Naples

The birthplace of pizza is one of the oldest settlements in the world to be continually inhabited. Set in a beautiful bay on the west coast of Italy, Naples lures travellers with the promise of fascinating history, artistic masterpieces and fantastic cuisine – and it delivers on all three.

On the surface, the maze of alleys and cobbled streets may seem a bit grey and ordinary, but you will turn every corner with the anticipation that an archaeological treasure or resplendent palace is waiting for you. Naples has a reputation for being somewhat harsh, but a city boasting gilded churches like Gesù Nuovo should never be considered anything less than beautiful.

You’ll only get a chance to enjoy sights like this, however, if you can pull yourself away from the cafés and restaurants. And when you consider traditional Neapolitan pizza, authentic pasta, aromatic coffee and seafood fresh from the Tyrrhenian Sea are all on offer, that’s easier said than done.

The appeal of Naples is enhanced by its proximity to some amazing attractions and destinations in the area. Just an hour’s train journey from Rome, it’s also within easy reach of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius and the alluring Amalfi Coast.

Flight time from London: 2 hours 40 minutes

Naples International Airport: 4.3 miles from the city centre; transfer time 15-20 minutes

Nearest railway station: Garibaldi Train Station (Napoli Centrale)

Currency: Euro