A guide to the Naples cruise port: Make the most of your day in Italy

Naples, or "Napoli" in Italian, serves as the capital of the Campania region and ranks as the third-largest city in Italy. Renowned for its breathtaking coastline, vibrant history, and mouthwatering local cuisine, Naples and its surroundings are essential stops for any traveler.

Known for its gritty and chaotic atmosphere, Naples isn't outright dangerous, but it isn't the safest city either. Yet, it is experiencing a revival as one of Italy's most intriguing and artistic hubs. Visitors should not expect the polished charm found in more touristy locations; Naples remains a bustling city marked by graffiti and heavy traffic. Initially daunting, especially near the port, it's a city that truly reveals its character over time.

It's no surprise that many cruise lines — from mainstream ones like Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line to luxury names such as Explora Journeys, Viking, and Windstar — include Naples in their itineraries.

Three aspects of Naples that TPG adores

• Close to some of Italy's most stunning locations, like the Amalfi Coast and Capri
• A lively city filled with vibrant squares, an exceptional archaeological museum, and a grand royal palace
• Home to some of the finest pizza, espresso, and other delectable local dishes

Things we could live without

• Frequent crowds at the port and the ferry departure area for Sorrento and the islands, no matter the size of the ships docked
• The notorious pickpockets that operate in Naples

Overview of the Naples port guide

There's an old Italian proverb, "Vedi Napoli e poi muori," which translates to "See Naples and die." This essentially suggests that Naples is the ultimate destination on your bucket list — experiencing it ensures a life fulfilled.

For a long time, Naples was seen merely as a transit point to more glamorous spots like Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri. While these destinations still attract many visitors, Naples is currently undergoing a significant transformation.

Areas that were once viewed as unsafe, such as Quartieri Spagnoli, have evolved into the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. An increasing number of travelers are opting to linger and discover the historic center, replete with elegant cafes, narrow shopping streets, and some of Italy's finest pizzerias.

If you're on a cruise stopping at Naples, your main challenge may be maximizing your short time in port. Read on for essential tips about navigating the Naples cruise port.

Quick facts about Naples

Arrival information

Naples boasts the second-busiest cruise port in Italy, welcoming over 1 million international tourists and 6 million ferry travelers annually. Known as Stazione Marittima, it is conveniently located next to Molo Beverello, where ferries and hydrofoils set off for destinations like Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri, and Ischia.

The cruise port is roughly a 10-minute walk from Naples' historic center, with taxis readily available. The main train station, Napoli Centrale, is about 2 miles from the port. A quick stroll will take you to the Municipio metro stop, just a couple of stops away from the train station (Piazza Garibaldi).

Language: Italian is the official language, but English is commonly used in tourist services.

Currency: Italy operates with the euro; currently, the euro and the dollar are nearly at parity, with one euro equaling about $1.10. Most establishments accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry some euros, especially for smaller purchases.

Time zone: Italy follows Central European Time, which is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Must-see attractions at the Naples cruise port

Dominating the port is Castel Nuovo, a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Inside the Cappella Palatina, you can admire remnants of frescoes by Giotto, the renowned Italian painter and architect from late Medieval Florence. In the castle's Sala dell'Armeria, a glass floor offers a view of ancient Roman baths uncovered during recent excavations.

The port is less than a 10-minute stroll from the castle to Piazza del Plebiscito, a grand square that hosts the Royal Palace of Naples and the Teatro San Carlo opera house. From there, you can head north along Via Toledo, the main thoroughfare that runs through the Quartieri Spagnoli and into the historic center.

History enthusiasts should not miss the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, home to an unparalleled collection of archaeological treasures, including mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Another must-see is the Museo di Capodimonte, originally constructed as the hunting lodge for the Bourbon royal family, showcasing masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli, and more.

Popular excursions from Naples

One of the major draws to Naples is its close proximity to iconic destinations like the Amalfi Coast, the famed island of Capri, and the archaeological site of Pompeii. Many cruise lines offer shore excursions to these locations, but with some planning, you can easily explore them independently.

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Colorful pastel buildings cling to the cliffs that rise above the sea. Lemon groves blanket the terraced hillsides. Beach shacks tucked in cozy coves serve up impossibly delicious pasta and freshly caught fish. Welcome to the Amalfi Coast.

From the cruise port, it's a simple walk to Molo Beverello to catch a hydrofoil to Sorrento, Amalfi, or Positano. Sorrento is just 45 minutes away from Naples, while Amalfi and Positano take a couple of hours.

Capri

Often regarded as Europe's most glamorous island, Capri rises steeply from the sea, its dramatic cliffs and peaks creating stunning scenery. Arrive by hydrofoil, then take a funicular up to the town. Here, you can enjoy an Aperol spritz at an outdoor cafe on the iconic Piazzetta, browse the upscale boutiques along Via Camerelle, explore the Gardens of Augustus, and stroll along Via Tragara for breathtaking views of the Faraglioni. Alternatively, unwind on the pebble beach at Marina Piccola.

Ischia

Ischia, often referred to as the green island, is larger and less touristy than Capri. Known for its naturally occurring thermal hot springs, Ischia offers a variety of wellness experiences. You can enjoy mineral-rich springs at the island's thermal parks, hike Mount Epomeo, or explore the Castello Aragonese and botanical gardens such as La Mortella and Giardini Ravino.

