n front of you, the Gulf and the profile of Mount Vesuvius. Under your feet, your steps become light on the cobblestones of Via Caracciolo. Welcome: you've arrived at your destination. You are on the enchanting waterfront of the Parthenopean city.
An embrace of authenticity: discover the Naples waterfront
Get ready. The waves crashing against the rocks will be your faithful companions on a walk where we strongly recommend you sharpen your senses. Every corner here has something to say to those who know how to listen. Discover the majesty of a castle, stop to watch colorful fishing boats swaying on the sea and encounter fishermen intent on passing down an art as ancient as our land. This and much more are within your reach.
In a setting like that, life flows slowly yet vibrantly at the same time. In this part of the city, families stroll aimlessly, couples embrace at sunset, cyclists glide along their land and children laugh in the Villa Comunale while waiting for a warm “graffa” or delicious ice cream. Everything in this corner of the city is authentic. It doesn’t matter where you come from or how you got here: this place embraces you without distinction, making you feel safe. Like home.
Naples waterfront: castel dell’Ovo
Did you know that the name “Ovo” (Egg) comes from an ancient legend? It is said that the latin poet Virgil, also considered a magician, hid an egg in the castle’s foundations. An egg that, as long as it remains intact, ensures the safety of Naples itself. Perhaps that’s why when walking nearby you can feel a special energy. It’s as if this wonder wanted to tell you about its adventures: its walls have witnessed Normans, Swabians, Angevins and Aragonese. If you stop for a moment and close your eyes, you might even hear the wind carrying the sighs of knights, the laughter of ladies, and the chatter of fishermen who have cast their nets there for centuries. Its terraces and bastions are the perfect spot to enjoy a 360-degree view of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. A true archive of history and legends, a unique opportunity to experience at sunset when the sky turns rosy.
Borgo Marinari: the beating heart of the sea
You can’t walk along the waterfront without stopping at Borgo Marinari, a small gem nestled right at the foot of the castle. A place that smells of the sea, adventures and ancient traditions. Here, you’ll find people mending nets in the sun while children play in the alleys and boats gently bob, reflecting vibrant colors on the water. This charming corner of Naples is a historic place born on the Islet of Megaride. The legend says that Siren Parthenope, enchanted by the beauty of the place, decided to settle here, thus giving birth to the city of Naples.
At Borgo, every restaurant is a window to the horizon, inviting you to taste the best our cuisine has to offer: from pizza to the unique savour of freshly caught fish. This place has withstood time and trends, keeping its authentic soul intact. When evening falls, the lights are reflected in the water and everything is transformed into a painting that seems to have come out of a dream.
Villa Comunale
If you’re looking to rest a bit, head to the Villa Comunale. Inaugurated in 1780, it’s a true green lung in the heart of Naples. Its tree-lined avenues, palms and tropical plants offer the perfect spot to recharge. Walking inside, you’ll discover unique details: statues and architectural monuments of great historical value, such as the Tazza di Porfido, Santa Lucia, and “Ratto delle Sabine” fountains. You’ll also find historic 19th-century buildings like the Cassa Armonica and the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, which houses the oldest aquarium in Europe, together with the Casina Pompeiana.
Enjoy the sea breeze and golden sun on one of the many green benches, especially during the summer: music and exhibitions enrich the flowerbeds while street artists bring life and creativity to this place. This is a special oasis, where many Neapolitans have found comfort and inspiration.
Events that bring color to the waterfront
The waterfront is also the beating heart of our city, the stage where our zest for life is showcased. Here we celebrate moments that have the flavor of tradition and modernity. Events of all kinds follow one another in this exceptional location, from Pizza Village to the spectacular fireworks over the sea that can be seen every New Year’s Eve. On summer nights, we suggest a lovely walk, enjoying an aperitif or dinner in one of the many establishments lining the sea. In this space, Naples reminds us every day how beautiful it is to live here, and how beautiful it is to glimpse, even just while strolling, the important link between history and the future.
An invitation to discover Naples
The waterfront is a constant invitation to experience the city, to discover every corner and every secret. It’s a place where every step makes you feel part of something bigger, of a millenary story that still has much to tell. It’s on the waterfront that Naples whispers in your ear: “there’s always a reason to stay a little longer.”
Walking along the Naples waterfront is like taking a journey into our soul. It’s rediscovering a part of ourselves, even if we didn’t know it was missing. It’s Naples speaking to you, smiling at you, inviting you to stay a little longer. So, do you feel like taking this walk?
Upen your return, we’ll be ready to welcome you. You can request one of our metal water bottles to continue exploring Naples sustainably, rent an electric bike to discover other areas of the city or relax with a glass of wine on our panoramic terrace, admiring the sunset.
No matter how long you decide to stay, every moment at Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel will be a memory to cherish.
