Although this is my sixth trip to Italy, it is the first time I am spending any time in Naples. The only times that I have been here previously were on cruises, when Naples was a port stop. And on those occasions, rather than explore Napoli, I opted for shore excursions to Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.
In fact, I made a point to avoid Napoli, because I had heard so many negative opinions about this southern Italian city. It was said to be dangerous, dirty, and to be avoided. And since the only areas I had seen were the port and the train station, I too believed that all of Naples was dirty. Even my Italian friends viewed Naples with disdain. "Schifezza,” they would say with looks of disgust.
So it was not until I had met Tina, the owner of Discover Napoli Destinations, that I changed my opinion and decided it might be worth a visit to discover Naples.
Tina, as some of the readers of my blog know, actually rescued me in Pompeii last year when I was stranded during a train strike. I had never met her except on Twitter, yet she drove to Pompeii from Sorrento, picked me up in her car, and then escorted me around Sorrento and the stunning Sorrentine peninsula for a full day.
I didn’t know how I could ever repay her for her generous Neapolitan hospitality, but she did. She made me promise to return and let her show me the best of Napoli. So here I am and I am no longer afraid. Instead I am eager to explore all that I can during the five days and nights I will be in Naples. What more can anyone want than to have your own personal Italian concierge and escort who knows Naples inside and out?
I want to know what makes Neapolitans so passionate and so determined to live their lives to the fullest. I want to understand why ” See Naples and die” is their mantra. I am determined to find out.
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Ishita
Naples is on my list too! And since ages. Its as chaotic as my country 😉
margieinitaly
Yes chaotic is a good way to describe Napoli!
Ishita
But I still want to go to see the madness!
greeneyewitchygirlbree55
this is just a “out of there” comment Classico spaghetti sauce has one called
dinapoli (now not sure of spelling} and it is closest to the homemade one my granddfater used to make. Supposed to be from that region. Sabrina
susanvanallen
Enjoy Naples! It is a great place to visit! The pizza is glorious!
imarancher
See Naples and die. . . satisfied, happy, without regrets? Must be more to the story. Keep us posted.
bonniegm
We spent the day in Napoli in 2010, mainly to do research at the Stato Archivio. yes, it is a “grittier” city than most in the north, but we found everyone friendly and helpful, so many neat places to explore, the view from the top of the hill is very emotional if you had family emigrate out of the port of Naples. We would definitely go back. You must be sure to visit the duomo, breathtaking!!!!!
People who don’t venture down into Campania, Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria are missing out on soooo much!!!! We spent over a week there in September. Glorious!!
Francesca
I don’t understand that negativity about Naples. Rather a rather staid ‘northern’ view I imagine. Naples is a glorious place to visit- so much history. Don’t forget to visit Marechiaro and the famous ‘Finestrella’ restaurant for a glorious view of Capri and seafood to die for.
K Smothers
Margie. I can’t wait to hear about Naples. We too had heard things and have not ventured south of Rome. So you may be opening new doors for us :). Tell all please. Enjoy that Pizza Margherita.
We had a train strike in La Spezia on the 21st of September. No fun! I can relate. Buon divertimento. P.S. You look so happy in the pic!
lizbert1
I look forward to hearing all about your travels, great post!