“You either love it or you hate it,” said a friend of mine. It was the first thing I ever heard about the Italian city of Naples, and the phrase’s authenticity remains intact after all these years. Naples is unlike any other city in Italy: It is busy, loud, and dirty on one hand (many […]
Neapolitan Pizza: Italy’s Best Culinary Treasure
Neapolitan Pizza: Italy’s Best Culinary Treasure Pizza is widely considered the world’s favorite food and is served almost everywhere on the planet. Pizza lovers everywhere can thank Naples, Italy for introducing us to the Pizza. And Neapolitan pizza is taken very seriously. The vibrant city of Naples, Southern Italy’s largest, is located two hours south […]
Best Pizzerias in Naples – What makes Neapolitan Pizza so special?
Best Pizzerias in Naples – What makes Neapolitan Pizza so special? When is a pizza more than leavened bread with a choice of toppings? When it is cooked by a pizzaiolo (pizza maker) from Naples, for whom it is a memory of childhood, a history of the city, a key to socialization, or a lifeboat […]
9 of Europe’s Best Funicular Railways
They go up, they go down, and they show a side of things you can’t get anywhere else. Sure, funicular railways might have their roots in yesteryear, but they’re still one of the most sought after attractions on the tourist trail. From heritage cars to sleek, modern cabs, Europe sports some of the most visually […]
Sfogliatelle – Naples’ Delicious Pastry
Sfogliatelle is the hard-to-pronounce name for a delicious filled pastry that is as Neopolitan as Neopolitan pizza. Food lovers in Naples might traverse the town, sampling from the most famous pasticcerias (pastry shops) and comparing the sweet fillings and flaky crusts. But me? I first discovered sfogliatelle quite accidentally when I wandered into the café attached […]
10 Best Souvenirs to Bring Home from Napoli
In the heart of Naples’ historic district, three narrow streets filled with antique stores offer unique handmade souvenirs and gifts at budget-friendly prices. You will also find a classic Italian experience entirely free. In the midst of temptation, I discovered ten great Souvenirs from Naples for 10€ or less. Just off Via Duomo, Via Dei Tribunali […]
Hiking to the Top of Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius in August was dry, dusty, hot, and absolutely worth the effort. By the time the rusted clock at the Pompei Scavi train station ticked around to noon, I had already spent four hours in the ruins of Pompeii and was therefore thirsty, footsore, and sunburnt. From the station platform, Mount Vesuvius loomed in […]
Where to Stay in Naples: Editor’s Picks
Where to Stay in Naples – Best Hotels According to our Editors Deciding where to stay in Naples, Italy isn’t as easy as in most European cities. Naples has some iffy neighborhoods, rife with pickpockets. These neighborhoods are also home to incredible pizzerias, mom and pop stores, and ancient churches; and they give Naples its vibrant atmosphere. […]
Where Myth And Reality Meet: Capri, Ischia, and Ponza
Several islands are located within a short ferry-ride from Naples, Italy; and Capri, Ischia, and Ponza are the most popular. In choosing which island to visit, it’s helpful to know their personalities because each is unique. To begin, the islands can all be reached from either of Naples’s ferry terminals. Molo Beverello is the […]
Planning Your Italy Vacation: From Rome to Lecce
In the last edition of Planning your Italy Vacation, I wrote about traveling north from Rome, with Venice as the final destination. In this post we’ll explore the alternative: traveling from Rome southward. This alternative will be attractive to travelers who have already seen the major sights in the north of Italy, and to […]