13 Things to Do in Naples in Summer

Summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the Neapolitan Dolce Vita. The city offers plenty of ways to spend your free time, from festivals and local celebrations to free events, the best Neapolitan pizza classes and events, beaches, art and nature.

There are countless things to see and do in Naples, which is why I’ve put together a comprehensive list of what you shouldn’t miss this season: Are you ready? Let’s get started.

The reputation of delicate Neapolitan pizza is well known, and you’ll certainly be able to sample it if you book an irresistible food tour of Naples. But: would you like to be part of the best food festival in the world? If so, take part in Pizza Village, the Naples Pizza Festival.

Join Italy’s largest gathering dedicated to its Intangible Cultural Heritage, the art of Neapolitan pizza. This festival is held every year along the Lungomare Caracciolo promenade in Naples, which has been transformed into what is known as the world’s largest pizzeria since 2011.

The programme for the Naples Pizza Festival, also known as Pizzafest, includes not only delicious pizzas made by the world’s most renowned master pizza chefs, but also features competitions, concerts, exhibitions, conferences, classes, seminars and surprises every year. The Pizza Village celebration takes place in the last weeks of June.

The streets of Naples host processions and solemn rituals around the Church of San Gennaro all'Olmo. For 8 days, Naples City Council and the Church join forces to celebrate this free event. Amidst parades, religious processions and musical performances, the patron saint is carried through the Duomo accompanied by bishops, mayors, parishioners and onlookers swept up in the festive atmosphere.

Every 19 September, Naples celebrates its patron saint: Saint Gennaro. The Catholic Church canonised the Neapolitan martyr following his suffering at the hands of Diocletian, the Roman emperor. A clot of dried blood from Bishop Gennaro has been preserved; it miraculously turns to liquid on special occasions since 1497, when his body was returned to the city.

The Feast of Saint Januarius has become a popular tourist attraction. The Neapolitans’ jubilation is capable of winning over even the least devout, and a visit to the Catacombs of Saint Januarius is an essential part of the full itinerary for the occasion.

One of the must-do activities in Naples in summer is to book a trip to Capri and let yourself be dazzled by all its charm.

The excursion, which lasts approximately 8 hours, is the best way to discover this wonderful island, as it includes hotel pick-up and the cruise from the port of Naples, as well as the company of an expert guide who will provide you with all the details throughout the journey and answer any questions you may have.

What’s more, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island on your own once you disembark, but not before admiring some unique sights from the sea, such as Grotta Bianca, Grotta Verde, Arco Naturale, Villa Malaparte, Punta Carena and the Faraglioni.

And another ideal suggestion for the summer is to book a guided tour of the castles of Naples, which includes a tour of the city’s two most important fortresses: Castel dell’Ovo and Maschio Angioino, as well as visits to other sites of great interest such as Borgo Marinari, Piazza del Plebiscito, Galleria Umberto I and Maschio Angioino.

This city tour lasts approximately 4 hours and you will be accompanied at all times by an expert guide who will recount all the stories and anecdotes linked to the two imposing castles.

In summer, the beaches are a must-visit for anyone visiting Naples. Here are my top 3.

The most popular option: Schiacchetello Beach

If you’re looking for a beach with crystal-clear waters, easy access, and a scenic setting where Vesuvius takes centre stage, Schiacchetello is the answer. Bear in mind, however, that due to its strategic location, the beach fills up quickly, so you should arrive early to secure a spot. Also, don’t be put off by the access steps, as at the end of the walk you’ll find a natural treasure well worth enjoying.

• Location: Bacoli, Metropolitan City of Naples. A few minutes from the war memorial (ai caduti in guerra), at 80070 Bacoli.
• How to get there: From the Aragonese Castle in Baia, 11 minutes along Via Risorgimento.

My favourite choice: the beaches of Miseno and Miliscola

A beautiful pair offering panoramic views of the colourful islands of Procida and Ischia.

• Location: You’ll find Miseno beach at Via Miliscola, 30, 80070 Bacoli.
• How to get there: It is a 10-minute walk along Via Miliscola.

My exclusive pick: Gaiola Beach

A beach that, thanks to its limited capacity, protects the local marine flora and fauna. There are two sessions, morning and afternoon. Each session allows 75 people. Furthermore, motorboats and fishing are prohibited. Come on, it’s a marine paradise for diving enthusiasts and those who enjoy the sea without the crowds.

