Naples archivos - VOLARE MAGAZINE

Experiencing football while travelling doesn’t always mean buying a ticket for a match. Sometimes it’s enough to walk through an empty stadium, sit in the right bar, follow the murals of a local hero or stroll through a neighbourhood where the team colours are part of the cityscape. From Marseille to Naples or from Bilbao to Barcelona, these destinations offer a unique way to experience Europe through its passion for football.

or many travellers, football provides the perfect excuse for a city break. There’s no need to organise your trip around a sports calendar or buy tickets for a major fixture; you can soak up the atmosphere by visiting stadiums, museums, historic shops, bars frequented by fans, and neighbourhoods where the club is part of the local identity.

In many European cities, football serves as a gateway to exploring broader themes such as history, belonging, popular memory, neighbourhood pride, and urban culture. Here are some ideas for a football weekend in Volotea destinations, designed for those who want to combine travel, city life and a passion for football without making the trip purely about sport.

Marseille: the Vélodrome and a city that pulses with blue and white

In Marseille, football more than just another form of entertainment. Olympique de Marseille is part of everyday conversation, part of the city’s visual identity and part of a very intense way of experiencing belonging. Even those who do not follow Ligue 1 quickly realise that OM occupies a special place here.

The natural starting point is the Orange Vélodrome, one of France’s most iconic stadiums. Visiting it is a way of discovering the city’s history through its club and of remembering that football here is experienced almost like a religion, giving OM an aura that is unmatched by any other club in France.

A visit to the stadium allows you to explore areas usually reserved for match days: the stands, behind-the-scenes areas, tunnels and changing rooms, as well as spaces connected to the club’s history. You don’t have to be an OM supporter to enjoy it. The most interesting aspect is understanding why this stadium holds such significance in a port city shaped by diversity, popular culture and local pride.

The plan can be completed at the Vieux-Port, where football appears in a less organised but equally present way: shirts, conversations on terraces, bars showing matches and a distinctively Marseillais energy. If there is a match that weekend, even without a ticket, simply going to a bar before kick-off is enough to feel the atmosphere. If not, a visit to the Vélodrome remains highly representative and compact, and is perfect to combine with a walk along the Corniche, through Noailles or Le Panier.

Naples: Maradona as living memory

Few European cities live and breathe football with the emotional intensity of Naples. There, SSC Napoli is much more than just a club, and Diego Armando Maradona is much more than a former player: he is a popular figure, almost a family presence, visible in altars, murals, shops, shirts and souvenirs.

The clearest route begins in the Quartieri Spagnoli district, where one of the most famous Maradona murals can be found, located at Via Emanuele de Deo 60, an area now known to many visitors as Largo Maradona. The mural was created in 1990 by Mario Filardi to celebrate Napoli’s second scudetto and has become a true place of football pilgrimage.

This walk does not need much planning. The best approach is to walk along Via Tole enter the Quartieri Spagnoli and let the tributes appear: flags, photos, small altars, souvenir shops, names written on walls. Football here is not enclosed in a museum. It is in the street.

For those who want to extend the route, another important stop is the large Maradona mural in San Giovanni a Teduccio. Created by the artist Jorit in 2017, it commemorates the 30th anniversary of Napoli’s first scudetto. As it is further from the centre, it is worth including only if you have more time.

A football weekend in Naples could end with a pizza, a beer and a conversation about Napoli in any bar, as the subject comes up almost without trying. In this city, football is not visited: it is breathed.

Bilbao: San Mamés and a unique identity

Bilbao offers a very different football experience. Here, it’s not so much about exuberance on the streets as it is about a very particular sporting identity: that of Athletic Club, one of Europe’s most unique clubs thanks to its philosophy, history and bond with the territory.

The key venue is San Mamés, known as “La Catedral”. The stadium is located right in the urban centre, on Calle Rafael Moreno “Pichichi”, and Athletic Club offers a museum with more than 1,000 original memorabilia items and 900 videos to understand the club’s history since 1898. The stadium visit allows you to tour the ground individually with an audio guide or in a group with a tour guide, depending on the chosen option.

One interesting aspect of Bilbao is how naturally football fits into a gastronomic and urban escape. In the morning, you can visit San Mamés, then walk towards the Ensanche or the Casco Viejo and finish with pintxos at a local bar. The club cannot be understood in isolation from the city; it is integral to how Bilbao presents itself to the world.

For travellers who already know the Guggenheim or are looking for a more authentic side to the city, San Mamés offers a different perspective: it is modern, emotional and quintessentially local. Although it is a new stadium, it has a long history behind it. And that can be felt..

Barcelona: Camp Nou as a myth in transformation

Barcelona is one of the world’s great football capitals, and although the Barça experience is currently going through a transitional period with the transformation of Spotify Camp Nou, it is still well worth seeing. Visiting it can therefore be interesting, not only as a historic site, but also as a stadium in the process of change.The club currently offers experiences linked to the Barça Stadium Tour & Museum, with an updated museum, immersive spaces, and visits adapted to the ongoing stadium renovations. It is the perfect place to explore the world of Barça, with areas dedicated to Leo Messi, European trophies and interactive content. During the renovation works, the format of some traditional visits to the pitch or changing rooms may vary, so it is advisable to check the available options beforehand.

Beyond the stadium, the footballing spirit of Barcelona can be found throughout the city. Barça can be felt in shops, neighbourhood bars, shirts, souvenirs and conversations, as well as in a sporting culture that extends beyond men’s football. The women’s team, the academy, the rivalry with Espanyol and the club’s global dimension all form part of the experience.

For a weekend, the plan can be simple: a morning spent exploring the museum and the area around Camp Nou, followed by lunch in Les Corts or Sarrià. Then, an afternoon exploring the city, followed by an evening watching football in a bar if there is a match. Even without entering the stadium, getting a feel for its surroundings helps you to understand the symbolic significance of the club in Barcelona.

Lyon: football, a modern stadium and an urban getaway

Lyon may not be as famous for football as Marseille or Naples, but it is a city with a strong sporting tradition and a very interesting scene for those who want to combine football, gastronomy and a city break.

Groupama Stadium, home of Olympique Lyonnais, offers stadium tours and the OL Le Musée. The museum is included among the proposals covered by the Lyon City Card and opens throughout the year on weekends, with services such as a shop, restaurant, guided tours and Wi-Fi. The stadium visit allows you to explore the inner workings of the club and learn about its recent history, particularly its dominance in the 2000s and the significance of its academy.

Lyon is a good option for those who don’t want football to dominate their entire trip. You can dedicate a morning to the stadium and spend the rest of the weekend exploring Vieux Lyon, the Presqu’Île, the traboules, the bouchons and the riverside atmosphere along the Rhône and Saône. Here, football is just one of many attractions, adding to the city’s strong gastronomic and heritage identity without overshadowing it.

Palermo: rosanero football and Sicilian popular culture

Palermo brings a different energy to a football trip than Naples does. It is less mythological, perhaps, but very closely tied to the city’s everyday life. Here, football is lived in pink and black, the colours of Palermo FC, a club that is part of the local imagination and embodies the intense, Mediterranean, deeply popular nature of the city.

The key reference point is the Stadio Renzo Barbera, located in the La Favorita area, not far from the Parco della Favorita and the road towards Mondello. The stadium, known as La Favorita for years, is the home of Palermo FC and is one of those places where the atmosphere starts to build before the match, with rosanero shirts, groups of supporters, nearby bars and food stalls, and conversations mixing football, neighbourhood and city.

For those who cannot coincide with a match, the Palermo Museum inside the stadium is a good alternative. The route allows visitors to discover the club’s history through shirts, photographs, memorabilia, documents and audiovisual content from different eras of the team. It is a short but insightful visit, perfect for understanding the bond between Palermo and its footballing identity, independently of the sporting calendar.

The getaway can be completed very naturally. In the morning, take a walk through the historic centre and visit the Ballarò or Il Capo markets. Then, visit the Renzo Barbera stadium or the club museum. If the weather allows, spend the afternoon in Mondello and end the day by the sea. This blend of football, street life, popular food and the Mediterranean is the essence of Palermo.

Palermo proves that a city does not need to have the most famous club in Europe to offer an authentic football experience. Sometimes, all it takes is a characterful stadium, distinctive colours, and supporters who see football as an integral part of their city.

How to organise a football getaway without going to the match

The key is not to rely only on the calendar. A good football weekend should be built around three elements: an emblematic location, a local experience and free time to see the city.

The emblematic place can be a stadium, a museum or a mural, for example. The local experience could be a bar, a market, a street where fans gather or a historic shop. Free time is also essential to avoid an overly rigid itinerary.

Before travelling, it is worth finding out about tour schedules, museum opening times and possible changes due to works or events. It is also worth checking whether there is a match that weekend, even if you do not buy a ticket: the stadium surroundings or the city’s bars may offer enough of an experience to give you a taste of the atmosphere.

