The south of Italy is attracting more and more tourists to its doorstep, delighting them with its climate, warm sunshine and unique food. For most of the time, it has been considered the poorer part of the country, but as we all know, poverty enhances creativity. This is exactly what happened with Naples, which offers numerous tourist attractions, a brilliantly resolved city card issue and the most delicious pizza. We flew into Naples for just three days and regret not being able to stay longer, as what we saw only whetted our appetite to explore this region of Italy.
In this article, we want to give you an idea of the minimum attractions you should visit in Naples in three days, feel free to read on!
Pompei - visit the most popular ancient city in Europe
A beautiful, historic and steeped in mystery place. The ruins of Pompeii are a perfect example of the power of nature and the helplessness of people in the face of it. The city was covered within a few days by the enormous amount of dust spewed out during the eruption of Vesuvius. It caused Pompeii to be preserved for many years and so we can admire its ruins today. This is a wonderful attraction not only for archaeology enthusiasts or historians, but for all visitors, because by walking among the buildings of the ancient city, we can feel the tangible atmosphere of the place that everyone has learned about in history lessons.
If you are planning a trip to Pompeii, we invite you to read this specific post, which will certainly make your trip easier. Article: Pompeii – practical information.
It is worth mentioning that to enter Pompeii you need to have a ticket. We recommend ordering your ticket in advance to make sure you get in. In addition, by buying your ticket online you will avoid queues – especially important when it is summer and you do not want to expose yourself and your children to the sun. You can book your ticket efficiently and conveniently here: Booking a ticket to Pompeii.
The Royal Palace of Naples
Splendour, gold and marbles. These three words best describe the Royal Palace of Naples. From the outside it looks like an ordinary official building and that is why crossing its threshold makes such a shocking impression. You simply don’t expect what is hidden inside this unassuming building located in the port district of Naples. To tell you the truth, we felt very uncomfortable in this place, mainly because of the overwhelming splendour, immensity and grandeur. It is certainly a building designed for kings, magnates and the upper classes.
It is interesting to note that it was here that the peace treaty between Italy and Germany was signed during the Second World War in 1945.
So if you feel you can handle the immensity of the splendour of this place then plan your trip to the Royal Palace. For more information about this place, you can read this article : Nuovo Castle and Royal Palace in Naples
The tickets to many of Naples’ attractions can be booked in advance. This will allow you to plan your visit to Naples’ attractions with a better price. What’s more, if you are not comfortable with negotiating (such as the Vesuvius tours) then we recommend buying your ticket online. You are then assured that you will not be counted as a „tourist”, but will be able to go to this slumbering volcano at a competitive price.
Nuovo Castle in Naples - a beautiful bastion above the coastline
A bastion that reigns over the harbour landscape of Naples. It is such a characteristic building that it has become somehow as a landmark of the city. Visiting its thresholds, we can learn, among other things, about the history of the city and the royal and noble families living in the south of 13th~XIVth century Italy. It was in the chambers of this castle that the plots and assassinations carried out on the life of Ferdinand the First took place. It has been besieged and pillaged many times and has undergone many modernisations, so that today it can boast of its rich exhibitions and even richer history.
For more on the Nuovo Castle, see the article Nuovo Castle and the Royal Palace of Naples.
Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples
If you are tired of superficial sightseeing in the city, we sincerely recommend going to its underground. This is where you will find a necropolis dating back to the 2nd century AD. The catacombs are a real break from the hustle and bustle of life that fills all of Naples. Inside the catacombs, we will learn about the origins of the city’s greatest festival, the Miracle of the Transfiguration of Blood, which takes place periodically on 19 September (and on special occasions). Why is this festival so important for Naples? Because it is seen as a prophecy of prosperity or disaster that may befall the city.
Unfortunately, we only visited one of the two necropolis sites. You can find out more about it and its history in the post Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples.
Herculaneum - a more intimate Pompeii
Herculaneum is a richer but smaller version of Pompeii. It used to be a town to which wealthy merchants and noblemen moved to get a break from the bustling and crowded streets of Pompeii. The ruins of Herculaneum, however, were found much later than Pompeii itself due to the different scale of destruction it suffered. This is because it was inundated by a pyroclastic wave almost 16 metres high, effectively preserving the site.
Unfortunately, the crust produced was also a barrier to archaeologists and other scientists, extending their work time to long years. However, within its walls Herculaneum hid many more priceless artefacts and writings. It was here that the Villa of the Papyri was found, which contained more than 1,800 manuscripts that were an invaluable mine of knowledge about ancient times. You can buy your ticket to the Herculaneum online – with it, the queues will not scare you.
You can read more about this remarkable site in Herculaneum – the lost Pompeii
Volcano Vesuvius - amazing place to visit in Nalpes
Vesuvius is an attraction that cannot be missed when visiting Naples. Its silhouette is visible from almost every corner of the city and its history is known to everyone. It has been both a host, offering fertile and medicinal land, and its greatest threat. It attracts millions of tourists to its summit every year, although it is a very whimsical and moody peak. As the highest point in the area, it looms numerous clouds over it. In addition, gusty winds often make it very difficult to visit.
We were fortunate enough to have the honour of visiting its canopy, although it kept us in suspense for two days by completely „rocking in the clouds”.
Tours to Vesuvius are organised by many private companies and unfortunately their prices vary and change from season to season and from 'negotiation’. If you want to book your trip in advance and at a normal, competitive price then check the price online – it guarantees price constancy and there will be no chance of someone 'bumping you off’ on the tourist price – Check the price of your Vesuvius trip.
It was also a very important part of our personal lives. Why? Check out the post Vesuvius Volcano – on a new road
Solfatara volcano *Attraction temporarily closed*.
The attraction we liked in Naples the best. The Solfatara volcano is a unique opportunity to feel on your skin (and in your nose) the heat coming straight out of the ground. The crater of this volcano is quite reminiscent of out-of-this-world scenery and guarantees several hours of wonderful, active adventure. The bubbling water and the numerous fissures with hydrogen sulphide vapours emanating from them make this a place that will stay in your memory for a long time. In addition, a strawberry tree can be found on its grounds!
The Solfatara volcano is located near Naples in the town of Pouzzoli, 40 minutes away by metro 2. So unfortunately you have to spend more than half a day exploring it, but it is really worth it!
You can find out more about this charming place in the entry Solfatara Volcano.
This is only a part of the attractions that Naples offers. On the other hand, thanks to such a wide range of unusual places, you can return to it several times without fear of being bored.If this is your first trip to the capital of Campania, here is our advice on how to get around in Naples.In this post, you’ll find information on how to get around the city, which ArteCard option is best for you, how public transport works and how to plan your trip wisely.
A little advice from us – if you want a good starting point, for the area around Garibardi Square.If you want to explore Naples at night, any other location would be better. So, have you decided on a trip to Naples? Use our affiliate link and enjoy the best accommodation deals on booking.com!
