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Forum Question Posted By: Replies:
Naples first time
Posted: Thu June 5, 2008 08:47 AM UTC
im coming to naples for the fist time on june 25th for about 3 days
what are the sights i must see there?
is the place safe?
where will i get awesome pizza?
is there any nightlife there?
whats the weather like?
i want to do a day trip to a nice place out of naples
Vesuvio / Pompeii / Positano / Sorrento / Capri / Amalfi??? which onw would u recommend?
fairyindadragon4rest
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8 replies

[Reply]

Naples Re: first time
Posted: Thu June 5, 2008 05:51 PM UTC
If you don't want to pay for a private tour it's easy to get yourself to all of the places you have listed (especially if you stay in the Ramada!).

The circumvesuviana private train line runs from Naples to Sorento (about an hour). It leaves from Napoli Centrale station, one level down. It also stops at Herculaneum (Ercolano) and Pompeii (Pompeii Scavi). Pompeii site entrance is directly opposite the station, journey takes about 30 minutes from Naples.

http://www.vesuviana.it/Reteeorari/Ferrovia/Orario

for train times.

For Amalfi/Positano, you'll need to get to sorrento by circumvesuviana and then get the bus from outside the station (tickets are sold in the newspaper shop there). It's a wonderful journey along the coast road to Amalfi (I have photos on my Amalfi page travelogues). Bus timetables here (under 'Quadro 15'):

http://www.sitabus.it/wps/portal/OrariCampania

There are ferries/hydrofoils from Naples docks (and Sorrento) to Capri. Info here:

http://www.capri.com/en/orari-traghetti

There are buses to Vesuvius from Naples and from Pompeii town. Timeables here:

http://www.vesuvianamobilita.it/orari/vesuvio/vesuvio.htm

With one day, I'd recommend Pompeii then Herculaneum on the way back. You really, really cannot miss these wonderful sites if you are in the Naples area (and you definitely don't need to take an organised tour...you'll get a free map and guidebook with your ticket). Take some water with you, as the Pompeii site is very exposed and gets very hot indeed (there is a cafe, but it's a huge place).

If ancient remains don't turn you on, then get the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento earlyish in the morning, then take the bus along the coast road to Amalfi. Get off at and explore Positano only if you have time on the way back.

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leics
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[Reply]
Naples Re: first time
Posted: Thu June 5, 2008 06:10 PM UTC
Do you really have to stay in Naples? Garbage all over the streets, the new government just started cleaning it up!
European tourists avoid this city, certainly not the best of Italy.
Go to Sorrento much safer and cleaner. You will also be closer to many of the things to see.

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breughel
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[Reply]
Naples Re: first time
Posted: Thu June 5, 2008 06:41 PM UTC
Neither is correct.

Naples is not avoided by European tourists. It is a very popular destination and base. That's why UK-based budget carriers fly there.

Neither are all the streets covered in rubbish. The problem has been ongoing for years, and is worst in the suburbs (which you are unlikely to visit). Not all countries have the same rubbish disposal systems (or concerns) and Italy's, with its large dumpsters at the kerbside, makes any problems much more visible. In those areas where there is a problem people have designated part of their road as the rubbish area, and most is plastic-bagged. It's not very nice, but it's a lot worse for the people who live there and depriving them of tourist-generated income won't help the situation at all.

But if you do want to stay in a less hectic and chaotic place, then Sorrento is easily accessible from Naples airport and from Napoli Centrale station and makes an excellent base for exploring the Amalfi coast/Pompeii etc. Either take the Circumvesuviana train, or the direct bus from the airport. Timetable here:

http://www.curreriviaggi.it/

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leics
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Naples Re: first time
Posted: Thu June 5, 2008 07:02 PM UTC
The international airport is in Naples, that’s why UK-based budget carriers fly there as well as charter flights from tour operators and regular flights.

When they arrive in Naples all these tourists run away to the good places between Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and further down to Salerno.

There is not a sound European who would advise two girls from overseas to stay in Naples, one of the worst towns in Italy. That is a realistic appreciation.

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breughel
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Naples Re: first time
Posted: Thu June 5, 2008 07:07 PM UTC
Then I am clearly not a sound European.

Common sense and clarity of vision is always required when travelling; without them one is at risk anywhere, whatever one's age or gender. But with those characteristics firmly in place, I would not consider Naples in any way a 'no-go' city.

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leics
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Naples Re: first time
Posted: Thu June 5, 2008 08:56 PM UTC
I love Naples and many people who warn you off it have either never been or were unlucky enough to be there during a garbage strike (there was one in January this year) or were there 20 years ago when it was dirtier and more dangerous than it is now, for instance I stayed in the Spanish Quarter which used to be a no-go area but is now perfectly fine. If you are at all streetwise you shouldn't have a problem.
Re "awesome pizza", you should be warned that the typical neapolitan pizza has an uneven base, i.e. the dough is thick in some places and thin in others, just so you know what to expect.
You can google for the weather and also for more information on the places you ask about for a day trip, if you can only choose one, my recommendation would be Pompeii but then I'm not interested in nightlife so perhaps my tastes are not yours.

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qaminari
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Naples Re: first time
Posted: Thu June 5, 2008 09:20 PM UTC
I have been in Napoli a week ago, garbage is not in the historical centre which is clean, safe and as beautiful as it has always been for tourists.
For pizza try Michele in Via Cesare Sersale, just 4 pizzas on menu but the best ones in town.
Ciao Moni

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maggiolina
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Naples Re: first time
Posted: Fri June 6, 2008 08:17 AM UTC
THANK YOU GUYS FOR ALL THE HELP...u all are fab!

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fairyindadragon4rest
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