Travelling through football doesn’t mean missing out on seeing the city. Quite the opposite: it often helps you to understand it better. After all, clubs embody pride, memory, neighbourhood, rivalries, a sense of belonging and ways of coming together. For a curious traveller, this can be as revealing as a historic square or a major museum.A football weekend in Europe doesn’t have to end in the stands. It could begin with a coffee overlooking the port in Marseille, continue in front of a Maradona mural in Naples, take in the Cathedral of San Mamés, or include a visit to the Barça museum while Camp Nou undergoes a transformation. The important thing is to let the ball set the route, but not the whole journey.

Arriving in a destination and understanding its transport system can be challenging. ConetPass offers a simpler way to get around: a single digital pass to explore the city freely from the moment you arrive.

Has this ever happened to you? You arrive in a new city, feeling a mix of excitement and travel fatigue. You step out of the airport, and suddenly, the first challenge is not what to see, but how to get around. Single ticket or travel pass? Zone 1, 2, or 3? Does that tram accept the same ticket as the metro? While you try to decipher maps, fares, and ticket machines in another language, the sense of freedom travel promised begins to fade.

Getting around an unfamiliar city should be part of the pleasure of discovering it, not a small logistical odyssey in itself. Yet it is one of the most common frustrations for any traveller: fragmented transport systems, multiple tickets, different apps, rules that change from place to place. Every destination has its own logic… and it takes time to learn it.

In this context, ConetPass, was developed: a solution designed precisely to simplify that first contact with the city and, indeed, the entire mobility experience during the trip.

The art of moving without thinking

There is something deeply satisfying about arriving at your destination and being able to move around naturally from the outset. Boarding a metro without hesitation, connecting to a bus without worrying about tickets, and hopping on a tram simply because you feel like it. When that kind of flow happens, the city opens up in a different way.

ConetPass is built on this idea: turning transport into something almost invisible. It is a digital pass that integrates access to public transport networks in different cities into a single solution, accessible directly from your smartphone. No queuing, no machines and no need to immediately understand local particularities.

The concept is simple in appearance, yet powerful in practice: one pass, one system, multiple destinations.

From theory to real experience

Let’s imagine a common scenario: you land in Rome in the morning. You want to reach the city centre, drop off your luggage, explore a couple of neighbourhoods and perhaps visit a museum on the other side of town. Normally, this would involve several decisions: how to get from the airport, which ticket to buy, whether a day pass is worth it or if individual rides are better.

With a system like ConetPass, that chain of decisions is drastically reduced. The pass can be purchased online before the trip or even upon arrival. It is activated at first use, and from then on it allows access to different means of transport—metro, buses, trams, urban trains and even, in some destinations, airport shuttles—depending on the city.

The result is not only convenience, but also something more intangible yet extremely valuable: peace of mind. Knowing you can move travel without constantly recalculating each journey changes the way you experience a destination.

A standard across different cities

One of the biggest challenges facing transport in Europe (and worldwide) is its diversity. Each city has its own system, fare structure and rules. What works in Barcelona, for example, may not work in Florence, and what feels intuitive in Naples may be confusing in Venice.

ConetPass seeks to introduce a layer of consistency across that diversity. It does not change local systems—each city keeps its own network—but it offers travellers a common entry point. The same format, the same logic of use, regardless of the destination.

This idea of “one standard for many cities” is especially relevant at a time when an increasing number of travellers are combining multiple destinations within a single trip.

Traveling light, digitally too

If something has changed in the way we travel in recent years, it is our relationship with the smartphone. Today we carry boarding passes, hotel reservations, maps, recommendations… and increasingly, mobility solutions too.

The fact that ConetPass is fully digital fits perfectly with this trend. There are no physical tickets to lose and no cards to validate in specific machines. Everything is managed from your smartphone, with easy activation at first use and validity adapted to the length of your trip.

More time for what matters

When little irritations disappear—finding a machine, understanding fares, queuing—something very concrete appears: time. And time, on a trip, is probably the most valuable resource.

Spontaneous coffees in squares, unexpected detours down unplanned streets and last-minute exhibitions all become easier when getting around the city is not a complex decision every time.

A growing network

With more than 15 years of experience in the tourism sector, ConetPass has established itself as a relevant player in traveller mobility. It is currently available in more than 17 cities across Europe and Asia, including Barcelona, Florence, Naples, Rome, Venice and Istanbul.

Between inspiration and logistics

When we imagine travelling, we tend to focus on evocative images: a cathedral at sunset, a lively market or a hidden street discovered by chance. However, behind each of these moments lies a less visible layer: logistics.

Better travel also means reducing stress, optimising time and facilitating connection with the destination. Mobility plays a key role in all this—it is not a minor detail, but the foundation upon which the experience is built.

Ultimately, perhaps the best sign that something works is that it becomes invisible.

In summary:

What it is
A digital pass that provides access to local transport networks through a single solution which can be purchased online and used via a smartphone.

What it includes
Depending on the destination: metro, buses, trams, urban trains, airport connections and traveller services.

Activation and validity
Activated at first use and valid for one or more consecutive days.

Why choose it?
Clear costs, less wasted time and maximum freedom of movement throughout the trip.

On April 23, books take to the streets and cities become literary stages. An invitation to travel across Europe following the footsteps of great stories.

When travelling and reading tell the same story

Every April 23 marks UNESCO World Book Day, a date that celebrates literature and the power of stories to transport us to other places. The choice of this date is not arbitrary: it coincides with the deaths of great authors such as William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, two giants of world literature.

But beyond its symbolic significance, this day is also a celebration of the joy of reading, of discovering worlds and cities through the eyes of those who have best portrayed them. Because reading, ultimately, is another way of travelling.

Following this idea, some cities have ceased to be just places and have become true literary characters—spaces that are best understood when explored with a book in hand. World Book Day is therefore the perfect excuse to embark on a different kind of journey: one where each destination is discovered through its stories.

Barcelona: books and roses in the most special celebration

If there is one city where World Book Day is experienced in a truly unique way, it is Barcelona. Here, April 23 is celebrated as Sant Jordi, a deeply rooted tradition that transforms the city into a vast open-air literary stage.

The streets fill with book and rose stalls, authors sign copies, bookshops spill out onto the pavements, and people exchange books as tokens of love and friendship. The atmosphere is festive, vibrant and deeply cultural—a perfect blend of literature and everyday life. Without a doubt, it is a celebration that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

But Barcelona doesn’t just celebrate books—it inspires them. Novels such as The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón or The City of Marvels by Eduardo Mendoza turn its streets into settings full of mystery, history and emotion. Walking through the Gothic Quarter, Plaça Sant Felip Neri or the Eixample district is like stepping into living pages of literature.

Naples: the intimate city of My Brilliant Friend

Few recent works have shaped the perception of a city as profoundly as My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante in Naples.

Through the story of Lila and Lenù, Ferrante immerses us in the everyday life of Naples’ neighbourhoods, exploring friendship, identity and social inequality in an intense and contradictory city. Naples emerges as a place of both beauty and harshness, where every street tells a story.

vesubio napoles blanco y negro niña en barco

Walking through its working-class neighbourhoods, along the seafront or through its historic centre allows visitors to grasp the unique atmosphere that the author manages to capture so precisely. Here, literature does not embellish reality—it lays it bare.

Venice: beauty, decadence and mystery

Venice has, for centuries, been one of Europe’s most fascinating literary settings. Its melancholic aura and timeless beauty have inspired unforgettable works.

In Death in Venice, Thomas Mann portrays a city of decadence and obsession, where beauty intertwines with the fragility of life. Decades later, The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith presents another side of Italy, full of desire, moral ambiguity and suspense.

Walking through St Mark’s Square, getting lost among the canals or stepping into historic cafés like Florian means experiencing that same literary atmosphere—elegant, unsettling and deeply evocative.

Marseille: a port of tales and adventures

In Marseille, literature smells of the sea, of journeys and of stories that come and go. Although it is not always tied to a single contemporary masterpiece, its literary imagination is deeply linked to classics such as The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, which begins precisely in this port.

Marseille is a city of passage, of cultural blends and intersecting narratives. Its neighbourhoods, its old port and its connection to the Mediterranean make it a perfect setting for stories of adventure, transformation and destiny.

For book lovers, there is also an essential stop: the bookshop at the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations). Considered one of the most atmospheric in the city, it stands out for its carefully curated exhibitions and its privileged seafront location—making it the perfect place to keep reading Marseille… even after exploring it.

Tenerife: inner landscapes in Dogs of Summer

En Santa Cruz de Tenerife, la literatura adopta un tono más íntimo y contemporáneo con Panza de burro de Andrea Abreu.

