The Phlegraean Fields are an area of extraordinary charm and mystery, where nature blends with thousands of years of history and a unique cultural heritage. This area stands out for its breathtaking volcanic landscape, offering panoramic views, archaeological sites, and natural phenomena such as fumaroles and bradyseism that attract both scholars and visitors. Here, ancient legends and testimonies of the past intertwine with a lively modern life, creating an atmosphere suspended between myth and reality. Despite its wild nature and distant past, the area retains a special authenticity thanks to the daily life of its inhabitants, who contribute to creating a welcoming and genuine atmosphere. Get ready to discover a dynamic place, rich in history and perfect for those seeking the charm of a unique landscape with a touch of adventure and mystery.
Places of interest
The Archaeological Park of Cuma is the cradle of Magna Graecia and the first Greek colony in the West, a place where history and myth merge in a unique atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Phlegraean Fields, the site offers you a fascinating journey that starts from the very origins of Western civilization. The beating heart of the park is theAntro della Sibilla, a long tunnel dug into the tuff rock and shrouded in mystery. It was here that the legendary prophetess Sibyl of Cumae delivered her oracles, a place immortalized by Virgil in the Aeneid. The experience of walking through this tunnel is deeply evocative and recalls the voices of the past. Climbing up to the ancient acropolis, you can admire the remains of the temples dedicated to Apollo and Zeus, enjoying a breathtaking view that stretches to the sea and the surrounding area.
Between inlets and volcanic hills, the wonders of Baia and Bacoli unfold, the beating heart of the Phlegraean Fields. Here, the majestic Aragonese Castle in Baia, once a Roman villa and later an imposing military fortress, stands on a spur overlooking the entire Gulf of Pozzuoli. Today, the castle houses the Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields, one of Campania's most important institutions. Inside, statues, frescoes, and extraordinary artifacts recount the refinement of Roman life and the discoveries made in the surrounding area. The exhibitions offer a complete immersion in a glorious past, revealing the secrets of imperial villas and luxurious baths. The halls and panoramic terraces of the castle offer one of the most exciting views of the area, with breathtaking vistas that embrace the gulf, the islands of Ischia and Procida, and the wild beauty of the Phlegraean coast.
The Baia Underwater Park is a Roman city swallowed up by the sea due to bradyseism. Here, you literally swim in history: floor mosaics, columns, villas, and thermal baths are still visible on the seabed. Visits can be made by snorkeling, kayaking, or on boats with transparent bottoms. It is a unique experience in the world, where archaeology and marine nature coexist in perfect balance. Just a little further on, on the heights of Bacoli, is the extraordinary Piscina Mirabilis: a gigantic Roman cistern carved entirely out of rock, built to supply the imperial fleet at Cape Miseno. Its silent arches, shrouded in shadow and coolness, evoke the invisible grandeur of Roman engineering. Entering it is like crossing the threshold of a cathedral submerged in time.
In Pozzuoli, on the other hand, we find the imposing Flavian Amphitheatre, the third largest in Italy, is among the best preserved in the world. Its underground passages, with walkways and technical rooms still intact, offer an immersive experience. Walking silently among those arches, imagining the roar of the crowds and the tension of the performances, is something that stays with you. Not far away, the Temple of Serapis stands discreetly in the modern city. In reality, it was an ancient Roman covered market, which over the centuries was transformed into a symbol of bradyseism: the columns corroded by mollusks visually recount the slow rise and fall of the Phlegraean soil. A space suspended between geology and urban history.
A little higher up stands the Rione Terra, the ancient heart of Pozzuoli. For centuries forgotten and abandoned, today it has been brought back to life thanks to a restoration project. In its underground passages, you can literally walk through the Roman city, among tabernae, paved streets, and living quarters. Then you return to the surface, where Baroque palaces and tuff alleys overlook the sea. It is a layered, vertical, exciting journey.
