ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 12

CAMPANIA, ITALY

You never know what you’ll find when you round the corner and gaze down a Naples alley.

You might see a cruise ship docked in the harbor with Mount Vesuvius in the background.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 11

CAMPANIA, ITALY

Are some Naples alleys a bit dark and narrow, even in daylight? – yes.

But that is part of the fun of mystery and exploration.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 10

CAMPANIA, ITALY

The city has more than 100 alleys which intertwine from the old town to the outskirts. 

Throughout the centuries, these alleys have been given strangest and unusual names and each one reflects a piece of the city’s history.

Walking in the heart of Naples it will be easy to find the Alley of the Sun, the Alley of Giants, the Alley of Purgatory's Fig, the Alley of Bakers, the Alley of Peace, the Alley of Spinsters and many more.

--VisitNaples.EU

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 9

CAMPANIA, ITALY

If you love street life and human drama, Naples’ thousands of narrow side alleys are for you.

If you are a street photographer or photojournalist, the faded, imperfect, colorful, earthy and human-scaled buildings will provide fodder for endless digital images.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 8

CAMPANIA, ITALY

Passeggiare is the Italian word for stroll, especially an early evening one.

We are convinced that all that walking is why the average Neapolitan eats pizza, pasta and cheese in large quantities but is far less overweight than the typical American.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 7

CAMPANIA, ITALY

Naples alleys are the most fun early in the morning – for people watching as laundry is hung, plants are watered and infants wander out to check on the world.

Or about an hour before till and hour after sunset – when the sun plays with the old buildings, banners and endless signs for bakeries, restaurants, cheese shops, chocolate shops and wine sellers.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 6

CAMPANIA, ITALY

Many alleys – even streets and avenues – in Naples are so narrow that neighbors can talk to each other from their opposite balconies.

And talk they do, in a passionate, emphatic, boisterous way that adds to the atmosphere like an Italian street opera created just for you.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 5

CAMPANIA, ITALY

The cool thing about alleys in Naples is that they are still for locals, not tourists.

So instead of endless T-shirt and trinket stores, you find the main street retail mix of folks selling shoes, clothes, food, household goods and more.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 4

CAMPANIA, ITALY

L’antica Pizzeria da Michele and Sorbillo are famous and draw long lines.

But there are dozens of worthy pizza places in Napoli.

Just don’t ruin good pizza with too many toppings.

The best is crust, sauce, cheese and basil only (margarita) or marinera (no cheese).

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 3

CAMPANIA, ITALY

Naples is a city of apartments, not single family houses.

Life takes place on the balconies along the narrow alleys.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 2

CAMPANIA, ITALY

Look up when you enter a Naples alley. 

You will see flags, signs, old street lights, great architecture, colorful people and more.

ALLEYS OF NAPLES - 1

CAMPANIA, ITALY

Despite what false internet posts and some guide books tell you, most alleys in Naples are safe for tourists.

Just be alert, like you would in any major city in the U.S.