot of time in the streets, including in the winter and at night. Places like Mergellina and the boardwalk of Via Caracciolo are generally full of people till late at night and very safe. Contrary to what newspapers, books and movies seem to suggest, the local mafia (Camorra) poses little or no threat to tourists. It is involved in activities like prostitution (which is illegal in Italy), racketeering and drug trafficking. Aside from issues of petty crime, Naples is a very safe town for women. Official statistical data from ISTAT (the Italian Government Official Statistical Office) show that Naples' rape rate is much lower than that of other Italian cities like Milan, Rome or Florence. Young women who appear to be unaccompanied may experience some more or less persistent flirting from Neapolitan men, but you will usually be left alone if you show them you are not interested. Whoever comes to Naples' old town has to take some generic precautions, normal for any big town with poor areas: It is advised not to carry a handbag as it can be snatched or "picked" by thieves. Neapolitan women who use a purse do not sling it across their shoulders but wear it across their chest. Do not wear expensive watches or flashy jewellery. Do not use a costly camera or video camera. Do not wander down small dark streets or alleys, especially in the Spanish Quarters. Pay attention to fake public service vehicles. All legitimate means of public transportation are clearly identified by being orange (buses); or white (taxis). In the latter case, legal taxis have the customary "Taxi" sign over the top, and bring ID signs over the sides and inside the cabin. Be careful around the main train station as there are many thieves in the area. Piazza Garibaldi, the large square in front of the station, is not a place to spend more time than necessary, especially at night. Generally, the southern side of the square (on your left when exiting the station) is safer than its northern part. You can buy over-the-shoulder packs that are excellent, as they allow you to keep an eye and firm grip on your valuables. Some people pretend to offer images of old Naples or other things as gifts, but then expect payment. Beware of people who want to involve you in fake road accidents. It is advisable not to wear football shirts of any club, especially Juventus FC, AC Milan, Internazionale Milano, AS Roma, SS Lazio or Fiorentina. Soccer is taken very seriously in Naples, and Neapolitans support SSC Napoli with big rivalries with those clubs. However, it is very safe to wear the Genoa club shirt (vertically spangled of red and blue, and sporting a griffin like a symbol; not to be confused with the other Genoa club, Sampdoria), since supporters of this team have a strong friendship with SSC Napoli supporters. If you ever hang out in Fuorigrotta borough on Sundays, near the San Paolo stadium, and are surprised by a booming shout of thousands of people, don't get scared: it's only cheering for the Napoli soccer team which just scored. Since when this happens, most of the town shouts along with the people in the stadium, this is perceived like an earthquake by the local volcanic observatory of Vesuvius!
Go next
There is fast express train service to Rome and points north, as well as points south. Naples is the ultimate terminus for the FR7 line of the Rome commuter rail network, which runs from Roma Termini to Minturno-Scauri, Sessa Aurunca-Rocca or Naples. There are also local Italian Railway trains to Pompeii, but for such short distances, it is easiest to take the Circumvesuviana commuter train. Naples is often used as a base to visit the ancient ruins and excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii near the city. It's easy to find ferries to places like Sicily. Solfatara (12 km). It is a shallow volcanic crater at Pozzuoli , part of the Campi Flegrei volcanic area. It is a dormant volcano, which still emits jets of steam with sulphurous fumes. Herculaneum (13 km). A world-famous archeological site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage list . It was an ancient Roman town destroyed, together with Pompeii, Oplontis and Stabiae, by volcanic pyroclastic flows of Vesuvius, AD 79. It is famous as the source of the first Roman skeletal and physical remains available for study that were located by science, since the Romans almost universally cremated their dead. While smaller than Pompeii, it's just as cool and usually less busy. Pompeii (25 km, 40 minutes via the Circumvesuviana train, Sorrento line). The world-famous city of Pompeii is a partially buried Roman urban center, and one of the best examples of Roman architecture in the world. Along with Herculaneum, Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during a long catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning two days in the year AD 79. The eruption buried Pompeii under 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) of ash and pumice, and it was lost for nearly 1700 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1749. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with approximately 2,500,000 visitors every year. Visiting the city is a unique experience—you get to walk in and out of most of the ruins, and really get a feel for how the city must've looked in its era. Mount Vesuvius . From Pompeii, take a bus to Mount Vesuvius and hike to the summit. Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe and is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Royal Palace of Caserta (37 km). A former royal residence in Caserta, southern Italy, constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples. It was the largest palace and one of the largest buildings erected in Europe during the 18th century. In 1997, the Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, described in its nomination as "the swan song of the spectacular art of the Baroque, from which it adopted all the features needed to create the illusions of multidirectional space". Capri (40 km by boat or hydrofoil) A world-famous destination, it is an island on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, which has been a resort since the time of the Roman Republic. Features of the island are the Marina Piccola (the little harbour), the Belvedere of Tragara, which is a high panoramic promenade lined with villas, the limestone crags called sea stacks that project above the sea (the Faraglioni ), Anacapri, the Blue Grotto ( Grotta Azzurra ), and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas. Capri is the place where the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustus was imprisoned. The circumstance (and the imaginary salvatage of the emperor) has been featured in the movie The last legion, starring Colin Firth along with Sir Ben Kingsley and Aishwarya Rai. Procida (37 km by boat or hydrofoil) Procida is one of the Flegrean Islands off the coast of Naples, it lies between Cape Miseno and the island of Ischia. Procida was held by Mycene in the period between the 16th and 15th centuries BC. During the 8th century BC the first Greek settlers to this island were immediately replaced by other Greek peoples coming from Cuma. During Roman rule, Procida became a renowned resort for the patrician class of Rome. Nowadays, it is a renowned spa resort. Aragonese castle of Ischia Sunset in Positano, on the Amalfi coast San Leucio (38 km) San Leucio is a frazione of the comune of Caserta, most notable for a resort developed around an old silk factory, included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites list in 1997. In 1750 Charles VII of Naples selected this place for an unusual social and tecnological experiment, a different model of silk production based on technical innovation and alert to the needs of workers. It is considered one of the first examples of socialism, a closed community where life and work were closely connected and planned. Today the San Leucio heritage still survives today in the local silk and textile firms, which work on an international scale to elite foreign clients as the Buckingham Palace, the White House, the Quirinale Palace, the Palazzo Chigi. Ischia (40 km by boat or hydrofoil) is a volcanic island which lies at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. It is the largest of the Phlegrean Islands. The main industry is tourism, centering on thermal spas that cater mostly to European (especially German) and Asian tourists eager to enjoy the fruits of the island's natural volcanic activity, its thermal hot springs, and its volcanic mud. For many of the inhabitants on the Italian-speaking island, German and English are second languages. This is because of the large number of German- and English-speaking tourists who visit the island each year. Sorrento (50 km). A popular tourist destination which can be reached easily from Naples and Pompeii, as it lies at the south-eastern end of the Circumvesuviana rail line. The town overlooks the Bay of Naples as the key place of the Sorrentine Peninsula, and many viewpoints allow sight of Naples itself, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. Sorrento's sea cliffs and luxury hotels have attracted notable people, including Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti. Sorrento was the birthplace of the poet Torquato Tasso, author of the Gerusalemme Liberata. The town was quite famously featured in the early-20th-century song "Torna a Surriento" (Come Back to Sorrento) an iconic example of the Neapolitan song. Amalfi coast (70 km) is a stretch of coastline in the Province of Salerno in Southern Italy. It is a popular tourist destination for the region and Italy as a whole, attracting thousands of tourists annually. Aside from the chance to visit the renowned towns of Amalfi (one of the four ancient Maritime Republics of Italy), Positano and Ravello (which hosts the Wagner festival); the Amalfi coast offers to trekkers the opportunity of walking on the " Sentiero degli Dei " ( The Walk of Gods ), a stunning dirt road suspended on the cliffs between the Mediterranean sea and the mountains. The area is also well known for the limoncello, a digestive liquor made out of lemons. Paestum Greek Temples (104 km). Near Salerno , there are three major temples in Doric style, dating from the first half of the 6th century BC. These were dedicated to Hera (only slightly smaller than the Parthenon); and Athena, and are one of the best conserved examples of Doric architecture.