7 must see parks in Naples

Naples is the third-largest city in Italy, the capital of Naples Province and the Campania Region. It's also one of the oldest cities in the world, and its rich history can be witnessed in every inch of the city, from the Royal Palace and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum to the Naples Cathedral, Castel Nuovo and the ancient Roman baths and hot springs. Naples is also the hometown of pizza and a UNESCO World Heritage historic center.

Besides being the world capital of pizza and the largest historic city center in Europe, Naples offers a number of green oases in which to sit back and relax. Parks in Naples have everything you need for a day well spent, from shaded picnic areas and playgrounds for the kids to sports courts, facilities, and hiking and jogging trails. If it's gazing at picturesque sights you're looking for, Naples has plenty. Some of these parks offer the best views of the Gulf of Naples and its surrounding islands, such as Capri, Amalfi, Procida, and Ischia, and Mount Vesuvius, which is one of the major highlights of this beautiful coastal city.

If you find the ideal spot to escape the city but your heavy bags are preventing you from enjoying the lush lawns, Bounce luggage storage in Naples has the perfect solution for you. We offer safe luggage storage whether you want to store your backpack after hiking, your picnic basket after a meal, or heavy shopping bags when out and about browsing the stores.

The English Garden (Giardino Inglese)

The English Garden of the Royal Palace of Caserta was built in 1786 for Queen Maria Carolina, the wife of King Ferdinand IV. It covers an area of 59 acres of lush lawns, hills, streams, enchanting fountains, and ponds stretching to the horizon. The gardens start at the end of the long avenue behind the palace and were designed as an extension to the Royal Palace of Caserta, drawing inspiration from the parks of Versailles.

Home to over 200 tree species, four historic greenhouses, 24 sculptures, and hundreds of rare and exotic plants, this vast space is the perfect city escape for locals and tourists alike. The park is massive, and surprises await at every corner, like temples, statues, a bee house, Pompeian ruins, and Masonic rituals. Here you can walk around and explore the grounds, have a picnic, and immerse yourself in nature for hours. Giardino Inglese is a real treat, especially during spring when the flowers blossom and the trees and grass are green.

Outside the garden, you'll come across a few cafes for lunch and pizza. Keep in mind that the gardens open at 8.30 am and close around 3 pm depending on the month.

Capidimonte Park and Museum (Bosco di Capodimonte)

With an area of 334 acres and over 400 varieties of trees, The Royal Park Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples provides the perfect shade from the summer heat and an excellent retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. The public park is located in the upper part of Naples, just a 20-minute ride from the historic center and within a short walking distance of the Catacombs of San Gennaro. Here you'll find a ton of historical landmarks, including statues, fountains, churches, and lodges. One of the major highlights of Real Bosco di Capodimonte is the Royal Palace of Capodimonte which is now a Museum and home to important artworks by great Italian masters through the centuries.

Bosco di Capodimonte Park in Naples was built in 1742 by Italian architect Ferdinando Sanfelice as the hunting grounds for King Charles. Today, the vast green space is used for relaxing, picnicking, cycling, hiking, and fun activities for the entire family. Boasting spectacular views of the city and exotic plant species and trees and shrubs of various kinds, this park in Naples is popular with locals and tourists alike and worth visiting any time of the year.

Though there's no restaurant within this beautiful park, there's a cafe at the museum with a limited menu. If you prefer a variety of meals, you can head down to one of the many restaurants encircling the park. The entrance to the park is free, but the entrance fee for the Capodimonte Museum is about €10 and is free for children up to 18 years old.

The Botanical Garden of Naples (Orto Botanico di Napoli)

The Botanical Garden of Naples takes about 37 acres of space, and it's a great spot to catch your breath, hide from the scorching heat, have a picnic and relax. A green lung of Naples that extends from Via Michele Tenore on the south to Via Della Veterinaria on the north, near Piazza Carlo III and the Archaeological Museum of Naples, the Naples Botanical Garden is one of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Italy. Featuring a collection of 9000 plant species, rare trees, and shrubs, including citrus trees, medicinal plants, arboreal fern gully, desert plants, and more, these lovely gardens are a haven for botanists and plant lovers. As you traverse the gardens, you may come across parrots flying around, giving you the feeling you're somewhere exotic.

Within the park, you'll find a natural history museum, the Museum of Palaeobotany and Ethnobotany, the Serra Merola historical landmark, and the research facility of the University of Naples Federico II. The Catacombs of San Gennaro are 3 miles away, making it convenient to visit on the same day. The park is also open during the "May of Monuments" events from 9 am to 1 pm every Sunday of May.

It's easy to find good food anywhere in Naples, so if your stomach starts growling, you can take your pick from any of the restaurants surrounding the beautiful gardens. Take a walk and then enjoy a meal nearby.

The Virgilian Park in Naples (Parco Virgiliano)

Located at the highest point of Cape Posillipo, in the southwest end of Naples, 150 meters above sea level, the Parco Virgiliano is one of the best parks in Naples for breathtaking views of the Gulf and the surrounding islands of Nisida, Capri, Sorrento, and of course, Mount Vesuvius dominating the coastal landscape. The park is the burial site of the famous Roman poet Virgil, hence the name, Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi and is also known as the Park of Remembrance in honor of the fallen warriors of World War I.

