Located on Italy's southwest coast, Naples is the major southern port city and has a population of about one million people. Although Naples is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and rich in history and monuments, it is sometimes overlooked and less visited than other Italian cities. There are many attractions there, however, including historic castles, palaces such as Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) and museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology. There are also old Greco-Roman reservoirs dug out from the soft tufo stone on which the city is built. These underground tunnels and cisterns cover most of the city and lie about thirty yards below ground level. Tourists are permitted to visit a portion of them.

Traditionally, people say that Naples is where the first pizza was made. It is the birthplace of the Pizza Margherita, which is a very simple one made with mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil. People say that these three things represent the red, white, and green of the Italian flag. The pizza was named when it was first served to Queen Margherita when she visited the city. Naples is also known for its gelato (ice cream).

On the south side of the Gulf of Naples is the Isle of Capri, lying off the end of the Sorrentine Peninsula. It has been a famous resort place since the time of the Roman Republic and has a coastline dotted by many sea caves, including the famous Blue Grotto. The grotto got its name from the way the sunlight strikes the water and makes it a vivid blue. In fact the whole island has a wonderful light and atmosphere, best captured early in the morning and late in the day

Capri is a tourist destination for both Italians and foreigners. The central piazzetta of Capri has preserved its modest village architecture but is now lined with luxury boutiques and expensive restaurants. Some of the main features of the island are the Marina Piccola (Small Harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara, which is a high panoramic promenade lined with villas and the limestone masses that rise out of the sea.