Naples or Genoa
 

Hi,

Before we finalize our plans, I have one question:

Which city would you choose to visit for 4/5 nights, Naples or Genoa and why?

Thanks.

Neither. Though Naples and Genoa are interesting in their own right, there are better places to visit in Italy.

Hi Loacker,

We have visited many places in Italy and the question is a choice between the Naples and Genoa.

If we go to Naples, we will then spend about a week in the Amalfi Coast, and if we go to Genoa, we will travel down the coast back to Rome.

Thanks

where is Sandralist when you need her?

What time of year are we talking about?

I've been to Naples and would love to spend more time there, but never been to Genoa, and never felt a great urge to do so.

Naples plus the Amalfi would be a great choice but probably not so good in July and August.

Hi annhig,

We are going to be there mid-August for a total time of about 12 days.

Naples seems so interesting but from what I have been reading, you would think that it is dirty, crime ridden and generally a place to avoid, and this is what scares me. Is this true even today?

Thanks

Hi MyBeautifulBalloon [great screen name, BTW!]

I know exactly what you mean about Naples, and it's instructive that Italians can feel just the same - when we visited with our Italian class a few years ago, our teacher [who was herself a student there for several years] was keen to give us tips about avoiding crime, and I've heard similar things from other Italians. More than that it has drivers that are completely mad, backstreets that are entirely unlit, and [to me] an atmosphere of "edginess" which I haven't felt in many other places. OTOH it has wonderful things to see, extremely friendly lovely people, [like the shopkeeper who guided us to the station when we were completely lost] and great food.

On your other thread I have made a suggestion about places you could go between Genoa and Rome, namely Orbetello and Massa Marittima, which having read this I think might be far more up your street. Certainly you would be more relaxed and comfortable!

Hi annhig,

I always loved that 1967 5th Dimension song Up, Up and Away, and was so surprised that nobody had taken my screen name, especially in a travel forum.

I saw your other post and appreciate it very much. What is causing me some hesitation is that I think would prefer to spend a week in the Amalfi Coast instead of driving down the coast from Genoa to Rome. Also, it is much closer to Rome, so we spend less time travelling. Finally, we can use the train for most of the trip (only using a car as those days we travel through the Amalfi Coast).

However, if you think that Genoa is almost as interesting as Naples, and that the places we will visit as we travel down the coast are as beautiful as the Amalfi Coast, we will do that plan instead.

Thanks again for all of your help.

While Genoa is a beautiful city, I think you would find more to do to fill 3 or 4 days in Naples. Spend 3 days there (or 4), then head down the coast. Just pick your hotel/location well, and enjoy the vibrancy of that city.

However, if you think that Genoa is almost as interesting as Naples, and that the places we will visit as we travel down the coast are as beautiful as the Amalfi Coast, we will do that plan instead. >>

oh dear - the responsibility!

I absolutely understand the dilemma, MBB. [please excuse my abbreviating your screen-name; how silly of me not to get the allusion to the song!]. One factor that might influence me to prefer Genoa to Rome as opposed to the Amalfi and Naples is the time of year - wherever you are it will be hot but the Amalfi is likely to be heaving.

I'm not sure how many nights you've got total, but taking it that you've got 12 days, so 11 nights, I would spend 3 in Genoa, 2 in Pisa/La Spezia [the first being very crowded the second a little more rough and ready], 2 in Massa Marittima, and 4 in Orbetello. I would definitely book hotels in the first and last but not sure about the places in the middle - you might leave those until the night before.

If you can't find anywhere in Orbetello itself, you might look at Porto Ercole in stead.

let us know how it works out!

Naples is a beautifull city, and just like Paris, New York and other big cities you do not have to walk around with big cameras, jewelery and so on.....
If you visit the big streets and do not go to the small silents streets, the change they steal from you is as big as any other big city!!
Naples has a lot to see and visit like museums, churches and much more! So I reccomand Naples and the amalfitan coast, but I've never been to Genua!

I must say that feeling even a little fearful of walking the small, medieval alleyways in the evening, which is something my family and I love to do, makes me very uneasy.

While visiting museums and historical sites is important and interesting, it is the evening and nighttime walks that has made us fall in love with many cities and places in Italy.

Am I wrong to feel this about Naples?

"Finally, we can use the train for most of the trip (only using a car as those days we travel through the Amalfi Coast)."

I wouldn't want to be driving the Amalfi Coast in August, or did you intend to drive somewhere and just park the car during your stay?

Can you even find available lodging on the AC for August at this late date? Or is this trip in 2017?

I've never been to Genoa, but can recommend Naples. My trip report might interest you; click on my name to find it.

<Am I wrong to feel this about Naples?>

There are people everywhere. It's not some Dickensian horror story. The Historic Centre around Via Tribunali is very busy - as is the Spanish Quarter. The best pizza places in Naples are along Via Tribunali (Sorbillo and Di Matteo).

