The beauty of Naples is always incomparable, a city complete in every way: from history to culture, from art to wonderful cuisine. However, thanks to the mild climate, in spring the city seems to transform, acquiring an even higher status. The flowers begin to bloom with their colours and scents, just as the whole city shines with light and rebirth.
The beautiful, longer days are back, with the sunset bursting in later, providing more life for everyone. To mark the occasion, we recommend 7 things to do in spring so that you don't waste your time, or rather, enjoy it to the fullest during your stay in Naples.
7. Visit to the MADRE museum
We begin our list of valuable tips in view of spring with a closed place where you can, however, travel with your mind through the art of the 20th century. We are talking about the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina, also and above all known as MADRE. It is one of the most important and interesting art sites in Naples and the whole of Italy. It is located in the heart of the city's historic centre, precisely in an old 18th-century palazzo that has been renovated to house the contemporary art collections.
The MADRE was opened in 2005, the brainchild of art critic and curator Achille Bonito Oliva. The museum extends over three floors and features works by some of the greatest artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Anselm Kiefer, Jannis Kounellis, Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente and many others. The museum also has an extensive collection of works by Neapolitan artists, including Lucio Fontana, Mimmo Paladino and Mario Merz.
We would also point out that you can take advantage of the Naples Pass to visit the Madre Museum, an opportunity definitely not to be missed!
6. A walk in the Parco Virgiliano
We might be lapsing into banality, but spring is the season of the walk in the park par excellence. Among the many parks available in Naples, we have chosen the Virgiliano Park, the jewel in the crown of the Posillipo hill area, one of the city's most evocative places. The large green area available offers a truly exciting and evocative view. In fact, you can look out and admire the islet of Nisida, the Gulf of Naples, and Vesuvius.
The Virgiliano Park was inaugurated in 1930 and covers an area of approximately 92,000 square metres. It features a wide variety of plants and flowers, including centuries-old olive trees, maritime pines, palm trees, citrus trees and colourful flowers. The park is divided into three levels, each offering unique panoramic views of the city and the sea. The park is also an ideal place for walking, running or picnicking, thanks to its quiet location and relaxing atmosphere. In addition, the park has a children's play area, an outdoor amphitheatre and an exhibition hall.
5. The islet of Megaride
We move to the Gulf of Naples area where we find the islet of Megaride, a true jewel of the city. It lies off the Caracciolo seafront, just opposite the Borgo Marinari. It is a fascinating and magical island, rich in history and legends. In fact, it is said to be the tomb of the siren Parthenope, who allegedly committed suicide by throwing herself into the sea for unrequited love. The name of the island is said to derive from this legend, since Parthenope is said to have come from Megaride, an ancient Greek city on the Sorrentine peninsula
The islet is also home to the Castel dell'Ovo, one of the oldest castles in Naples, which offers a spectacular panoramic view. We are talking about one of the city's cult places, overlooking the entire gulf of the city, one of those not to be missed. The islet of Megaride is also an ideal place for walking and enjoying nature, given its symbiosis with the sea. We would also point out that the islet offers the possibility of taking a boat tour and admiring its beauty from the water, another experience not to be missed.
4. Castel Sant'Elmo in Vomero
We move up the hill to the Vomero, a historic residential district of Naples. Here we find Castel Sant'Elmo, one of the city's main attractions. It is a historic castle built in 1329 at the behest of the then King of Naples, Robert of Anjou. One of the most fascinating features of Castel Sant'Elmo is its panoramic position, which offers a spectacular view over the city of Naples and the Gulf. In addition, the castle hosts numerous art and cultural exhibitions, concerts, theatre and film events, making it a lively and always active venue.
Castel Sant'Elmo is the ideal place for those who like to take a walk in the open air, away from the hustle and bustle of street traffic. In fact, the castle is immersed in a large public park, the Floridiana Park, which offers many scenic and evocative routes. We are therefore talking about one of the most beautiful and evocative places in Naples, where history, art and nature come together in a magical atmosphere. Taking advantage of beautiful spring days to go to Castel Sant'Elmo is a must!
3. An aperitif in the centre or on the waterfront
Spring is back, the warm and carefree aperitifs at sunset are back. In Naples, this is a must, a pleasant habit to be pursued as much as possible. Unfortunately, the cold of winter prevents the normal flow of social life. Consequently, as soon as milder temperatures and longer days return, there is an immediate return to the rescue for a sort of collective rebirth under the banner of joy and continuous toasts and drinking. Fortunately, the city offers plenty of places to relax and enjoy the perfect aperitif.
Here we narrow our focus on two specific, albeit very different, areas. First, we start with the aperitif on the Mergellina seafront. Enjoying a carefree moment with a view of the Bay of Naples is priceless and will never be. The other part of the city we have chosen is the historic centre, thus proving the diversity of options we mentioned earlier. Here the focus is on dynamism, on the hustle and bustle of an area that is always on the move and always full of new people. It is perhaps the best connected point of the city, where one can move around with great ease but also where one can stay, of course, to enjoy Naples as best one could.
2. An escape to the islands: Ischia, Capri and Procida
Spring allows many things that winter has so suppressed with its cold and harsh temperatures. These certainly include a little getaway to the islands in the gulf, namely the wonderful Ischia, Capri and Procida, in no particular order of course, because it would be impossible to rank their beauty. Let us start with Procida, the smallest of the three, the island of colourful little houses and numerous craft shops. Besides the clear sea, we find above all Marina Corricella, the island's oldest village. Strolling in spring is a fascinating and decidedly evocative experience; it is probably the best time to do it.
We move on to Capri, the island of exclusive and rather affluent tourism. Here we find its luxurious streets leading to the famous piazzetta, an eternal meeting place between locals and tourists. There are also numerous natural beauties that can be seen, above all the Faraglioni, two enormous rocks that rise from the blue sea and make the landscape more atmospheric.
Ischia, on the other hand, is the green island, the largest of the three and the one where perhaps the most activities can be enjoyed. Above all, there are the numerous spa facilities available. Great attention is also paid to the charm of the village of Sant'Angelo, an authentic corner of paradise that descends just a stone's throw from the sea.
1. A walk to the Vesuvius
We close with an experience that, thanks to the coming of spring, comes highly recommended again, as in the cold of winter it was definitely to be avoided. We are talking about an excursion to the foot of Vesuvius, perhaps the natural attraction that most characterises the entire city of Naples. Nature lovers and hikers will find plenty to enjoy in the park that extends around the majestic volcano, around which there are numerous interesting paths. Anyone can discover and walk them, even those who are not used to doing so.
It will therefore be possible to reach the crater of the volcano, observing at close quarters one of the strongest and most imposing manifestations of the power of nature, against which man cannot but remain defenceless. In addition, along the way there is the possibility of encountering fascinating villages, each with its own history that is always linked in some way with Vesuvius.
There are numerous viewpoints from which it is possible to enjoy an evocative and fascinating panorama, being able to see how the typical vegetation awakens with the arrival of spring, colouring itself in a truly interesting way.
The experience is especially recommended for families, perfect for showing even the youngest children the unique peculiarities of nature through a 'giant' of eternal fascination like Vesuvius.
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