Trip to Naples Unfiltered: Tips From a Local

23/01/2025

Faraglioni, the two towering rock formations, are Capri’s crown jewels.
Legend says if you kiss your love while passing under them, your bond will last forever.
Hence why when you're planning a romantic boat trip there, you can discreetly tip your captain and ask him to stop near Faraglioni, so you can propose.
Someone ring the wedding bells!

Let me give you a few more ideas for a romantic trip to Italy: https://www.travellingdany.com/romantic-italian-getaways/

22/01/2025

Move over pizza margherita—pizza fritta (deep fried pizza) is Naples’ guilty pleasure.
Stuffed with ricotta, provola, and salame, it’s indulgence at its best.
Don’t knock it until you try it! 🍠

Check it out here: https://www.travellingdany.com/12-things-to-eat-in-naples-like-a-local/

21/01/2025

Did you know Positano is nicknamed the “Vertical City”?
It’s true—you’ll climb countless steps, but the views (and the gelato rewards) are worth every breathless moment. 🍨

Just in case you're planning a trip here this spring (or summer, or autumn, here we hit the beach even in December if it's sunny!), I have an article about the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast that us locals love.

Please don't do like that "instagram influencer" who was all over Tiktok and other socials last year saying she hated the Amalfi Coast because "ugh so many stairs"! I couldn't eyeroll enough! 🙄

https://www.travellingdany.com/best-beaches-on-the-amalfi-coast/

20/01/2025

The aroma of fresh sfogliatelle wafting from a bakery, salty sea air by the port, and the enticing scent of garlic and tomatoes simmering.
Naples smells as good as it tastes! 🌵

19/01/2025

In Naples, 'O Presepe is an art form.
Wander through Via San Gregorio Armeno (known abroad as "Christmas Alley"), where artisans create stunning, detailed presepi (nativity scenes).
Christmas lasts all year here! 🎅

Full Disclosure: Nope, I am very much traditional and I do not buy soccer player statuettes for my presepe, thank you very much! 😂

18/01/2025

Today's Neapolitan piece of history is about 'O Carro 'e Muort.
I vividly remember this scary looking black chariot with a coffin inside, full of lanterns, flowers and shiny crystals.
When I walked by the stables, Nonno Vincenzo always told me not to pet the huge black horses, because they were feral... and they "were bad luck".

I've told you all I know about this grim tradition in Naples and the surrounding area in today's newsletter.

To receive it and learn more about Neapolitan dialect, history and local traditions, you can subscribe here for FREE: https://www.subscribepage.com/naplesunfiltered

17/01/2025

Bright, intricate, and utterly unique, Amalfi ceramics are works of art. From plates to vases, they capture the coast’s vibrant spirit.
A perfect souvenir! 🖌

Need more ideas for your next trip?
Find them here on the blog or ask me for something specific in the comments: https://www.travellingdany.com/souvenirs-from-italy/

16/01/2025

Myth-Busting: Pickpockets.

Yes, you should be cautious, but Naples is no different than Paris or NYC.
As some of you who follow my blog might know, I have family in NYC so I visit often and I know what I'm talking about.

When you visit Naples, be street smart, keep your bag zipped, enjoy the vibrant streets, and don’t let myths keep you away. 🌇
Nothing bad is going to happen, let this hate stop because it's super offensive to us locals!

15/01/2025

The Amalfi Coast isn’t just for your eyes; close them and listen.
Waves crashing, gulls calling, and the hum of boats are nature’s symphony.
It’s pure relaxation. 🌊

14/01/2025

Soft, pillowy gnocchi baked in rich tomato sauce and bubbling mozzarella?
Gnocchi alla sorrentina is a taste of heaven from Sorrento—simple yet spectacular.
Contrary to popular belief, you can find them in many, many restaurants not only in Sorrento, but also in Napoli.
Check out the menu for "gnocchi alla sorrentina" or "gnocchi al tegamino".🌺

13/01/2025

Neapolitan coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a ritual.
And no, we don’t sip it while walking like many other places in the world!
Stop at a bar, order 'nu cafè, and savor it like a local.
It’s a tiny moment of joy. And a way to socialize, because whenever you walk into a bar in Naples, you end up talking to the barista or those next to you. It's guaranteed! ☕

12/01/2025

Everyone knows the Path of the Gods, but have you hiked the Valley of the Mills in Amalfi?
Lush greenery, ancient ruins, and the sound of waterfalls will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
Note to self: please Dany, remember you're not good at hiking off the trail. You always end up getting lost! 🤦‍♀️🌿

11/01/2025

Today's Neapolitan email is about "Figlio 'e 'ndrocchia".
Something only Neapolitans know about because Italian language has no direct translation to this sentence.
It is what it is, at least here in Napoli.

But what does it mean?
You can discover this, as well as other super interesting bits about Neapolitan dialect, our traditions and legends, by subscribing to our free Newsletter.
Just click here: https://www.subscribepage.com/naplesunfiltered

10/01/2025

Ever walked through Spaccanapoli and heard the melodies of mandolins, accordions, or street performers’ soulful voices?
The music is the heartbeat of Naples.
Stop and soak it in—you’ll feel the city’s soul.
In my mind there will never be anything else that reminds me of Naples other than 'O Mandolino. Nope, not even pizza! ♪

Here's a video you might like:

Melodia Tradicional Italiana; Arreglo para Mandolina, Flauta y Cuerdas por Emiliano Velarde; mandolinista.

09/01/2025

When you make wine at home (here many families still do it, including hubby's uncles) you get must.
This is an ingredient that many towns around Naples (not many "citizens" who live in the city center do it because they can't make wine at home in a condo) use to prepare "pezzette 'e vin cuotto".
It's small cakes made with fermented must. They feel like red grape jellies in your mouth when you eat them, and yet they have a thin crust on the outside. They are very sweet and we usually add bits of mele annurche, dried nuts, sometimes bits of orange peels and bran.
Nope, you can't buy them because they have become such a rare find: families make them for themselves and they're SO good that we don't feel like selling!

08/01/2025

What do olives, capers, garlic, anchovies in oil and tomatoes have in common?
They’re the bold flavors of spaghetti alla puttanesca.
It’s quick, briny, and oh-so-satisfying.
When I cook it my dad follows the scent to my door "Mammamia how good!"
Did you know that they say the great Totò used to love spaghetti alla puttanesca? It was his favorite Neapolitan dish! 🍝

07/01/2025

Lemons here aren’t just big; they’re life-sized!
From refreshing limoncello to fragrant lemon cakes, the Amalfi Coast’s lemons are a zesty symbol of sunshine.
Pro tip: if you're planning to visit the Amalfi Coast, try a granita served inside a hollowed-out lemon. 🍋
It's delicious!

06/01/2025

Despite its name, 'A genuves' isn’t from Genoa!
Neapolitan Genovese is a slow-cooked onion and beef sauce that hugs every strand of pasta.
The secret?
Hours of simmering—and love.

Here we tend to pair it with ziti. I still remember vividly me, my sister and our cousins while we broke up the long ziti to make shorter ones on Sunday mornings at nonna's house. While the genovese simmered in its pot and our mammas were all busy making food.🍲
Nonna was perched like a hawk with her hand on her side while directing everyone. "Uè" check the pasta! Il vino! Where's the bread? 💙