NaplesGulf of Naples · Italy

All About Naples

With a privileged view of Mount Vesuvius and a bright blue water gulf, Naples is the third most-populated city in Italy. Taking a ferry to Naples is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets. Known for being the birthplace of pizza, Naples is one of the destinations that you absolutely must not miss out on when visiting Italy. The place is filled with monuments, parks, incredible architecture, unique gastronomy, and remarkable landscapes. Thanks to all these structures, the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 

Routes and Ferries to Naples

Being one of the most important cities in Italy, you can reach Naples easily. Getting to Naples by sea will provide you with an unforgettable experience. One of the most popular ferry companies in Naples is SNAV, which offers regular connections to the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Also, NLG offers services to a variety of destinations throughout the Bay of Naples, including Sorrento and Positano. Other ferry companies such as Liberty Lines, Grandi Navi Veloci, and Tirrenia, disembark from the gulf areas. From here, you can travel to Palermo in approximately 10 hours. Check out Ferryscanner to compare prices, and easily find ferry tickets to and from Naples. 

The fastest way to travel to the city is by air, especially if you are in Europe and want to save several hours. Naples-Capodichino Airport has only one runway and receives direct flights from all European countries. On average, a flight from Rome to Naples takes about 50 minutes. The port of Naples is only 15 km from Capodichino International Airport and is connected to the ferry terminals by a bus service.
 

Port of Naples

The Naples ferry port is a major transportation hub located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to various destinations throughout the region. The port consists of four terminals: Molo Beverello Pier, Mergellina Pier, Calata Porta di Massa Pier, and Immacolatella Vecchia Pier. It is recommended to arrive at your terminal at least 30 minutes before departure time to allow enough time for boarding and ticket checks.

Molo Beverello is the largest and busiest of the four terminals, located on the eastern side of the port. It serves as the main departure point for cruise ships as well as ferries and hydrofoils to destinations such as Capri, Ischia, Procida, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. The terminal offers a range of services and facilities, including restrooms, luggage storage, and a variety of restaurants and shops. One of the standout features of Molo Beverello is its large digital display, which provides real-time information on the docking location of the vessel you require. This makes it easy to navigate the port and ensures that passengers can find their boarding point quickly and efficiently.

Mergellina Pier is located on the western side of the port, about 20 minutes away from Beverello. It mainly serves as a departure point for hydrofoils to destinations such as Capri and Ischia. The terminal is smaller than Beverello Pier but still offers amenities such as restrooms, a small cafe, and a ticket office.

Calata Porta di Massa Pier is located to the east of Beverello Pier and is mainly used for cargo and vehicle transportation. It offers a large parking lot for trucks and cars, as well as restrooms and a small waiting area for passengers. The terminal is not as well-equipped for passengers as the other terminals, so it is recommended to bring your own food and drinks if you plan to wait there for an extended period.

Immacolatella Vecchia Pier is located in the heart of the port and mainly serves as a departure point for ferries to destinations such as Ponza, Procida, and Ventotene. The terminal features a small waiting area and restroom facilities but does not offer many additional amenities.

Overall, the Naples ferry port offers efficient and convenient transportation services to a variety of destinations throughout the region. Each of the four terminals has its unique characteristics and amenities, making it important to plan ahead and choose the appropriate terminal for your specific needs. Keep in mind if you’re coming from the north, the port of Pozzuoli is a valid alternative to the port of Naples. It’s only about 45 minutes away and it allows you to avoid the city’s traffic.

Best Beaches of Naples

The Mediterranean Sea consists of crystal clear waters that anyone would fall in love with. Naples and the Gulf offer breathtaking natural beauty to both visitors and permanent residents. Here are some of the best beaches in this Italian city.

Gaiola

Gaiola is the most popular destination for a day at the beach. It is located in the Posillipo neighborhood and you can enjoy kayaking and underwater expeditions to the Submerged Park. An important aspect of Gaiola is that, since it is a protected area, free entry by the public is not allowed. Hence, it is highly recommended that you plan your visit in advance.

Bagno Elena

This part of the sea is known as Bagno Elena or Elena’s Bath. It’s a romantic landscape that was enjoyed by classical artists such as writer Oscar Wilde and musician Wagner. Each year, this tourist spot becomes more popular, thanks to its calm tide, the imposing Donn’Anna Castle, and its affordable entrance price. During the summer season, you can go for a swim, and spend the entire day here. As for the rest of the year, you can explore the coast while dining on something delicious.

