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Street · Nápoles, Campânia
Lungomare di Napoli
Naples' seafront along the Via Partenope and the Via Caracciolo, with the Castel dell'Ovo, the Borgo Marinari and views of the gulf stretching to Mount Vesuvius.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lungomare di Napoli
The lungomare (waterfront) of Naples runs from the area around Castel dell'Ovo to Mergellina, along Via Partenope and Via Francesco Caracciolo. The main stretch is closed to cars and is where Neapolitans walk, run and sit on the rocks by the water. From the promenade you can see the whole bay, with Vesuvius on one side and, farther away, the silhouette of Capri.
Castel dell'Ovo is the yellowish stone castle on the little islet of Megaride, connected to the mainland by a bridge. It was there that the Greeks from Cuma landed to found the first settlement, Partenope; later the site hosted a Roman villa, convents and a fortress used by the Normans and Angevins. The name comes from a legend: the poet Virgil supposedly hid an egg in the foundations, and the city's fate would depend on it.
At the foot of the castle lies the Borgo Marinari, a small fishing port with restaurants and boats. Heading west, Via Caracciolo passes the Villa Comunale, the seaside public park, and reaches Mergellina, from where boats also depart.
From the lungomare you can walk to Piazza del Plebiscito and Via Chiaia, a shopping street. In summer Neapolitans use the rocks and the small urban beaches to sunbathe.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours walking from Castel dell'Ovo to Mergellina.
Best time
Late afternoon and evening are the busiest times, with the sun setting toward Posillipo. Sunday morning is family outing time.
How to get there
From Piazza del Plebiscito, walk down Via Cesario Console or Via Santa Lucia to Via Partenope in about ten minutes. To return from Mergellina there is Mergellina metro station.
Tip
Access to the interior of Castel dell'Ovo may be closed: check before you go. Even without entering, it's worth crossing the bridge to Borgo Marinari to see the castle up close.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lungomare di Napoli
Can you enter the Castel dell'Ovo?
The interior of the castle may be closed for renovation. Confirm before you go. The Borgo Marinari, at the foot of the castle, remains accessible.
Can you swim on the waterfront?
There are rocks and small urban beaches used by Neapolitans in summer, but they're not the focus of the stroll. For beaches, Capri and the coast to the south are more popular.
Where can you see the Vesúvio from?
From almost the entire promenade of Via Partenope and Via Caracciolo, looking east, on the other side of the gulf.