Mappatella Beach is a small urban beach in the heart of Naples, Italy. It stretches along the Lungomare Caracciolo and features the town and the sea in front of it, with Mount Vesuvius at the back and Castel dell’Ovo. It is a spot where Neapolitans sunbathe, relax, and spend most of their time swimming in the summer season. Such an informal and friendly atmosphere often makes this beach a favourite haunt among families and young people. Indeed, it’s not that clean compared to other places along the coast, but its genuineness and the full-bodied local culture around it make the place all so charming.
Top 5 Places To Visit Near Mappatella Beach
Here are the list of top stunning places that you can’t miss on your 2024 trip near the Mappatella Beach.
1. Castel dell’Ovo
Image Credit: PaestumPaestum for Wikimedia Commons
Sited just a little up the coast from Mappatella Beach, Castel dell’Ovo (Egg Castle) is the oldest fortification in Naples. It is joined to the mainland by a causeway, sitting on the tiny island of Megaride. The name originates from the legend claiming that the Roman poet Virgil put a magical egg into the foundations to help support the fortifications. Today, one can contemplate the nice views over the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the skyline from Castel dell’Ovo. Its expos and cultural events made it a suggestive destination for history lovers and photographers alike.
How to Reach: From Mappatella Beach, walk east on the seafront promenade, Via Caracciolo, toward the tiny island where the castle is. It will take approximately 15 minutes with a nice view of the Bay of Naples.
Timings: Monday to Saturday (9 AM to 8 PM); Sundays and Public Holidays (9 AM to 6 PM)
Entry Fee: No fee for entering the castle.
Opening Hours: Opens at 9 AM every day.
Nearest Railway Station: Napoli Centrale (4 kilometers)
Nearest Airports: Naples International Airport (20 km)Suggested Read: Top
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2. Via Caracciolo
Image Credit: Plwme for Wikimedia Commons
Via Caracciolo is a nice seafront promenade running along the coastline and parallel to Mappatella Beach. It’s quite a wide and tree-lined boulevard, one of the favourite leisure spots for locals and tourists alike, suited for taking relaxing walks, jogging, or cycling. When walking by, you can easily enjoy wonderful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea’s deep azure waters, the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius, and the pleasant Neapolitan architecture from this Via Caracciolo. A lot of cafes and locations for various flavours of gelato to enjoy alongside the local delicacies while soaking in the beauty are available nearby.
How to Reach: The Via Caracciolo runs parallel to Mappatella Beach. If one just walks along the beautiful beach, they’ll have no problem reaching this picturesque boulevard. The walk is easy and lovely, with nice coastal views.
Timings: It is open 24/7
Entry Fee: Approximately Free for everyone
Opening Hours: It is always open for everyone
Nearest Railway Station: Napoli Centrale (4 kilometres)
Nearest Airport: Naples International Airport (20 kilometres)
3. Villa Comunale
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Villa Comunale, another ancient park designed for the public, is located near Mappatella Beach. Created as a royal garden in the late 18th century, this park now has beautifully maintained lawns, fountains, and trees. It is an open area in the middle of the urban area, quiet enough for a walk or lunch on the grass. Yet another oldest aquarium in Europe is located in the park—the Anton Dohrn Aquarium—where one may become acquainted with the Mediterranean Sea animals and plants. Paesaggio and Silvio, which are inherent to Villa Comunale, transform it into a place that can be effectively used as a refuge from the noises of Napoli.
How to Reach: Head east from Mappatella Beach on Via Caracciolo; eventually, pass through a marina-style area until a pathway to the Villa Comunale is found. Walking takes about ten minutes, and the signs are well-posted.
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 7 AM to 10 PM
Entry Fee: It is free for everybody
Opening Hours: The park opens at 7 AM every day
Nearest Railway Station: Napoli Centrale (5 km)
Nearest Airport: Naples International Airport (20 kilometres)
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4. Piazza del Plebiscito
Image Credit: Wolfgang Pehlemann for Wikimedia Commons
Piazza del Plebiscito is one of Naples’s most famous and impressive squares, within walking distance of Mappatella Beach. Circled by tremendous historical and cultural points of interest, the place encompasses the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola with its incredible neoclassical colonnades. These traits add to the piazza’s role as a popular location for several public events, concerts, and gatherings. On this square, one can visit the Royal Palace, which houses the museum of the royal apartments, located nearby, and be amazed by the architecture of the Basilica. This is a must-visit location for its cultural and heritage walks.
How to Reach: To get there from Mappatella Beach, head north on Via Caracciolo toward Via San Carlo. It is about a 15-minute walk or taxi ride from the hotel proposed for filming. That will take you across some of Naples’ historical lanes straight to the majestic Piazza del Plebiscito.
Timings: All days open
Entry Fee: Entry is free
Opening Hours: Always open
Nearest Railway Station: Napoli Centrale (3 km)
Nearest Airport: Naples International Airport (10 kilometres)
5. The Blue Grotto
Image Credit: Bengt Nyman for Wikimedia Commons
The Blue Grotto is a natural sea cave, 60 meters long and 25 meters wide. The cave mouth is two meters wide but only roughly a meter high, so to enter visitors must board small rowboats which transport a maximum of four passengers. The skipper will have you lay back along the bottom of the boat while he guides you through the opening using a metal chain attached to the cave walls.
How To Reach: If you are on foot, walk towards Via Pagliaro then down Via Grotto Azzurra
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Entry Fees: EUR 18/person
Opening Hours: Always open
Nearest Railway Station: Napoli Centrale (3 km)
Nearest Airport: Naples International Airport (10 kilometres)
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A visit to Mappatella Beach will allow one to relax by the sea and visit some of the most exciting attractions Naples has available. From the historical charm of Castel dell’Ovo to the beauty of the view from Via Caracciolo, the calm of Villa Comunale, and the magnificent Piazza del Plebiscito, diversity is within reach and only a short distance from the beach. From the historical and architectural interest to the seashore charms of Naples, these nearby attractions guarantee a visit that can be booked by planning a trip to Italy .
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mappatella Beach
Is Mappatella Beach free?
Indeed, Mappatella Beach is among the public beaches you can visit within the country without paying any kind of fee. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and meals can be hired directly on the beach at a charge meant by nearby traders.
In your opinion, what is the best time to get to Mappatella Beach?
It would be advisable to visit Mappatella Beach from late spring to summer or May to September when the climate is perfect for swimming. Visiting during the morning or afternoon also means that there will be a reduced number of people compared to mid-morning and through the afternoon.
I came across no facilities while at Mappatella Beach.
Mappatella Beach is small and has no extensive infrastructure or complex amenities. Sometimes, there could be vendors with food and drinks. However, there can be recreation rentals in high season—sunbeds and umbrellas. Of all these, there are very few public toilets located very close to the beach.
Can Mappatella Beach be safely visited with kids?
Indeed, Mappatella Beach is another beach that is friendly to families with children. The waters are almost still and not very deep, so children can safely wade and swim in the place. This is a small urban beach, so it gets rather crowded during the peak season; always stay close to your children.
Which other places of tourism interest are easily accessible from Mappatella Beach?
Some of the local attraction points comprise Castel dell'Ovo, the pedestrian walkway Via Caracciolo, the green zone of Villa Comunale, and Piazza del Plebiscito. Because they provide history, culture, and beauty, they are great for a day of sightseeing after rejuvenation at the beach.
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