People from Naples are justifiably proud of their spectacular coastline, and so they regularly stroll, jog or rollerblade along the Lungomare to the Villa Comunale, a lovely 18th century park designed by Luigi Vanvitelli. Filled with 18th and 19th century sculptures and monuments, the park is also home to the oldest Aquarium in Europe and a regular Antiques Market, perfect for browsing.
During the summer, frequent open-air concerts are held on the beautiful bandstand, the Cassa Armonica (Harmonic Box). The pedestrian-free sea front offers wonderful views of Vesuvius , the island of Capri, the Castell dell’Ovo and the Castell Nuovo, and Villa Comunale, and is especially romantic as the sun sets. Look out for the ubiquitous padlocks of love that line the promenade.
The love of food couldn’t be more apparent than at Naples’ Palazzo Petrucci. Chef Lino Scarallo, is from nearby Avellino and his mission is to create fine Neapolitan nouvelle cuisine from the excellent ingredients that abound in the region. Gallery tables allow diners to observe Scarallo and his staff creating the regularly changing menu of dishes such as courgette soup,
raw prawns with mozzarella, paccheri (big tubes of pasta) with ragu, or linguine with clams, all served up with a twist. For the indecisive, the degustazione menu is recommended. Set in renovated stables, Palazzo Petrucci’s credentials are unquestionably classy.
Those looking for quality, hand-made goods, head to Eddy Monetti. Neapolitans love to shop, and trawling their street markets provides a great opportunity of hanging out with the locals, picking up some super-fresh fish for dinner, or snaffling a spangly new top for €3. But Naples is also famous for quality craftsmanship – hand-stitched leather, made-to-measure suits and
seriously classic styling. At Eddy Monetti silk ties are hand-stitched, shirts are made-to-measure and Monetti’s own-label collection is made up of carefully chosen labels. You’re in good company; Crown princes and stars of stage and screen wear Monetti Menswear.