The novel takes us to rural Tenerife, far from tourist clichés, where the landscape—shaped by mist and mountains—becomes a character in its own right. It is a story about adolescence, friendship and the desire to escape, deeply connected to its setting, and notable for its language and its portrayal of an island that “at first glance seems difficult to leave”. A literary journey that invites readers to discover another side of this destination.

Travelling through reading: a growing trend

More and more travellers are choosing their destinations inspired by books. It’s not just about visiting a place, but about understanding it—experiencing it through a different lens. Literary routes, book festivals and charming bookshops become essential parts of the itinerary for those seeking deeper cultural experiences.

Travelling with a book in your suitcase allows you to anticipate your destination, to recognise its landscapes and, in a way, feel as though you’ve been there before.

Reading the world, travelling through stories

World Book Day is much more than a literary celebration—it is an invitation to discover the world through the stories that have shaped it. From Barcelona’s Sant Jordi to Ferrante’s Naples or Mann’s Venice, each city holds a literary dimension that makes it unique. All it takes is opening a book to begin the journey.

Because, in the end, reading and travelling share the same essence: both transform us, invite us to look beyond, and remind us that every place hides countless stories waiting to be told.

Beyond the historic centre, Naples reveals itself along its coastline: Marechiaro, Mergellina and Posillipo unveil a slower, brighter and more authentic city, where the sea takes centre stage.

There is a Naples everyone knows: intense, chaotic, layered with history. And then there is another, quieter and more luminous, opening onto the sea and moving to the rhythm of the waves. Napoli is both—but it only takes a few kilometres away from the historic centre to discover a different side, more intimate and everyday.

Here, the Mediterranean is not just a backdrop: it is a constant presence that shapes daily life, softens the noise and invites you to slow down. The coastal neighbourhoods—from Mergellina to Posillipo, as far as Marechiaro—are not just places to visit, but to experience, observe and wander through at your own pace.

For those returning to Naples after seeing its iconic sights, or for travellers seeking a more authentic experience during an off-season escape, this seaside route is a true revelation.

Marechiaro: a vibrant everyday scene

In the heart of Posillipo, hidden among stairways and narrow alleys, Marechiaro feels suspended in time.

A small village overlooking a quiet inlet, Marechiaro is full of character: colourful boats, laundry drying in the sun, elderly neighbours chatting and fishermen returning at sunset. Here you’ll find the famous “Fenestella”, a window framing Mount Vesuvius and the bay—a symbol of Naples at its most poetic.

How to get there:

Bus 140 from Mergellina to Posillipo + 10–15 min walk down
Or taxi, to give yourself more time there

tip:

Visit in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the atmosphere becomes especially evocative.

Where to stop:

Trattoria da Cicciotto
📍 Via Marechiaro 32
A historic seaside trattoria, perfect for a relaxed lunch or a dinner with a viewento o una cena con vista

Mergellina: the port that still feels like a neighbourhood

Mergellina is both a transit point and a lived-in neighbourhood. Here, the marina coexists with everyday life: people jogging along the seafront, stopping for coffee, waiting for ferries.

The promenade along Via Caracciolo is one of the most beautiful in the city—wide, bright and always open to the sea. On one side, Mount Vesuvius; on the other, Castel dell’Ovo in the distance.

tip:

Best enjoyed early in the morning or at sunset
Ideal for a leisurely walk with no particular destination, watching the local life

Where to stop:

Chalet Ciro
📍 Via Caracciolo 1
A historic seaside café famous for its sfogliatelle and ice cream

Posillipo: the Mediterranean as a horizon

Posillipo perhaps embodies the most elegant and contemplative side of Naples. A hillside descending towards the sea, dotted with villas, terraces and breathtaking viewpoints.

Here, time seems to slow down. The streets are quieter, the views wider, the horizon ever-present.

Must-see stop:

Parco Virgiliano
📍 Viale Virgilio
A panoramic park overlooking the bay, the islands (Capri, Ischia, Procida) and Mount Vesuvius

How to get there:

Bus C31 or C21 from Mergellina
Or taxi for greater convenience

tip:

Arrive just before sunset and stay until dusk falls.

Dining by the sea, just like the locals

One of the most authentic experiences is sitting down to eat by the water, taking your time and blending into the scenery.

Recommended spots:

Ristorante La Bersagliera
📍 Borgo Marinari
Traditional cuisine with views of Castel dell’Ovo
Palazzo Petrucci
📍 Via Posillipo 16
Refined dining right on the beach

TIP:

Book at sunset to enjoy the changing light over the sea.

A stroll along the seafront for the perfect day

To truly experience this coastal Naples, all you need is a simple rhythm:

Suggested itinerary (one slow day):

Morning: walk along Mergellina and Via Caracciolo
Lunch: a break overlooking the sea
Afternoon: up to Posillipo and Parco Virgiliano
Sunset: Marechiaro
Evening: dinner by the sea

There’s no need to rush or overplan. Here, Naples reveals itself by walking, pausing and observing.

Naples is not only about its historic centre or its most intense and theatrical image. It is also about this coastal dimension—calmer, brighter and more everyday. By following the coastline you can discover another city: one of small gestures, open horizons and lingering moments.

Just a few kilometres from Naples, Mount Vesuvius offers accessible trails, spectacular views and a truly unique landscape. A perfect experience for combining city life and nature on an active 2–3 day getaway.

Naples beyond the city: when nature takes centre stage

Naples is often told through its museums, historic palaces and irresistible food scene. But all it takes is a glance upwards to discover another dimension — powerful and silent: the outline of Mount Vesuvius, a constant and magnetic presence dominating the bay. It is here, just outside the city, that Naples reveals its most natural and adventurous side.

For active travellers and couples looking for a weekend escape, Vesuvius represents the perfect balance between urban life and landscape. A still-active volcano surrounded by a national park, where you can walk across solidified lava flows, breathe in the fresh air and admire the city from a completely new perspective.

Climbing Mount Vesuvius: an accessible and unforgettable hike

Reaching the crater of Mount Vesuvius is easier than you might think. The final stretch is done on foot along a well-marked trail, suitable even for those who are not experienced hikers. The walk is short but intense: the volcanic ground crunches underfoot, the air changes and the view gradually opens up.

Once at the top, the view is worth every step. On one side, the crater with its fumaroles and multi-coloured rocks; on the other, the Bay of Naples, Capri, Ischia and the city stretching all the way to the sea. It is one of those places where you stop in silence, simply to take it all in.

Practical tips for visiting the Gran Cono of Vesuvius

Access to the crater is via the Gran Cono of Mount Vesuvius, the park’s most famous trail. Entry is regulated and tickets must be purchased online in advance, selecting a specific time slot. The approximate cost is €10–12 (transport services not included).

The walk is short — around 15–20 minutes uphill — but takes place on volcanic terrain, with gravel sections and gentle slopes. The difficulty level is low to medium, suitable for occasional walkers as long as they wear comfortable, closed shoes. Flip-flops or smooth-soled shoes are not recommended.

Access is generally possible year-round, except in the event of adverse weather conditions or temporary closures for safety reasons. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and crowds are smaller. In summer, sun protection is essential; in winter, it’s important to dress warmly, as strong winds are common at the summit.

A short but intense experience that allows visitors to stand on the edge of one of the world’s most famous craters and encounter first-hand the volcanic nature that has shaped the history of Naples and its surroundings.

Vesuvius National Park: trails, viewpoints and lunar landscapes

Aside from the iconic crater, the real treasure is Vesuvius National Park, a protected area offering a network of trails suitable for different levels. Here, nature tells the story of the volcano: lava flows, broom shrubs, pine forests and sudden views over the sea.

Among the most popular routes are those that cross ancient solidified lava or lead to lesser-known viewpoints, perfect for a peaceful walk as a couple. Walking through the park means entering an almost lunar landscape, where vegetation has adapted to the challenging terrain, creating striking colour contrasts. Trail information is available on the park’s official website.

The pace is slow, the atmosphere quiet. It is easy to forget that you are just a few kilometres from one of Italy’s most vibrant cities.

Mount Vesuvius in all seasons: when to go

Mount Vesuvius is not just a summer destination. In fact, every season offers a different perspective:

Spring: mild temperatures and nature in bloom, ideal for walking
Summer: clear views, best enjoyed early in the day with proper sun protection
Autumn: warm light, intense colours and fewer visitors
Winter: clear days, crisp air and a more intimate experience (with appropriate clothing)

Winter, in particular, is perfect for those seeking tranquillity and a less crowded Naples, with the chance to switch between museums, historic cafés and walks in nature.

How to combine city and nature in 2–3 days

One of Naples’ greatest strengths is how easily urban and outdoor experiences can be combined in a short amount of time.

