The Naples seafront and Castel dell'Ovo: the walk along the sea
The seafront (lungomare) is the living room of Naples: a long pedestrian promenade on the bay, with Vesuvius on one side and Capri on the horizon. In the middle, on a small island linked by a bridge, stands Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest castle in the city.
At a glance
- Route
- Via Partenope (Santa Lucia) → Castel dell'Ovo and Borgo Marinari → Via Caracciolo → Villa Comunale → Mergellina
- Length
- About 3 km on the flat, pedestrianised along Via Caracciolo
- Cost
- Free
- Castel dell'Ovo
- The interior has been closed for a long time for works: check the City of Naples website to see if it can be visited. The bridge and the Borgo Marinari are always accessible
- Best time
- At sunset, and on Sunday mornings when Neapolitans take their stroll
- How to get there
- Metro Line 1 Municipio or the Chiaia funicular; Line 2 Mergellina at the other end
The walk
Via Partenope and Santa Lucia
From Piazza del Plebiscito you head down to the sea at Santa Lucia, the neighbourhood of the famous song. On Via Partenope you will find the historic hotels, the Fontana del Gigante (the Giant's Fountain) and the pier with views of Vesuvius and the Sorrento peninsula.
Castel dell'Ovo and the Borgo Marinari
A bridge leads to the islet of Megaride, where according to legend the siren Parthenope came ashore and where the first Naples was born. Castel dell'Ovo (the "Egg Castle") owes its name to a legend: the poet Virgil is said to have hidden a magic egg in its foundations, and if the egg breaks, Naples is in danger. At the foot of the castle lies the Borgo Marinari, with its little harbour and seafood restaurants.
Via Caracciolo and the Villa Comunale
Since 2012 Via Caracciolo has been pedestrianised: you walk along the sea for over a kilometre, among runners, families and sellers of taralli (savoury ring-shaped crackers). Behind it is the Villa Comunale, the large public garden with the Stazione Zoologica, and further back the elegant neighbourhood of Chiaia.
Mergellina
The walk ends at Mergellina, with its little harbour, the hydrofoils to the islands and the chalet, the historic kiosks where you can have a frappè (milkshake) or a gelato looking out to sea. From here, going uphill, Posillipo begins.
Tip: walk from Mergellina towards Castel dell'Ovo in the late afternoon: you will have Vesuvius in front of you as the sun sets behind you, and you will reach the Borgo Marinari at dinner time.
Swimming
In the warm months Neapolitans swim off the rocks at the Rotonda Diaz and along Via Caracciolo. For clearer water, Posillipo and the Gaiola are better.
Nearby
- New Year's Eve in Naplesfireworks in front of Castel dell'Ovo
- Chiaia neighbourhoodbehind the Villa Comunale
- Ferries to the islandshydrofoils from Mergellina
Frequently asked questions
Is Castel dell'Ovo open?
The interior has been closed for a long time for restoration work. Before you go, check the City of Naples website to see if it can be visited; the bridge and the Borgo Marinari are always accessible.
How long is the Naples seafront?
From Santa Lucia to Mergellina it is about 3 km on the flat, mostly pedestrianised.
Where to stay near the seafront?
In Chiaia, Santa Lucia or Mergellina. Compare the areas.
Where to stay on the seafront
48 places to stay in Chiaia on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