The Lungomare down on the bay is a pedestrian zone and is busy with restaurants and people walking until way past midnight.

Many people on these forums have either never been to Naples or haven't been there recently. They make ill informed judgments based on other peoples' predjudice (the Italian language school people are an example). Naples hasn't been ruined by mass tourism and maintains an authentic historic centre where real people live and work. It is not overrun with twee souvenir shops or restaurants advertising in ten languages.

@ annhig, re: “great screen name, BTW” … hmm. Compare the screennames, question formats, and response formats to:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...es-choices.cfm

It seems to me that, in the best case scenario, MyBeautifulBalloon has made a poor choice of posters to emulate. JMO, and I could easily be wrong....

I have been to both Genova and Napoli. For that many nights, I would choose Napoli. Neither has been overran by tourist. Genova is not as popular and Napoli is so big, the city exists for residents.
Genova has grandeur and run down places as well as "interesting" neighborhood that feels more like in Africa than in Italy. However, unlike Napoli, Genova as a base to visit CT as day trip is not effective. CT is overran by tourists during the day. If you want to go there when it does not feel like you are in a subway station during the rush hour, stay in CT, not in Genova. Napoli on the other hands has many top places to visit within as well as a good base for Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri, Caserta, etc. AC is bit far as a day trip, but can be done. Napoli gave me more vibes than Genova.

@ Loacker,
@ Holly_uncasdeawar
@ rosanna75
@ Jean
@ Michael
@ Blueeyedcod
and
@ greg --

you, too, might want to see the link I posted above, and as I suggested, compare the info. Just a thought....

As a <b>completely</b> unrelated thought ;-), I don't think starting a new screen name replaces the need to apologize to another poster. JMO. Nor do I think starting a new screen name is the best way to deal with prior offenses to multiple posters. Again, JMO.

@ MyBeautifulBalloon -- Best wishes for your travels.

kja,

Not sure who you are, but it appears you have way too much time on your hands.

Good luck, though

They make ill informed judgments based on other peoples' predjudice (the Italian language school people are an example). >>

since I assume that is a reference to what I wrote, 'Cod, this was not prejudice on the part of our teacher but a result of her experience of being a student in the city for several years. I was trying to address the fears of the OP who may have a more restful experience by not going to Naples on this occasion.

kja - I didn't even post on the thread you linked to. I have no idea what your point is.

I found Genoa interesting and could be a base for exploring Cinque Terre as well as other northern regions. The food was great -the best focaccia - and there are some wonderful buildings.

I was in Naples for 5 nights a few weeks ago. It felt very safe in all the touristy areas. Would not hesitate to return--lots to do.

Holly
Just read then your brain should register something.
Kja is a nice person and has been BS'd by Airballoons.
Now it is MyBeautifulBalloons who is BS'ing her.

Okay. Got it. Perhaps kja should just stay away from any threads started by any poster with "balloons" in her name.

@ Whathello: Thank you! I'd say "dissed," not just "BS'd."

@ Holly: That's why I addressed my comments to those of you who might face the same fate, particularly those who spend a chunk of time trying to provide responsive answers as I and several others, including Whathello (to whom AirBalloon was particularly insulting, IMO), have done.

Obviously, assuming a new screen name is a LOT easier than changing one's behavior. JMO.

@ MyBeautifulBalloon, AirBalloon, Andrea, Lara, or whoever ...

My time is actually limited and, to me at least, quite precious. But I have been very fortunate over the years to have received some incredibly helpful input and advice from other Fodorites -- any number of people have generously given me their time and expertise. So -- unless or until I am convinced that I am only going to be met with dismissive or insulting replies -- I choose to make responding to inquiries here a priority. It's my way of giving back and paying forward. I hope that you are fortunate enough, some day, to discover that there are times when <b>giving</b> your time is even more precious than the time itself.

Well, all I can say is that there should be a list of words and names that are forbidden on this forum, making it easier for someone to escape this type of treatment. I cannot believe that anyone would waste their time with this nonsense.

Aside from that, thank you all for the information.

We have chosen to go to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. We are checking out some hotels now. Any recommendations? We think we should stay near or in the historical center, but have been told the port area is nice as well.

As well, in the Amalfi Coast, we are looking at the Hotel Regina in Sorrento and the Hotel Iaccarino, a few km inland from Sorrento, with fantastic views. Has anyone stayed in either?

Thank you.

I have some recommendations but it depends on your budget. The Hotel Toledo in the Spanish Quarter is good value and in an atmospheric neighbourhood.

http://www.hoteltoledo.com/eng/

On the Lungomare (waterfront) the Hotel Miramare is expensive but a beautiful location with a rooftop terrace for drinks and views of Vesuvius and the water.

http://www.hotelmiramare.com/en/

Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast and it's a challenge to get to the Amalfi Coast from there, with full buses and just one ferry service per day. I would suggest staying in Positano or Amalfi for the true experience of the AC.