Day 1 – Naples
Arrival and first impressions: explore the historic centre, enjoy a walk along the seafront and have dinner at a traditional trattoria.

Day 2 – Mount Vesuvius and the National Park
Morning dedicated to climbing the crater and walking one of the park’s trails. Return to the city in the afternoon for some relaxation or a cultural visit.

Day 3 – Naples, at your leisure
Less touristy neighbourhoods, local markets or a panoramic view from Vomero before departure.

This balance makes the trip dynamic but never exhausting, ideal for a long weekend.

Naples, between the buzz of the city and a primeval landscape

Mount Vesuvius is not just an iconic backdrop to the city; it is an integral part of its DNA. Climbing the volcano gives you a greater insight into the city, its character and the deep connection it enjoys with its natural surroundings.

For those seeking something more than museums and food, Naples offers an unexpected dimension: paths, views and peacefulness just a short step away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A short, intense and delightful break, where volcanic nature is the star of the show, without ever leaving the city far behind.

Walking around Naples in autumn and winter means immersing yourself in the magic of a tradition that unveils the soul of the city: nativity scenes – along alleys, in shops and museums.

Why are nativity scenes so important in Naples?

The nativity scene is no mere Christmas decoration for Naples, it is a genuine artistic and cultural legacy. Here the nativity scene is theatre, family ritual, reminiscence and innovation all at the same time. Its roots date back to the eighteenth century Baroque period, when Neapolitan aristocrats commissioned sacred subjects and commonplace daily scenes from highly talented sculptors, giving rise to a refined art form that has endured over the centuries.

Since then, generations of artisans have continued to fashion shepherds, angels, farmers, animals and everyday figures, making the nativity scene a symbol of the city. In fact, Christmas starts long before 25 December in Naples. Already in autumn the shops begin to throng with curious people, collectors and travellers searching for unique figurines.

Where is the famous street for nativity scenes?

The Via San Gregorio Armeno, in the heart of Naples’ historic centre, is known the world over as the street of the nativities, the “strada dei presepi”. It is a narrow, crowded alley onto which little stores and craft workshops open, often hidden behind doors or in cellars transformed into studios.

Master nativity scene artisans work all year round here, but autumn is the most evocative time, when the windows light up with new figurines and you are enveloped in the scent of resin and cork powder. As well as the classic terracotta shepherds, there is no shortage of surprises, as statuettes of contemporary characters appear alongside Joseph and Mary. You can find Michael Jackson, Maradona, Charlie Chaplin, Cristiano Ronaldo and even politicians and stars from Italian TV. The blend of irony and topicality keeps the tradition alive and in touch with the present.

Who are the most famous master artisans?

The Neapolitan nativity tradition boasts the only artisan school of its type in the world. Some families have been in the trade for centuries, with techniques handed down from one generation to the next. The workmanship is a complex art: the figurines’ heads and hands are often made of terracotta, the eyes of glass, the bodies of hemp and iron wire, the clothes hand sewn in fine fabrics.

Masters such as Giuseppe Ferrigno and Vincenzo and Luciano Capuano have made their workshops famous far beyond Italy’s borders and they have also collaborated with international museums. When you enter their workshops you witness a creative process that combines manual skills, passion and a dash of Neapolitan theatrics.

scena vita quotidiana presepe napoletano

Beyond San Gregorio: where can you wonder at historical nativity scenes?

Not just shops: Naples has some of the world’s most fascinating collections of nativity scenes in its museums and churches.

The Museum of San Martino: housing the famous “Cuciniello” nativity scene, a nineteenth-century masterpiece with over 800 figures, meticulous landscapes and spectacular scenery. It is considered one of the absolute peaks of Neapolitan nativity art.
The Cloister of Santa Chiara: where you can admire an eighteenth-century nativity scene that mixes sacred scenes and daily life.

The Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore: preserving a monumental nativity scene that attests to popular devotion.

To visit these collections is to journey through time, discovering how the art of nativity scenes has presented the story of Naples over the centuries.

What mood spreads through Naples in autumn and winter?

Wandering through the historic centre during this period is a unique experience. The medieval streets, already enchanting in themselves, are filled with lights, colours and voices. Tourists mingle with Neapolitans looking for the right figurine to enrich the family nativity scene.

Each craft workshop is a little treasure trove of creativity, and the artisans are often happy to tell anecdotes, demonstrate techniques and reveal curiosities. It is easy to get swept away by this lively atmosphere, where sacred and profane, tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.

Are there any curiosities relating to Neapolitan nativity scenes?

Yes, lots. One of the most distinctive is the presence of “unusual” figures in the sacred scenes. Along with the Magi and baby Jesus, Neapolitan nativity scenes often feature fruit sellers, innkeepers, washerwomen and even quirky characters such as Pulcinella (a typical Neapolitan figure of the commedia dell’arte). Their presence represents the people of Naples, telling the story of eighteenth century daily life.

Another curiosity is that some scenes include statuettes depicting political or sporting personalities, a tradition born to poke fun at contemporary events and to enrich the scene with recognisable characters at the same time.

What tastes can you savour in Naples in winter?

The nativity scene experience is complemented by the typical seasonal cuisine. As you walk through the alleyways, it is hard to resist the enticing scent of Christmas treats such as:

Struffoli: little balls of deep fried sweet dough, covered with honey and coloured sprinkles.

Roccocò: crunchy almond and spice biscuits, perfect for enjoying with a glass of sweet wine.
Sfogliatelle: in crumbly or curly versions, with a semolina and ricotta cream filling, a classic Neapolitan pastry.

These flavours, added to the warmth of the alleys and the excitement of the markets, complete your immersion in the Neapolitan tradition.

Why visit Naples in autumn and winter?

Because this is when the city shows its most authentic face. Far from the summer heat, Naples becomes an open-air theatre where the tradition of nativity scenes intertwines with art, history and daily life.

It is not just a matter of admiring the decorations, but of participating in a collective ritual that merges sacred and profane, faith and irony, craftsmanship and popular culture. Neapolitan nativity scenes reveal the city better than any tourist guide. They are a lens through which to glimpse the soul of Naples.

Naples is not just sea and pizza. In autumn and winter it becomes an extraordinary scenario, where nativity scenes, artisans and traditional treats create a unique atmosphere. Visiting the shops on San Gregorio Armeno, admiring the museum collections and losing yourself in the alleys and markets means experiencing one of the most lively and fascinating of Mediterranean traditions. A traditional art that continually reinvents itself and that makes Naples an unmissable destination for people seeking genuine emotions.

Ever dreamt of spending Christmas in one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities in Europe? Our best destinations are packed full of beauty, festive atmosphere, and energy to start the New Year off on the right foot.

Some people are crazy about Christmas markets, mulled wine, and local artisan products. Others cannot wait to pick up their skis and hit some breath-taking slopes. Others prefer to escape to warmer climates by the sea. Let’s not forget those who love Christmas lights and nativity scenes, or those who are waiting for the holidays to have some uncomplicated fun.

Whatever your idea of the ideal Christmas holiday, this festive season is a unique opportunity to explore the length and breadth of Europe, see places close to your heart or discover new destinations that have been on your wish list for a long time. Have a look at our suggestions to plan your Christmas trip.

Prague: a fairy-tale Christmas

Prague is a city that casts a magic spell on its visitors. Whether you are crossing the Charles Bridge, wandering around the Jewish Quarter or Malá Strana, or admiring the hilltop castle view, you will feel like you have been transported into a fairy-tale. At Christmas, Prague’s magic knows no end: wonderful lights, artisanal markets, ice rinks, and Nativity scenes are all irresistible attractions for Christmas lovers.

Our recommendations for spending Christmas in Prague:

Visit the Christmas markets: there are many scattered through the city centre, but the main (and unmissable) ones are those in Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square, just a few minutes apart. This year they should be open every day from 29 November 2025 until 6 of January 2026. Not only will you have an array of souvenirs to pick from, you can also enjoy local delicacies like klobása (grilled sausages), perníčky (spicy gingerbread) and warm yourself up with svařák, a local mulled wine. If you are bringing the kids, the Old Town Square market has an animal stall where they can pet sheep, goats, and donkeys.
What would Christmas be without carols? School choirs and folk groups in traditional dress perform every afternoon in the Old Town Square. Taking part in these performances is a great honour for children, who travel from all over the country to take part.
Go to a classical music concert or see an opera or a ballet at the National Theatre, the Opera House, the Castle or at one of Prague’s historic churches. You’ll feel as if you were in an eighteenth-century novel – all you’ll need is a carriage to top it off!

Venice: skiing down World Heritage mountains

When you think of Venice, the first thing that comes to mind is the wonderful ‘City on Water’ with its canals, streets, and history. But Venice is also the starting point for those travelling to the mountains, seeking fantastic ski resorts aimed at winter tourism. If you would like to spend Christmas on the slopes, rent a car at the airport, take motorway A27 from Mestre, and drive to Belluno. From there, take the national road to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Zoldo Alto, or Folgaria (Trentino).

