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TRAVEL · March 30, 2012

A Bird’s-Eye View of Naples, Italy

Flying into Naples, Italy on a clear day is a treat. The airport is located near the city center and the landing flight path often goes right over the Naples. Sometimes it’s too hazy to see clearly, especially during summer months, but over the years I’ve spotted the gardens at the Royal Palace of Caserta, the islands of Ischia and Procida and enjoyed some great bird’s-eye views over Naples. Last week on the way back from London it was a beautiful day with blue skies and a fairly clear view thanks to north winds. I was glued to the window as the plane made a large bank coming into the Naples airport. I caught a glimpse of Ischia out the opposite window and knew soon I would be able to see Capri. As the plane leveled, I squinted my eyes into the blue.

Landing in Naples Airport Island of Capri
The faint outline of Capri in the distance

There in the distance I could make out the faintest outline. My eyes traced the familiar curves of the island from the peak of Monte Solaro down to Capri town sitting in the saddle and over to the sheer cliff dropping off from the Villa Tiberius. The view was faint, but I knew it was there. Not long after I looked down to see the oddly shaped islet Nisida. It is of volcanic origins, which is what created its circular shape and the round little bay that make it so easy to spot from above.

Flying into Naples Airport Nisida Island
A glimpse of the island of Nisida near Naples

It’s fun to try to spot as many landmarks in Naples while flying over on a clear day. That little port there on the right is called Mergellina, and it’s a pretty part of the city overlooking the bay.

Landing in Naples Airport Mergellina
The pretty port at Mergellina in Naples

I try to see how many castles I can spot in Naples while flying over. Below you can see the Castel dell’ Ovo in the late afternoon sunshine.

Castel dell' Ovo Bay of Naples
The Castel dell' Ovo jutting out into the Bay of Naples

And then there’s Castel Sant’Elmo in the Vomero above Naples. Can you spot it below? It was clear enough that I could make out the white facade of the church at the Certosa di San Martino. What a view!

Flying into Naples Castel Sant Elmo Certosa di San Martino
Flying over the Castel Sant' Elmo and Certosa di San Martino

Coming over the centro storico, I always look for the glass dome of the Galleria Umberto I and the green roof of Santa Chiara. Can you find them below? (Hint: The dome is on the right and Santa Chiara is under the wing of the plane.) How many other sites can you make out in the photo?

EasyJet flying into Naples Italy
A bird's eye view over the centro storico of Naples

There were some very large cruise ships in the port of Naples last Monday, but one was exceptionally large. I think gigantic is appropriate. I couldn’t believe how big it looked, even from so high and far away!

Cruise ship in the port of Naples Italy
Now that's a huge cruise ship - even from the air!

As the plane came in to touch down, there was Mt. Vesuvius in the distance. It’s always there to greet you when you land in Naples. It would be more reassuring, I suppose, if it was a dormant volcano. But I’m awfully fond of it nevertheless.

Mt Vesuvius landing in Naples Italy airport
Mt Vesuvius while landing in Naples

What has been your favorite or most memorable experience flying into Naples?

Posted In: TRAVEL · Tagged: Amalfi travel, Arriving in Naples, Flying into Naples, Naples

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Comments

  1. Rosemary says

    March 30, 2012 at 21:27

    These are fantastic! Especially love the second one of the little curved bay of the islet Nisida. Lovely!!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 31, 2012 at 08:57

      Thanks, Rosemary! That’s such an unusual little island, isn’t it?

      Reply
  2. mary says

    March 30, 2012 at 23:37

    my favorite part is your describing the views.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 31, 2012 at 08:56

      Thanks, Mary! 🙂

      Reply
  3. LindyLouMac in Italy says

    March 31, 2012 at 12:29

    These photos would make great adverts for Easyjet Laura.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 3, 2012 at 18:36

      That would be fun, Linda! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Canedolia says

    March 31, 2012 at 19:37

    Gorgeous pictures! And yes, you should definitely sell them to EasyJet!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 3, 2012 at 18:42

      Thanks, Canedolia! I love Paris, and I’m heading over to check out your blog now. Thanks for stopping by and for your comment!

      Reply
  5. Sandra says

    April 1, 2012 at 03:51

    Beautiful pictures and pleasant reminders of landing in Naples. Always a joy to see your excellent photography and read your descriptions. Feel like I am right there. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 3, 2012 at 18:37

      Thanks, Mom! Wish you were right here right now. Can’t wait until you’ll be flying into Naples again!

      Reply
  6. Welshcakes Limoncello says

    April 1, 2012 at 22:35

    Amazing pics and yes, I could see the green dome!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 3, 2012 at 18:38

      Thanks, Pat! I wish the views were always this great flying in, but I’m grateful when they are. Glad you spotted Santa Chiara!

      Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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