Two kilometres of traffic-free seafront with Vesuvius across the water, a fishing village on a castle's islet, and the city's smartest quarter behind. This is where Naples comes for its evening walk.
The seafront runs about two kilometres from the grand hotels of Santa Lucia to the harbour of Mergellina, closed to traffic and busy with walkers, runners and swimmers off the rocks.
Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest castle in Naples, sits on its islet at the Santa Lucia end. It has been closed for restoration since 2023, with no public reopening date set; work is linked to the 2027 America's Cup.
The little fishing harbour of Borgo Marinari at its foot stays open, with seafood restaurants along the quay.
Behind the seafront, Chiaia has boutiques, Liberty-style palazzi, the long Villa Comunale gardens and, after dark, the city's busiest bars around the vicoli off Via dei Mille.
A slow walk at sunset, then dinner and drinks.
Walk out the causeway towards Castel dell'Ovo, named for the egg said to be hidden in its walls.
Boats, nets and restaurant terraces under the castle walls.
West along the sea wall with Vesuvius behind you and Posillipo ahead.
Ice cream or a babà from the kiosks by the harbour.
Cut back through the Villa Comunale to Chiaia's bars for an aperitivo.
Walk down from Piazza del Plebiscito to Santa Lucia; Metro line 6 and line 2 serve Mergellina at the far end.
Borgo Marinari is atmospheric but pricey; Mergellina and Chiaia have better value.
Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
