Take a break from the relentless bustle of central Naples with an excursion into one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, home to beautiful private villas, excellent local restaurants, and high-end shops and boutiques. Catch the scenic funicular from the Mergellina neighborhood below up to the top of Posillipo Hill for a bird’s-eye view across the bay to Mt. Vesuvius looming opposite. Afterwards, stroll along the tree-lined streets back down the hillside to the Posillipo Archaeological Park, where you can visit the remains of an ancient Roman villa and theater on the water’s edge, accessed through the Grotta di Seiano tunnel.
Many Naples sightseeing tours make a stop at the top of the hill to take in the view, especially those via Vespa scooter, vintage Fiat 500, and private car. Naples is known for its traditional cuisine, and tours often combine visits to the city’s top attractions with pizza tastings, and other local street food. The Pompeii archaeological park is just outside the city center, so it’s easy to pair a tour of Naples with a visit to these famous ruins.
Take the Mergellina funicular from the Mergellina stop on the water’s edge to Piazza Manzoni, the final stop on the Posillipo Hill, or join a sightseeing tour that includes transportation up the steep road that winds its way to the hilltop.
Most visitors stop at the top of the Posillipo Hill to take in the view over the Bay of Naples, so time your visit for early morning or sunset for the best light for photographs.
At the base of the Posillipo Hill, the archaeological ruins of the Imperial Villa Vedius Pollio and nearby Odeon theater covering the cliff above the water are considered among the most beautiful in Naples. The area, also known as Pausilypon, also includes the remains of a portico overlooking the sea, an oblong nymphaeum, and an aqueduct.
