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The best places for swimming in the sea are away from Naples proper, either at beaches and coves on the islands or along the coast around Sorrento and Amalfi (see Beaches).

The islands have diving centres, as do parts of the Amalfi Coast, where courses are available and you can rent or buy any equipment you might need. Some organize night dives and marine nature dives for the experienced. Otherwise, rent or buy a mask, snorkel and a pair of flippers and paddle about to your heart’s content; there’s plenty to see just under the surface in the quieter coves and tide pools.

Circumnavigating Capri in one of these tiny pleasure canoes (1- or 2-person) is an unforgettable experience, taking about five hours if you stop to check out the occasional grotto or go for a swim. A treat is sailing through the arched hole in the largest faraglioni rock, but make sure no power boats are doing it at the same time, or you might be swamped.

Windsurfing gear can be rented at the more frequented beaches on the islands and along the outlying coasts; the Lido of Procida is good, as well as Punta Carena on Capri. Renting boats and yachts is possible on the islands and along the Amalfi Coast but again, Procida is the best spot.

The parks in Naples are best for jogging, primarily Villa La Floridiana (see Villa La Floridiana, Naples), which has plenty of foliage to block out direct sun. Further afield, Parco Virgiliano has plenty of space for a run. For in-line skating, Naples’ seafront has flat stretches.

The islands and the Sorrentine Peninsula are liberally criss-crossed with hiking trails galore, of every degree of difficulty from a country stroll to a full day’s all-out trek to unfrequented parts. Many are ancient, even prehistoric goat trails that pass by spots of timeless beauty. If you have time to work in a day of hiking while here it’s well worth it for the intimate contact you will have with this beautiful landscape (see Walks).

Gym-culture came to Italy in the 1990s and appears to be here to stay. Top gyms in Naples offer bodybuilding, aerobics, step, martial arts and various other activities, as well as saunas and Turkish baths.

Tennis is very much in favour among Italians, and there are good clay courts in Naples, as well as plenty on the islands. Some are beautifully landscaped garden spots and are floodlit at night as well. Most welcome non-members for a reasonable hourly fee and rent equipment of all kinds. Some provide rackets free of charge and will also line you up with a partner if necessary.

The top spectator sport in Italy is, of course, calcio (football/soccer). So important is it in Naples – the city that in the days of the phenomenal Diego Maradona was number one in the world – that fans fervently pray to the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro, to intercede in the score. To witness the euphoria for yourself, attend a match on alternate Sundays between September and June at Stadio San Paolo.

A more picturesque body of water to hold a splendid regatta on would be hard to imagine, and this stretch of the Tyrrhenian Sea has its share. These include the Vela Longa in May, open to all sailboats, and the “Regatta of the Three Gulfs” namely Gaeta, Naples and Salerno, held in early June. Every four years the traditional “Regatta of the Maritime Republics”, which include Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice, also occurs in June – the next one is scheduled for 2005. The colourful scenario generally involves each former republic sending out its galleon in mock combat, then they race alongside other craft.