These are some options for more or less experienced skiers:

Great War Ski Tour: this is one of the most spectacular ski circuits in the area, designed to explore the locations where, between 1914 and 1918, Austrian and Italian soldiers fought a devastating war in between the peaks. The entire circular route can be completed in 8 hours, and you will be able to see shelters, trenches, and cannons. You can start from any of these towns: La Villa, San Cassano e Armentarola in Alta Badia, Arabba, Malga Ciapela, Alleghe, Selva di Cadore, and Passo Falzarego.
Nordic skiing on the Asiago Plateau: in this area surrounded by seven towns, lovers of cross-country ski will find 500 km of perfect tracks to get away and relax on the peaceful mountains.
Glamour and après ski in Cortina, the Queen of the Dolomites. If you believe that the real fun begins when the skis come off, you will love Cortina. This mountain village is not only surrounded by amazing landscapes and beautiful districts, but it is also the most fashionable and prestigious ski location in the country. If you want to be in the in-crowd and are not intimidated by crazy prices, this is the right place for you.
From Arabba, a little gem set in the Fodom Valley, in the splendid, adventurous Belluno Dolomites, you can see two of the area’s most famous massifs: the Sella and the Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites (3,343 m). From the village, skiers can enjoy the Arabba-Marmolada ski area, offering snow enthusiasts over 60 km of pistes, and set off to explore the Sellaronda ski tour.

Bari: Christmas traditions and culture

In recent years, Puglia has established its reputation as an ideal destination for summer holidays thanks to an irresistible mix of beautiful beaches, cultural cities, fantastic food, and lively culture. But, although most people think that Puglia is synonymous with beach life, it should not be overlooked as a Christmas destination. For example, its capital, Bari, is a beautiful city with deeply embedded traditions, which means Christmas is always a thrilling experience there. We recommend spending a weekend there over the holidays, so you have time to explore the city and the outskirts.

Spend a day discovering the wonders of the historic quarter, Old Bari. The narrow alleys, palaces, and churches decorated with stunning Christmas lights that create a fantastic atmosphere. But don’t forget about the people: chat with the people on the famous delle Orecchiette (via dell’Arco Basso) who continue the ancient tradition of hand-made pasta. Bari’s churches are perfect examples of the Puglia Romanesque and beloved by the Pugliesi, and at Christmas they are full of people and ambience.
Taste the traditional Baresi Christmas sweets, fragrant fritters cover with sugar and honey, or soaked in mulled wine. And, of course, enjoy the Bari focaccia, perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and as a snack!
Take a couple of days to explore the Bari area which is full of interesting places: Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Putignano, Trani, Giovinazzo, Locorotondo, Cisternino, and more. You really are spoilt for choice because the local towns and villages are all beautiful, and you will avoid the summer crowds.

Strasbourg and the magic of Alsace

Wooden houses, colourful façades, the smell of cinnamon in the air, lights, decorations, and snow-covered streets. At Christmas-time, Alsace districts look straight out of a fairy tale. Few places in Europe take Christmas so seriously and are so warm and poetic as this French region. These are the places to visit when you travel to this magical destination:

Visit the wonderful Strasbourg markets: It’s no wonder the city has been named the ‘Christmas capital’. From 26 November to 24 December 2025, you’ll be able to explore the oldest Christmas market in France, Christkindelsmarik, dating back to 1570, with 300 stalls all over the old town centre. The mystical atmosphere with carols in the background, the smell of sweets and the twinkling lights will bring back happy childhood memories. One sight to see, in the central Place Kléber, where the market ends, is one of the biggest Christmas trees in Europe.
60 km from Strasbourg is Colmar, one of the most famous towns in Alsace with its wooden houses with brightly-coloured buildings, cobbled streets, and gorgeous canals. It’s a day trip from Strasbourg, so enjoy the local delicacies and take lots of photos! n Colmar too, you’ll find picturesque Christmas markets from 25 November to 29 December 2025.
The Alsace Wine Route, a must for wine lovers, goes through beautiful Disney-like villages that are perfect to make a stop at and get into the Christmas spirit. Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr are just some examples.

Christmas in Bilbao for Foodies

Bilbao is the ideal city for those who want to discover the wonders of Basque gastronomy, one of the most highly rated in Europe. In addition to being a leading destination for lovers of architecture and contemporary art, Bilbao is in the culinary avant-garde. Traditional pintxos bars can be found alongside Michelin-star restaurants that experiment mixing old and new recipes. Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy the local cuisine and atmosphere.

To bring together culture and food, visit the Guggenheim Museum and then stop at one of the many wonderful restaurants nearby. Learn more about them in this post.
Nativity scenes are a strong tradition in Bilbao. Every year, Paseo del Arenal hosts a display of Nativity scenes, created by expert artisans from the Bilbao Nativity associations. Don’t miss the chance to discover this ancient art.
Enjoy the winter sea. There are so many unspoilt beaches near Bilbao, perfect for long, rejuvenating walks. Or, if you are brave enough, you can try surfing the Atlantic waves.

An “exotic” Christmas in Athens

Apart from the Acropolis, one of the first things you probably associate with the city of Athens is the Aegean Sea and its wonderful islands. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that Athens is only a summer destination: the warm climate and lively cultural scene make the Greek capital an extremely attractive destination all year round. Visit Athens at Christmas and you’ll have the chance to enjoy the birthplace of Ancient Greece and its dynamic districts shrouded in a Christmas atmosphere. Apart from setting off to discover the archaeological remains of ancient Greece, there are other unmissable experiences in Athens during the Christmas period:

You will find Christmas stalls scattered all around the city, especially in Monastiraki, one of the most attractive squares in Athens. The particularly lively and colourful Athens Christmas market is a great place to discover traditional products and a wealth of local artisan goods, while you admire the impressive backdrop of the Acropolis. Don’t miss the enormous Syntagma Square, with its magnificent lights and impressive Christmas tree.
For the kids, a visit to the Fairy-tale Forest, a sort of theme park set up in the national public gardens is a must. There, they can have hours of fun and learn about traditional Greek fairy tales and those from other countries, among fairy houses and workshops where they can make their own dreams come true.
If skiing is what you want, you’ll be happy to know that not far from Athens there are some enticing mountains. The most famous is Mount Parnassus, less than two hours from the capital, where you will find a fully equipped ski resort. Located at an altitude of 2,250 m, more than twenty ski slopes wind their way down it.

Kid-friendly Christmas in Nantes

There are few cities in Europe that can make children’s imaginations soar like Nantes. The city holds many attractions and cultural spaces designed for kids, from the Jules Verne Museum to the Carrousel du Monde Marin merry-go-round, but most of all the incredible “machines”, gigantic mechanical works that parade around the city. At Christmas, these attractions are even more unmissable owing to a series of fantastic initiatives.

The Christmas event at the Galerie des Machines (“Machine Gallery”) is called Noël aux Nefs and is on throughout the Christmas holidays. The Galerie and the workshop where they test the contraptions made by the La Machine company, a bestiary of machines that includes giant birds hanging from the ceiling, frogs, ants and most importantly an enormous elephant. The end-of-year gallery exhibition is particularly magical owing the Christmas exhibition, with fir trees, light displays, chocolate and vin brulé… A truly unique family experience!
And those aren’t the only options for family fun: merry-go-rounds, circus shows, ice sculptures and workshops are just a few of the many Christmas events included in the Les Machines de l’île project.
In Nantes art is everywhere: after having strolled along the central Rue des Nefs with the kids, among the colourful lights and Christmas trees, set off to discover Le voyage a Nantes, a very interesting artistic tour that will allow you to admire the most striking places in the city and various artistic installations. To get your breath back and enjoy a while in the warm after your walk, go to one of the many bars in the centre for an excellent hot chocolate.

Christmas within a nativity scene in Naples

Spending Christmas in Naples means diving into the traditions and beliefs associated with this time of year, which here is a visceral feeling and experience for the locals. Where else could you find a street dedicated exclusively to figurines and accessories for every kind of nativity scene? San Gregorio Armeno has become world famous for its artisans who bring their (often strange and amusing) creations to life. Every year, millions of tourists flock to this street, dying to see this ancient art for themselves. Naples is the capital of the nativity scene, so if you happen to be in the city during the festive season you can’t leave without seeing some of the most spectacular, such as the ones at the Museum of San Martino or the one in the Palatine Chapel in the Royal Palace. But this city is a bottomless treasure chest of suprises, and there are countless other things you can do during your Christmas break:

Try the delicious (and substantial) Neapolitan Christmas fare. The exquisite struffoli (deep-fried dough balls coated in warm honey and decorated with pieces of candied fruit and colourful sprinkles), the mustaccioli (diamond-shaped biscuits made with a honey-flavoured soft dough and glazed with chocolate), capitone (eel), escarole pie … be prepared to go home a couple of kilos heavier!
The historic centre of Naples, Forcella and the Spanish Quarters are even more chaotic, vibrant and colourful at Christmas than at other times of year. Strolling through the narrow streets of the centre of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of picturesque little corners, means soaking up the true festive atmosphere that has made this city so popular the world over.
And how could we not mention the legendary Neapolitan tombola? The ultimate festive game, this kind of home version of lotto dates back to ancient times and can entertain both young and old for hours. Did you know that every number from 1 to 90 has a meaning attached, which is usually playful? You just need to try your luck, perhaps by equipping yourself with the traditional Neapolitan lucky charm: the horn.

