Finding an affordable destination to visit in Italy can be challenging. Italy is a popular vacation spot, attracting visitors from all over the globe. And demand drives up prices!
But there is one idyllic spot in Italy where prices are still attractive to budget travelers: Naples.
Research conducted by the expert travel team at Bounce has found that the average hotel room price in Naples this summer is just $128 per night. This is considerably lower than the average prices in more popular Italian destinations such as Rome or Venice.
Naples is an incredible location that offers so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches or cultural attractions, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s everything you need to know:
Why Visit Naples
Naples is Italy’s third largest city. It is located in the Campania region, just 48km away from the considerably more expensive, and sought-after, location of Sorrento. The two cities share a coastline.
The historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest historic center in Europe. The center is largely unchanged, so visiting feels like stepping back in time.
You can explore ancient palaces, get lost in narrow streets, and even head underground to experience a whole new landscape in the city. Naples is home to over 500 churches and has a strong Christian-Catholic heritage.
Although based in the heart of Italy, Naples still follows the plan of the ancient Greek city of Neapolis. This effectively means that visitors can explore two ancient civilizations in just one trip.
Food lovers will be delighted to learn that the world’s first-ever pizzeria was founded in the city. You can still visit for a slice today.
Naples is officially home to some of the best pizzerias globally. In fact, the pizza of Naples is so renowned that The Art of Neapolitan Pizza-making was declared a world heritage site in its own right in 2017.
Neapolitan cuisine may be world-renowned, but it is also unpretentious and affordable, making it the ideal option for visitors on a budget.
Explore The Surrounding Area
The historic center of Naples has enough attractions to hold the attention of tourists in its own right. But if you want to explore a wider range of Italian attractions, Naples is the perfect base.
One of the world’s most famous volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius, dominates the city’s skyline and is just 20km away from the heart of Naples and is easy to reach by public transport or via private taxi. It is considered the city’s symbol and is definitely worth a visit.
The first written account of a volcanic eruption was at Vesuvius, and another popular day trip for visitors to Naples is to the excavation sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum — victims of Vesuvius’ historic eruptions.
Here you can step back in time and see life from 2000 years ago preserved in stone. Pompeii is one of the most significant existing records of Roman civilization and a fascinating insight into Roman life.
Beautiful Beaches
If you’re less interested in history and more interested in kicking back on the beach with a book then Naples definitely doesn’t disappoint.
The Gulf of Naples is home to an abundance of lesser-known beaches.
Gaiola Beach is one of the cleanest beaches along the Gulf of Naples coastline and can be easily reached from Naples city via metro line or bus, making it a great option for visitors on a budget.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a quiet, sandy beach then Miseno and Milliscola are great options. Slightly less easy to access by public transport, these beaches offer a great mix of relaxation and fun.
Finally, Naples is a great base for visiting some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches on its most glamorous islands.
Capri, Ischia, and Procida are all easy to access from the port of Naples, and there is an abundance of providers offering day trips to each of these locations.
Tourists can visit Naples and then explore some of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world without splashing the cash.