The cloister at Santa Chiara is a peaceful escape with stunning majolica tiles on every column and bench. Each tile tells a story, adding bursts of color to the otherwise simple architecture. We loved walking through the citrus-filled courtyard and soaking in the quiet. The museum added depth to the visit, especially with artifacts from WWII. Discovering the old thermal baths was an unexpected bonus. Definitely worth taking your time here.

If you’re into nature, visiting Mount Vesuvius is a must. The views from the top are incredible, and there are little stalls along the way where you can grab a drink or a souvenir. The path to the crater was a bit steep, but the view of Naples and the Bay made it totally worth it. As we got higher, the landscape became more barren, and standing at the edge of the crater was surreal. Seeing the steam rise from inside gave us a real feeling of how powerful nature can be. It’s something you don’t forget easily.

Our visit to Gino Sorbillo Lievito Madre al Mare was all about the pizza and the view. Set right on the waterfront, we enjoyed our meal with the sea as our backdrop. The pizza really stands out with its classic Neapolitan style and perfectly charred crust. We went for the margherita, and it was exactly what we hoped for. Simple and fresh ingredients with that distinct wood-fired flavor. The staff was friendly, but it does get busy, which makes sense given how popular it is.