NAPLES

Naples

Naples is a stunning part of the world to visit. The sights, the sounds, the food and the friendly locals all make it a brilliant holiday destination.

Best time to visit Naples

Best Time To Visit Naples: April to October. It is great to visit all year round but the weather will be excellent and there will be lots of events and activities for you to enjoy if you travel in the summer and autumn months.

When to book local hotels: Book early, 3 to 5 months in advance.

Best Time to Visit Pompeii: One of the reasons to visit Naples is to explore Pompeii, 25 minutes’ drive from the city. Try to visit in the cooler months, November to April when it’s less crowded. Whatever time you visit, make sure to get there early before 8.30am when the ruins open.

Best Time to Visit the National Archaeological Museum: It’s best to explore Pompeii first and then head for the museum, so that you have a better understanding of the items on display. If you visit during the week in low season and get there before it opens at 9am, it will be less crowded.

Best Time to Visit Pignasecca Food Market: You’ll find more than 600 food markets in Naples, but Pignasecca is the oldest and most famous. It’s where most of the city’s restaurants buy their produce, including incredible cheese, breads and pastries. Make sure you get there early, before it opens at 8am.

Events in Naples

February

Carnival - February: A masked celebration held throughout the country. In this area, the best celebration is in Campania, about 45 minutes from Naples by car. There are numerous cabaret and theater performances as well as a grand procession. These days Carnival is quieter in Naples, although kids often dress up in costumes.
Valentine’s Day – February 14: This romantic holiday is celebrated in Naples with various love-related exhibitions at museums and special restaurant menus. 

March

Confagricoltura Napoli Food and Wine Market - Throughout March: Fresh produce, other specialties and wine are on sale at markets around Naples in honor of the agricultural community.

April

Napoli Comicon - April 30 to May 3: One of Europe’s most popular Comicon festivals, with an impressive list of comedy artists, new talent and fans.
Maggio dei Monumenti - Month of May: The cultural festival called May of the Monuments takes place all over Naples, featuring a number of free concerts, exhibitions and other events. 

May

Festa di San Gennaro – First Saturday in May: Naples Cathedral is the sight of this festival where people come to honor the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro. 

Galassia Gutenberg – End of May: 4-day book fair, the largest in southern Italy.
Napoli Teatro Festival Italia - 3 weeks in June: Features several musical and theatrical performances all over Naples. 

July
Giffoni Film Festival - Month of July: One of Italy’s most important film festivals and the country’s largest children’s festival, it’s held in the town of Giffoni Valle Piana, about an hour’s drive from Naples. Over 2,000 kids descend on the town from 39 countries across the globe.

August

Ravello Music Festival - Month of August: Outdoor music concerts performed about an hour away from Naples on the coast. 

September

TanoTango Festival – September 1: This festival is a fascinating combination of the cultures of Buenos Aires in Argentina and Naples in Italy.
San Gennaro Festival - September 19: Relicious festival in honor of Naples’ patron saint, Saint Gennaro. Thousands descend on Piazza del Duomo in the hope of getting into the Duomo to see a re-enactment of the ‘miracle of San Genarro’ when the saint’s blood liquefied. 

October

Le Lune di Pompei - At night every weekend in October: A special guided tour of Pompeii’s Archaeological Area.

November

Naples International Film Festival - Early November: A city highlight, this film festival features local, European and Mediterranean films.

December

Natale a Napoli - Throughout December: Several concerts and exhibitions are held free to the public to celebrate the Festive Season. Includes nativity scenes at numerous churches around the city.
New Year’s Eve – December 31: Parties are held throughout the city. The biggest is found at Piazza del Plebiscito, which includes a concert featuring traditional, classic and rock music. There’s also a fireworks display at midnight.