Thing to do
Napoli Sotterranea
Guided walk 40 metres beneath the old town through Greek and Roman cisterns, Second World War shelters and the hidden remains of a Roman theatre.
Lungomare Caracciolo seafront walk
Traffic-free seafront promenade from Castel dell'Ovo to Mergellina, with views across the bay to Vesuvius and the Sorrento peninsula.
At a glance
- Type
- Seafront promenade
- Area
- Chiaia, Naples, Italy
Good to know
- Free
- Pedestrian zone
- Sea views
- Cycling
Why we recommend it
The Lungomare is Naples' seafront promenade and one of the simplest pleasures in the city. Its central section, Via Francesco Caracciolo, was laid out on reclaimed land between 1869 and 1880 alongside the Villa Comunale park, and since 2013 the stretch from Piazza della Repubblica onwards has been closed to traffic. Together with Via Partenope and the Santa Lucia waterfront, it forms a continuous walk of a few kilometres from Castel dell'Ovo to the small port of Mergellina.
Starting at Castel dell'Ovo, you pass the line of grand hotels on Via Partenope, then continue west with the sea on your left and the palazzi of Chiaia and the Villa Comunale on your right. Halfway along is the Rotonda Diaz, a circular space with an equestrian monument to General Armando Diaz, inaugurated in 1936 and flanked by two large fountains. The views are the reason to come: across the bay to Vesuvius, the Sorrento peninsula and, on clear days, Capri, with the green Posillipo hill rising ahead. At Mergellina, fishing boats and ferries share the harbour, and kiosks sell drinks and snacks.
Neapolitans use the Lungomare for the evening passeggiata, jogging, cycling and swimming from the rocks in summer, so it is a good place to watch everyday life. The walk is flat and paved, which makes it suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and it is free at any time. Allow one to two hours at a relaxed pace, or more if you stop for a drink or an ice cream. Late afternoon and sunset are the most atmospheric times; on summer weekends the promenade is lively until late.
Bring sun protection in summer, as there is little shade on the seaward side, though the Villa Comunale's trees offer a break. Many visitors walk one way and take a taxi, bus or metro back: Mergellina has a railway station on Line 2, and Piazza Amedeo is a short walk inland.
Combine the walk with a visit to Castel dell'Ovo at the start, a seafood lunch in Borgo Marinari or a drink in the bars of Chiaia, the city's smartest shopping district, just behind the seafront. The Villa Pignatelli museum, on the Riviera di Chiaia, is also close by.
Lungomare Caracciolo seafront walk FAQs
Where does the Lungomare start and finish?
It runs from Castel dell'Ovo and Via Partenope along Via Caracciolo to the harbour of Mergellina.
Is the Lungomare pedestrianised?
Yes, the stretch of Via Caracciolo from Piazza della Repubblica has been closed to traffic since 2013.
How long does the walk take?
One to two hours at a relaxed pace, depending on stops.
When is the best time to walk it?
Late afternoon and sunset, when the evening passeggiata begins.
Is it accessible?
Yes, the promenade is flat and paved, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
What can you see from the Lungomare?
Vesuvius, the Sorrento peninsula, Posillipo, Castel dell'Ovo and, on clear days, Capri.
How do I get back?
Mergellina has a station on metro Line 2, and buses and taxis run along the seafront.
Is it free?
Yes, the promenade is open to everyone at no cost.