Naples, Italy. This vibrant city, with its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating culture, is a once-in-a-lifetime family-friendly travel destination for visitors of any age.
Our family was fortunate to visit Naples earlier this year; it was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip and what I would consider a must-see destination if you’re planning to visit Italy with your family.
Traveling to Naples With Kids
What is it about Naples that’s so special? Well, that Mediterranean landscape and ocean backdrop doesn’t hurt, but Naples is also unique in its people. And to understand the city, we must first understand the history of those people.
A brief history of Naples
Naples, or Napoli in Italian, is one of the most ancient cities in the world, with a history of over 2,800 years.
- Greek and Roman Periods The Greeks settled in Naples in the second millennium BC. The city was initially called Parthenope after a siren from Greek mythology. Later, around the 6th century BC, a new settlement was established and named Neapolis, or “new city” in Greek, from which the current name derives. It became an important cultural center known for its art, music, and philosophy.
The city came under Roman control in the 4th century BC, becoming a favorite resort for wealthy Romans who built lavish villas along its coastline. However, despite its significance, the city was primarily allowed to govern itself in a commonplace agreement when Rome was focused on conflict. - Middle Ages and Early Modern Period After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, Naples was ruled by a succession of foreign powers, including the Ostrogoths, Byzantines, and Lombards. In the 13th century, it fell under the control of the Kingdom of Sicily, led by the French Angevin dynasty.
In 1442, Naples was conquered by Alfonso V of Aragon, uniting it with the Kingdom of Sicily again and creating a large, powerful entity known as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. - Spanish Period From 1503 to 1714, Naples was under Spanish rule. It was the Spanish Empire’s largest city and Europe’s third-largest city after London and Paris. However, the town experienced many hardships during this period, including poverty, public health crises, and frequent volcanic eruptions from Mount Vesuvius.
- Late Modern and Contemporary Period In the early 18th century, the city came under Austrian rule before being reclaimed by a Spanish Bourbon dynasty in 1734. This Bourbon rule continued until 1861, except for a brief period when the city became a republic (1799) under the influence of the French Revolution.
- Liberation and modern Naples: In 1861, Naples became part of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy. This period was marked by considerable social and economic problems, including a significant divide between the rich and the poor.
Naples was the most bombed Italian city during World War II, suffering extensive damage. However, the city is also famous for the Four Days of Naples in 1943, an uprising by the local population against the German occupiers, which helped expedite the city’s liberation by Allied forces.
As you can see, the residents of Naples have always had their point of view about the goings-on of day-to-day life in the city.
With such a revolving door of leadership and being such a cornerstone of culture, it’s no wonder the people are so unique, and why the city and surrounding areas have such an eclectic vibe.
Is it a safe, family-friendly destination today?
Today, the city is a vibrant and bustling city. Modern-day Naples offers a unique blend of ancient charm and liveliness.
Like any other large city, Naples has its share of challenges. It has faced issues related to waste management and occasional petty crime, and the streets of Naples, especially around the Port of Naples, can feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
While these factors should be considered if you’re planning a family vacation to Naples, they should not deter you from exploring this historically significant city with your children.
Yes, the city is gritty. It’s tough. But it also has some of the most rewarding family-friendly activities of any Italian destination. Ok, TheyFlySolo, you’ve sold me… what is there to do in Naples again?
8 Family-friendly things to do if you visit Naples
Here are 8 of our best family-friendly ideas if you visit Naples with your family. I will say it’s entirely possible that you could spend a whole day just exploring the Ruins of Pompeii, as my family did.
If you want to see everything the city offers, it is probably best to make Naples a destination and not a layover spot.
- Explore the Archaeological Wonders of Naples: Naples is renowned for its archaeological treasures, and a visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Wander through the remarkably preserved streets, marvel at the mosaics, and imagine life in these cities before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The experience is not only educational, but you and the kids will get a workout as you hike through the open chambers, over rocks and cobblestone streets, jump over stepping stones, and walk through the ancient houses of Pompeii’s upper class. - Snack on the Neapolitan Pizza: Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and indulging in a traditional Neapolitan pizza is a must-do for traveling families. Head to the historic pizzerias anywhere downtown and watch skilled pizzaiolos tossing the dough and baking it to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
The simplicity and flavors of the Margherita or Marinara pizza and the doughier pie base are delicious. My kids loved being able to pick their toppings and to see them made in a wood-fired oven. - Visit the National Archaeological Museum: A visit to the National Archaeological Museum is highly recommended for families interested in delving deeper into Naples’ ancient past.
The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other regional archaeological sites. Admire the intricate frescoes, statues, and everyday objects that offer insights into the lives of ancient Romans.
We recommend visiting the museum after seeing the ruins to complete the picture of ancient life. While very well preserved, the ruins themselves can’t complete the mental model most of us need to honestly imagine what a day in the life of a resident was like. - Embark on a Vesuvius Volcano Adventure: Take a family trip to Mount Vesuvius for an exciting outdoor adventure. Hike up the volcano’s slopes and witness the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the volcanic crater and learn about the geological history of the area.
This experience will ignite a sense of wonder in children and provide a unique opportunity for educational discussions, especially if you’ve already seen Pompeii. - Wander Through the Historical Center: Naples’ historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A maze of narrow streets, bustling piazzas, and impressive architecture. Stroll through Spaccanapoli Street, lined with charming shops and cafes, and soak in this historic city’s vibrant atmosphere and mystery for a fun morning adventure.
- Explore the Underground City: Beneath the surface of Naples lies an underground world filled with tunnels and caverns of Napoli Sotterranea. This fascinating network of ancient Roman aqueducts, catacombs, and passageways will be a massive hit with your young explorers, and the guided tours offer an engaging experience as you learn about the history, folklore, and legends associated with this underground city.
- Take a Day Trip to the Amalfi Coast: Is the beach more your thing? Just a short drive from Naples, the Amalfi Coast is a picture-perfect destination that offers breathtaking views of cliffs, sparkling blue waters, and colorful coastal towns. Take a family day trip to the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the charming streets, explore historic landmarks, and savor the local cuisine while enjoying the stunning Mediterranean backdrop.
- Indulge in Sweet Delights: Naples is famous for its delectable sweets and pastries, and no family trip would be complete without a stop for sugary treats. Savor the iconic sfogliatelle, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta or custard, or enjoy creamy gelato in various flavors. Visit historic pastry shops like Pasticceria Scaturchio or Gran Caffè Gambrinus to fully immerse yourself in the history of the Naples food scene.
Naples is truly a treasure trove of experiences for families seeking a memorable vacation, and out of all the places my family visited in Italy, Naples was their favorite by a mile.
While the city isn’t as refined and polished as Rome, I would consider it to be a perfect destination for active families that love the outdoors and want to explore; they even have campgrounds extremely close to Pompeii’s ruins that families can enjoy, which I think would complete the immersive experience in a truly unique way if you have the time there.
TheyFlySolo’s Naples Destination Review: 4/5.