Just outside the town of Pozzuoli, in a circular basin enclosed by extinct craters and silent woods, lies the Lake Averno. The Romans identified it as the gateway to the underworld. Today it is a quiet and powerful place, where nature reigns and myth breathes. On its slope is the so-called Grotta della Sibilla or Grotta di Cocceio, a long tunnel dug into the tuff to connect the lake to the military city of Cuma. Today, access is limited, but just looking out over the path and walking along the shores of Averno, amid reflections and silence, is a deeply evocative experience. Especially at sunset, it is a place that invites inner listening.
Leisure / refreshments
Activities and products at KM 0
For all your daily needs, La Bottega Delle Carni 2.0 It is a real landmark: a well-stocked and welcoming mini-market, with a delicatessen, butcher's, fruit, vegetables, and other essential items.
If you love fruit and vegetables, we recommend a stop at Ortofrutta Jolly by Illiano Antimo. Here you will find local products, carefully harvested and always in season: perfect for a quick salad or a healthy and colorful snack.
For lovers of fresh fish, to Genepesca Pupetta you will find a truly tempting selection, sourced directly from local fishing boats and the markets of Pozzuoli and Bacoli. Ideal for a delicious dinner to prepare at home!
Another unmissable gem are the Mussels from Bacoli by Vittorio: a product that symbolizes the area, tasty and easy to cook. If you want to serve something typical and special, they are the perfect choice.
Looking for a special sauce for your pasta? Tomatoes and preserves Cumadoro They are an explosion of flavor and authenticity, which you can find at theAzienda Vivaistica Tammaro.
And if you love good wine, you can't miss a visit to the winery La Sibilla: you can stroll through the vineyards, discover the secrets of local wine production, and finish with a pleasant tasting in the cellar. Alternatively, for a picnic lunch or an aperitif at sunset surrounded by greenery, theAgriturismo Le Cantine Dell’Averno is the place to be: rustic cuisine, local ingredients, and a truly breathtaking view of the lake.
Beaches and recreational activities
Miliscola & Miseno: a long, sandy coastline stretching for miles, ideal for those seeking a day of pure relaxation by the sea. The Miliscola area is livelier and has more equipped beaches, while Miseno beach, with its imposing cliffs, offers a wilder and more evocative atmosphere. Here, the water is crystal clear and the view of the open sea is priceless. Among the most famous beaches is the Turistico Beach Park, the Lido Saturday and the Beach Brothers offer all the necessary comforts.
Castello di Baia Beach: a true hidden gem, this small beach is only accessible by sea, offering an intimate and almost secret atmosphere. Reaching it by boat from the back of the Aragonese Castle is part of the experience, giving you the feeling of an adventure. It is the perfect choice for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds. Nearby, the beach club Lost Paradise offers a more structured and trendy alternative, with high-quality beach service.
Day trip to Procida: set sail for an unforgettable getaway on a magical and colorful island. Procida, with its pastel-colored houses, picturesque marinas, and quiet streets, offers an authentic and bohemian atmosphere that sets it apart from the other islands in the Gulf. Less than 15 minutes by ferry from Torregaveta, you will find yourself immersed in a world where time seems to have stood still.
Restaurants and local cuisine
For dinner or lunch on the lake Kuma65 offers a great location, excellent seafood dishes, and fantastic pizzas.
A little further away, specializing in meat dishes, we recommend Esperia: offers one of the most beautiful and evocative views of the Phlegraean Fields and Naples, as well as cuisine that explores new and refined flavors.
One of the highlights of our area is the restaurant Caracol: located on the promontory of Capo Miseno, it offers breathtaking views of the sea and has been awarded a Michelin star.
If you are looking for a simpler and more convivial experience, we can recommend the Trattoria Braceria A’ Mazzarella, with excellent meat dishes, the Caronte restaurant for a special fish soup, or theOsteria Nerone for delicious seafood dishes.
For excellent pub sandwiches, international delicacies, and high-quality cocktails, consider the Chiodo Fisso, where you can eat well and drink well, loved and frequented by locals.
