Discover Naples by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Important information:
This town is not one of the cities we visited during our road trip, but it will be a stop to consider in the future. This article aims to prepare our stay there and to share the information we collected about this destination.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips for this destination with us, either by email or in comments.
Introduction
Welcome to our ultimate travel guide for a road trip to Naples! Dreaming of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and an unforgettable experience in a van or RV? You’re in the right place!
In this article, we’ll share the fascinating history of Naples, give you all the tips for getting to this stunning city, and reveal our top spots for living the van life in Naples.
You’ll also find out where to sleep, where to park your vehicle for free, and even where to do your laundry. Lastly, we’ll unveil the best places to savor delicious Neapolitan cuisine and help you plan your budget for this incredible journey. So, gear up for adventure and follow us to Naples!
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What is Naples – Italy?
History of Naples
Naples, the capital of the Campania region in Italy, is a city rich in history and culture.
Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, Naples has been influenced by various civilizations over the centuries. From its Greek origins to its Roman past, through Byzantine and Arab periods, the city has witnessed numerous cultures leaving their mark on its architectural and cultural heritage. Additionally, Naples was a significant center for art and literature during the Renaissance, attracting esteemed artists and writers.
Today, visitors can explore Naples’ storied past through its archaeological sites, museums, and richly decorated churches.
You’ll likely be charmed by the allure and beauty of Naples, as well as its fascinating history. Wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, you’ll be transported back in time, imagining the lives of ancient civilizations that once thrived here. The ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, located a few kilometers (about 1.9 miles) from Naples, also serve as poignant reminders of the region’s tragic history, having been buried under ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Geographical Situation
Naples, nestled in southern Italy, is a true Mediterranean gem. Tucked between the sea and a towering mountain, this lively city easily captivates travelers seeking new experiences. From the famous Amalfi Coast to the fascinating ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and not forgetting the enchanting island of Capri, the surrounding areas of Naples are filled with treasures sure to astonish you. Ready for an adventure? Then hop in your van and let yourself be enchanted by the captivating charms of Naples and its region!
How to Get to Naples?
To get to Naples by camper van from nearby cities, here are the main routes to take:
– From Rome, take the A1 highway heading south until you reach the exit for Naples. Follow the signs to the city center.
– From Florence, also take the A1 highway southbound until the Rome exit. Then, follow signs to get back on the A1 highway towards Naples and follow the signs to the city.
– From Bari, take the A16 highway towards Naples. This highway will take you directly to Naples.
– From Sorrento, take route SS145 until you reach the town of Castellammare di Stabia. From there, follow signs to Naples and join the A3 highway towards the city.
These routes make it easy to reach Naples from different cities in Italy. Stay alert on the road and enjoy the journey!
Check out more travel tips at https://www.vantour.net.
To get from the country’s capital to Naples, you need to take the train. From Rome, catch a train at Roma Termini station heading to Naples. The main train lines to take are the high-speed Frecciarossa or Frecciargento trains. You can also opt for regional or interregional trains.
If you’re traveling on a budget, taking the regional trains might be a more affordable option compared to the high-speed ones. Plus, you get to enjoy the scenic route as you make your way to the beautiful city of Naples. Don’t forget to grab a snack for the journey!
So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first Italian adventure, hopping on a train from Rome to Naples is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore more of this stunning country. Enjoy the ride! 🚄
To get to Naples by plane, the nearest national and international airports are Naples-Capodichino Airport (4 miles from Naples), Rome Fiumicino Airport (136 miles from Naples), and Rome Ciampino Airport (113 miles from Naples).
Hey folks, if you’re planning a trip to Naples and wondering how to get there, flying is a great option. You’ve got a few airports nearby that you can choose from. Naples-Capodichino Airport is super close, only 4 miles away. But if you can’t find a direct flight there, you can also check out Rome Fiumicino Airport, about 136 miles away, or Rome Ciampino Airport, about 113 miles away. So, plenty of options to get you to your Italian adventure!
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During our last trip to Italy, we noticed that the condition of the roads varies significantly depending on the region. In Lombardy and Piedmont, the national and provincial roads are far from ideal, frankly, they’re pretty terrible. However, if you head towards Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the roads there. Our advice for travelers is to check ahead on the road conditions for the region they plan to visit and take the necessary safety precautions.
Weather: When to Visit Naples in a Camper Van?
Hey there! Planning a trip to Naples, Italy in your camper van? Well, here’s a handy guide on when to go based on the weather:
| Month | Avg. Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°/14° | 75mm | 🌦️ | Not ideal |
| February | 8°/14° | 66mm | 🌦️ | Not ideal |
| March | 9°/15° | 62mm | 🌦️ | Not ideal |
| April | 11°/18° | 49mm | 🌦️ | Not ideal |
| May | 14°/22° | 28mm | ⛅ | Ideal |
| June | 17°/26° | 19mm | ☀️ | Ideal |
| July | 20°/29° | 9mm | ☀️ | Highly recommended |
| August | 20°/29° | 19mm | ☀️ | Highly recommended |
| September | 17°/26° | 46mm | 🌦️ | Not ideal |
| October | 14°/22° | 80mm | 🌧️ | Not recommended |
| November | 11°/18° | 112mm | 🌧️ | Strongly discouraged |
| December | 9°/15° | 93mm | 🌦️ | Not recommended |
We invite you to visit Naples between April and June, when the temperatures are pleasant and the sun is shining. The bustling streets of the city are perfect for strolling and discovering the wonders of Italian architecture, culture, and cuisine. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy local festivals and events that bring this time of year to life. So, don’t wait to plan your trip to Naples, because this city is sure to captivate you!
