13 Things to Do in Naples in Summer

Summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the Neapolitan Dolce Vita. The city offers many possibilities to spend your free time between festivals, local festivals, free events, the best classes and events with Neapolitan pizza, beaches, art and nature.

The things to see and do in Naples are numerous and, for that reason, I leave you the best a complete list of what not to miss during this season: Are you ready? Let's get started.

The fame of the delicate Neapolitan pizza is well known and, without a doubt, you will be able to taste it if you hire an irresistible gastronomic tour around Naples. But would you like to be part of the best food festival in the world? If so, take part in the Pizza Village, the Naples Pizza Festival.

Join Italy's largest gathering focused on its Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the art of Neapolitan pizza. This festival is held every year along Lungomare Caracciolo Street or Naples' Promenade, transformed into what is known as the world's largest pizzeria since 2011.

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

The Neapolitan streets organise processions and solemn rites around the Church of San Gennaro all'Olmo. For 8 days, the Municipality of Naples and the Church join forces to celebrate this free event. Between parades, religious processions and musical performances, the patron saint walks through the Duomo accompanied by bishops, mayors, parishioners and onlookers moved by the festive atmosphere.

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

The Feast of San Gennaro has become a popular tourist attraction. The jubilation of the Neapolitan is capable of infecting even the least believer and a visit to the Catacombs of San Gennaro is part of the complete tour for the occasion.

One of the must-do things to do in Naples in summer is to book an excursion to Capri and let yourself be dazzled by all its charm.

The excursion, which lasts approximately 8 hours, is the best way to get to know this marvellous island, as it includes hotel pick-up and cruise from the port of Naples, as well as the accompaniment of an expert guide who will give you all the details along the way and will also be able to answer any questions you may have.

You will also have enough time to explore the island on your own from the moment you disembark, but not before admiring from the sea some unique sites such as Grotta Bianca, Grotta Verde, Arco Naturale, Villa Malaparte, Punta Carena or Faraglioni.

And another ideal proposal for the summer is to book a guided tour of the castles of Naples, which includes an itinerary through the two most important fortresses of the city: Castel dell'Ovo and Maschio Angioino and, in addition, you will visit other sites of great value such as Borgo Marinari, Piazza del Plebiscito, Galleria Umberto I or Maschio Angioino.

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

In summer the beaches are a must for visitors to Naples. Here are my top 3.

The most popular choice: Schiacchetello Beach

If you are looking for a beach with crystal clear waters, easy access, with a scenic setting where Vesuvius is the centre of attention, Schiacchetello is the answer. However, be aware that it is strategically located and the beach fills up easily, so you should arrive early to get a spot, and the stairs to get there should not put you off, as at the end of the walk you will find a natural treasure worth enjoying.

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

My favourite choice: the beaches of Miseno and Miliscola

A lovely duo with 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: 10 minutes away on Via Miliscola.

My exclusive choice: della Gaiola Beach

A beach that thanks to its limited places protects the marine flora and fauna present. They have two shifts, morning and afternoon. In each one 75 people are allowed. In addition, motorboats and fishing are forbidden. It is a marine paradise for diving lovers and those who enjoy the sea without crowds.

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

August 15th is the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which refers to the day on which Mary ascended into heaven without having died. It is one of the Catholic Church's most sacred summer celebrations. However, in Italy, the August Festivals, better known as Ferragosto, are celebrated and will give you the opportunity to enjoy a variety of events.

The history of this celebration takes us back in time to the year 18 B.C. when the festivities of the date were recognised with the name of the Emperor Augustus, ruler of the time. Thus the "feriae Augusti" was born.

This festival, which every year is added to the Ferragosto itinerary, includes many activities:

• The Night of Tammorra: the free concert celebrating Neapolitan folklore and popular culture.
• The Naples Gastronomic and Cultural Festival: Eating in Naples is an experience that, in itself, justifies your visit to the city. In Ferragosto you will be short of days to enjoy all the options. I recommend you to choose among the best gastronomic tours for this date.
• The Agerolese Potato Festival: Where you can try the famous potato brochettes, the Tubettoni lardellati al agerolese with smoked cheese flakes, the local version of tapas, the Agerola crostini, the classic cheese gnocchi and new dishes often combined with pork and good wine. In addition, there are the competitions and concerts typical of this event in Agerola.
• Special activities in the Archaeological Park of Pausilypon.
• The light show at the Fountain of La Mostra d'Oltremare in Naples.
• Special activities at Herculaneum.
• Special masses in all the chapels and churches of the city.

Between June and July, another summer celebration brings together millions of parishioners and locals, the Madonna del Carmine, who is best recognised in the country by looking for the Carmine Maggiore or the Madonna del Carmine.

The Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima del Carmine Maggiore gathers millions of believers from all over the world to venerate the Madonna Bruna in thanksgiving for favours conceived, or to pray for future miracles.

The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel is very dear to the people of Naples. The rendezvous begins on July 16th with masses at all hours. The celebration surrounds the Piazza Mercato, in the cradle of the Neapolitan historical legacy. My recommendation is to complement the visit to this local historical heritage with a visit to underground Naples.

