Ischia and Naples: Culture, Coast and Maritime Connections

Year-round maritime connections operate from Naples to Capri, Ischia and Procida by ferry and high-speed passenger vessels. If you would like to combine Ischia with Naples, you can therefore choose between two different focal points: the destination of Ischia and Naples’ urban history, art and coastal landscape. When planning your accommodation, you can first decide which place will be the focus of your trip.

Naples between antiquity and major collections

In the historic centre of Naples, the rectangular street grid of the ancient Greek settlement of Neapolis is still recognisable today and continues to shape the urban fabric. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli displays mosaics from Pompeii, Herculaneum and other places in Campania in its mosaic collection, including mosaics and furnishings from the House of the Faun in Pompeii. The Magna Graecia collection covers the most important historical and cultural phenomena of Greek colonisation in southern Italy from the end of the 8th century BC to the Roman conquest in the 3rd century BC.

The Farnese Collection is also housed in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli. It is probably considered the best-known collection of Roman antiquities and is firmly rooted in the Renaissance milieu. At the Palazzo Reale di Napoli, the Museo della Fabbrica is a permanent exhibition that introduces visitors to the entire monumental complex. The Appartamento di Etichetta presents paintings, marble, stucco, tapestries and precious furnishings that tell the story of life in the Palazzo Reale. The Museo Caruso is the first national museum dedicated to Enrico Caruso and includes 3D animations, multimedia platforms, as well as musical and film installations.

Coast, gardens and sweeping views

The coast of Naples also combines history and landscape. The UNESCO World Heritage site preserves Roman archaeological remains along the coast as well as small, renovated boat harbours between Castel Nuovo and Capo Posillipo. Castel dell’Ovo is a Norman fortress on the ancient Isolotto di Megaride and one of the oldest castles in Naples. From its terraces, views extend across the sea, Mount Vesuvius and Naples.

The Parco Sommerso di Gaiola is part of the Natura 2000 protected area IT8030041 “Fondali Marini di Gaiola e Nisida”. The underwater park combines volcanological, biological and historical-archaeological features in a coastal landscape and extends from the Borgo di Marechiaro to the Baia di Trentaremi. Inland in the city lies the Real Bosco di Capodimonte, a historic garden and former hunting reserve covering approximately 134 hectares beside the Royal Palace. It contains more than 400 plant species planted over the course of two centuries. The Spianato around the Reggia di Capodimonte offers a viewpoint with panoramic views over Naples and the Gulf of Naples. The Stufa dei Fiori welcomes the public with tastings as well as literary, artistic and social events.

Practical orientation in Naples

For getting around Naples, Metro Line 1 connects the northern part of the city with the centre and runs via Vomero, the historic centre, the monumental area and the main railway station. The route of Napoli Sotterranea begins at Piazza San Gaetano 68 in Naples. Access is via 121 low, wide steps; there are no lifts or escalators. Napoli Sotterranea presents underground areas dating from the Greek, Spanish and Bourbon periods. The Catacombs of San Gennaro offer guided tours every hour, for which advance reservation is required.

Another part of the Naples experience is eating pizza in a historic pizzeria. When choosing your hotel for a trip combining Ischia and Naples, it is therefore helpful to establish clear priorities: should Ischia be the main focus, or would you like to plan Naples’ museums, historic sites, coastal views and culinary experiences as a separate focal point?

Further places for your planning

For planning your other destinations: Barano D'ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Fontana, Lacco Ameno, Ischia, Forio.

For the overarching travel overview: Campania.

Further destinations

More places within the same destination:

Benevento, Naples.