This onetime cliffside pirate lookout comes to us from the Aragonese, but its prime location was certainly exploited by the Romans. It was Julius Caesar (although some argue it was Emperor Nero) who had his summer villa on this seaside hilltop. The stunning vistas from the castle’s rooftop terraces – Capri, Ischia, Procida and the Bay of Pozzuoli – are definitely worth the trip. History buffs will love...

You won’t be allowed to wander this castle’s hallowed halls, but the penthouse panoramas from its wrap-around rooftop terrace are more than worth the price of admission. There are 360 degrees of seascapes and cityscapes, for as far as the eye can see: all of the Centro Storico with Santa Chiara towering above and the Spaccanapoli splitting the old city...

From all over the island and beyond, Castello Aragonese is the VIEW. Hike to the top of the castle (or avail yourself of its handy elevator) and the castle becomes the island’s VIEWPOINT, its panoramic overlook, or as they like to call it here, the belvedere. At the top, you can have lunch, a drink or a snack at “Il Terrazzo” and take...

The first thing to know about Cumae is that it’s an out-of-the way site that’s not easy to get to, nor well served by public transport. Most days, it’s a very quiet place to have a wander and it’s lacking in any real services for tourists. There’s a lot of walking involved with steep grades, but the views are compensatory....

There is an old grotto on the south side of this lake. It was from here that Aeneas left on his quest to find Hades, thanks to a bit of guidance from the Cumaen Sibyl. A stairwell inside this cave, we are told, leads to the river Styx. Up until recently you could arrange to see inside, but sadly, the...

When you’re ready for a bit of respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Lungomare, Naples seafront promenade, to breathe in the sun, the sea and the views. Towards the sea, the iconic double humped shape of Vesuvius dominates the bay and stretches out towards Sorrento, Capri and the promontory of Posillipo. Towards the city, a patchwork quilt...

Mount Vesuvius is a national park, UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and the only active volcano on mainland Europe. The lush soils of this 25,000 year old geological marvel (perhaps even older) give life to the world’s best tomatoes – San Marzano – and the vines that produce Lacryma Christi (Tears of Christ) wine. A trek to its peak is a must-do on any Naples...

Hidden behind a church, this quiet little park climbs up the side of Posillipo hill, a switchback walking path follows the contours of the park’s terraces. Enshrouded within an encroaching urban landscape – the nearby train station and a heavily trafficked car tunnel – it’s a (quasi) quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The views of Vesuvius and the...