Car Rental Naples

Some three million people reside within the sprawling city of Naples. So, as with any city, the roads can often be quite busy. Arrive well prepared, however, and getting around the city isn't a huge problem.

The A56, known locally as the 'Tangenziale', is a bypass that allows you to zip through the city quicker than other, more scenic routes. Using this road can cut down journey times quite significantly.

Some areas of the Naples highway network are closed to non-residents, but these are usually in suburban areas of the city where, as a visitor, you’d have little need to drive around anyway. But do check your route before setting off to avoid the possibility of getting fined. The city also has a ‘ZTL’ or Limited Traffic Zone. These are also closed unless you have a permit. If your hotel is within one of these, please contact them in advance so that they can organise access for you.

It should be noted that southern Italy operates quite a few toll roads. While they're not overly expensive, it is worth bearing in mind so that you can plan ahead for them.

Parking in Naples for free, as with any greater urban area, isn't always the easiest. You can park on the street, on the right-hand side. If the lines are white, there's no charge. If they're blue, you can park - but you'll need to pay. Your best option is to use the many parking lots across the city.

The speed limit on all major Italian highways is 130 km/h. Non-major highways outside of city limits or urban areas restrict a vehicle's speed to 110 km/h. For local roads, the speed limit in Naples and beyond is 90 km/h. In the city centre and in residential areas you're required to keep your speed below 50 km/h or even 30km/h. If you’re unsure, just look out for the signs.

For day trips out of ‘The City of the Sun’, a drive south on the E45 or A3 will take you to the charming port city of Salerno, with its outstanding cathedral and lavish, green botanical gardens. An hour's drive on the A3 will take you to the Roman city of Benevento. Canosa can be easily reached on the A16. If you fancy a longer drive, a trip north to the nation's capital, Rome, can be made via the A1 Autostrada in just under two and a half hours.

The proud capital of Italy’s beautiful Campania region, ‘Napoli’ is abundantly rich in heritage and history, but there are plenty of other strings to this stunning city’s bow. There’s breathtaking scenery, classic Neapolitan cuisine, excellent shopping and lots of lively little piazzas where you can enjoy a fresh espresso and a spot of people watching. Plus, its proximity to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, as well as the Amalfi Coast, makes it an ideal spot for a vacation.

Whether you’re hiring a car in Naples to zip around the city in or to allow you to drive out around the rest of southern Italy, you’ll be spoiled for choice for things to see and do.

Pizza the way it should be

While there’s a countless number of fun and interesting things to do in Naples, simply walking the streets and satisfying your appetite with a delicious slice of pizza might just top the list. Naples' historic centre - or 'centro storico' - dates all the way back to the 9th century BC and has rightly earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It’s a fine place to explore and, soon, you're going to fancy a little food…

Lots of places claim to make the best pizzas on earth. Chicago stakes a claim to the prize and New York is up there too. But, obviously, you need to look to the birthplace of the dish for true pizza perfection. And the Margaritas of Naples take the prize.

The recipe is simple, yet delicious. A thin-based crispy pizza, with just enough tomato sauce, the exact right amount of mozzarella and the merest hint of basil, is cooked in traditional style – in a wood-fired oven. Once you try Neapolitan, there’s no going back. Follow the lines – the more popular the place, the longer it will be – this is how you seek out the best slice.

The lap of luxury

A romantic little island just off the coast of Naples, Capri has enticed visitors since ancient times. Azure waters, ruggedly beautiful Mediterranean landscapes and untouched coves await those who visit. Idyllic to mythical proportions, this mysterious island has actually been occupied for almost 2,000 years and is now a beacon to anyone who loves glitz, glamour and refinery. The rustic beauty contrasts with the high-end lifestyles on the island, making it a fantastic location for an extra-special vacation, or a beautiful place for a day trip.

Pop to Pompeii

The ancient Roman city Pompeii is, understandably, one of Italy's most popular tourist attractions. The enormous, fantastically preserved archaeological site is history, frozen in time. Buried in 79AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, it's since been uncovered - almost entirely intact - giving a fascinating, yet eerie insight into ancient Roman life.

Get ready to step back in time and head 23 km south east of Naples on the A3 Autostrada to reach Pompeii. As you arrive you’ll see the imposing silhouette of the volcano that buried and a preserved an entire city and its unlucky occupants.

History, culture, cuisine, sun, sea and the world’s best pizzas. What’s not to love? Discover everything this city has to offer with Naples car rental.