What to do in Naples in Winter

A view of the harbour, with boats in front and the Vesuvius volcano in the background

Naples, Italy is a historic and beautiful city located in Southern Italy. It is characterized by its stunning, colorful architecture, and delicious food. Naples is not even in the top 10 of the largest cities in Italy, but it is the third-largest in terms of population. As a result, the modest size combined with lots of people equals a city bustling with energy and excitement, with a new surprise and something to see around every corner. There are plenty of things to do in Naples in winter, especially that usually the weather stays nice in the colder months.

Most people are aware that Naples isn’t the most popular travel destination in Italy. However, its beauty and charm should not be ignored, especially in the winter months. Due to Naples location in Southern Italy, the temperatures during the winter months remain pretty mild. Therefore, exploring and seeing the city is not ruined by freezing temperatures. More so, the winter months bring fewer tourists to Naples; so, the prices for flights and accommodations are exponentially lower.

If you are a traveler who prefers to see a more authentic and local side to a city, then winter is the time to visit Naples. These months offer all the same amenities and all the same beauty but at a less touristy and commercial time.

Here are all the best things to do in Naples in winter!

Weather in Naples in Winter

Before we begin, it is good to know the temperature and weather conditions of the winter months in Naples. The coldest months are December, January, and February. During these months the temperatures sit at a low of 6 degrees Celsius and a high of 14 degrees Celsius. While, November is slightly warmer with lows of 10 degrees and highs of 18, but this month receives the most rain.

Nonetheless, each month has very mild winter temperatures, and if you dress with a small jacket and pants, you will be warm. Just note; I went to Naples in February, and it was warm enough for a skirt and T-shirt.

What to do in Naples in winter:

Walk along Spaccanapoli Road

The city cut in half by the Spaccanapoli road

Spaccanapoli Road is the most famous and frequented road in Naples. The street is very historic and important because it divides the city into two parts. It is the most visited street in Naples and is perfect for shopping, sightseeing, and experiencing the local culture. The atmosphere on this road is buzzing as it is always packed with tourists, mopeds, or people talking loudly in Italian.

More so, the whole area is full of restaurants and cafes that are great for stopping at for a bite to eat. In the winter it may be a little too chilly to sit outside, but if you get a warm coffee, you can find a seat close to the window and watch the hectic street in comfort. This is also an excellent place for shopping. If the winter temperatures in Naples are feeling brisk, you can always go from shop to shop and check out the local fashion brands.

Spaccanapoli Road is also lined with historic churches and buildings that are nice to admire from outside. The history and significance of this area should not be ignored.

Admire the Art in the Metro Stations

Metro art exhibits have become very popular in various big cities around the world. Where the underground stations are painted and decorated with astonishingly large and impressive art pieces, this includes detailed and exquisite paintings from floor to ceiling, to sculptures to 3-D installations. By checking out the art in the metro stations in Naples, you will see a new and undiscovered side to the city that involves creativity and culture.

This is an especially great thing to do in Naples in winter if you are trying to escape some imperfect weather conditions. The art installations and pieces are awe-inspiring and should be explored regardless of the outdoor conditions.

See the famous Piazza del Gesu Nuovo Square

The column from Piazza del Gesu Nuovo Square surrounded by colored buildings on each side

Piazza del Gesu Nuovo Square is a small, yet lively square located in the heart of Naples historic center. This is a quick thing to do in the city, but it is well worth the visit. Here you will find two old churches and an old, ornate Immaculate Virgin spire. If you are a fan of old and beautiful churches, you are welcome to enter the churches as well. This is a lovely square with stunning, colorful architecture in every direction.

Take a day Trip to the Amalfi Coast

View of Capri island from the village of Massa Lubrense, on the Amalfi Coast

One of the best aspects of Naples is its proximity to various other beautiful and famous cities in Italy, most notably, the towns that line the Amalfi Coast, which include Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, and Ravello. These cities are all magical, and being only about an hour away from them means going on a quick day trip is high on the to-do list.

The best part about taking a day trip to the Amalfi Coast during the winter is that it is not busy at all, therefore, admiring the beautiful surroundings is much more enjoyable. During the summer months, the cities along the Amalfi coast are packed with people and exploring and enjoying its beauty is a little bit more complicated and way too commercial. During the winter months, the coastal towns have a much smaller number of tourists, and the sights and attractions are mostly to yourself!

