5 ideas for guided tours in Naples

• Piazza del Plebiscito

  The People’s Square is located in the historic center of the city. Its name comes from the plebiscite of October 21, 1860, which led to Sicily’s integration into the Kingdom of Italy.
  This majestic semicircular square is surrounded by famous landmarks:

  – Palazzo Salerno, dating back to the 18th century, was built on the remains of an ancient convent.

  – Palazzo della Foresteria, built in the 19th century to accommodate the city’s distinguished guests, now serves as the prefecture.

  – Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

  – The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), dating from around the 18th century, was once the residence of sovereigns and is now a magnificent museum.

  The completely pedestrianized Piazza del Plebiscito is a popular gathering place for Neapolitans and hosts the city’s major events.

• Galleria Umberto I

  Resembling some of the most famous covered passages in Europe, the Galleria Umberto I, built between 1887 and 1891, is an architectural masterpiece that perfectly embodies the elegance of the late 19th century.

  Located in the heart of the historic center, it is close to key sites such as the San Carlo Theater and Via Toledo, two must-visit places. The gallery was built in the Italian Art Nouveau style, also known as the Liberty style, which was highly fashionable at the time. It was designed as a response to the famous galleries of Paris and Milan.

  Its impressive cruciform structure is perfectly symmetrical, dominated by a massive glass and iron dome rising 57 meters high. This luminous dome is supported by an ornate metal framework, and two large glass ceilings allow natural light to flood the gallery.

  The finely crafted marble floor showcases intricate geometric patterns, enhancing the sense of grandeur and sophistication. These elements, typical of the era, contribute to an elegant ambiance where modernity meets tradition.

  The gallery is not just a passageway but also a lively shopping and leisure destination. Here, visitors will find luxury boutiques, cafés, and traditional restaurants where they can savor local specialties while admiring the magnificent decorations adorning the arcades.

  You can also take a break at one of the many cafés and enjoy a Neapolitan espresso while soaking in the stunning surroundings.

  Galleria Umberto I is a must-see for architecture and shopping enthusiasts. Beyond its commercial function, it symbolizes Naples’ rebirth after the revolts of 1884, marking the city’s economic and cultural revival. Today, it continues to attract both locals and tourists who come to stroll, shop, or simply marvel at its timeless beauty.

• Castel dell’Ovo – The Egg Castle

  Located on the former island of Megaride, now connected to the mainland by a causeway, Castel dell’Ovo is one of the oldest castles in the region. It takes its name from a legend claiming that the poet Virgil hid a magical egg in the castle’s foundations, which would keep the fortress intact as long as it remained unbroken.

  This castle dates back to the Greek era in the 7th century BC, when they founded the city they called “New City” or Neapolis. Initially, the site served as a fortification before becoming a monastery in early antiquity. However, none of the structures from this period have survived. The current building, featuring cylindrical towers and a fortified walkway, dates back to the 15th-century reign of Peter I of Aragon.

  Over the centuries, the fortress experienced periods of abandonment and restoration. In the 19th century, fishermen settled at its base, forming the charming village of Borgo Marinari.

  Today, this picturesque area is known for its restaurants and cafés, as well as nautical activities, with numerous yachts and boats moored in the nearby marina.

  Although the castle itself is largely empty inside, its ancient cannons and imposing walls stand as reminders of its military past. Visitors primarily come to enjoy the breathtaking views it offers of the bay, with Vesuvius in the background. Sunsets here are particularly magical, making Castel dell’Ovo a favorite spot for romantic strolls.

  Additionally, the site frequently hosts cultural events, contemporary art exhibitions, and open-air concerts, making it a vibrant and unmissable destination when visiting Naples. Blending history, culture, and nature, this site offers a complete experience.

• Pompeii

  A must-see for history enthusiasts, Pompeii is an extraordinary site that is impossible to overlook on a trip to Italy, as it is truly one of a kind.

  On October 24, 79 AD, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried this ancient city in ash and lava. The city was so violently and suddenly engulfed that it remains incredibly well-preserved today, with most of its buildings, decorative elements, and even the remains of its inhabitants intact.

  Some bodies have even retained the positions they were in while fleeing. As you explore this remarkable place, you will be amazed by its sheer size, and as you walk through its impeccably preserved streets, you will imagine life in this once-flourishing port city that vanished in just a few hours.

  To fully appreciate its historical significance, consider hiring a tourist guide in Naples. An archaeology expert will provide insights into daily life in Pompeii and lead you through its ghostly streets to admire its most fascinating ruins:

  – The Basilica, located in the main Forum square, where the city’s political and economic activities took place.
  – The Temple of Apollo, one of Pompeii’s oldest temples, dedicated to the Greek god Apollo, featuring impressive statues and columns.
  – The Forum Baths, a well-preserved public bathing complex where residents gathered to relax.
  – The Villa of the Mysteries, a luxurious house famous for its enigmatic frescoes depicting religious initiation scenes—one of Pompeii’s greatest artistic treasures.
  – Modestus’ Bakery, where visitors can see the remains of an ancient oven and grain mills.
  – The House of Venus in the Shell, renowned for its beautiful fresco of Venus depicted inside a shell, symbolizing beauty and rebirth.
  – The Grand Theater, an entertainment venue that once hosted theatrical performances and spectacles.

  Just 10 kilometers from Pompeii, you can also embark on a climb up Mount Vesuvius, one of Italy’s three active volcanoes, along with Mount Etna and Stromboli in Sicily. Follow the marked trails leading to the legendary volcano’s craters.

  The hike offers a stunning landscape, with breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples and its surroundings. The short but rewarding climb takes you through rugged volcanic terrain, sparse vegetation, and visible traces of past lava flows.

  At the summit, approximately 1,280 meters above sea level, you can observe the still-active crater, sometimes emitting small plumes of steam, a reminder that Vesuvius remains a powerful natural force. This unforgettable hike provides a spectacular panorama and is the perfect way to round off your journey through this historically rich and fascinating region.

• Procida

  Exploring Naples also means taking a boat trip to visit its nearby islands. Procida is a hidden gem that will not leave you indifferent. At just 4.2 km², it is the smallest island on the Amalfi Coast but perhaps the most authentic and beautiful, far from the glitz and crowds of its more famous neighbors.

  The best way to explore it is on foot, taking your time to soak in the views. Every corner reveals breathtaking panoramas of the sea and the colorful houses of Marina Corricella, which seem straight out of a postcard. You can even take a dip at charming beaches like Spiaggia Chiaia, accessible via a long staircase.

  What makes Procida special is its peaceful ambiance and the joy of wandering aimlessly through its narrow streets. Stroll along the port, admire the laundry hanging from balconies, and enjoy a break from the bustling tourist hotspots.

  For beaches, expect small coves rather than vast sandy stretches, which only adds to their charm. The most beautiful is Pozzo Vecchio, a small bay with volcanic sand.

  To the southwest, Vivara Island is connected by a small bridge. Accessible by reservation, it features an archaeological site dating back 3,000 years and a protected nature reserve with rare orchids and migratory birds.