Key Spots for Vans and RVs in Naples
Hey there, if you’re planning a trip around Naples in your van or RV, here are some must-see spots for you.
Now let’s dive into the list.
- 📍Holiday Great Star: Via Emanuele Gianturco, 66, 80146 Naples NA, Italy • Rating: 4.8 • Coordinates (40.8474295 – 14.2882457)
- 📍Camping Principe di Napoli: Piazza Museo Nazionale, 80135 Naples NA, Italy • Rating: – • Coordinates (40.8531477 – 14.2506558)
- 📍Camping San Domenico: Via 1st Maggio 1st Traversa, 3, 80014 Giugliano in Campania NA, Italy • Rating: 3.7 • Coordinates (40.9237695 – 14.1900095)
- 📍A Casa: Via Peppino de Filippo, 80139 Naples NA, Italy • Rating: – • Coordinates (40.8585287 – 14.263204)
- 📍Sepoltura Di Fad Xad: Via Gabriele Rossetti, 80125 Naples NA, Italy • Rating: – • Coordinates (40.8305513 – 14.2009244)
- 📍Express Wash Laundry Self Napoli – Garibaldi: Via Silvio Spaventa, 20, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy • Rating: 4.6 • Coordinates (40.85102699999999 – 14.269113)
- 📍express wash: Via Domenico Cirillo, 52, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy • Rating: 5 • Coordinates (40.85570939999999 – 14.2593817)
- 📍Express Wash Laundry Self Centro Storico: Via Donnalbina, 5, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy • Rating: 4.2 • Coordinates (40.8442914 – 14.2520919)
- 📍Co.Ta. Service Napoli: Address: Viale F. Ruffo di Calabria, 15/A, 80144 Napoli NA, Italy • Note: – • Coordinates (40.8746386 – 14.285041)
- 📍Sosta camper Napoli – Parco dei Camaldoli: Address: Via Comunale Guantai Ad Orsolone, 121, 80131 Napoli NA, Italy • Note: 4.4 • Coordinates (40.8682311 – 14.2053032)
- 📍Ipm: Address: Viale Colli Aminei, 27, 80131 Napoli NA, Italy • Note: 3.9 • Coordinates (40.8702721 – 14.2462337)
- 📍Parking at Via Severino: Via Marco Aurelio Severino, 36, 80137 Naples NA, Italy • Note: – • Coordinates (40.8663975 – 14.2672548)
- 📍Parking at Piazza Portanova: P.za Portanova, 80138 Naples NA, Italy • Note: 4 • Coordinates (40.8468574 – 14.2592812)
- 📍Free parking: 80124 Naples, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy • Note: 1 • Coordinates (40.8168181 – 14.1856761)
Even though Naples is a significant city in Italy, it seems there are plenty of places to stay for the night. We’ve often steered clear of free spots in Italy, as we didn’t always feel secure. We’ll let you make up your own mind!
Where and What to Eat in Naples?
Here’s a list of traditional and typical restaurants in Naples, as well as the specialties you should try to fully immerse yourself in the local gastronomy.
Restaurants in Naples
- 🍽️ La Trattoria • Rating: 4.4 • A traditional restaurant in the Naples, Florida area, offering authentic Italian cuisine.
- 🍽️ A Cucina Ra Casa Mia • Rating: 4.4 • A family-run restaurant in Naples, Italy. They serve traditional Italian dishes made with local ingredients.
- 🍽️ Cibi Cotti • Rating: 4.6 • A cozy and friendly little eatery in Naples, specializing in home-cooked meals and local flavors.
- 🍽️ La Lazzara Trattoria e Pizzeria • Rating: 4.5 • A restaurant and pizzeria located at Piazza Francese in Naples offering traditional Italian cuisine and delicious oven-baked pizzas.
- 🍽️ Trattoria da Nennella • Rating: 4.4 • A popular trattoria in Naples, known for hearty Italian dishes and a lively atmosphere.
Naples Specialties
After choosing a restaurant, here’s a look at the typical dishes offered in this region.
The culinary specialties of Naples are renowned worldwide and Neapolitan pizza is no exception. Its soft dough and generous toppings make each bite a true delight. But Naples offers much more : spaghetti alle vongole, aubergine parmigiana and la genovese are also must-tries. Seafood lovers will relish in fritturine di pesce, a mix of fried fish, and meat enthusiasts can indulge in mozzarella in carrozza. And to finish on a high note, there’s nothing like a sfogliatella, a light and crispy pastry, paired with a good Neapolitan coffee.