• Location: Discesa Gaiola, 14, 80123 Naples.
• How to get there: Take Via Discesa Coroglio for 20 minutes from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

15 August is the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, commemorating the day on which Mary ascended to heaven without having died. It is one of the Catholic Church’s most important summer celebrations. However, in Italy, the August Festivals, better known as Ferragosto, are celebrated, offering you the chance to enjoy a variety of events.

The history of this celebration takes us back in time to the year 18 BC, when the festivities were named after Emperor Augustus, the ruler of the time. This gave rise to the ‘feriae Augusti’.

This festival, which is part of the Ferragosto programme every year, includes a wide range of activities:

• Tammorra Night: A free concert celebrating Neapolitan folklore and popular culture.
• The Naples Food and Culture Festival: Eating in Naples is an experience that, in itself, justifies your visit to the city. During Ferragosto, you won’t have enough days to enjoy all the options. I recommend choosing from the best food tours available for this time of year.
• The Agerola Potato Festival: Where you can sample their famous potato skewers, Tubettoni lardellati al agerolese with flakes of smoked cheese, the local version of tapas, Agerola crostini, classic cheese gnocchi and new dishes often paired with pork and fine wine. There are also the competitions and concerts that are a hallmark of this event in Agerola.
• Special activities at the Pausilypon Archaeological Park.
• The light show at the La Mostra d'Oltremare Fountain in Naples.
• Special activities in Herculaneum.
• Special masses in all the chapels and churches across the city.

Between June and July, another summer celebration brings together millions of worshippers and locals. This is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, whom you will recognise best in Italy by the names Carmine Maggiore or Madonna del Carmine.

The Basilica and Sanctuary of Maria Santissima del Carmine Maggiore brings together millions of believers from all over the world to venerate the Black Madonna in gratitude for favours received, or to pray for future miracles.

The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel is deeply cherished by the people of Naples. The celebrations begin on 16 July with masses at all hours. The celebrations take place around Piazza Mercato, at the heart of Naples’ historical heritage. I recommend combining a visit to this local historical site with a tour of underground Naples.

Music, wine and art come together every summer evening under the roof of the Campanian Amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, the second largest amphitheatre in the world after the Colosseum. Who would want to miss this event?

The venue is truly special and, thanks to its comprehensive seasonal programme, could be counted among the best tours and excursions from Naples. The event programme brings together the most contemporary composers, nostalgic artists and the finest singers from Campania to celebrate La Notte delle Stelle as part of the Spartacus Festival Arena. Please note that the festival is divided into four zones:

• Audiovisual Zone: The cinema section pays tribute to classics of the silver screen and modern offerings to contrast different eras. It features Academy Award-winning feature films and cult classics. Tickets are available from €5.
• Music Zone: Renowned local bands pay tribute to legends from the world of music across different generations. You can enjoy the concerts from €15.
• Theatre Zone: Comedies and dramas such as The Trojan War often take centre stage amidst top-class performances. The Campania Regional Council’s theatre schools promote a cultural network for young and old alike to enjoy, with tickets from €10.
• Archaeology Zone: This is a permanent section of the Amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere. From €2.50, you can enter this area to explore the Amphitheatre of Campania and the Museum of the Gladiators.

Whilst attending the event, you can also enjoy some snacks or a delicious Neapolitan pizza in the café area, where you’ll find the Amico Bio Spartacus Arena restaurant, the world’s first organic restaurant at an archaeological site. What are you waiting for? Sign up for this event now! The full programme is available on the amphitheatre’s website.

The Lantern Festival

Every four years, the charming neighbourhood of Casamale recalls its ancient roots; this is when the medieval atmosphere comes to life at the Festival of the Lamps, also known as the Festival of the Lanterns. Although this celebration of the cycle of life is best known in Switzerland, where it is held annually, the Neapolitan twist has made it famous in the capital of Campania.

During this festival, the village of Casamale is illuminated in all its splendour, with ferns and chestnut branches bathed in colour. The village still boasts the intact Aragonese walls that surround it. Before visiting Mount Vesuvius and the volcano at Pompeii, tourists make it a summer ritual to visit the Casamale neighbourhood. Don’t miss the wonderful view of this Neapolitan treasure!

