Naples adventures
Welcome, Explorer Riders!
If you've made it this far, it means your journey is leading you to the city of Naples.
There’s no denying it, this will be a trip wrapped in a mix of ancient history, rebellious art,
and hidden corners that tell tales of revolutions, passions, and mysteries.
If you’re an urban explorer, a street art enthusiast, or someone who loves off-the-beaten-path adventures, this is the perfect city for you.
Among alleys steeped in history, massive murals, breathtaking stairways, and millennia-old catacombs,
here’s an itinerary for true adventurers.
The Journey Begins: Arrival in Naples...
Once you arrive at the port, fueling up with energy is a must because your first stop is La Pedamentina, 414 steps connecting Castel Sant’Elmo to Spaccanapoli, passing through gardens and panoramic terraces.
To truly be ready for this first challenge, I’d suggest grabbing a warm, soft sfogliatella, it’ll give you an unbeatable energy boost. So why not stop by a nearby café, savor the air still rich with sea salt, and indulge in the delights that Neapolitan tradition has to offer?
Now you’re all set to begin!
What better way to start than by admiring Naples from above?
This first part will put your endurance to the test. From the port, you’ll pass by Maschio Angioino, an enormous and fascinating fortress, then continue along to Piazza Municipio to admire the stunning Fountain of Neptune. Next, hop on the metro at Via Toledo, one of the most beautiful subway stations in the world, a masterpiece of modern underground architecture and art.
In just a few minutes, you’ll reach Montesanto, and from there, a short walk will bring you to the base of La Pedamentina. Time to climb! I know the view will be behind you, but trust me, you’ll stop to catch your breath, and with that excuse, take in the incredible landscape unfolding before you.
Once at the top, proud of conquering your first challenge, take a stroll through the hanging gardens of the Certosa di San Martino. Its beauty and cloister will steal a bit of your time. If you still have some strength left, I’d recommend continuing to Castel Sant’Elmo, which stands just behind you—definitely worth considering.
Now it’s time to descend. You can take the funicular, which will bring you down to Piazza Dante, saving your energy for the next challenge. If steep climbs aren’t your thing, you can always reverse the route and start from the top instead.
Next challenge...
Now, onto the next challenge, just as demanding!
From Piazza Dante, walk through Port'Alba, an ancient gateway to Naples, and reach Via dei Tribunali.
Along the way, you’ll see Maradona’s mural by Mario Casti and the bust of Pulcinella, a bronze sculpture created in 2012. This 1.2-meter-high artwork sits on a stone base and has become a must-visit for both tourists and superstitious Neapolitans, as it’s believed to bring good luck.
By now, hunger is likely setting in! In Piazza San Gaetano, you’ll have plenty of choices, but if I may suggest, go for some authentic Neapolitan street food, try a pizza al portafoglio, a fried pizza, or a cuoppo filled with crispy seafood fritters. Sure, it’s not exactly light fare, but don’t worry, the next stop will burn off those calories!
Rione Sanità
Yes, because now it’s time to descend into the underground world of Naples with a visit to Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples).
This place will challenge both your endurance and imagination. Walking through narrow tunnels and steep staircases, it will feel like stepping into the past.
After exploring Naples’ underground, you’ll emerge in a district that embodies both beauty and decay, history and rebellion: Rione Sanità.
This area has a powerful past and has fought hard to rise again. As you walk along Via Sanità, you’ll admire the Palazzo dello Spagnolo and Palazzo Sanfelice, two Baroque masterpieces with dramatic staircases, often used as film sets.
Here, you’ll also find incredible street art:
The murals "RESIS-TI-AMO" and "Luce", works by Bosoletti and Tono Cruz that speak of hope and resistance.
Zilda’s chained man mural inside Palazzo Sanfelice, a contemporary street art piece that looks like an ancient fresco.
By now, a sweet break is definitely in order! Stop by Poppella for a treat, then look up to admire another city icon: the mural of Totò and Peppino.
Deep underground is where Naples reveals its true soul...
Naples’ heart beats underground, and you’ll see it again at the Catacombs of San Gaudioso, where eerie skulls embedded in the walls belong to 17th-century nobles. These catacombs also served as bomb shelters during WWII. Close your eyes and imagine the sound of explosions while hundreds of people sought refuge here.
Now, let’s delve even deeper into Naples’ darker side. Walking along the Miglio Sacro (Sacred Mile), you’ll reach the Acquaquiglia del Pozzaro, a place filled with magic, superstitions, and legends. The experience is narrated by Vincenzo Galiero, the owner of this basso (a typical Neapolitan ground-floor dwelling) that has belonged to his family for generations.
A few meters ahead, you’ll reach the final stop of this adventure: the Cimitero delle Fontanelle.
This immense cave is filled with thousands of skulls from victims of the plague and cholera. According to legend, this is where the cult of the "anime pezzentelle" began, the belief that adopting a skull and praying for its soul could bring protection.
Try searching for the Captain’s Skull, a legendary relic said to grant wishes, if you manage to win its favor!
Now that your adventure has come to an end, you can return to the port by taking the metro from Materdei station to Municipio station, just a stone’s throw from the pier.
I’m sure you’ll be exhausted but also filled with emotions, sensations, and unforgettable memories that might even make you want to return someday.
See you for the next adventure!
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