Naples is a very interesting town. One I probably won't visit again. It does have some nice spots but its not like any other part of Italy I've ever seen. I took my son for a spring break vacation because we've read a lot about Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius. Those spots were worth the trip. You can read more about those on the following pages as I develop them. But knowing what I know now I would stay in Naples only long enough to catch the train.
After arriving at the airport we quickly caught the bus to Garibaldi square. It took awhile to find the hotel, Ramada. We spent most our time in Pompeii, Ercolano, and Mt Vesuvius. Our short excursion outside the hotel into Naples was not pleasant. The people of Italy remain some of the nicest I've ever encountered. They certainly love children. Every one is willing to help, give directions or even help us cross a busy street. However, the trash is as everyone describes. It is piling up. It appears the residents drop their rubbish out the window attempting to hit the community dumpster. If it misses no one seems to care. I did see one elderly gentleman picking up garbage around a dumpster on the first night. On more than on occasion I witnessed an adult using a dumpster or wall as a urinal. Thank goodness my son was busy chasing pigeons.
I do have to say the transportation is outstanding and very effective for a low cost. The Circumvesuvia is a very inexpensive way to travel by train from Naples to Sorrento. From Naples to Pompeii was roughly 3.50 euro round trip which is about half way to Sorrento or twenty stops from Naples. The bus system runs regularly into the town and the Alibus runs directly to the airport, both are cheap and effective.
The main shopping district is very nice and pleasant. It was crowded when we were there but it was a Saturday. The port is nearby and many cruise ships dock. This is also the port where you can catch a ferry to Capri and other nearby islands.
Some tips when traveling around Naples:
Exit the airport to catch the ALIBUS right in front. You can buy your ticket on the bus. It cost roughly 2.50 euro to Garibaldi Square. The bus runs in 30 minute intervals. Once you arrive at Garabaldi Square walk to the McDonalds. Skirt the McDonald's and enter the train station. At the tobacco shop you can purchase tickets for the city bus system. The R2 runs down to the shopping district, the port, Castle Nuovo, Museum Civico etc. Cost for this was 2.20 euro round trip. To catch the Circumvesuviana continue to the right in front of the train tracks, down the corridor, until you come upon the next ticket counter. Here you can buy your ticket to Sorrento or any other stop. You can ask the ticket counter which track you need but for Sorrento, Pompeii or Ercolano track 3 is where you need to go. In the mornings there is coffee and beverage vendor at the top of the escalator. The train runs regularly and we never had to wait more than 10 minutes. We purchased our Powerade every morning for 2.50 euro since Pompeii was going to be hot. If you're catching the ALIBUS to the airport for your ride home don't go to the place where the bus drops you off. Simply walk to the side of the McDonald's. Wait for the bus at the ALIBUS sign, again you can buy your ticket on the bus. We took a taxi with another couple and the cost was 5 euro (10 for all 4 of us)making it a bit more than the bus. It did get us to the airport faster which ended up being a blessing since the line was incredibly long to check in.
Take care to guard your valuables. I heard of all the pick pockets so I took precautions only to let my guard down once and became a victim. If you can manage it never ride on a crowded bus or train and if you must take extra precautions. The one time I was distracted by my son on the busy bus was all it took. I only lost my credit card but was quickly aware of the theft and cancelled it promptly.
We didn't eat outside the hotel for dinner. Lunch was always where we spent the day. The Ramada was a nice hotel and we enjoyed it. The service staff at the restaurant was outstanding. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I would stay there again. We made plans for this hotel for its convenience. It was a 3 minute walk to the Circumvesuviana. It is a home to many conventions and tour busses. The food was average but the menu changed daily. My son will only eat pasta and cheese and they were very accommodating to the point where they brought his pasta as soon as he sat down.
Our last night was eventful. At 330 I was shaken awake by the earth quake that hit north east of Rome. The entire building was shaking. It took me a while to realize what was happening and as soon as I realized that Naples was not where I wanted to spend my last minutes it stopped. My son never felt a thing. I was certainly glad I was in a renovated building. Only when we got home did we realize the magnitude of the terramoto, earthquake. We did our share to help.
While we certainly enjoyed our trip I would advise others to stay in another city if visiting the Naples area such as Sorrento.
