Holiday rentals in Naples

For the uninitiated, Naples can seem like a lot to handle. Sandwiched between Mount Vesuvius and the gleaming waters of the Bay of Naples, the southern Italian capital oozes a raw urban energy juxtaposed with one of Europe’s largest and most important historical centres. Its narrow, cobbled streets pulse with the constant buzz of scooters while its sweeping piazzas welcome everyone from waistcoated businessmen and mime troupes to families out for a post-meal passeggiata.

When it comes to art and architecture, Naples stands toe-to-toe with the world’s best cities. Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples’ main square, is surrounded by such masterpieces as the Neoclassical Royal Palace and the 18th-century Teatro di San Carlo. The fascinating Naples Archaeological Museum holds many of the region’s historical treasures, including a large collection of items recovered from Pompeii. The birthplace of pizza, Naples is a food lover’s dream come true, home to street markets and pizzarias galore. From Naples, it is easy to reach many of Italy’s wonders, such as the beautiful island of Capri and the stunning seaside town of Sorrento, as well as Mount Vesuvius and the ruined cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed nearly 2,000 years ago.

With moderate year-round temperatures, there is no bad time to secure a Naples apartment for your next holiday. Summer has beautiful, sunny weather, although it can get very hot in the city centre and it’s also the busiest time of the year. The spring and autumn are also wonderful times to visit, as the crowds have thinned out and Naples hosts a wide array of festivals. The Maggio Dei Monumenti cultural festival, for example, lasts from late April to early June and features theatre performances, multimedia installations, and exhibitions. September’s Pizzafest, the world’s largest pizza celebration, pits the city’s best pizzerias against one another for the top prize, and allows lucky bystanders to taste their creations. The winter months tend to be very quiet — the perfect time to visit Pompeii without the crowds.

Teatro San Carlo

This opulent theatre was opened in 1737, making it the world’s oldest opera house. The interior is beautifully decorated with luxurious red upholstery, delicate gold brocade, twinkling chandeliers, and a ceiling fresco depicting famous poets. The theatre is open for guided tours or you can catch a performance.

Herculaneum

Located roughly halfway between Naples and Pompeii, the ancient town of Herculaneum was destroyed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 A.D. The volcano’s impact was slightly different in Herculaneum than in Pompeii in that wood and organic materials survived. As you wander through the ruins, you can view the remains of frescoes, mosaic floors, and wooden support beams and furniture, as well as the second floor of many of the houses.

Anfiteatro Flavio

This enormous amphitheatre once held up to 40,000 people, making it the third biggest Roman amphitheatre in the world. The structure had three floors and a basement full of machinery that was used for gladiator fights. It is one of the best-preserved underground spaces of all the Roman amphitheatres, and visiting it gives you a peek into what mass entertainment was like 2,000 years ago.