The hometown of Sofia Loren, and more importantly...Peppe! Ueeeee!
Safe haven for greek refugees, then first harbour of the Roman empire. Things to see:
- Serapide's Temple (ancient Roman market)
- Flavian Amphitheater (3rd largest in Italy after the Colosseum)
- Solfatara (volcano)
- Cuma Archeological Site (ancient Greek colony)
- Rione Terra (ancient Greek quarter) overlooking the port
- Baia Castle (visible from our wedding venue)
Erica says: see it all, then sit for an aperitivo at Abbasc O Mare in the port...and watch out for the earthquakes, wink!
Peppe says: Pozzuoli offers a vast array of historical sites, crazy-eats and incredibly cheap Negronis.
Explore the vibrant island of Procida (named capital of Italian culture in 2022) from a short ferry ride from the port of Pozzuoli. Famous for its colorful houses, beaches and "lingue di Procida" pastries.
Erica & Peppe say: ask Claudia Palermo about that time she was stranded there.
Departure from: Port of Pozzuoli
Ferry duration: 40 minutes
Ferry price: EUR 10/way
"A Ischia, si mangia, si beve e si fischia". Just kidding, this gorgeous island is famous for its Roman thermal springs and natural beauty.
Erica says: my crazy roommate was from Ischia...er Califfo
Erica & Peppe say: great option if you want to chill the rest of your time in Italy. Thermal Springs + beach time + coniglio all'Ischitana.
Departure from: Port of Pozzuoli
Ferry duration: 1 hour
Ferry price: EUR 12/way
A local ancient Roman gem: the sunken city of Baia! Swim over ancient mosaics, status and Roman villas - perfectly preserved underwater. One of Peppe's favourite activities back home.
Snorkle or Scuba Dive: https://www.seapointitaly.it/en/2730-2/
Visit by Sub: https://nemosub.it/baia/
Peppe says: The OG Roman Vegas, now underwater! Famous for its orgies, drinks and food.
Ah yes, the place where we matched on Tinder!
No introduction needed, but so so much to see:
- Historic Centre of Naples (a UNESCO site)
- Piazza Plebiscito & Real Palace of Napoli
- Underground Naples - 2000 years of secret underground tunnels and caves, used all the way up to WWII
- Catacombs of San Gennaro
- Sansevero Chapel Museum (see the infamous Cristo Velato sculpture)
- Capodimonte Museum
- Take a nice stroll on Lungomare Caracciolo
- Spanish Quarters (you're 90% guaranteed to see a whole family of 4 on a scooter)
Must eats (seriously, if you don't, don't talk to us):
Pizza
- Da Michele
- Starita
- Sorbillo, we're feeling nice
- 50 Kalo'
Pizza Fritta (yes, fried pizza, drop your keto bs)
- La Masardona
Fish & Seafood
- A Figlia d''o Marenaro
Typical Napoletano Cuisine
- Tandem (takeaway ragu', cuzzutiello - again, stop it with the diet)
- Da Nennella (for fun times)
Fine(r) Dining
- Januarius
Erica says: don't let the dingey-ness of downtown scare you, Napoli is...Napoli, and that's why we love it. For a more bougie area, go to Chiaia and Posillipo.
Peppe says: don't wear your precious Rolex, jewellery or handbags in Naples. Be smart and don't look like a tourist too much.
We hope we don't have to explain this one to you.
How to get there, from Napoli:
- Circumvesuviana train from Garibaldi Station: around 3-4 EUR (~40 min)
- Taxi
- Bus
Erica says: it's...petrifying..that I've never been myself.
Peppe says: Pompei is Napoli's Canada's Wonderland - everybody goes there on a school trip.
Already visited Pompeii that one time your family took you on a cruise to Italy?
Great, check out its less known brother, Ercolano!
How to get there: same as Pompeii
Erica says: nope, never been there either!
Peppe says: the other place they took us on school trips.
A UNESCO site, the palace is the largest former royal residence in the world with 1200 rooms. Built as a flex by the King, you're gonna need a half day to visit it.
How to get there, from Napoli:
- Train to Caserta from Garibaldi Station
- By bus from downtown Napoli (Porto/Piazza Municipio/Via Medina)
- Taxi
Erica & Peppe say: probably still cheaper than a 3 bedroom home in Stoney Creek!
The bougiest of the islands!
How to get there from Napoli:
- Ferry from Port of Napoli (20x day): ~30EUR/way
Erica & Peppe say: bring your wallet
Likely the most tourist-y spot in all of Italy and yet another UNESCO site in the area! You may know Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento and Ravello. We suggest checking out lesser known gems Vietri sul Mare, Cetara and Maiori.
How to get to Amalfi, from Napoli:
- Ferry from Napoli Beverello port: ~30EUR/way
- Train to Salerno --> ferries from Salerno
- By Taxi
Erica & Peppe say: You won't find many Italians around as it's infested by instagram tourists. Also, if you're into hiking, the Paths of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is for you. Can't say we've done it...but you...go for it!
Come and find out why Erica refuses to swim in lakes!
Things to see:
- Tropea (duh)
- Scilla
- Pizzo Calabro
- Le Castella
- Paola (for the holy people)
- San Nicola Arcella
- Sila National Park(if you're not into beautiful beaches and you're a mountain person)
- Caminia
- Parghelia
- Reggio Calabria
...and a bunch of other places, just ask!
How to get there from Napoli:
- by Train (2.5-3 hour ride) ~60 EUR
- by Car (4.5-5 hour drive)
How to get there from Rome:
- by Flight - direct ITA flight from Roma Fiumicino to Lamezia Terme
- by Train (4.5 hours) with Trenitalia or Italo
- by Car (6 hour drive)
Erica & Peppe say: we're biased
History, incredible beaches and even better food. We need a whole separate section just for this.
How to get there from Napoli:
- by Ferry (from Napoli Port to Palermo)
- by Flight (to Palermo or Catania)
How to get there from Rome:
- by Ferry (from Civitavecchia Port to Palermo)
- by Flight (to Palermo or Catania)
Erica & Peppe say: best food ever - Peppe
You guessed it...another UNESCO site! Like nothing you've ever seen, or will ever see. An entire city carved in stone or "Sassi di Matera".
How to get there from Napoli or Rome:
- Drive
- Bus from Napoli (3.5 hour drive)
Erica & Peppe say: 1000% worth the trip. Get a hotel with a spa in the caves.
The eternal city.
Too much to say, you gotta see it once in your life at least. Have your Emily in Rome moment.
How to get there, from Napoli:
- By train (50 min) - 20-30 EUR
- By Flight (20 min) - not worth it
- Drive
Erica says: I get emotional thinking about it
Break free of the Hamilton-Italian mentality, and visit beautiful Croatia! They too are good people!
Located on the island of Brač, Ilyrian Resort is the perfect place to fully, really, really relax. This sea-front resort offers comfortable mini apartments, a pool, bar and restaurant and is conveniently located a few steps away from the historic centre of Milna.
How to get there:
1. From Napoli/Rome: direct flight to Split (~1 hour)
2. From Split Airport > take a bus or taxi to the Port of Split.
3. Take a direct ferry to Milna (check times)
Alternatively...take the ferry from Ancona. IYKYK.
Erica says: one of my bestfriends may or may not own this hotel. Don't miss fjera in mid August.