Are you planning a trip to Naples, Italy? From the stunning coastline and gorgeous sunsets to the feel of history on its walls, there are many reasons to visit Naples.
Yes, you’ve got it all figured out: when to visit, where to visit, sights to see, cities to explore, and everything else in between.
As you plan your trip, though, the question of where to pitch your tent for the bulk of the journey remains one of the more difficult ones to answer.
Sure, it is easy to go with the biggest city on your list – Naples or perhaps Sorrento; but could a small town on the outskirts of the city make for a better temporary residence during your tour of the ancient and modern city of Naples?
Perfect location: Enchanting people
Lying inconspicuously on the Bay of Naples is the small city of Portici. Only some 8 kilometres away from the buzz of the metropolitan city of Naples, Portici can be found at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.
The town lies somewhere between the buzzing modern town of Naples and the quieter but still vibrant city of Sorrento.
Portici is essentially a suburb of Naples, although it is also a city in its own right. Situated just outside of Naples it indeed maintains much of the buzz of its metropolitan neighbour, but it also boasts a slightly more relaxed, authentic and friendly appeal.
Its location as a gateway to the bulk of the attractions you will hope to visit during your time in Naples makes it an ideal base during your trip. It is closer, for instance, to the ruins of Pompeii, and is a shorter distance to Sorrento than Naples.
The locals are mostly warm, charming, and very much welcoming as is typical with small communities. However, with an increasing number of workers from Naples moving into the small city, it is increasingly crowded.
Add to that its growing appeal as a significant tourist base, and the many locals from small neighbouring towns who like to come around during summer time, and it can sometimes get crowded for a city its size.
Major Attractions in Portici
Although there aren’t so many tourist attractions in the town, Portici does have its fair share of attractions. The city is home to the Royal Palace – completed in 1748 and currently a part of the Royal Higher School of Agriculture. The Royal Palace also serves as a resting place for some of the relics from the archaeological site of Herculaneum.
The Pietrarsa Railway Museum, which was built to commemorate Italy’s very first railway which passes through the town, is yet another famous attraction. You can also choose to spend time engaging in water sports on one of the many beaches surrounding the town, or exploring the Vesuvius on the back of a horse.
But what makes Portici attractive are the many attractions around the city.
Just across the city in the nearby town of Ercolano are the ruins of Herculaneum, a destroyed ancient city that shares a resemblance with the ruins of Pompeii. Interestingly, Portici is also closer to the more famous ruins of Pompeii.
Why stay in Portici?
Of course, your primary interest in heading south of Italy is to visit the bubbly, exuberant city of Naples – a city unrivalled in beauty by any other Italian city.
Portici serves as a prime location as you spend your day exploring the long, time-resistant effects of history on the stones that line the grounds of Naples.
From the massive castles to the elaborately embellished chapels and towering palace homes, all of the stunning architectural heritage of Naples gives you more than enough to feed your eyes, soul and mind.
Portici certainly makes for an excellent base as you explore all of the beauties Naples has to offer.
But, as we have seen, it does play host to some great attractions of its own.
As a commuter city, it also boasts an excellent transportation system which will help you get around all of your favourite attractions with ease.
Beyond its primary attractions, though, Portici does have all you may need to live comfortably during your trip.
You will find shops of any kind for whatever goods or utilities you may need, restaurants and trattorias for excellent local meals, cinemas for a beautiful night out at the movies, pizzerias, pubs, and a good nightlife that allows you wind down in comfort for the day.
Summary
Vacations are a time to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of city life and relax. Naples with its many attractions makes for a great tourist city.
But I particularly love Portici for its more subdued nature, especially if you get a reservation in a well-placed apartment or hostel that shields you from the noisy nightlife of the city.
Look out for apartments that are not only nice on the inside, but also offer other extras such as parking space for your vehicles, security, cleanliness, and proximity to essential amenities. These are not in any way difficult to find, with apartments such as Vesuvius House renowned for their ability to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to go for your next day of sightseeing and exploration.
Jump around 