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Despite its history of malaria, the plague and cholera outbreaks, the entire area is now as safe as anywhere else in the western world. No inoculations are required or recommended.

Pharmacists in Italy serve as surrogate doctors. They are highly trained and can usually prescribe just the right thing, possibly homeopathic, once your symptoms are clear. Often, drugs that would require a prescription in your home country can be sold without one here. If you need to fill a specific prescription, it’s important to know the actual chemical in question and not just its brand name, as that may be different in Italy.

These are identified by a large red or green cross outside. They keep regular shop hours, but there will always be at least one in the area that is open outside normal hours. Look for the list posted next to the door of any farmacia for the schedule of off-hour openings around town.

There are several national emergency numbers you can call, almost all toll-free, covering everything from crime, accident, fire, car breakdown, rescue and domestic emergencies of any sort.

If you need an English-speaking doctor, contact your country’s consulate in Naples. They have lists of doctors they can refer you to.

Getting around in a wheelchair in this area is a near impossibility without assistance. The larger museums and sights are making some headway at providing easier access, but the progress is slow. Disabled visitors will without a doubt require help from travelling companions at every stage of the journey.

Temperatures in high summer can reach 30° C (86° F) and above, so it is important to wear a high factor sunscreen and a sunhat if walking around sightseeing – particularly children. Swimming in the Mediterranean is generally safe although lifeguards are rare.

There are hospitals in each area that provide 24-hour emergency care.

Pickpockets are not uncommon in crowded parts of Naples, particularly on public transport. Keep valuables tucked away in unreachable places. Losses or thefts should be reported to the nearest police station.

Though petty thievery is part of the scene, violent crimes are quite rare in this society. Such things generally occur only in the underworld of organized crime far from regular tourist spots, in the seedier zones of suburbia.