Riti Settennali

Continuing through the Middle Ages, this time I head 60 km north to Guardia Sanframondi, where the Riti Settennali brings a typically medieval atmosphere back to life! It’s mind-blowing, and the event takes place on the first Monday after 15 August every seven years.

During the Riti Settennali, the citizens of Guardia Sanframondi find their town overrun by strange figures in hooded robes, portraying the mysteries of the Old and New Testaments in honour of the Virgin of the Assumption.

It is seven days of sacrifice that has drawn huge crowds since 1620. If you’re ever in Italy and want to experience medieval customs first-hand, be sure to visit Guardia Sanframondi before 31 August.

On 8 September, some Catholic countries commemorate the Consecration to the Virgin Mary, and in Naples this marks the start of the Festival of the Virgin of Piedigrotta. For 10 days, representatives of Neapolitan art parade around Piazza del Plebiscito. The festival’s official origins date back to 1487, when Di Joampiero Leostello, a distinguished figure, mentioned a festival of Santa Maria della Grotta attended by ‘everyone’ on the night between 7 and 8 September.

Later, between 1554 and 1744, the royal family took to celebrating the festival accompanied by a military parade. It was Charles III who requested the lights and the decoration of the balconies. Over the years, the celebration became a cultural landmark featuring one of the world’s finest light shows. This spectacle originated as a version of the Neapolitan carnival. The allegorical floats representing Masaniello, Pulcinella and San Gennaro, along with drinks, dancing and banquets, rounded off the event.

The Piedigrotta musical was officially inaugurated on 8 September 1839, and that date was established as the official one. During the 1920s, the opera parade was introduced and, later, the paper dress competition was launched. The procession of the Virgin was added to this set of traditions. After overcoming censorship, amidst controversy over the event’s eccentricities in the second half of the last century, the Piedigrotta Festival was revived in 2007.

Once again, the city proves that it is not just the capital of pizza and sublime beaches; its cultural heritage is a magnet for tourists. Don’t miss the chance to attend this theatre festival!

After winning the competition organised by the Campania Regional Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, the capital of this Italian province said yes to theatre, and the tradition of the Naples Theatre Festival was born in 2007. This summer event brings together a wide range of theatres and productions from the Italian theatre scene against the historic backdrop of Naples. For three weeks between June and July, it immerses audiences in a cutting-edge artistic atmosphere.

The San Carlo Theatre, the Castle of San Elmo, the Bellini Theatre, as well as the Hotel dei Poveri or Palazzo Fuga, often host the festival. Tickets for these performances are available at affordable prices, starting from €8. With its world-class programme and Neapolitan flair, this festival attracts a large and enthusiastic audience from all over the world every year.

Children’s Day in Naples takes place on 14 August. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit the largest amusement park in southern Italy, with special prices on all its attractions. At Edenlandia, entry is free and the attractions range from classic rollercoasters to the modern Escape Room.

The festivities don’t stop there, and during Ferragosto there are also other cultural events such as:

• Family visits to the Pietrarsa Museum in Naples at a reduced price, from €10.
• A reading day at the Capodimonte Museum or the Stabia Book Festival to encourage children’s interest in classical literature and modern artists.

And much more. Don’t hesitate to check the Ferragosto programme.

As you’ll have seen, there are plenty of things to see and do in Naples, but I couldn’t finish this list of 10 summer things to do in Naples without recommending a kayaking trip in Posillipo.

This is one of the most exclusive areas of the southern city. It’s flanked by beautiful buildings. The blue sea is well-maintained and clean, perfect for setting off on an adventure. This activity is available along the Posillipo coast during July and August. The tour takes in four villas:

• Villa Volpicelli.
• Villa del Barón de Karnapp.
• Villa Lauro.
• Villa Roccaromana.

The route is steeped in mystical stories and legends, spanning centuries of history from the founding of Partenope by the Greeks to its transformation into Posillipo Hill, the name by which you will come to know the place.

What is the kayak tour in Posillipo like?

• What does the tour include?: Almost all tours include a snack at one of the villas. They also provide the kayak and paddles, the necessary safety equipment and a bag to store your personal belongings.
• What should you bring?: A towel, light clothing, swimwear, drinks and any snacks of your choice.
• How long does the tour last?: Approximately 2 hours.
• Location: The meeting point is at Via Ferdinando Russo 13, opposite Giuseppone a Mare, heading towards Palazzo Donn'Anna.
• Price: From €25.
• How to book your place: You can find out how to book on this website.