Rocce Verdi

Rocce Verdi Bahía, inside Villa Fattoruso, is truly like entering paradise. With crystal clear waters and a rocky landscape that seems to be sculpted by ancient Greco-Roman gods, there is no shortage of things to do. For instance, stop by the buffet bar or take a pilates class. Although it is not the easiest beach to get to, it is certainly worth the trip. In fact, many weddings have been held here. 

Marina Piccola

Taking a short boat trip you can reach the island of Capri, where  Marina Piccola beach is located. It is a spectacular place with clear water and is considered the most popular and beautiful of Capri’s beaches. In addition to having a landscape that will take your breath away, Marina Piccola is also famous for being the place where mermaids were found within Homer’s famous epic ‘The Odyssey’.

Sant’ Angelo

Located in Ischia, the largest island in the Neapolitan Gulf, Sant’ Angelo has a very privileged location, located near the island’s main square. It also has a shore that is filled with fine white sand, which delicately touches the beautiful sea. If you are not bothered by the large influx of tourists and the noise, Sant’ Angelo is a heavenly destination to visit, or maybe even settle down in long term. 
 

Neighborhoods of Naples

In Naples there is a fascinating phenomenon, where new buildings join the historical legacy of the city, thereby making the landscape attractive and unique.

San Ferdinando

San Ferdinando is one of the most characteristic neighborhoods in Naples. It is known for being the historic center of the city and is named after the famous church located here. If you love the arts, you can’t miss out on this area. Enjoy the open squares here, such as Piazza del Municipio and Piazza Della Vittoria.

If you visit Naples by ferry, it is one of the first areas you can visit, given its proximity to the port. One of its main attractions is Via Toledo, which is the most important street in the whole city. Here, you will see historic monuments and essential buildings and you will get to experience a taste of the rich culture.

Chiaia

Another imposing neighborhood of Naples is the Chiaia. Here, you can enjoy the facades of the famous palaces such as the Caravita di Sirignano, visit the imposing Castell dell Ovo next to the Gulf of Naples, take a walk within the Villa Pignatelli and its interior museum, as well as experience the second oldest aquarium in Europe, called the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station.

If you are a movie buff, visit a street called ‘Riviera di Chiaia’. This is one of the first landscapes filmed by the Lumiere brothers, who are considered the fathers of cinematography. At the same time, grab some pizza and taste the best of Italian gastronomy.

Fuorigrotta

Festivals, events, theater, football, and education are some of the things you will encounter as you walk through Fuorigrotta. This neighborhood houses some of the most important buildings in Naples  – and all of Italy. Thanks to the presence of educational and scientific institutions such as the Department of Engineering, Monte Sant’Angelo Campus of the University of Naples Federico II, this area is the most populated neighborhood in the entire city.

While in Fuorigrotta, you can attend various festivals held at the Mostra d’Oltremare, which is considered the main fairground in the southern region. Also, you can watch a match at the San Paolo stadium supporting the SSC Napoli, eat out at incredible restaurants, get your adrenaline fix at Edenlandia (the oldest amusement park in Italy), or visit the Naples Zoo, which is the second-oldest zoo in the country.

Posillipo

Posillipo is the neighborhood that covers a large extension of the coast of the Gulf of Naples. So, you will enjoy impressive landscapes that are dominated by the Tyrrhenian Sea. One of the places to visit in this neighborhood is the Submerged Park of Gaiola, where you can see the fusion of biological and volcanic elements and the remains of ports and fish nurseries. To observe it, tourists can take a guided tour on a glass-bottom boat. In addition to this incredible experience, you will be able to see the Nautical Circle, the racing circuit, impressive villas such as Mazziotti, Rosebery, the Donn’Anna Palace, and churches such as Santa María del Faro. After a day of exploring, stop by one of the incredible restaurants around the edge of the hill.

Bagnoli

Another obligatory stop in Naples is the Bagnoli neighborhood.  Here is where you can find the Island of Nisida, the Grotto of Sejano, and the Hippodrome of Agnano. There are also more scientific and educational places such as the City of Science and the Museum of the Sea. Similar to all townships in Naples, this neighborhood is full of culture, great architecture, and fun.
 

Transportation Around Naples

Being one of the most important cities in Italy, the route connections and the availability of transport is not a problem for tourists. You can tour the city by bus by paying 1€ per ticket. There are also tons of metro stations that you can access with a single trip ticket, starting at 1.30€, and a multiple-use ticket during the entire day at 3.50€. Transportation in Naples is economical, reliable and it runs throughout the entire city. 

Also, you can hop on the train for trips between Italian cities, which may cost anywhere between 12 and 15 euros. While within the city area, enjoy the different metro stations with a single trip ticket, starting at 1.30€, and a multiple-use ticket during the entire day at 3.50€. Transportation in Naples runs throughout the city, so visiting these places will not be a problem.