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Summer in Naples includes outdoor films, theatre and music in venues around town.

Modern and rather basic, this hotel is well located for checking out the university area as well as the ancient centre. They’ve made an effort to give a sense of style to all rooms and some are even decorated with wall frescoes. These rooms include breakfast, served on the roof terrace of the nearby Executive Hotel.

One of the ritziest clubs in town. The music tends towards house and other sophisticated electronic sounds.

Filled with regulars, this place faces the port. You are welcomed with the house aperitif and advised of the seafood specials of the day.

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary marks the height of the summer season, when almost every shop and restaurant is closed. Pozzuoli stages a contest of climbing a greased pole, while Positano re-enacts a landing of Saracen corsairs.

The aristocratic villas along this coast play host to classical concerts (see Vesuvius).

Naples finally fell to the Normans in 1139. As a result, the established trade with the East went into decline and Naples became a feudal possession, beholden to Sicily. Nevertheless, the Norman period was one of relative prosperity.

As much junk as genuine antiques, but great fun.

In February 1816 fire destroyed the San Carlo. In a few months the theatre had been rebuilt with perfect acoustics.

This category is, of course, the area’s strong point. Calamari (squid) are a favourite, as are cozze (mussels) in a variety of delicious presentations. Seppie (cuttlefish) and polipo (octopus) are popular, too, stewed, fried or steamed. Pesce all’acqua pazza (fish in “crazy water”) is a treat – fresh fish stewed in water with tomatoes, garlic and chillies.