Trip 3… Naples Day 6
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.”
When visiting another country, you never truly know what you’ll discover. You can book things in advance based on what you’ve seen online, but the real magic of travel lies in the unexpected moments. It’s those hidden gems—the unplanned adventures—that make it all worthwhile.
That’s the true essence of travel.
Waking up on the final day of this holiday, I reflected on my time in Naples and the surrounding towns and sights. I was glad I came to Naples when I did. It helped take my mind off things, recharge my batteries, and reset my mindset. It was time to start packing—along with the memories. I decided to leave a thank you note in my room for the cleaners, written in Italian so everyone could understand it. It’s the little things that can make someone’s day just a bit more bearable.
Our final breakfast at the hotel was something special: a full plate of pastries and breakfast with one last view of Mount Vesuvius. The food just hit differently—it tasted sweeter than it had all week. Little croissants, pain au chocolat, cereal, eggs, and bacon—the whole works! I ended with some lovely blood orange juice to cleanse the palate for the day ahead.
We were lucky enough to book one last early slot at the pool before heading off. This time the skies were blue—no dark clouds like yesterday. Today was truly hot! I slipped into the shade by the pool and enjoyed a refreshing outdoor shower to wash off the chlorine. It felt like it could be the hottest day of the week!
After heading back to our rooms to change, we made our way to the taxi for one final trip to the airport. Along the way, we were reminded of the manic highway roads and the chaotic charm of Naples’ traffic, where drivers trust each other even in close quarters. Our driver said the car thought it was 40°C—a normal day for him. “When it hits 50°C, that’s when it gets hot,” he joked.
We finally arrived at the blisteringly hot Naples airport. After thanking our taxi driver, we hurried inside to escape the heat. With a few hours to spare before our flight, we wandered around the airport, picked up some books, and browsed a vinyl shop full of classics (sadly, too bulky for our luggage).
Eventually, it was time to head through security. My god—the queue was wild! It felt like we were being funneled through a maze. We got separated briefly while going through the scanners, but made it through to the other side. After grabbing some snacks and a bottle of perfume for the flight, we slowly made our way to the gate, reflecting on the memories we’d made together.
At the gate, I tried buying a hot chocolate from the vending machine, but it took my money and didn’t deliver the drink. After trying again and getting the same result, I gave up. It was time to board the plane and say goodbye to the sights of Naples. Sitting in the same section of the plane with a window seat, we were ready to head back home to the UK.
After a few hours in the air and a smooth journey through passport control, we returned to a pleasantly cool UK, smiles on our faces after a week away. Recharged and ready for the days ahead, we made our traditional stop at McDonald’s on the A12 for some nuggets and drinks before finally getting home, where I crashed straight onto the pillow!
Overall Verdict
Naples – 5/10
Heading to Naples, I expected something similar to Florence in terms of walkability and comfort. After the first night, I felt a bit anxious, especially as a solo female traveler. The city centre can be overwhelming. I’d recommend visiting Naples with a group of friends or even just one companion.
Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi Coast – 9/10
These towns took my breath away. The views, the vibes, the scenery—it all felt calmer, safer, and more welcoming. I could walk around with ease and felt at peace. Sorrento is definitely on my “must return” list!
Italy never fails to impress me.
My Italy tally so far:
Venice – 3 times
Rome – 2 times
Florence – 1 time
Naples – 1 time
Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi Coast – 1 time
Of all the countries in the world, Italy and Japan are the two I would always choose to explore. I want to discover and share every little hidden gem—those small surprises that make travel meaningful.
“Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.”
This was the last day in Naples. Now it’s time to work through the summer holidays before heading off to my next destination in October. Where to next? Keep reading—and stay tuned for upcoming posts.
Ciao for now!
E x
