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Naples
Naples, the capital of southern Italy and one of Europe's most beautifully located cities, is light years removed in atmosphere from the prosperous north. The city epitomizes southern Italy: confusing, passionate, dirty and charming, redolent with a rich and complicated history that has physically shaped it and emotionally shaped its residents. Naples can feel alien and intimidating, but also inspires fierce loyalty as visitors are quickly won over by its exuberance, way of life, attractions and, above all, its people. Getting Around
You'll want to travel down the coast to Pompeii and the Sorrento peninsula; both can be reached by train. The best way to appreciate the beauty of Naples' spectacular setting on the bay is from the sea; you could combine this with a boat trip to Sorrento or to the ravishin islands of Capri and Ischia. Neapolitan cooking ranks among the best in Italy, with a strong emphasis on the freshest fish and seafood, and local fruit and vegetables from the fertile volcanic soil of the hinterland. Flavors are intense, and the combination of ingredients unusual and interesting. There are pasta dishes with shellfish, grilled fish of all varieties, mozzarella cheese dripping with freshness, and numerous salamis, as well as some excellent local prosciutto.
Naples is the home of thin, tasty and crisp pizzas; they are always baked in wood fired ovens, and can be eaten as a snack or light meal. Neapolitan cakes and pastries are famous and best enjoyed from apasticceria (a specialist pastry and cake shop). Don;t miss out on the ice cream the flavors encompass every imaginable type of fruit. Local wines to try are Lacryma Christi and Greco di Tufo. Be sure to sample Limoncello, a lemon flavored liqueur made all along the coast.
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The people of southern Italy are charming, warm and enthusiastic, and Neapolitans are no exception. They live at what appears to be a fever pitch of excitement and noise, which you'll be very aware of on the street. You'll find people genuinely eager to help, and anxious for you to enjoy Naples. In recent years authorities have encouraged citizens to welcome tourists, and have succeeded admirably. The friendliness of locals to visitors here far exceeds that of any other big Italian city.
Once you get your bearings, central Naples is best tackled on foot, as the traffic is so horrendous that any form of transportation can be excruciatingly slow. Much of what you'll want to see is walkable, and sights are grouped together in different areas, so take a bus or cable car to your general destination and then walk. Wandering around is an essential part of the Naples experience, as the street life is lively and beguiling but stick to well frequented areas.
