Naples is one of Italy's most exciting cities, and while it doesn't always get the same fanfare as Rome or Florence, it more than holds its own. Raw, chaotic and utterly captivating, this is a city where crumbling baroque churches sit alongside buzzing street markets, and where every corner seems to smell of fresh pizza. It's Italy's third-largest city after Rome and Milan, but don't let that put you off exploring on foot – the historic centre is walkable, and the metro and train links make it easy to venture further afield too.
Naples is also the perfect base for exploring some of Italy's most famous sights. Pompeii, the ancient Roman city famously buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, is just a short train ride away and makes for an unforgettable day out – we'd always recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, both to beat the heat and the crowds. Vesuvius itself can also be climbed, with paths leading right up to the crater rim and sweeping views back over the bay. And Sorrento, with its clifftop views and laid-back charm, is only a short hop away too, making it easy to combine a city break with some proper coastal relaxation.
Of course, no visit to Naples is complete without trying the food it's famous for – this is, after all, the birthplace of pizza, and a slice here (ideally a proper Neapolitan margherita) tastes like nowhere else. Wander the streets of the Spanish Quarter for some of the best street food in the city, or sit down for a plate of spaghetti alle vongole by the harbour. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, hiking up a volcano, or simply people-watching with a coffee in hand, Naples has an energy all of its own.