A Renaissance Christmas in Florence

Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and at Christmastime it becomes a magical place with its lights decorating the historical streets, the squares and the Renaissance monuments. The festive atmosphere combines with the cultural wealth of the city, enabling you to enjoy its artistic splendour and soak up the Christmas spirit. Here are some suggestions for enjoying the magnificence of Florence to the full at Christmas:

Stroll through the Santa Croce Christmas Market: inspired by the traditional markets of Germany, this Christmas market sells a wide range of artisan products, Christmas decorations and local delicacies.
Visit Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo): attending Christmas Mass in this majestic cathedral is a very special spiritual experience. The solemn atmosphere and architectural beauty in this place of worship offers both the faithful and tourists a unique opportunity.
Go ice skating on Italy’s largest rink: during the festive season, in the city’s Parco delle Cascine, a huge ice rink is installed, covering over 1300m², within a Christmas village that also features a Ferris wheel and numerous other activities for children.

Christmas in lights in Lyon

Lyon is one of those cities that shines with a special light at Christmas, and that’s not just a metaphor. In December, Lyon can be seen in all its glory as it invites you to go on a sensory journey, with lights, music, food and a friendly atmosphere, where the magic of the season oozes from every corner of the city.

Here’s what to do in Lyon at Christmas:

Enjoy the Fête des Lumières: there’s no better time to visit Lyon than in the month of December, when the city holds its famous Festival of Lights. This event, taking place from 5 to 8 December 2025, turns Lyon into a place of your dreams, with projections and light shows on its main monuments. The most iconic include the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Place des Terreaux, where the lights play with the architecture to create a hypnotic visual spectacle.
Enjoy the Christmas concerts and performances: during the festive season, Lyon has a rich programme of concerts, opera and ballet. The Lyon Auditorium and the Lyon Opera House often stage classical music concerts, with typical seasonal works such as Handel’s Messiah or The Nutcracker. Going to one of these events is a wonderful way of immersing yourself in the elegance and musical tradition so characteristic of this city.
Try the local cuisine: Lyon is famous for its food, and what better time than Christmas to enjoy a wholesome dinner in one of its welcoming restaurants or bouchons (typical restaurants)? Make sure you try the excellent tablier de sapeur (a speciality consisting of tripe marinated in white wine and cooked in a broth), or a platter of local cheeses.

Do you feel the urge to pack your Christmas spirit in your suitcase and go on an unforgettable trip? If you need more inspiration, take a look at all the Volotea destinations and look out for our next posts. We will continue to give you suggestions to set your winter off right!

In June-July 2025, the streets of many European cities will be packed with people, colour, music and the drive to party and protest during Pride, a mix of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, asexual, intersex, and queer pride demonstrations. Here are some ideas on how to spent this Pride in Volotea destinations, from Italy to Greece and right through to France. Break out the rainbow flags!

World Pride Day, celebrated on 28 June all over the world to reclaim the rights of LGBTQI+ people, is the real core of Pride, i.e. all those festivals and parades that aim to give visibility to homosexual, bisexual, queer, trans and other people and promote the freedom and social acceptance of every individual regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Taking part in Pride is a unique opportunity to celebrate the wealth of diversity and demand greater protection for all and that more rights be recognised. But we also need to have some fun along the way!

Euro Pride 2025

In Europe, the biggest event of the year is being held in Lisbon (Portugal) for EuroPride 2025. This luminous Portuguese capital, cradle of history, culture and coastal life, becomes the capital of LGBTQ+ Pride, hosting the most eagerly awaited EuroPride. The dates for your calendar are 14 to 22 June 2025, with a special mention to Saturday, June 21, the day on which the grand parade will take place, marking the peak of an amazing week full of activities, including shows, theatre performances, concerts and conferences. This year’s theme is Proudly Yourselves, a call to celebrate authenticity, unity, and love in a world that often tries to divide us.

In addition to EuroPride, the most popular events in Europe are held in Madrid and Paris.

One of the largest Pride events in the world is held in Madrid, a major LGBTQIA+ destination and a diversity capital. More than 2 million people take part every year, and there many concerts, festivities, and cultural events. The Orgullo festivities start on June 27 and end on the first Sunday of July, with the high point being the vibrant Pride Parade of Saturday 5 July.

Paris is also getting ready for a colourful invasion. Every year the French capital welcomes over half a million people who take part in the largest Pride event in France: in 2025, it will be held from 21-28 June. Don’t miss the fantastic Marche des Fiertés parade on Saturday 28 June. It’s a mix of party-vibes, unruliness, and activism that you cannot miss!

But in addition to these two main celebrations, it’s also worth discovering other events in different European cities that you can reach on a Volotea flight. Don’t forget to pack your party gear and rainbow t-shirts!

Salento Pride

Salento is one of the most popular summer destinations in Italy, particularly among young people and the gay community. From June to September, towns in Salento are filled with tourists, music, festivities, and events for every taste. During the Salento Pride, more and more important over the years, the LGBTQIA+ community, the locals, and tourists come together to have fun and demonstrate.
This year, Pride will be celebrated in the splendid city of Lecce, just a few kilometres from Brindisi, on Saturday 12 July 2025. The event will be organized around the theme of “family”: Salento Pride aims to encourage the coexistence of all forms of relationships, highlighting the importance of a future in which all families are respected and valued, always remembering that: “WE ARE FAMILY.”

Naples Pride

Napoli Pride is one of the most interesting and vibrant Pride events in southern Italy. This year, the activities are being held the 5th of July and include a Pride Parade and numerous initiatives focusing on the themes of freedom and civil rights.

The parade will cross the city to raise awareness about key issues for the LGBT+ movement such asmarriage equality, citizenship by birth, and legislation against homophobia and transphobia. And, of course, it’s a call for peace, a great opportunity to discover a wonderful city, Naples, that carries creativity, openness, and extravagance in its DNA.

Palermo Pride

You probably associate Sicily with good food, beaches, and the island’s millenary history. But a big Pride parade is also held every year in Palermo, promoted by various movements and organisations; a very lively event that all can join. In the city, people return to the square to have fun and make their voices heard on Saturday 21 June. And if between one fashion show and the next you get hungry, take a look at our tips on what to eat or have for a delicious snack in Palermo, a real mecca of street food and delicious Sicilian gastronomy.

Marseille Pride

Marseille has a reputation for being a proud, confrontational and somewhat anarchic city. What better place to celebrate Pride? If you visit this city, known for its strong character, the oldest and second largest in France, between end of June and beginning of July, you will be able to take part in many activism, cultural, and festive events run by the associations and companies on the Marseille Pride Committee. The grand parade on 5 July will close the event in style.

Bordeaux Pride

To start experiencing the festive and rebellious atmosphere of Pride, your trip around Europe may just start in Bordeaux. This southern French city will be one of the first to celebrate gay pride on Saturday 31 May 2025. Organised by the Lesbian & Gay Pride Bordeaux association, which fights for the rights of LGBT people, thousands of activists and supporters take part in the parade every year. An event not to be missed if you too want to participate in the fight for equal rights and against discrimination due to sexual orientation. And all in a fairy-tale setting: the historic centre of Bordeaux, a World Heritage Site whose local wines are famous all over the world!

Bilbao Pride

Anyone who wants to take part in Pride events in Spain is spoilt for choice: from Madrid to party-central, gay-friendly Sitges, Barcelona and Ibiza; there are tonnes of events for whatever floats your boat. In the north, one of the most interesting and growing destinations for “Pride tourism” is Bilbao. Behind its industrial, artistic and foodie exterior, the capital of the Basque Country hides a rainbow soul that it unveils every year during Pride. This year, Bilbao is waiting to welcome the varied crowds ready to party the 19, 20, 21 and 22 of June, that between a pintxo, a visit to the Guggenheim and a ride on the surfboard, will participate in an eventful festival that supports LGBT visibility and diversity. The highlight of Bilbao Pride is the Saturday 21 June parade, where a fleet parades! The party boats are decorated in bright rainbow colours and leave from the Bilbao estuary to sail down the river. It’s a once in a lifetime experience!

