In Roman times this street, now known as Via dei Tribunali, was the main east–west artery of the city. Decumano Maggiore constitutes the heart of the old quarter and is replete with unmissable sights, as well as intriguing shops and bars and cafés to while away the hours.
For regal edifices and elegant cafés and shops, this choice part of town is pedestrian-friendly. A good place to start is the Fontana del Nettuno in Piazza Municipio and then head towards the sea and west. This arc takes in Castel Nuovo, Teatro di San Carlo and Galleria Umberto I.
Once you break away from the smart shops and hotels, this island (see Capri) is all about nature walks: up to Villa Jovis, down to the Arco Naturale, along the Sentiero dei Fortini to the Blue Grotto – the possibilities are numerous.
The colloquial name of this ancient street (see Spaccanapoli to Capodimonte) means “Splits Naples”, which is exactly what it does, cutting the oldest part of the city right down the middle. Beginning at the western end in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, a straight line takes you past some of the city’s finest monuments, and there are shops, bars, cafés and pizzerias.
Beginning at the public gardens next to the Palazzo Reale, take the seaside road around the Santa Lucia quarter and past some of Naples’ loveliest areas, including the island of Castel dell’Ovo and the green splendour of the Villa Comunale.
From the royal quarter Via Toledo begins elegantly, but soon the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish District) come up along the western flank – a warren of narrow, dark streets that hide some of the city’s best-kept secrets. However, continuing on, you’ll pass Piazza Dante and finally come to the Museo Archeologico.
If you take the funivia (cable car) from Castellammare di Stabia up to Monte Faito there are startling views from the top, as well as the beginning of many nature trails, some of which eventually lead as far as Positano.
Hiking points can be reached above Positano and between Ravello and Amalfi-Atrani. Most of these paths are erstwhile goat trails – the most famous is the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) – while some have been built up as stone stairways; all offer incomparable views.
A walk along the rim of this vast crater (see Vesuvius) is an experience of a lifetime. Some 20,000 visitors a year trek to the top to peer into the steaming depths 200 m (700 ft) below. The steep hike up takes about 30 minutes and it’s at its best in late spring, when flowers are most vibrant.
The walks and hikes on this island (see Ischia) are plentiful. A memorable trek is up Monte Epomeo from Forio, through Fontana, taking about 40 minutes.
A single road “of 1,000 turns” winds along this spectacular coast.
Follow the signs to Santa Agata sui Due Golfi and then Colli di Fontanelle to get your first glimpse of Positano.
Leave the coast road and climb up and up for a vista unlike any other.
Wind through mountain meadows before the descent to the Amalfi Coast.
A fairly good road rings the island.
Cut off the tollway to Castellammare di Stabia and take the picturesque road.
The cliff road is best experienced in the island’s classic open-top taxis.
Hug the coastline from Posillipo to Pozzuoli and take local roads to Terme di Agnano and La Solfatara.
Begin at Lago d’Averno and pass under the Arco Felice to arrive at Cumae.
Take the A3, then switch to the S19, direction Battipaglia. Take the right fork for Paestum, the S18 south.
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