Naples

Naples, Italy's largest port, was named Neapolis (or New City) by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. The city's volcanic mix of galleries, ruins and futuristic office buildings reflect the tumultuous history. It is a vibrant, colourful, enthusiastic place - the proud home of pizza, Pulcinella the clown, Sophia Loren and the ubiquitous scugnizzo (street urchin). All these create a heady brew, so be amazed.

Naples is close to a wealth of word-famous ancient and historic sites. Don't miss Pompeii (861 0744), an ancient city of villas, shops and brothels housing 20,000, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in AD79; 9am-1pm. Visit Mount Vesuvius, the 4202ft volcano which surprised everyone when it blew up! These days you can climb to the top of 'big nose'; open daily one hour before sunset. Herculaneum, Portici-Ercolano (081 739 0963) was devastated by the same volcano as Pompeii. The city was instantly covered by lava and mud, leaving villas, and several citizens, perfectly preserved.

The 2nd century catacombs of San Gennaro, via di Capodimonte (081 741 1071; am only) are also fascinating , and are fulsomely decorated with early Christian art. Or pay a trip to Castel dell'Ovo, via Partenope (081 246 4111). Virgil, buried an egg (ovo) here in the 1st century, and warned the Neapolitans to beware the day its shell cracked; so far it hasn't, and you can visit the castle for free.

Airport information

easyJet flies into and out of Capodichino Airport.

By road:
Autostrada A2 exits into Naples' bypass road (tangenziale). This is a toll road; journey time 30 mins.

By taxi:
Always make sure the meter is switched on; journey time 20 mins; cost
EUR 20.00.

By bus:
Official airport coach. CLP stops outside the airport to Piazza Municipio. Buses leave every hour; journey time 20 mins; cost EUR 18.00.

City bus. Bus stop No 14 every 15 mins; journey time 30 mins; costs EUR 0.70.

Hotels
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