Naples & Capri: Art, Ruins, and the Best Pizza

Place: Naples, Italy

🌋 Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

A short journey from Naples, Pompeii is haunting and humbling. Walking those ancient streets, frozen in time by the Vesuvius eruption, gave me chills. For the adventurous (read: anyone with decent sneakers and a camera), hiking Mount Vesuvius offers panoramic views that are absolutely worth the climb.

🕯️ Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea)

Descending into the dimly lit labyrinth beneath the city felt like time-traveling. Roman aqueducts, WWII shelters, and early Christian chambers—this tour added a whole new layer to Naples, literally and figuratively.

🏰 Castel dell’Ovo

Set along the sparkling waterfront, Castel dell’Ovo is as mystical as it is scenic. Legend says a magical egg holds the castle’s fate—yes, egg. I’m not saying I believe it, but I didn’t go poking around either.

🖼️ Museo di Capodimonte

Caravaggio, Raphael, and more await at this lesser-known gem. The surrounding gardens and palace feel like a quiet retreat from the busy buzz of Naples.

💎 My Naples Favorites

• The Best Pizza? Right Here. I thought I knew good pizza... until Naples proved me wrong. My go-to was a white sauce pie topped with fresh mozzarella and salty prosciutto. Simple, yet completely decadent.

• Christmas Alley (Via San Gregorio Armeno): I always pick up ornaments when I travel, and this street is a festive dream—even in summer! Handcrafted nativity scenes and miniature masterpieces? Yes, please.

• Cameo & Coral Finds: Naples is known for its hand-carved cameos and coral jewelry. I picked up a few dainty souvenirs and now wear my necklace like a badge of travel honor.

🏝️ Side Trip: Capri Magic

Taking a day trip to Capri turned out to be one of the most magical travel experiences I’ve ever had. We struck up a conversation with a local who tipped us off to a private beach at La Fontelina, tucked beside the iconic Faraglioni rocks. We laid by the crystal-clear water, snorkeled when it got too warm, and just soaked in the bliss of simplicity. It was the kind of day that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

And you must take the chairlift (gondola) to the top of Monte Solaro. The view? Unreal. You’re perched above Capri with nothing but sea, cliffs, and sky wrapping around you. If luxury shopping is your vibe, you’ll feel like a movie star weaving through boutiques in town.

🍽️ Where to Eat

• Pizzeria Sorbillo: The hype is real. The margherita is a classic, but try something adventurous—you’re in the pizza capital, after all.

• Da Dora: Seafood here tastes like it was just plucked from the Bay of Naples (probably because it was).

• Scaturchio: Stop in for a babà soaked in rum or a flaky sfogliatella. Warning: one might not be enough.

🛍️ Where to Shop

• Via Toledo: Bustling and fun, this street has everything from boutiques to street vendors.

• Antica Distilleria Petrone: Their limoncello makes the perfect gift—or personal souvenir.

• San Gregorio Armeno: Pure holiday magic, year-round.

💤 Where to Stay

• Grand Hotel Vesuvio: Glamorous and perched right on the water. Views for days.

• Hotel Piazza Bellini: A perfect balance of style and budget, located in the historic center.

• La Ciliegina Lifestyle Hotel: Elegant touches, rooftop sunsets, and romantic vibes for two.

💌 Final Thoughts

Naples isn’t just a city—it’s a feeling. It pulses with passion, history, and flavor. Add in a life-changing Capri escape and the dreamiest pizza on Earth, and this Italian gem might just become your new favorite. Mine certainly won't stop calling.

Ciao for now—but I’ll definitely be back.