NAPLES is one of my favourite cities, but then Iam biased, as I was born there.
A unique place, the city is home to 2.5m people and the way of life has hardly changed in the past 35 years.
It is easy to see why Neapolitans love the city so much. It is situated in the centre of southern Italy, in a beautiful bay which is overlooked by Mount Vesuvius. I like to think that Vesuvius is guarding Naples.
You can walk for miles in the bay, which has some spectacular views of the coastline.
The city offers lots of variety for the visitor, such as a visit to the archaeological sights of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the national museum, the Piazza Plebescito, where concerts are performed during the summer, and the San Carlo Opera House.
Naples has the best weather in Italy – mild in winter, and hot in summer. A lot of life revolves around the outdoors.
There are plenty of bars and great restaurants to eat. It is a pleasure to shop for fish in the stalls by the sea.
At night, Santa Lucia is a very vibrant and lively place to go, with lots of restaurants and bars. Every night it is full of young people eating, drinking and being happy. The area has a wonderful atmosphere.
Any visitor to Naples will not be disappointed with the food; in my opinion, Neapolitan food is at the top of the list in Italy. Naples is the home of the pizza, and you will not taste better anywhere else.
The city is less popular than Rome or Florence, but I think it is just as beautiful, and it is definitely cheaper for accommodation and shopping.
Clothes and shoes will cost 20% less than if they were bought in Venice, Florence or Rome. Everyone knows how good Italian shoes are – many are made in Naples.
One popular place to stay is the Hotel Royal, on the promenade overlooking the sea. It offers excellent value for money and is within easy walking distance of Naples’ historical centre and shops. A room costs £49 a night, including breakfast, between July and September.
If your visit coincides with the celebrations of Naples’ patron saint, San Gennaro, on September 19, it is worth joining the thousands of people who visit his statue when, it is said, his blood liquifies.If this happens, good things will happen to Naples. If the miracle does not occur, it is not good news.
Fortunately, Neapolitans are also great philosophers.They believe there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.
I would recommend people go to Naples for a week, and spend a couple of days exploring destinations which are within an hour away from the city.
These include the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia, both about 40mins away. Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano and Ravello are also all nearby.