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The Islands of the Gulf of NaplesThe Gulf of Naples is placed off the southwestern coast of Italy (province of Naples, Campania region). It opens to the west into the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered on the north by the cities of Naples and Pozzuoli, on the east by Mount Vesuvius, and on the south by the Sorrentine Peninsula and its main town Sorrento; the Peninsula separates it from the Gulf of Salerno. North to south the gulf runs from the city of Naples on a line to the Isle of Capri in the lower right of the map.
The Gulf of Naples is contained within a line running from Cape Miseno to Point Campanella (across from Capri). The original Greek settlement in the area was actually on the large island of Ischia. Well before the city of Parthenope --and, then, Naples-- was founded, the Greeks moved from Ischia across to the mainland at Cuma. The entire area of the gulf, plus some area further up the coast to the left towards Gaeta, constituted what was known as the Independent Duchy of Naples in the ninth and tenth centuries. Much of the area, however, in the mountainous Sorrentine Peninsula was disputed with other duchies of that period, namely, the Duchy of Benevento and the Duchy of Salerno.
Capri, colonized by the Greeks and the Romans, was the privileged vacation resort of the emperor August and Tiber which remained 10 years there. An Eden on a rock surrounded by the sea. Let lose yourself in the maze of the little streets and discover: Piazzetta (at the arrival of the funicular, meeting point), the Villa Jovis, Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, Mount Solaro, the Villa San Michele, Grotta Azzura (visit by boat), the garden of August, Arco Naturale, the Malaparte Villa (located at the end of the Massullo point), Anacapri, San Giacomo... Ischia is the largest island of the gulf of Naples, very touristy, it is especially known for its hydrotherapy and its superb beaches. Sightseeing: "Ischia porto" (situated in a volcanic crater, many bars, shops), "Ischia Ponte" (old village). Possibility to visit the island by bus (approximately 2 hours). Procida is the smallest of the islands of the gulf. Colored houses, old coffees, small paths, give him an undeniable charm.
The sea of the Gulf of Naples is a very good fishing area with various fishes and seafood: alici, sgombri, merluzzi, sarde, tonni, aguglie, vongole, cozze e lupini. The seafood is more used for pasta cooking while fish is usually cooked grilled, steamed or as soups. Along the Sorrento coast it’s suggested to taste the fantastic Neapolitan pastry, in particular the appetizing "rum baba", the lemon cream sponge cakes or the Neapolitan "Pastiera" the typical Easter cake. All the lemon and orange trees are a steady feature of the Sorrento Peninsula, indeed especially with the lemons the Sorrento gastronomy has created several tasty and among those the famous Limoncello of Sorrento, this is the most local liqueur all around the world. Many cultivations of grapes grows around the Sorrento lands where special white wines Falanghina and Aglianico are produced. Not forgetting the Sorrento Peninsula is as well known as Naples for its pizza, in particular the village of "Vico Equense" is renowned to be the foundation-house of the pizza by metro. |
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Nearby sights
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The islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida are located in the gulf.
Capri, Ischia and Procida are accessible by ferries or hydrofoils
starting from the port of Mergellina or from the Molo Beverollo in Naples.
During the good season – from May to October - Capri is also reachable from
Positano and Amalfi.