Chiaia

The basics

Roman ruins to the west, a 16th-century palace to the east, endless water to the south—Chiaia is right in the thick of Naples’ exquisite scenery. Though some visitors will beeline to the high-end shops of Via Chiaia, most agree that the neighborhood’s main landmark is Villa Comunale, a spectacular 17th-century villa-turned-public-park right on the water. Art-focused museums (like Museo Pignatelli and PAN Palazzo delle Arti Napoli), public beach access, scores of excellent restaurants and cocktail bars, and plenty of upscale accommodations can be found here, too.

For an easy introduction to Chiaia, take a bus or walking tour—your guide will know all the district’s most historic and scenic spots.

Things to know before you go

In Chiaia, try foods like baba (a rum-soaked cake), sfogliatelle (crunchy pastry with ricotta), crocchettone (deep-fried potato), and, of course, seafood and pizza. If you're visiting in the summer, pack sunscreen, a towel, and comfy walking shoes. The language you’re hearing might sound a bit confusing—Neapolitan is not mutually intelligible with Italian.

How to get there

Leave the rental car behind for this one. Chiaia is well-connected with public transportation, and you’re not going to want the hassle of finding parking. Metro Line 2 is the main train line here—stops abound in all directions—and buses are common, too. Traveling on foot is a good option as well.

When to get there

The best time to visit Chiaia depends on your preferences. While the summer is popular, the crowds can be unwieldy, and July and August can be quite hot. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall can be lovely with mild temps and fewer visitors, though may be too chilly for sunbathing. The wintertime rarely reaches freezing, so that could be an option, too.

A Chiaia itinerary

Two experiences you won’t want to miss at Chiaia are strolling Lungomare Caracciolo and visiting Villa Comunale. The former is the seaside promenade, where you can take in views of the bay, Mount Vesuvius, and the island of Capri. The latter is a 17th-century villa with fabulous gardens, fountains, and Italy’s oldest aquarium. For something more offbeat, go underground at the Galleria Borbonica or peek at the staircase inside Palazzo Mannajuolo.