I can recommend the Hotel Piazza Bellini in the historical center of Naples.
I found Sorrento pretty and convenient for day trips to Herculaneum and Capri, but, as Blueeyedcod noted, it's not on the Amalfi Coast, which is drop-dead gorgeous. Stayed at the Marina Riviera in Amalfi.

We were in Sorrento a few years back and we had a wonderful time. When I said the Amalfi Coast, I meant the whole peninsula. I should have been more specific.

We are thinking about splitting up the 7 nights to a few days in the Sorrento area and a few days on the real "Amalfi Coast" :).

We reserved a hotel for 3 nights in Praiano. Has anyone ever been or stayed there?

As well, we are looking at a hotel in Santa'Agnello, very near to Sorrento. Any thoughts?

Thank you everyone.

Praiano is inconvenient for transport. There is no ferry dock so you have to rely on buses. Sant'Agnello is okay as long as you are close to the train station.

Hi everyone,

We got back from our vacation not too long ago and what a beautiful time we had.

First, Naples is wonderful. It is a place we will return to, as four days were not nearly enough. I do not understand at all some of the negative comments we have read, as Naples may be the most underrated places we have visited in all of Italy.

We spent the next eight days in the Sorrento Peninsula, spending 3 nights in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast and four nights in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, a hill town just outside Sorrento. Both places were wonderful.

We had a car the entire time so we were able to drive the gorgeous Amalfi Coast (we also visited Ravello, which was breathtaking).

We drove into Sorrento (about a 15 minute drive from our hotel in Sant'Agata) when we were not relaxing at the glorious pool with fantastic views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and Sorrento.

Thanks again to all of your advice. It really did help us.

Agree with you about Naples--and Ravello!

Glad you had a good time and thanks for checking back in.

I too was apprehensive about Naples but in at least three stays in the city I never had a bad moment even though garbage was at places where it should not have been and I am careful about wearing a money belt, etc.

The last time I was eating a gelato and in the main square in front of the train station I stepped in a pothole - lots of those too - and fell smack on my face - blood everywhere - I was dazed and confused for a couple of minutes -could not recall where I was exactly,etc.

I was ripe for pickpocketing with my day pack there,etc.

But locals helped me a whole lot - showed me the medical centre at the train station and several others at the hospital walked me thru it all - there are not thieves on every corner but as annhig says there is a problem if not recognizant of it.

So here is another whose only had great experiences in Naples - to me a totally unique Italian city - looking like ones looked when I first went to Italy decades ago - laundry strung between tall buildings lining narrow lanes- really nice.

My friend who has just returned from a trip to Italy, described Naples as "interesting" but said he was happy to leave after two days. I guess this is one of the most polarizing cities in Italy.

<i>My friend who has just returned from a trip to Italy, described Naples as "interesting" but said he was happy to leave after two days. I guess this is one of the most polarizing cities in Italy.</i>

Given your comments abut the outer <i>arrondissements</i> of Paris, I suggest that you skip Naples.

To use an English phrase, it's a bit of a Marmite city (somewhere you love or hate).

I love it, my other half never feels safe there.
to echo PalenQ's post, I have always found the locals to be exceptionally friendly and helpful.

On one occassion, I was having difficulty making myself understood, and trying to buy a specific type of travel card at a Tabacchi near the station. The owner held up his hand, called to an assistant and then walked off down the road, returning 2 minutes later with a lady from a nearby dry cleaning shop, because he knew she spoke English.
There was a simple kindness in the act that I found very common in the South, and Naples in particular.

I do not know how someone can hate Naples. but, of course, that is my opinion. I think the feeling of being unsafe is more based on perception than reality as our family never felt that way at any time. We walked all over this great city, and while there are some small areas that are in need of an update (a few blocks around the port area, for sure), we found Naples to be absolutely fascinating.

The people are extraordinarily friendly, the food is wonderful, the sites interesting, and walking through the small alleyways and larger boulevards gives one the sense that this is how Italians really live when you strip away tourism, which, to us, has diminished the beauty of cities like Rome and Venice.

when I was visiting Naples on a day trip from Sorrento a few years ago, my friends and I got hopelessly lost between Spaccanapoli and the Station, and in desperation approached someone who was locking up his shop, for directions. To our immense surprise, he grabbed my arm and proceeded to walk with us through the streets chattering away in local dialect [the most I understood was that he had an uncle who worked in a restaurant in London!] until we could see the station. Wonderful.

not only that, but when another local realised that we were stranded on a traffic island trying to cross the road to the station, she helped us to get across without being mown over - definitely a danger in the Naples traffic.

Definitely Neapolitans are some of the friendliest people in the world!

annhig,

I could not agree more.

It is amazing to me how so many people forgo Naples in search of the real Italy when Naples is exactly that.

And the pizza. I will never order delivery again!!!