12 Things to Do in Naples in Winter

A true globetrotter is not content to visit Naples with detachment, but wants to experience Naples like a true Neapolitan and to do so you need a good guide. In winter, believe it or not, there is plenty to see and do in Naples.

Christmas in Naples, Valentine's Day among the castles of San Martino and Sant' Elmo, visits to the crypts and catacombs, tasting seasonal clams, indulging the inner chocolatier with delicacies and cremating a witch for good luck are not to be missed to enjoy winter as the locals do.

The average temperature in Naples in winter is 14°C, with the possibility of very cold weather and sea breezes. That's why an invitation to discover what the underground of Naples has to offer is an excellent idea. And did you know that there are a lot of passages right under the feet of all Neapolitans?

Tunnels, catacombs, an ancient aqueduct, an ancient Roman theatre, passageways... Underneath the city of Naples there is a historical heritage almost as rich as on the surface and I recommend these three visits to get to know it:

• Guided tour of the Catacombs of San Gennaro: located on the hill of Capodimonte, they are the most extensive in southern Italy. Normally, the visit also includes the entrance to the catacombs of San Gaudioso, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Sanità and the Cloister of Santa Chiara.
• Guided tour of the catacombs of San Gaudioso: if you want to be a little bit scared, then I recommend this guided tour full of macabre relics, tenebrous frescoes and sacred tombs.
• Underground tour of Naples, an unmissable network of caves of Greek and Roman origin that was used during the Second World War as a refuge for 200,000 people.

The cold in Naples is not the worst in the world, far from it. But if during your stay in winter you don't feel like bearing it, another way to escape it is by visiting some of its museums.

It's true that the capital of Campania is not particularly noted for its large number of galleries, but there are three that are very special and not to be missed:

• National Archaeological Museum of Naples: it is located in the heart of the city and I recommend it to anyone who likes the ancient world and everything that surrounds it. In addition, you can access both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Museo Città della Scienza: Are you passionate about science? Definitely head for this museum. It houses very interesting interactive exhibitions and a lot of curiosities about planets, stars, insects and science in general. If you go with children, they will love it too.
• Capodimonte Museum: both its interior and exterior are worth a visit, as it is located in a beautiful park. It is the ideal museum for painting lovers and houses works by Goya and Michelangelo, among others.

Whether it's hot or cold, Pompeii is a must-see for anyone visiting Naples, so it's a must-see in any guidebook. As winter is low season in the city, you can visit the site at your leisure and, with a good coat, the rest is just about enjoying a unique place on earth.

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city that was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and buried under volcanic ash. Everything was buried until many, many centuries later it was discovered. Despite what was expected, everything is still in excellent condition and we can witness the daily life of its population. However, there are also some shocking scenes that will remain in your mind when you visit.

Pompeii can be reached by train from the city's central station and by bus, although I recommend the first option. If you prefer a more comfortable experience, you can always book an excursion to Pompeii from Naples.

A stroll along the Street of the Nativity Scene Makers is an almost obligatory part of the things to do in Naples in winter. In the exhibition, artists work in front of your eyes and display their Neapolitan classics such as donna Carmela (the baker who brings prosperity to the crib), Il pescatore (a fisher of souls) or Il monaco, which represents the communion between the profane and the sacred.

The capital of Campania is also known as the city of nativity scenes. Throughout the year, artisans sculpt figures and in December they open the doors of their workshops.

If those members were not curious enough, pay attention because Polichinela, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pope Francis, Trump and a hundred other characters are part of the infinite collection of these nativity scenes.

How to get to these workshops

Walk from Mergellina train station, head to Piazza Carlo III and continue to Via San Gregorio Armeno, in the unique historic area of SpaccaNapoli, a 5-minute walk from the room to the Veiled Christ.

The streets of Naples dress up for Christmas with carols, food and flea markets like most countries, but what is special about Naples is its food. Here is the gastronomic offer you will find during this time of the year:

• Cassatine
• Struffoli
• Roccocò
• Cuoppo di mare
• Panettone
• Pandoro
• Cannelloni with cod, sultanas and pine nuts

I can't even go into detail about the options. The gastronomic offer is very rich and varied, but to get to know it in depth I recommend that you either make friends with a Neapolitan or book a gastronomic tour of Naples.

It's hard to resist the charms of Naples. "I'm in love and I'm having a little roll with my pizza," said Julia Roberts when she visited L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele in the film Come, Pray, Love. The Neapolitan atmosphere is seductive. And on Valentine's Day it is no less so, and the city is dressed in deep red, as a pledge of its eternal love for life.

The capital of Campania is an evocative city, perfect for creating memorable memories with your better half. In fact, you can surprise your partner with a romantic weekend getaway, as there are plenty of things to do and see in Naples in 3 days. Here are some ideas of what you can do to surprise him or her in winter in this passionate city:

• Declare your love at sunset at the imposing Castel Dell 'Ovo, Castel San Martino and Castel Sant 'Elmo, past Monte Echia park, to the elegant Via Chiaia and San Pasquale a Chiaia.
• Take a romantic stroll through Naples' old Spanish quarter, Via Toledo and Via Roma.
• If you don't want to miss out, escape to Capri from Naples. Although it's cold in winter, the love of this island will give you the privacy and distinction you need with your partner.