Seeing the whole coast in all its glory is a must while visiting Naples. You can get around it either by bus or car, and which ever you choose, pay attention to the scenery following the road, as it’s so beautiful!

View Piazza del Plebiscito

The square with the dome in the middle, and colums going on each side of it.

This is another famous and stunning square in the city of Naples that is a must-see. It is home to the Royal Palace and various other sites you must check out. It is also where many concerts are hosted with artists such as Maroon 5 and Elton John.

Hike to the top of Castel Sant’Elmo

View over Napoli with the Vesuvius volcano in the back, from the top of Castel St Elmo

Castel Sant’Elmo is a medieval fortress located on top of a high hill in Naples. The head of the fortress overlooks the whole city of Naples, offering one of the most breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Naples. The calm views from atop the hill are quite contrasting to the busy streets below. Tickets to the top of the castle cost 5 euros, and I must warn you that the journey up is not easy for the feet. It is about a 30-minute walk uphill, but the views on the way up are spectacular.

More so, the architecture of the fortress structure is also something to marvel at. Some of it dates back to the 1200s but most was built in the 1300s. Despite this, the design of the structure offers a fabulous historical experience. The trip up to this fortress is well worth it and one of the most highly recommended things to do in the city. Moreover, because of the much cooler winter temperatures, the journey up the the hill is less strenuous than it is in the summer months.

View Volcano Vesuvius

Vesuvius volcano seen from the harbour, with the sea in front and boats in the foreground

Volcano Vesuvius is an active volcano that is located in the Gulf of Naples. When visiting Naples, I don’t necessarily advise you to hike the volcano and see it directly if you don’t have enough time. However, I do suggest you get a good vantage point and view it from the harbour as this is the volcano that destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii, Oplontis, Stabiae, and Herculaneum in 79 AD.

This volcano is the only volcano to have erupted on the mainland of Europe in the last one hundred years. More so, it is considered one of the most dangerous in the world due to its close proximity to Naples. If it was to erupt, it would be a violent eruption that would cover Naples and the 3,000,000 people who live in this area.

Take a moment to look at and marvel over this gigantic and dangerous mound of land.

Explore “Mergellina”, Naples’s waterfront

The view of the water front from the top of Castel del Ovo

Naples is located right along the Bay of Naples and has a beautiful waterfront to showcase this. The waterfront in the city is not one of the most popular attractions, but it is well worth a walk along to admire the stunning surroundings. In this area of the city, there are colorful buildings, sailing ships, views of the water, and seafront restaurants. It is an idyllic place to visit to experience a newer side to Naples! More so, it is a beautiful place to sit at night and watch the sunset. The waterfront is very romantic, and the scenery makes for the perfect sunset atmosphere.

Eat the best pizza in the world

A man taking a pizza out from a traditional wooden oven

Pizza was invented in Naples; therefore, the birthplace of anything is always the best. And the pizza in Naples is no different. Around every corner and on every street in Naples you will find a pizza restaurant or eatery ready with delicious pizza. I’m not just saying this because it is meant to be the best, but the pizza in Naples was the best I have ever tasted.

It held a unique Italian authenticity with its thin crust, fresh toppings, and tasty cheese! It also helps that the chefs have been creating these pizzas their whole life and have mastered the art of pizza making.

When visiting Naples in winter it is essential to get a few pizzas from restaurants around the city. Be sure to get a glass of red wine as well for the full Italian experience. If you are a foodie, don’t miss the street food tour of Naples, which is fantastic!

How about you? Have you ever been to Naples in winter? If not, would you like to go? Do you have any other recommendations of things to do in Naples in winter?

Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel bog Sam Sees World. She is a millennial traveler on a mission to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to provide valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and getting some good Instagram photos along the way. Follow her on Instagram and Pinterest.

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17 thoughts on “What to do in Naples in Winter

  1. Scott Gombar says:

    My family is originally from Caserta (right outside Naples). I visited there once as a kid and hope to return one day. It is a beautiful city.

  2. ELIZABETH O says:

    This place is so beautiful. I really wanted to place a visit someday. Thank you for this guide. You get me so excited to come to the place. It was an awesome and stunning picture!

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