Naples

Naples (Napoli if you live there) is raucous, polluted, anarchic, deafening, crumbling and grubby. It's also a lot of fun. Superbly positioned on a bay, Naples has a little - and often a lot - of everything. It pulsates with noisy street markets and their colourful characters.

'Naples is an ill-built, ill-paved, ill-lighted, ill-drained, ill-watched, ill-governed and ill-ventilated city', whinged Cook's Tourist's Handbook in 1884. Italy's third-largest city has made big strides forward since then but Cook's observations retain more than a grain of truth.

The old centre bristles with ancient churches, a medieval university and countless eateries and cafes. It also has a reputation for organized crime and swarms of people buzzing around on Vespas with no regard for traffic rules. But the city forges on, powered by the sheer zest and vitality of its inhabitants. Even Cook's begrudgingly admitted that, despite its faults, Naples might be 'the loveliest spot in Europe'.

Hotels and Accommodation

Grand Hotel Santa Lucia Naples
The Grand Hotel Santa Lucia has always been a leader in Neapolitan hospitality and favorite haunt of musicians, actors and men of letters.
Address: Via Partenope 46, Naples, 80121 Italy
Phone: (+39) 081 764 06

Charming International Hotel
The first airport hotel in Italy. Situated in the heart of Naples airport area.
Address: Viale Umberto Maddalena, 35 , 80144 Napoli (NA) Italia
Phone: (+39) 081 7612474

Grand Hotel Parker's
Come and discover the meaning of luxury and ultimate refinement.
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 135 - 80121 Napoli (NA) Italia
Phone: (+39) 081 595 5733

Hotel Miramare
The hotel for people who don't like hotels!
Address: Via Nazario Sauro, 24, 80132 Naples, Italy
Phone: (+39) 081 7647589

Restaurants

Umberto
Since 1916 Umberto has offered the best Neapolitan dishes and fine wines
Address: Umberto Napoli via Alabardieri, 30
Phone: (+39) 081.418555

The Dock at Crayton Cove
Waterfront dining that's the Real Taste of Naples since 1976
Address: 845 Twelfth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102-7323
Phone: 239-263-9940