In Naples even problems are portrayed with grace and the Carnival has become a social event where awareness is invited through dances, parades, art and good vibes.

In its years of existence, the Naples Carnival has changed the social landscape. It has been a landmark that not only became a meeting place for families and organisations in local neighbourhoods, but on a national level it is an example that citizenship and revelry can go hand in hand with a commitment to improving lifestyles and the environment.

A trip to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast will also allow you to enjoy the Carnival, but in a different way, as it is more glamorous and luxurious there.

Looking for a comforting, seasonal, Neapolitan signature dish? The answer is "Spaghetti alle Vongole". Although the clam dish can be enjoyed all year round, the season for wild clams is in winter, which is why Neapolitans prefer to enjoy it at this time of year and it is part of their traditional New Year's dish.

It is a simple dish: a combination of clams, garlic, olive oil, white wine, black pepper and parsley served on a bed of spaghetti. Although it sounds modest, when done well, it is a delicacy of the gods.

Spaghetti alle Vongole is popular throughout Italy, but originates from Campania. In some regions they have varied the original recipe by adding cream, or changing the type of pasta, however, the classic will be available in the best restaurants in town.

In winter, the Neapolitan streets begin to breathe a particular atmosphere that leads us to lose ourselves in its time-honoured traditions. Festivals are part of them and, if you are interested in detaching yourself from the tourist vision to get to know the local culture for a while, they are part of the seasonal audiovisual experience.

Among these festivals is the Campania Theatre Festival which Naples spreads throughout its neighbourhoods every year. The winter season of this festival features plays, dance and art exhibitions where classical and contemporary art are combined. The traditional venues in Naples are:

• Teatro Bellini
• San Carlo Theatre
• Teatro Mercadante

Occasionally, plays are performed in unconventional venues in the city to the surprise of festival-goers. The Castel Sant 'Elmo, or the Bourbon Hospice for the Poor, as well as churches and various historical monuments have lent their spaces to the festival.

In this magical corner of Italy, New Year's Eve is an event of the highest order where fireworks are everywhere.

After dinner comes the festivities at the town hall. In Piazza Plebiscito the biggest traditional New Year's concert is held, but not only this central square hosts activities, the party goes on until dawn all over Naples.

The fireworks display at Castel Dell 'Ovo is as loud and spectacular as you can imagine. And the music stages in Borgo Marinari, Piazza Vittoria and Via Partenope also make their presence felt on this night.

Epiphany is a very special feast. It is always welcomed with joy, but also with a bit of sadness because it marks the end of the Christmas holidays. Few people know what Epiphany means more than the south of Italy, and Naples is the best place for the celebrations.

Although legend has it that the Magi arrived in Bethlehem and delivered their gifts to the Christ Child, in Naples it's time to shop for the best bargains of the year in the Piazza Mercato.

The Piazza Mercato is home to one of Naples' biggest Christmas markets, selling discounted sweets, clothes, toys, art and curiosities on the night of January 5th. Visitors like to frequent this place to experience Neapolitan folklore and deep-rooted customs.

How to get to Piazza Mercato

Via Corso Umberto I and Via Antonietta de Pace you will find it quickly. The market is right in front of the Santa Maria del Carmine Church, one of the most traditional churches in Naples.

To finish off the list of things to see and do in Naples in winter, the inescapable sweet touch could not be missed with the Chocolate Fair. During the month of February in the Vomero district, visitors can indulge in the delicacies prepared by the chocolatiers who bring the "Chocoland" to life.

At the fair you will find many stands with a variety of presentations, prices and combinations created by master confectioners from all over Italy. Some of them will also offer cooking demonstrations.

From the traditional white or dark chocolate to the more particular with nuts, pistachios, liqueurs and much more, this fair is a guilty pleasure that delights its visitors.

How to get to the fair

The meeting point varies annually but is always among the ice cream parlours and terraces of Vomero, a 15 minute walk from Castel Sant'Elmo or a 5 minute walk from the Duca di Martina National Museum of Ceramics in Villa Floridiana.

Winter in Naples combines rain and mild weather. Between November and March temperatures range from 4.3 °C to 12.5 °C.

When travelling to Italy in winter it's time to take out your mackintoshes, wellies, gloves, umbrellas and scarves. Naples is a warm city, but during the winter you may experience cold showers.

Take rain-resistant clothing with an outer layer to keep out the rain and wind and under layers, as well as socks and jumpers to keep you warm.

On the other hand, don't forget some smart clothes, especially if you want to dine in a nice restaurant or just want to mingle with the Neapolitans.

• The cassatine: a sweet cake with ricotta, marzipan and candied fruit.
• Struffoli: delicious honey and orange fried pastries.
• The roccocò: sweet doughnuts with almonds, orange and its famous ratatouille.
• Capitone: baked or fried eel seasoned with fine herbs, a Christmas delicacy that you can enjoy at gastronomic fairs.
• The Spaghetti alle Vongole: as we saw, the seasonal classic, a dish of fresh clams with spaghetti, fresh herbs and the house sauce, a dish that does not disappoint seafood lovers.