Athens Pride

The Greek capital is a fantastic destination for all types of travellers: those looking for history and culture, beach lovers, families, and young people who can’t wait to go out at night. If you choose to visit Athens between 13 – 15 June 2025 you will be able to take part in their Pride 2025 (the main event of the year for the Greek LGBTQI + community) and enjoy the city at its best: in June temperatures are very pleasant and the days are very long! The main Athens Pride parade will take place on Saturday 14 June and, as stated on the event website , the goal is to continue to fight strongly for the community’s rights, now more than ever.

Have we convinced you to go and discover the best Pride events in Europe? If you are looking for other great plans for the summer, get inspired by our articles on the best beaches and outdoor activities!

There are so many things to see in Naples that there’s a real risk of forgetting one of the important ones: the Cathedral, Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Nuovo, the National Archaeological Museum, Piazza del Plebiscito, the Veiled Christ… the list could go on and on. But beyond the absolute must-see main attractions, one of the experiences that you can’t miss here at the foot of Vesuvius is a visit to underground Naples.

It’s a genuine city beneath the city, created from digging up the tuff stones that were used to build the town standing over it.

Featuring cisterns, tunnels and wells, exploring this subterranean land is a truly thrilling experience.

The hour-long guided tour, in Italian or English, departs hourly from Via Tribunali on the corner of Piazza San Gaetano.

Myths and legends linked to underground Naples

Underground Naples is a parallel city, created at the same time as the actual city, that stretches out underneath the entire historic centre at a depth of over 40 metres. It’s linked to myths and legends that are still perpetuated today in the collective imagination of the Neapolitan people. Here are a couple of examples of stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The munaciello

The munaciello is a mischievous sprite that’s said to live in underground Naples and enter the homes of Neapolitans to play tricks or leave gifts.

He knows the network of tunnels lying beneath the surface of Naples inside out, allowing him to move around the entire city. It’s said that he’s particularly susceptible to feminine charms… But be warned: not everyone can see him. According to certain legends, the munaciello is the ghost of the son of Caterina Frezza, a Neapolitan noblewoman forced by her father to become a nun. He supposedly lived in the convent with her, dressed as a monk, and would sneak outside the walls to go on little raids, until he died in mysterious circumstances.

The pozzaro

Many people are convinced that they keep seeing the ghost of the munaciello flitting in and out of people’s houses. But it could in fact be the pozzaro, the man who was responsible for supplying water to wells. When he didn’t get paid for his services, he sought revenge by playing tricks on the residents of the houses. He had a natural talent for speleology and wore a sort of robe to protect himself from the humidity. It’s easy to see why he could enter people’s houses and be mistaken for a ghost!

The origins of underground Naples

Underground Naples exists because of the particular morphological and geological characteristics of the Neapolitan area, whose light, crumbly tuff rock was used to build almost all the houses in the city’s historic centre.

It’s thought that the first excavations date back around 5,000 years, almost to the end of the prehistoric era.

It was the Greeks, in the 3rd century BC, who opened the first underground quarries to extract blocks of tuff. The rock was used to build a city – Neapolis (New City) – and the underground tombs that can still be seen today at the Catacombs of San Gaudioso and San Gennaro in the Rione Sanità neighbourhood.

Later, in the Augustan Age, the Romans built the first underground tunnels and cisterns, creating a whole series of aqueducts fed by water from the Serino springs, 70km from the centre of Naples.

These cisterns remained active until the cholera epidemic of 1885, when they were abandoned in favour of the new aqueduct that’s still in operation today.

Underground Naples came back into its own during the Second World War, when the tunnels and cisterns were used as safe havens and air-raid shelters by the local people. Throughout Naples, 369 cave shelters and 247 bunkers were put to use, traces of which still remain visible today in the form of old toys, engravings on the walls, unexploded bombs and armoured vehicles.

In short, visiting underground Naples is like taking a journey back in time through 2400 years of Neapolitan history, from the Greek era to the modern age.

The route

Comfortable non-slip shoes (preferably trainers) and a sweatshirt (even in summer) are recommended for the tour because of the high humidity underground.

Below the volcanic rock known as tuff, in Piazzetta San Gaetano, you descend a charming flight of steps into the city’s underground world.

Here is where it starts to get really exciting.

There’s a lighting system installed along the route but there are some tunnels that are very narrow and dark where candles were used in the past. Today, the torches on mobile phones have taken their place, making the experience even more enthralling.

The route isn’t suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia because, once you’re halfway through, you can’t go back the way you came and have to carry on.

In the first cistern, you’ll immediately notice the graffiti along the walls and the Second World War-era toys, left behind from when people took refuge in the caverns from the bombing.

Along with toys, you’ll also spot the remains of beds, classic cars and even some defused bombs.

Carrying on along the route, you’ll come to an area where an experiment is under way: the creation of an underground greenhouse. However, the experiment has not been successful because the plants grown in these caverns – illuminated by artificial light and watered only with moisture from the subsoil – survive for just one year!

The next part of the route is very impressive, passing through an extremely narrow, unlit tunnel, across one of the largest cisterns and then into the former pantry of the Santa Chiara Monastery.

dispensa monastero santa chiara napoli sotterranea

You’ll then encounter several cellars, some of them private, before returning to the surface.

But the tour isn’t over when you’re back at ground level.

Your guide will take you behind the main entrance, in Vico Cinquesanti, into a typical Neapolitan basso, a ground-floor single-space dwelling, very common in the city’s Old Town. Through a truly unique entrance, you can enter the ancient Greco-Roman theatre, stretching out below the whole of the Old Town.

Inside the Neapolitan basso, your guide will move the bed to reveal a secret passage that leads to the dwelling’s cellar, where you’ll be amazed to find the outer walls of the ancient Grego-Roman theatre.

Unfortunately, at the moment, you can only see 1/5 of what the theatre once was, as the remaining parts are in the cellars of private homes and excavations have been suspended.

Practical information about underground Naples

Safety

Visiting underground Naples is a unique, exciting experience for all ages. Despite the fact that this tour is completely out of the ordinary, it’s in fact suitable for children, adults and seniors. It’s important to know that this is a safe tour that complies with all the regulations in force, and is completely feasible even for people who aren’t particularly agile. The steps are low, there are handrails alongside the stairs and in general the spaces are wide. The narrowest tunnel is optional, so if you don’t feel comfortable doing it you can wait outside for around 10 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes, relax and enjoy the adventure!

Entrances

There are several entrances to underground Naples, although they aren’t connected to one another so you’ll see a different section of the tour depending on which starting point you choose.

The main official entrance is right in the historic centre at 68 Piazza San Gaetano, near Via Tribunali, on the corner of the famous “shepherd’s street” Via San Gregorio Armeno.

As well as the main entrance in Via Tribunali, there’s another entrance to underground Naples on Via Chiaia behind Caffè Gambrinus. There’s also one on Riviera di Chiaia: from the Morelli car park, you can enter the 431-metre Bourbon Tunnel, which passes underneath Pizzofalcone hill, linking the Largo della Reggia (now Piazza Plebiscito) and Piazza della Vittoria.

At the start of Spaccanapoli, on the corner of Via Tribunali, you’ll find an entrance to Underground Naples.

Opening hours and prices

Entry, including a guided tour, costs €15.00 for adults and €8.00 for children under 10. Booking online a few days before your visit is recommended, to avoid disappointment in high season. Discounts and promotions are available for groups and students. For all official information, remember to check out the Underground Naples website, as opening times and prices may vary.

You can only visit Underground Naples accompanied by an authorised guide in different languages and in small groups. Guided tours depart hourly and booking in advance is recommended.

Tours in Italian take place every day, all year round, at the following times: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00; if you book in advance and have at least 10 participants, it’s also possible to take a tour at 21:00 on Thursdays. If however you’d prefer a tour in English, these are the times available: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00. Booking is only required for groups of more than 10 people. If you’d like a tour in another language or at another time, you can contact the association via email and they’ll certainly try to help you.

For the official prices, please email info@napolisotterranea.org.

How to get there

If you’re coming from Central Station (Piazza Garibaldi), take metro Line 1 towards Piscinola and get off at Dante. From here, a short walk along Via Port’Alba, Via San Pietro a Maiella and Piazza Miraglia will lead you to Via Dei Tribunali – Piazza San Gaetano. From Naples Airport, take the ANM ALIBUS bus that stops in front of the Banco di Napoli and get off at Piazza Garibaldi. From here, follow the same instructions as from the train station. If you’re arriving by boat, walk to the corner of Via Depretis and Piazza Municipio, then take the R4 bus towards Ospedale Cardarelli and get off at Piazza Dante (fourth stop).