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

The venue is very special and for its full seasonal proposal, it could be added among the best tours and excursions from Naples. The event programme brings together the most modern composers, the nostalgic and the best singers of Campania to celebrate The Night of the Stars as part of the Spartacus Festival Arena. Please note that the festival is divided into four zones:

• Audiovisual Zone: The film section honours classics of the seventh art and modern offerings to contrast all eras. It includes Academy Award-winning feature films and cult classics. You can buy your tickets for as little as €5.
• Music Zone: Renowned local bands pay tribute to the legends of the musical universe from different generations. From €15 you can enjoy concerts.
• Theatre area: Comedies and dramas such as The Trojan War often raise the curtain among luxury performances. The theatre schools of the Municipality of Campania promote a cultural network for young and old to enjoy from 10 €.
• Archaeology Zone: This is a fixed section of the Amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere. From €2.5 you can enter this area to visit the Amphitheatre of Campania and the Gladiators' Museum.

While you take part in the event, you can also stop for snacks or a good Neapolitan pizza in the cafeteria area, where you will find the Amico Bio Spartacus Arena restaurant, the world's first organic restaurant in an archaeological site. What are you waiting for to sign up for this plan? The full programme is available on the amphitheatre website.

The Lucerne Festival

Every four years the charming neighbourhood of Casamale recalls its ancient roots, when the medieval atmosphere comes alive at the Festival of the Lamps, also known as the Festival of the Lucerne. Although this celebration of the cycle of life is mostly known in Switzerland where it is held annually, the Neapolitan accent has earned it fame in the capital of Campania.

During this festival the village of Casamale is illuminated in its full splendour with colourful ferns and chestnut branches. The Aragonese walls surrounding the village are still intact. Before visiting Mount Vesuvius and the volcano of Pompeii, tourists have the summer ritual of passing through the neighbourhood of Casamale. Don't miss the marvellous view of this Neapolitan treasure!

Riti Settennali

I continue through the Middle Ages and this time I climb 60 km north to reach Guardia Sanframondi where the Riti Settennali brings back to life a typically medieval atmosphere! It's amazing and the event is repeated on the first Monday after August 15th every seven years.

During the Riti Settennali the citizens of Guardia Sanframondi find that their town is invaded by strange figures in hooded robes to portray the mysteries of the Old and New Testament in honour of the Virgin of the Assumption.

It's seven days of sacrifice that has been gathering crowds since 1620. If you're ever in Italy and want to experience medieval customs live, be sure to stop by Guardia Sanframondi before 31 August.

September 8th in some Catholic countries marks the Consecration to the Virgin Mary, and in Naples it marks the beginning of the Festival of the Virgin of Piedigrotta. For 10 days representatives of Neapolitan art parade around the Piazza del Plebiscito. The official origin of the festival dates back to 1487, when Di Joampiero Leostello, an illustrious personage, mentioned a feast of Santa Maria della Grotta to which "everyone" came on the night between 7 and 8 September.

Subsequently, between 1554 and 1744, royalty became accustomed to having the feast accompanied by a military parade. It was Charles III who ordered the lights and the decoration of the balconies. Over the years, the celebration became a cultural reference with one of the best light shows in the world. This show was born as a version of the Neapolitan carnival. Floats representing Masaniello, Pulcinella and San Gennaro, drinking, dancing and banquets completed the event.

The Piedigrotta musical was officially inaugurated on 8 September 1839 and that date was made official. During the 1920s, the parade of operas was introduced and, later, the paper dress competition was inaugurated. To this set of traditions was added the procession of the Virgin. After overcoming censorship, amid controversy over the eccentricities of the event, in the second half of the last century, the Piedigrotta Festival was restored in 2007.

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

After winning the competition of the Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activities of Campania, the capital of this Italian province said yes to theatre and the tradition of the Naples Theatre Festival was born in 2007. This summer spectacle brings together a wide range of theatres and productions of the Italian stage in the historical context of Naples. For 3 weeks between June and July it immerses the spectators in an avant-garde artistic atmosphere.

The Teatro San Carlo, the Castel San Elmo, the Teatro Bellini as well as the Hotel dei Poveri or Palazzo Fuga often lend their venues to the festival. Tickets for these performances are priced from €8. With its world-class programme and Neapolitan flair, the festival attracts a large and enthusiastic audience from all over the world every year.

The Children's Day festival in Naples takes place on 14 August. An ideal opportunity to visit the largest children's playground in southern Italy with special prices on all its attractions. At Edenlandia admission is free and the attractions are as varied as the classic roller coaster to the modern Escape Room.

The festival activities do not end 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 book festival in Stabia to stimulate the knowledge of classical literature and modern artists among children.

And much more. Don't hesitate to consult the Ferragosto programme.

As you will have seen, there are plenty of things to see and do in Naples, but I couldn't end this list of the top 10 summer things to do in Naples without recommending that you go kayaking in Posillipo.

This is one of the southern city's exclusive areas. It is flanked by beautiful buildings. The blue sea is neat and clean, perfect for an adventure. During the months of July and August this activity is available along the coast of Posillipo. The excursion covers four villas:

• Villa Volpicelli.
• Villa of the Baron of Karnapp.
• Villa Lauro.
• Villa Roccaromana.

The path hides mystical stories and legends travelling through centuries of work from the foundation of the Parthenope by the Greeks to the Posillipo Hill, the name by which you will know the place.

How is the kayak tour in Posillipo?

• What's included in the tour: Almost all tours include an aperitif in one of the villages. They also provide the canoe and reindeer, safety equipment and a bag to store your personal belongings.
• What should you bring: A towel, fresh clothes, swimming costume, drinks and any snacks you like.
• How long does the tour last: Approximately 2 hours.
• Location: Meet at Via Ferdinando Russo 13 in front of Giuseppone a Mare in the direction of Palazzo Donn'Anna.
• Price: From 25 €.
• How to book: You can find out how to book on this website.