Pompeii

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, it preserved the vibrant city of Pompeii in a moment of time. Today, the ruins stand as one of Italy's most popular archaeological destinations. Here, you can explore the Forum, amphitheater, and various homes, including the House of the Tragic Poet and the House of the Vettii, which exemplifies a wealthy merchant's residence. This is just a glimpse of the site — ongoing excavations continue to reveal more treasures, including a fresco depicting what looks like a 2,000-year-old pizza discovered last year.

Navigating Naples independently

On foot: Naples is very pedestrian-friendly, particularly in the historic center.

Taxi: You can flag down a taxi in Naples, but ensure it's an official one and that the driver activates the meter. To catch a ride, head to a designated taxi stand or use the FreeNow app to book one.

Metro and train: Naples has a robust metro system, and regional trains from the main station, Napoli Centrale, will take you to Pompeii and Sorrento. The nearest metro stop to the port is Municipio.

Ferry and hydrofoil boats: For island visits, taking a ferry or hydrofoil is your best option. Hydrofoils are quicker than ferries. There are also services that connect to Amalfi and Positano.

Car: Driving in Naples and the surrounding areas is not advisable unless you're very confident. The traffic is chaotic, drivers can be erratic, and you'll encounter many restricted zones along with scarce parking options.

Restaurants in Naples near the cruise port

If you're accustomed to Italian cuisine in the U.S., you might be surprised to discover that Italy doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all national cuisine. Instead, the country boasts regional specialties, and Naples is home to some of the most iconic Italian dishes.

As the birthplace of pizza, Naples is a city that has a profound love for this dish. You'll find traditional pizzerias serving only margherita and marinara pizzas alongside innovative spots where next-generation pizzaioli craft all sorts of creative variations. In other words, you'll never run out of options for enjoying this beloved meal. Be sure to leave some space for pizza fritta (fried pizza), a local street food specialty from Naples.

Neapolitan cuisine highlights fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy seafood sourced from the nearby waters, buffalo mozzarella made in the surrounding countryside, lemons from Sorrento and Amalfi, and piennolo tomatoes that grow exclusively on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Naples is renowned for its exceptional espresso, best enjoyed with delightful pastries like sfogliatella (a fan-shaped treat filled with orange-scented ricotta), rum baba (a soft cake soaked in rum), or torta caprese (a rich chocolate almond cake).

Via dei Tribunali, famous for its pizzerias, is just over a mile from the port. Here, you can visit historic spots like Pizzeria dal Presidente, Sorbillo, and Antica Pizzeria di Matteo. For a modern twist, head half a mile north to Concettina ai Tre Santi in Rione Sanita, where Ciro Oliva serves pies topped with white truffle and offers unique pizza-tasting menus that elevate the classic dish.

Close to the train station, Mimi alla Ferrovia is a charming, old-school restaurant that has been serving diners since 1944. It has welcomed celebrities like filmmaker Federico Fellini and soccer legend Diego Maradona, who is revered by locals. In the cozy, wood-paneled dining area, you can indulge in classic dishes such as eggplant Parmigiana and spaghetti alle vongole.

About a mile from the cruise port, Mattozzi in the elegant Chiaia neighborhood offers the best of both worlds: delicious pizza and pasta. Here, you can truly enjoy it all!

Shopping at the Naples cruise port

The Naples cruise port offers a variety of shopping options right within the terminal. On the upper level, you'll find a mall featuring over 50 stores, including a pharmacy, a post office, a food court, and an ATM.

For those interested in traditional Neapolitan goods, take a stroll about a mile to Via San Gregorio Armeno, famous for its workshops that sell nativity figurines. Naples is also well-known for its finely tailored men's clothing, with E. Marinella in Chiaia being the go-to shop. If you're looking for the vibrant, stylish women's fashion typical of the Amalfi Coast and Capri, visit Antica Sartoria by Giacomo Cinque, which has locations in Naples, Capri, Amalfi, and Positano.

Free activities at the Naples cruise port

While Capri and the Amalfi Coast have seen rising costs, Naples remains quite budget-friendly — with numerous activities that won't cost you a single cent. It's always free to explore the Centro Storico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a leisurely walk along the beautiful seafront promenade, Lungomare.

Visiting churches like the Duomo di Napoli and the Capella Sansevero, home to the renowned "Veiled Christ" statue by Giuseppe Sanmartino, is free of charge. Another stunning location is the 14th-century Santa Chiara monastic complex, featuring a tranquil cloister adorned with citrus trees and beautiful majolica tiles.

Conclusion

At first glance, the Naples cruise port may seem chaotic and overwhelming, but it truly rewards those visitors who exercise a little patience.

Cruise passengers eager to use Naples as a gateway to the scenic Amalfi Coast, the islands of Capri and Ischia, or the archaeological wonders of Pompeii can easily catch a hydrofoil boat or hop on a train.

For those looking to delve into Neapolitan history and culture, a day spent exploring the city is well worth it. Visitors can stroll through the historic center, visit the royal palace, the archaeological museum, or the Museo di Capodimonte, all while savoring some of the world’s finest pizza right at its source.