Budget Travel for a Road Trip to Naples
The currency used in Italy is the Euro (EUR). The cost of living in Italy is approximately 5% higher than in the United Kingdom, and the local purchasing power is about 3% lower. When traveling, budget at least $115 (92£) per day per person.
– Lunch: 15€ (17$ or 11£) (0% less than in 🇫🇷)
– 3-course dinner: 29€ (32$ or 21£) (4% less than in 🇫🇷)
– McDonald’s menu: 8€ (9$ or 6£) (20% less than in 🇫🇷)
– Local beer (0.5L): 4€ (4.4$ or 3£) (33% less than in 🇫🇷)
– Bus ticket: 1.3€ ( $1.46 or £1.07, 23% lower than in the US and UK)
– Taxi (per km): 1.2€ ( $1.35 or £0.99, 34% lower than in the US and UK)
– Petrol (1 liter): 2€ ( $2.25 or £1.65, 4% higher than in the US and UK)
– 1-star Hotel (per night): 70 € (82$ or 59£) (3% more than in 🇫🇷)
– 2-star Hotel (per night): 87 € (102$ or 73£) (2% less than in 🇫🇷)
– 3-star Hotel (per night): 104 € (122$ or 88£) (6% less than in 🇫🇷)
- Paire de jeans (Levis): 70€ (approximately $78.13, £60.10)
- Robe d’été: 28€ (approximately $31.25, £24.03)
- Cigarettes (paquet): 6€ (approximately $6.71, £5.16)
For UK and US travelers on a budget, knowing the local costs can help you stretch your funds. Lunch will set you back 15€ (17$ or 11£), which is comparable to France. For a three-course dinner, budget around 29€ (32$ or 21£)—a bit cheaper than in France. If on the move, a McDonald’s menu is just 8€ (9$ or 6£), perfect for a quick, cheap eat.
Thirsty? Local beer costs a mere 4€ (4.4$ or 3£). For getting around, grab a bus ticket for 1.3€ ($1.46 or £1.07) or a taxi at 1.2€ per km ($1.35 or £0.99)—much cheaper than in the US or UK. Watch out for petrol, though; it’s slightly pricier at 2€ per liter ($2.25 or £1.65).
Accommodations range from 70€ (82$ or 59£) for a 1-star to 104€ (122$ or 88£) for a 3-star hotel. Lastly, a pair of Levi’s jeans costs about 70€, so pack wisely. Overall, the spending here is quite reasonable.
What to do in Naples?
Hey there! Planning a trip to Naples and wondering what activities you should do while you’re there? Well, here’s a list of things you can enjoy in Naples, depending on your interests and preferences:
Take a romantic stroll along the Lungomare Caracciolo waterfront and enjoy the view of the sea and mountains. You should explore the gardens of the Royal Palace of Naples and wander through its romantic pathways. Visit the Castle dell’Ovo, located on an island, which offers a romantic atmosphere with its panoramic views. Don’t miss out on tasting an authentic pizza in a traditional pizzeria, by candlelight.
If you’re up for exploring some ancient Roman history, a trip to the ruins of Pompeii is a must-do. You can wander around and uncover the story of this old city that got buried under ash from a volcano. Then, head over to the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. It’s got a huge collection of Roman artifacts that will blow your mind. Definitely worth a visit! After that, take a stroll around the historic district of Spaccanapoli. You’ll be amazed by the baroque architecture and charming narrow streets. It’s like stepping back in time! And hey, why not catch an opera show at the famous Teatro di San Carlo? It’s a grand experience that you won’t forget.
Hiking up to the top of Mount Vesuvius and enjoying the view of the Bay of Naples is an absolute must-do. Imagine the breathtaking scenery from up there, it’s totally worth the effort! ($35 / £25) If you’re into diving, exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Gaiola Marine Reserve is an experience you won’t forget. The marine life there is simply amazing, it’s like entering a whole new world! ($40 / £30) For the sports enthusiasts, playing football at the San Paolo stadium, home of the famous SSC Naples football team, is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. The atmosphere during a match there is electrifying, it’s a real treat for any football fan! And why not rent a bike and cycle along the Amalfi Coast to discover its stunning landscapes?
Checking out the Naples Carnival with its colorful parades and traditional masks? It’s a blast! And how about getting in on the action at the Feast of San Gennaro, Naples’ patron saint, and catching the solemn procession? It’s quite the experience! Oh, and don’t miss the Naples Pizza Festival, where pizza makers from all over the world come together to show off their specialties. You won’t be disappointed! And last but not least, why not explore the Naples Film Festival and uncover some new talents in Italian cinema?
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Naples?
The remnants of ancient civilizations, museums brimming with artifacts, and ornately decorated churches all bear witness to its fascinating history. But Naples isn’t just a city stuck in the past; it’s also lively and full of energy. Its vibrant food scene, colorful festivals, and bustling nightlife make it a unique destination.
Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for an authentic experience, Naples is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings for discovery. So, plan your trip, hop in your van, and let yourself be enchanted by the captivating charms of Naples and its surroundings. A magnificent journey awaits!
Tag:Italy
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