Discovering Naples, Italy: A Day Trip of Hidden Gems

With only a few hours to explore Naples, Italy, during our Mediterranean cruise stop I was eager to uncover the city's hidden gems. I organized a walking tour for our group of 12, with our local guide, Gerrarro, awaiting us at the cruise terminal as promised.

We kicked off our day with a short 15-minute walk to the Santa Chiara Monastery, a hidden gem nestled amidst the vibrant streets of Naples. Situated near Piazza del Gesù Nuovo on Spaccanapoli, in the heart of Naples, the convent instantly transported us back in time as we explored its cloisters adorned with intricate hand-painted tiles and beautiful frescoes on the church's walls.

The Cloister of Santa Chiara was designed as a peaceful garden sanctuary for the nuns, featuring pathways and fragrant citrus trees. We were captivated by the majolica-tiled benches and the pillars lining the paths. These tiles depict scenes from the city and surrounding countryside offering the nuns a connection to the outside world.

Along the cloister walls, 17th-century frescoes depict religious themes, showcasing saints and scenes from the Old Testament. Adjacent to the Cloister, where the nuns once resided, is a small archaeological museum. This museum not only showcases artifacts from the church and convent but also gives access to the site of a Roman bathhouse dating back to the first century AD.

The remainder of the morning was dedicated to one of Italy's most famous aspects: food! One of the most authentic experiences in Italy's cities is their food markets. Whether they're selling produce, fish, meat, or all of the above, they offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the local food culture. To truly uncover the heart of Naples, we ventured into the historic markets of Pignasecca, one of the oldest outdoor food markets in the city. Here, we sampled a variety of local street food delicacies, from creamy buffalo mozzarella to crispy deep-fried pizza and pasta, as well as calamari served in simple brown paper cups. And since Naples holds the title of the world capital of pizza, we couldn't resist watching a street vendor make pizzas before enjoying one for lunch.

After satisfying our appetites, we ventured beyond the city limits to unveil the secrets of ancient Rome at the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum. Often overshadowed by Pompeii, these ruins offer a glimpse into the past that shouldn't be missed. As we explored the remarkably preserved remnants of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we couldn't help but marvel at the intricate mosaics adorning the ancient structures.

Naples is a city like no other, where history, culture, and culinary delights converge to create an unforgettable travel experience. With its ancient landmarks, vibrant streets, and mouthwatering cuisine, Naples offers a sensory journey that will leave you spellbound from start to finish. Even if it is just for one day!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Naples. In need of further inspiration? Check out Ali Lefebvre’s guide, Naples Hidden Gems: Best Things to Do in and Around Naples, Italy.