Naples

Castel Nuovo, also known as 'Maschio Angioino', is a medieval castle dating back to 1279. It was an important cultural centre, visited by important artists and writers such as Giotto, Petrarca, and Boccaccio. Today, it hosts various cultural events and is home to the Municipal Museum of Naples.

Literally named 'Egg Castle', Castel dell'Ovo is a 12th-century fortress that dominates the Naples seafront. The name comes from the legendary Roman poet Virgil, who supposedly strengthened the castle walls with a magical egg.

Not far from the Church of Gesù Nuovo, Basilica di Santa Chiara is a religious complex dating from the 1300s, which includes the Church of Santa Chiara, a monastery, tombs, and a museum, that collects historical documents, sacred relics, and marble statues.

Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore is an extraordinary building complex that mixes Gothic and Baroque architecture and dates back to the end of the 13th century. Every Christmas, a life-size nativity scene is set up inside the church. A museum occupies three floors above the courtyard and exhibits historic items from the monastery as well as archaeological remains.

Built when Naples was under Spanish rule, Palazzo Reale is one of the four royal residences around Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their reign over the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Today, the grand palace and its sprawling grounds are home to the Teatro di San Carlo, the Teatrino di Corte, the National Library, and a captivating museum that offers a glimpse into 17th to 19th-century history through the exquisitely decorated royal apartments. The Royal Gardens, an enchanting sanctuary within, boast tree-lined avenues adorned with rare plants, statues, and hidden gardens, adding to the historical allure of this magnificent landmark.

The enigmatic Sansevero Chapel is an important part of the Italian artistic heritage and is located in the historic part of Naples. Here you can see the famous Rococo sculpture of Veiled Christ made by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, as well as a feast of Baroque architecture and a mysterious temple of initiation.

Located in a tuff cave, Cimitero Delle Fontanelle, also known as the Valley of Death, is an underground cemetery containing the remnants of more than 15,000 Napolitains. A visit to Fontanelle Cemetery offers a somewhat unique — and possibly morbid — experience.

This neoclassical theatre looks like it's frozen in time: the majestic golden décor and the red suede curtains will probably throw you back to the 18th century when it was built for Charles III, Duke of Bourbon. After several restorations, it is still open today and hosts great shows such as Swan Lake.

This church and monastery complex is one of the highest-rated in Naples, and you shouldn't miss it if you're interested in art and history. Founded by Augustinian monks in 1343, it was renovated many times throughout history and hosts interesting examples of different art styles, such as its scenographic stairwell entrance built in the 18th century and fascinating sculptures and frescoes.

Not far from Naples, the beautiful town of Amalfi is the perfect spot for a one-day excursion: it boasts a stunning seaside and a surprisingly rich history — it used to hold huge maritime power in the Middle Ages — which has left interesting sights such as the St Andrew Cathedral with its scenic staircase. To explore it fully, consider booking a guided tour.

If visiting an ancient underground passage that has served as a war refuge sounds thrilling to you, then don't miss this fascinating archaeological museum in Naples. More than 500 metres long and 150 years old, the Bourbon Tunnel, Tunnel Borbonico, or Bourbon Gallery has been recently restored to the detail and offers experiences for all tastes, from historical tours to speleological excursions.

The only active volcano in Continental Europe, Mount Vesuvius is a popular destination for excursions, and offers a stunning panorama over the Naples bay, as well as a thrilling opportunity to look inside its crater. Infamous because it destroyed Pompeii 2,000 years ago, Vesuvius is now carefully controlled by geologists. An interesting choice can be visiting it in the morning — it's only 20 minutes away from Naples — and then heading to the Pompeii archaeological site in the afternoon.

With its stunning rock cliffs over a deep blue sea and its polished, upper-class gardens and villas, this beautiful island in front of Sorrento Bay has much to offer. Don't miss the Grotta Azzurra sea cave, in which a play of lights makes the water sparkle with an ethereal blue. Admire the elegant fin-de-siècle architecture of Villa Lysis and the sea view from the terrace, or visit the rocky beaches of Marina Grande and Spiaggia di Faro. Expect the island to be crowded in the summer.