Car Hire Naples

A quick guide to Naples

From the teeming bustle of the centro storico to the curve of coastline that beckons you, Naples is a city that pulls you in. It’s also a city of pride, whether for its trademark pizza or the local culture. Give yourself over to the noise, the sights andthe tight alleyways where it looks like the buildings are leaning in for a kiss. Naples is a destination it's easy to fall in love with.

A volcanic history

Shadowing the city of Naples is the enormous Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano of epic proportions. Simply follow signs for Mount Vesuvius out of the city on the A3, and when you arrive you should find plenty of places to park. Hike around the crater and you’ll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area and begin to appreciate the size and scale of this beast.

Travel 30 minutes from Naples and you can see the impact of its most famous eruption. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD it buried the vibrant Roman city of Pompeii in a thick sheet of volcanic ash. The ash preserved the site, which now offers a fascinating look at life in Roman times. Houses, baths and objects remain unmoved from the day of the eruption, as do some of the unlucky occupants. For a quieter but no less impressive experience, head to Herculaneum, arguably better preserved by the lava.

The must-have Margherita

Naples is the home of the finest pizza in the world. Blasted in wood-fired ovens, it emerges thin, crispy and blistered from the heat, dotted with only the freshest mozzarella, tomato sauce and perhaps a leaf or two of basil. The more complicated the pizza, the less authentic it is, so follow the lines for the places that the locals love. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has been keeping it simple since 1870, and there’s a grand total of two pizzas on offer here – they’re both stellar.

A work of art

Take an artistic journey through Naples and explore the many galleries that fill the city. If historic artefacts in glorious surroundings sounds like a wonderful day out, then visit the National Archaeological Museum, which includes many ancient Roman artefacts.

If modern art is more your thing then head for the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina. With striking exhibitions and events held throughout the year, this gallery is truly thought-provoking and one of the must-see attractions in Naples.

For art outside the city take a short road trip, just over 50km along the A1 and E45, to Caserta, a city that is a true work of art in itself. Spend a leisurely day exploring the Royal Palace of Caserta, and be blown away by the sheer size and magnificence of this glorious 18^th century palace.

An Italian adventure

Car hire in Naples means that even the capital city of Rome is within driving distance. Set off early and travel through charming places including Ceprano, an archetypal Italian town, before arriving in Rome. Fill up on world-class pasta in the many fantastic places to eat before exploring the iconic sights of the city including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Sistine Chapel.

With so much to see and do here, it’s worth spending the night before heading back to Naples. The contrasts will be illuminating, and will bring to life the variety of experiences that Italy has to offer.

Driving in and around Naples

Naples has a traditional road network, making it an interesting and buzzing city to drive through. Spaccanapoli is the street that runs through the centre of the city, a narrow passage that epitomises the characterful roads in Naples. It’s named literally, translating as ‘Naples splitter’, something it does as it delves through the historic heart of the city.

Naples is well-connected so you can get to the rest of Italy with ease - the open road awaits you. The main highways - known as 'autostrade' - are the quickest way to travel between cities. Leave Naples via the A3 and you’ll arrive in Benevento in just over an hour. Flanked by mountains and with a number of historic attractions, including the ruins of a Roman Theatre, it makes for a wonderful day out.

One of the must-sees while in Naples is the impressive and legendary Mount Vesuvius. Head south along the A3, and you can spend the day climbing this volcano and exploring around it. It’s still active, and monitored constantly for signs of activity, as so many people live close by. 

Drive south on the E45 to reach the port city of Salerno. Highlights of this fair city include the stunning Salerno Cathedral which is filled with art, and the botanical Minerva Garden.

It's important to note that dipped headlights must be used on two-lane highways to avoid dazzling the other drivers. We’ll ensure you have everything you need before you depart and our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you have.

Speed limits in Italy range from 130km/h on highways to 110km/h on non-major highways outside urban areas. On local roads it drops to 90km/h, down to 50km/h in built-up areas. Keep a close eye on signs at all times.

While in Naples you may notice signs for the ZTL. This is an area that has restricted access for traffic during the times shown on the signage - typically a red and white circle. Don't be tempted to ignore the warnings as you're liable to land a fine, instead park up and explore on foot. If your hotel is within a ZTL, let them know you're arriving by car and they will arrange a temporary permit.