Want to come prepared for your holiday in Naples? Start getting to know this splendid city better and soak up the lively atmosphere by discovering the books and films that tell its story. If for you Naples is synonymous with pizza, read our article on the history of this iconic dish and where to eat it.

This year, Italy’s become a particular hotspot. If Naples is your destination of choice, you will be able to combine a cultural getaway with a seaside holiday, alternating between museum visits and mornings at the beach or a bite to eat with sunset cocktails by the sea.

So, where are the best beaches around Naples?

Here’s my personal ranking, including the places closest to my heart.

Mergellina

If you want to stay in the city, the easiest beach to reach is at Mergellina Even in April, many locals take to the rocks to sunbathe or go diving near the Castel dell’Ovo. As you stroll along the seafront, you’ll come to a small beach near the Rotonda Diaz square, where you can go for a dip and admire the picture-postcard view of Naples with the Castel dell’Ovo and Mount Vesuvius in the background. We’d recommend you take a beach umbrella with you to shelter from the sun.

Posillipo

If you want to relax at the beach and have a swim with a view of Mount Vesuvius, I suggest you kick back somewhere along Via Posillipo, where you’ll be spoilt for choice for beach resorts to spend a lovely day at the seaside.

The first beach resort, Bagno Elena, is right at the bottom of the hill on Via Posillipo. It has a beach with sun loungers, parasols, and a sun deck with parasols but no sun loungers.

On the other side of Palazzo Donn’Anna, you’ll find Bagno Sirena beach, next to which is also a small fish restaurant right on the beach. You can hire a kayak to explore the Posillipo coastline and there’s also a section of public beach.

Bagno Elena Posillipo — Photo: Anna Pernice

If you go up the hill all the way up to Parco Virgiliano, you will find countless beach resorts. Some have long sandy beaches, and others are pebble beaches, such as Rocce Verdi, which you can access through Villa Fattorusso. The resort owes its name to the tuff rocks by the sea and seaweed, which have taken on a greenish colour, making the surrounding water appear turquoise.

The beach resorts are easy to reach by Metro Line 1, getting off at Mergellina, and then getting a number 150 bus to Via Posillipo.

Before visiting any beach club in Naples, it’s advisable to book by phone or online.

For some years now booking has been obligatory (although free of charge) even to access the public bathing areas in Posillipo, which can only be accessed from the licenced lidos, to avoid overcrowding.

You can book free of charge on the website www.spiaggelibere.it the day before. Here you can request entry to Donn’Anna beach (25 entries from Bagno Elena and 25 from Bagno Ideal) and to Monache beach (450 entries from Bagno Sirena). Each user can make up to three bookings per week. Dogs are not allowed on these beaches as there are no facilities to accommodate them.

Marechiaro

Carrying on up Posillipo hill, you come to the little fishing village of Marechiaro, where you can hire a small boat to reach the rocks and have a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Posillipo.

There, you will also find the famous fenestella, a window with a view of the sea, and Mount Vesuvius and Capri, which inspired Salvatore di Giacomo in one of his best-known songs ‘Marechiare’. Nowadays, when the moon rises, there is always a fresh carnation on the windowsill of the famous Fenestella di Marechiaro (which he sings about in the song). There is also a commemorative white marble stone in the shape of a piece of paper with a part of the musical score, discovered way back in 1922, which you can still see today.

Gaiola

Almost at the top of Via Posillipo, near Parco Virgiliano, there is a steep descent that leads down to Gaiola Underwater Park, a protected marine zone that stretches 41.6 hectares, from the village of Marechiaro to the beautiful Trentaremi Bay. Take the plunge and discover underwater shipwrecks.

Gaiola is one of the smallest islands in Naples. It is located right opposite Posillipo hill and is shrouded in mystery and legends, such as Virgil the Magician, where the island is cursed, or the old mysterious man, Publius Vedius Pollio, who, so they say, bred moray eels in tubs dug out of the tuff, which he fed the odd clumsy slave to now and again. Whether these are real stories or just legends, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Naples, with its crystal-clear waters, and I would absolutely recommend you go there, either to swim or to dive.

You will also need to book to visit this beach, which you can do via this website: https://www.areamarinaprotettagaiola.it/en/prenotazione.

Bagnoli

Another place that you can reach without straying too far from the city and the Fuorigrotta area is Bagnoli, on the border with Pozzuoli. Discover its famous pier, which offers fantastic views of the islands in the Gulf of Naples, giving you the feeling that you are way out at sea, as you meander the 900-metre construction.

Bagnoli also offers beach resorts with sun loungers, parasols, and swimming pools, where, late in the afternoon, you can enjoy a drink with DJ mixes set against the coastal backdrop. One of the most popular, especially among the young, is the Arenile di Bagnoli, a beach club that often stages evening events and themed parties.

Even though swimming is not an option, due to being an area that was previously the site of the Italsider steelworks, which closed down in 1993, almost all the beach resorts are have swimming pools and sun decks.

Baia

Just a few miles from Naples, as you approach Rome, is the municipality of Baia, where you will find one of the most beautiful protected marine zones in all the Naples area. Here, you will find a range of beach resorts with swimming pools, so do as the locals do; spend the day there and watch the sunset while listening to some music.

Not far from Castello di Baia, there are some great diving spots and places to do unforgettable canoe trips, even at night.

This area is in the Campi Flegrei archaeological park, where you can visit the beautiful Baia Sommersa, an underwater city, discovered in 2002, with luxurious villas and Roman buildings under the sea owing to bradyseism, the columns and mosaics of which are still intact. You can see these by taking a trip on a glass-bottom boat or by snorkelling or diving (booking required).

baia sommersa napoli — Photo: Anna Pernice

SorrentO COAST

Many locals, mainly from the areas around Vesuvius, often go to the beach on the Sorrento Coast. It is easy to reach with the circumvesuviana, the little train that departs from Naples Piazza Garibaldi station, and goes as far as Sorrento, making stops at Meta, Seiano, and Scrajo, all of which are also seaside resorts.

In each of these coastal resorts, there are both free beaches and beach resorts with sun loungers and parasols, as well as areas where you can sunbathe on the rocks.

sorrento napoli — Panorama of Sorrento, photo: Rich Martello – Unsplash

Amalfi COAST

Among the most famous and popular areas around Naples is the Amalfi Coast, a destination for tourists from all over the world. Just an hour from Naples by car, its truly unique villages and views offer an exclusive seaside holiday. It is made up of 13 towns that form the province of Salerno, all overlooking the sea and bordered by Vietri and Positano.

amalfi panorama — Amalfi, photo: Tom Podmore – Unsplash

You can reach it from Naples, either by taking the motorway to Salerno, taking the Castellammare di Stabia exit, and then carrying on towards Positano, or by passing the Salerno exit and turning off directly at the Vietri Sul Mare junction.

The best idea is to hire a car so you can move freely between the various towns along the Amalfi Coast because they are all so unique. Alternatively, you can take the NLG Jet ferry service, which departs daily from the Molo Beverello ferry terminal in Naples and takes two hours to reach the Amalfi Coast.

The Islands

If you’re in Naples, you can’t leave without stepping on a beach on one of its stunning islands: Capri, Ischia or Procida. You can take a day trip to any of these from the Molo Beverello or Molo di Pozzuoli terminal, with the hydrofoil crossing taking less than an hour. You can visit them for the day to go for a swim on one of their iconic beaches, or stay for longer, for a truly relaxing break. All three islands are different and are well worth a visit.

Capri is the most well-known due to its towering rock formations, known as faraglioni, and it’s also the most popular with tourists, although it only has two beaches: Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, both often very crowded.

Ischia is the largest island and the most popular with holidaying locals. It has numerous sandy beaches, some also with beach clubs, plenty of spa resorts and natural thermal springs, possible to find in some areas right on the beach. One of the island’s most beautiful and largest beaches is Spiaggia dei Maronti.

Procida, the smallest of the three, is a small island of fishermen. Less frequented by tourists than the other two, it has succeeded in holding on to its own identity over the years. A must-see here is the little port of Corricella with all its colourful little houses and the beach made famous by the film Il Postino (The Postman).

Procida, photo: Charles Devaux – Unsplash

HOW TO GET TO THE BEST COASTAL TOWNS NEAR NAPLES

The wonderful islands of Campania’s archipelago, such as Ischia and Capri, as well as the idyllic towns along the Amalfi Coast, are just a short boat trip away from Naples. Getting to them is easy and enjoyable with the Lauro Group, the fleet that has been connecting Campania’s capital with some of the region’s most charming gems for 80 years. Innovative, eco-friendly ships will take you to your destination surrounded in comfort and beauty; and if you need any assistance, Lauro’s customer care team will be at your disposal to help with any queries you may have.

If this has made you miss the beach, grab your towel and buy a Volotea flight to Naples!