If you're looking to do something fun with the kids, this is it. Families with kids can take advantage of the two playgrounds with slides and swings, while other visitors can enjoy the panoramic views and take excellent photos. Dogs are also welcome, so you can bring your furry friend and let them play for a few hours. Parco Vergiliano features an amphitheater that's used for summer events and a facility for sports activities such as soccer and athletic track. There are benches across the park, making it easy to sit down and have a picnic or enjoy the best sunset experience. The park is also a popular meeting place for young people, especially during the summer.

Walking around the park, you'll come across various kinds of trees, plants, and shrubs like rosemary, oaks, olive trees, and myrtle. There are also stalls selling drinks and light snacks, even gelato. Nearby attractions are the church of Santa Maria in Piedigrotta and the Mergellina train station is within a short walking distance, making it easy to get to the park.

Vesuvius National Park (Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio)

Immerse yourself for hours taking in the beauty of nature at one of the largest and newest parks in Naples, Italy. Located on the active volcano of Mount Vesuvius, southeast of Naples, Vesuvius National Park extends over an area of 28 square miles and is home to over 900 plant species and more than 200 wildlife. The vast land consists of 11 paths that together make a total length of 33.5 miles of nature trails. All of these paths lead to different parts of the Vesuvius region, making it an excellent opportunity for hikers and nature lovers.

The park was built in 1995 to preserve the rare wildlife in the region. Here you can find a rich array of trees such as pine and ilex trees, but also Neapolitan maple, Neapolitan alder oak, and birch, mainly concentrated on Mount Somma. A number of animals call this mountain home, from the rare oaken mouse and the dormouse to foxes, rabbits, the colored green lizard, and the Turkish Gecko. Birdwatchers can enjoy catching a glimpse of over 100 species of birds at the Vesuvius National Park, including coal tits, rock thrusters, kestrels, and ravens.

Climbing up the mountain or going down, you'll find a number of restaurants and bars to refuel your energy. The park is open daily from 9 am, but closing times vary depending on the season.

The Villa Comunale of Naples

Located in the Chiaia neighborhood, near Naples city center, The Villa Comunale of Naples scratches a mile along the bay, separating the Riviera di Chiaia from the seafront of via Caracciolo. The public garden was built in the 1780s by King Ferdinand IV and was known as the Royal Park as it was accessible only to the royal family. The public was allowed to enter the gardens during special holidays, and it wasn't until 1869 that the park became entirely open to the public.

Though small, The Villa Comunale features a number of historical landmarks, statues, fountains, and structures, such as the Monumento a Giambattista Vico and the Monumento ad Armando Diaz. You'll also find the Aquarium, a roller skating rink, playgrounds, and a tennis field. This is the perfect green area in the heart of Naples to stop by, rest, and take in the beautiful view of the coastline. Or, if you feel like breaking a sweat, you can hit the tennis court or go speed skating in the roller rink. You can do whatever you want at the Villa Comunale, any time of the day, year-round.

And when hunger strikes, you don't need to venture further off, as there are plenty of food stalls across The Villa Comunale, or find yourself a spot in one of the restaurants surrounding the gardens.

The Camaldoli Urban Park (Parco Urbano dei Camaldoli)

Going up Camaldoli Hill (the highest point of the city of Naples), you'll find the largest park in Naples, with a vast green area dominated by chestnut trees and holm oaks providing shade for visitors having a picnic. Once you get to the top, you'll witness a spectacular view of Naples Bay and the sea, and you can relax surrounded by lawns, tall trees, and Mediterranean plants and shrubs. Whether you're in the mood for a walk, or jog, or just want to gaze at the city skyline, the 335-acre Camaldoli Urban Park is the perfect place for that.

The park is also a host to many events and concerts, markets, and food stands, especially during the summer. The park is easy to reach with public transport from Piazza Garibaldi Policlinico station, with a final stop at S. Ignazio Di Loyola. Though simple and wooded, the park features a playground area for kids and plenty of seating area.

Nearby attraction worth paying a visit is the Camaldoli's Hermitage or Eremo San Salvatore, a monastic complex built 5 centuries ago, home to some of the most treasured artwork of the late Renaissance period. Though remote, you'll find a few pizzerias and eateries near the monastic complex.

The best parks in Naples to merge with nature

Among the ruins of Pompea and the plethora of churches, fountains, statues, museums, and monuments, Naples has an abundance of green parks and colorful gardens to connect with nature. Whether you want to take a walk, take your kids out for the day, or want to pop the big question on a gorgeous sunset overlooking the enchanting Gulf of Naples, parks in Naples have it all.

Use Napoli Centrale as your starting point and decide where to go next to shop, dine or tour a museum. If you need to add more things to your itinerary, check out our guides, the Best Hikes in Naples and The Top 11 Free Things To Do in Naples. This Italian city provides plenty to do, no matter your favorite activity.