Travelling Round Europe & BeyondBlog about travelling around Europe & the rest of the world

No self-respecting Mediterranean cruise itinerary can be without Naples as a port of call, although cruise visitors alighting in the port there can be faced with quite a dilemma: where to go from here?

One of the oldest and most richly cultural cities in the world, Naples is the capital of the Italian region of Campania, and was originally founded in the 9th century BC by the Greeks. Passing then into the hands of the Roman Empire, the Naples of today with its chequered history is understandably listed as a world heritage site.

To start with the historic city itself, its position overlooking the elegant azure sweep of the Bay of Naples, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, is as much a postcard-sellers dream as the architecture of old Naples itself, which is a wonderfully eclectic mix dating from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The older part of the city is a wonderfully haphazard medley of tall cream and buff-coloured buildings, leaning in towards each other as if in intimate conversation over narrow, hilly cobbled streets, usually echoing with the Italian voices of people sipping cappuchinos outside the terraced espresso bars and cafes. No words exist to describe the wonderful aromas emanating from these often quirky but dapper eating establishments.

It was the city of Naples that first gave rise to that popular dish the pizza. Pizza fanatics may be horrified to learn that the original article was allegedly fried, although it was soon realised that it was far tastier stone baked to create the delicious bready disc that delights appreciative snackers the world over today. The puppet Pulcinella, with its eerie features originated in Naples too.

The dilemma facing cruise passengers let loose on the region for one or two days at most, is that the Bay of Naples is possibly one of the most rewarding places to berth in terms of the richness of choice of fascinating places to see.

The archeological site of Pompeii is close at hand, and is an ancient Roman city that was completely buried by molten lava from a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius over a two day period in 79AD. The site is now popular with visitors who come to view for themselves the havoc wrought by nature on this ancient district, with its streets and shops, and in some cases people and animals, beautifully but gruesomely preserved by the flood of lava.

Herculaneum is another city that became caught in Vesuvius’ path, and has since been excavated. It is said that the flames from the eruption made for a spectacular sight, viewed across the Bay of Naples.

For some light relief from the horrors of history, a trip to the charming resort of Sorrento on the Amalfi coast is recommended, with its quaint and ancient houses, gardens brim-full of orange and lemon trees, nestled in stepped terraces up the steep white lime-stone cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples.

From here, the island of Capri is just a short 5km hop. An island of outstanding natural beauty, its natural rock arch and its ‘Blue’ grotto are extremely popular with visitors to the area.

Whichever of these inspiring destinations you choose for your day trip out from the port of Naples, one thing is for certain – you will need to visit again and again before you can proclaim “been there, seen it and done it”!