Naples - Italy

After years of thinking about visiting Naples, Italy, I finally decided that my 60th birthday in February 2026 would be the perfect occasion to make it happen. So, together with my wife, we booked our trip and looked forward to celebrating this milestone in one of Italy’s most vibrant cities.

The day finally arrived — 22nd February 2026, my birthday. Our flight was very early, departing at 5:55am, which meant arriving at the airport by 4:00am. We landed in Naples at 7:00am and took a taxi to the hotel (a small word of advice: be cautious, as some drivers may overcharge tourists — as happened to us). By 7:30am we had reached the Caravaggio Hotel, located in the historic centre of the city. Since check-in was only available at 1:00pm, we left our luggage and immediately headed out to explore.

As we wandered through the streets taking snapshots, I was amazed by what I saw. I knew that the Neapolitans were passionate about the legendary footballer Diego Maradona, but I had not imagined the devotion would be so overwhelming. Murals, photographs, shrines, statues, and souvenirs dedicated to him were everywhere — in streets, shops, cafés, and even outside private homes. His presence is deeply woven into the soul of the city.

One place I was determined to visit was Stazione Metro Toledo. Tickets were very affordable at €1.50 for a one-way journey. When we arrived, I was completely mesmerised. Seeing it in person was an entirely different experience from viewing photos online. As I prepared to start shooting, I noticed a group of photographers — likely attending a workshop. I patiently waited for my moment, and once I had the opportunity, I began capturing images enthusiastically.

Afterwards, as we continued walking around, we unexpectedly came across a marathon taking place in the city. We had joked about being lucky to avoid the Malta Marathon back home — only to find ourselves in the middle of another one!

Having already covered many kilometres on foot, we returned to the hotel, checked in and had a rest.  In the evening, we went out again, walked around the Old Part of Naples and dined at the famous Pizzeria Del Presidente, enjoying  an authentic Neapolitan pizza in a lively Neapolitan atmosphere.

The second morning began with breakfast before heading out once more. While exploring, we came across a lovely café called Caffe Diaz Napoli. The coffee was excellent, and we couldn’t resist trying the famous Sfogliatella — a true Neapolitan delicacy.

We then visited the Galleria Umberto I, which is often compared to the one in Milan. Having previously visited the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, I personally found the Milan version more impressive, though the Neapolitan gallery still has its own charm.

One highlight of the trip was the Sansevero Chapel Museum. It is truly a magnificent place and a must-visit when in Naples. Unfortunately, photography and videography are strictly prohibited, but perhaps this adds to the atmosphere, encouraging visitors to fully appreciate the artistry without distraction.

With time still on our hands, we decided to experience Underground Naples. It was fascinating and highly informative, guided by a knowledgeable local guide. However, it is not recommended for claustrophobic visitors, as some passageways narrow to only 40 centimetres wide. I must admit I struggled slightly in those sections, but I managed!

In the evening, we dined at Rescigno Cucina Partenopea, recommended by a friend. It was a lovely restaurant with very friendly staff and excellent food.

The 24th of February was dedicated to visiting Pompeii. We took the train from Napoli Centrale (Garibaldi Station), and the journey took approximately 42 minutes. The round-trip ticket cost €13.20 for two people, which was very reasonable. Entry to Pompeii was €20 per person.

The ancient city is simply magnificent. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time. I hired an audio guide for €10, which was helpful, though my advice would be to consider a guided tour. The site is vast and it is very easy to get lost — as we did!

After returning to Naples, we had dinner at 'A Figlia d''o Marenarou. It is an excellent seafood restaurant. While not cheap, it is definitely worth trying for a special dining experience.

The 25th of February was our last full day. I decided to revisit Stazione Metro Toledo, this time finding it much quieter. Without workshop groups around, I had more freedom to experiment with different compositions, including fast and slow shutter speeds.

We continued exploring the historic centre, returning to the narrow streets of old Naples for more street photography. In the afternoon, we visited Magazzini Fotografici, where a wonderful exhibition was taking place. They also had photography books for sale, and I purchased An Ordinary Day by Umberto Verdoliva, a photographer I follow on social media.

During our stay, we also explored areas such as the Sanita District, the Spanish Quarter, Spaccanapoli, Castel Nuovo, Via dei Presepi (famous for its nativity workshops), and the Katedrála Napoli.

All in all, it was a wonderful holiday and a memorable way to celebrate my 60th birthday. Naples is vibrant, chaotic, artistic, and full of character. Contrary to what some people say, we felt safe throughout our stay and experienced no trouble.

One important piece of advice: bring very good walking shoes. In the historic centre especially, the streets are paved with uneven basalt cobblestones, often with gaps and holes between them. They are beautiful and authentic but can be tiring — and sometimes tricky — to walk on.

We left Naples knowing one thing for certain: this will not be our last visit. There is still so much more to discover in this extraordinary city.