Abbascio U Mare: located in Pozzuoli, this tavern is a must for those seeking authentic seafood flavors. The menu changes based on the catch of the day, ensuring freshness and traditional dishes prepared with passion in a family atmosphere.
Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano Pozzuoli: If you are a true pizza connoisseur, you cannot miss this famous pizzeria. With a light, soft dough and top-quality ingredients, every bite is a tribute to Neapolitan tradition, in one of the locations of master pizza maker Vincenzo Capuano.
Old Friends: a welcoming steakhouse that is the ideal choice for a different kind of evening, away from seafood flavors. With a wide selection of high-quality meats and an informal atmosphere, it is the perfect place for those who want a hearty dinner.
These are just a few of the many places to choose from. There are dozens of restaurants, all of them wonderful, such as La Catagna, Bajos, Il Testardo – Locanda Atipica, and many others.
Wine bars and nightlife on the beach
Start your evening in style! An aperitif or after-dinner drink in one of these bars is the best way to get into the spirit of the place, just like the locals do.
Chiodo Fisso, 13 gradi, UMD, Magazè, Brusco: all located in Pozzuoli, these bars offer an aperitif experience that is a true local ritual. From the intimate atmosphere of wine bars to livelier venues where you can sip signature cocktails, you'll find the perfect atmosphere to start your evening.
Lost Paradise: located in Bacoli, this venue is renowned for its exclusive atmosphere and themed evenings. An elegant and well-maintained location, it is ideal for an aperitif or cocktail with a view.
Baiae: another landmark in Bacoli, Bajae welcomes you in a trendy and contemporary setting, with excellent drinks and spectacular views, perfect for enjoying the sunset.
Noah Mediterranean Beach: with a fresh and vibrant atmosphere, it is the ideal place for parties and fun on the beach. Its proximity to the accommodation makes it a convenient option for evenings of music and dancing.
Ammot Cafè: the “vibes” here are more elegant and cool. It is a sophisticated venue, perfect for an aperitif at sunset in a refined atmosphere, with lounge music and a chic setting.
Lido Don Pablo: for a more relaxed and informal experience, Lido Don Pablo is an oasis of peace. With its reggae soul, chill music, and exotic vibes, it is the perfect place for a relaxed evening on the beach.
Other venues: the area offers a wealth of nightlife options. The Turistico Beach Park and the Rama Beach offer themed evenings with DJ sets, while theArenile Bagnoli is one of Naples' most famous open-air nightclubs, with a program of high-quality events.
The villages of the Phlegraean Fields
Pozzuoli is the beating heart of this area. Walking through the narrow streets, you will encounter wonders of antiquity that coexist with everyday life: theFlavian Amphitheatre, imposing and perfectly preserved; the Temple of Serapis, with its columns submerged by the rising ground; the Rione Terra, a thousand-year-old village carved into the tuff rock and overlooking the sea. Along the seafront, among bars and restaurants, you can breathe in an authentic atmosphere, made up of sunsets and conviviality.
Cuma
Cuma is the cradle of Magna Graecia and the first Greek colony in the West. This archaeological park is a journey through myth and history, best known for the legendary Antro della Sibilla, where the prophetess delivered her oracles. On the acropolis, you can admire the remains of temples and a breathtaking view of the sea, while the Roman Crypt bears witness to the evolution of the site. It is a place where the roots of our civilization merge with legends.
Between inlets and volcanic hills, Baia and Bacoli blend history, myth, and breathtaking scenery. Baia, with its Aragonese castle and fascinating submerged Roman city, was the “Las Vegas” of antiquity, famous for its thermal baths and luxurious imperial villas. Bacoli, not far away, stands out the Piscina Mirabilis and the Lago Fusaro, with its elegant Casina VanvitellianaA place where Roman elegance meets the natural beauty of the Phlegraean Fields.
Torregaveta is a picturesque seaside village known for its tranquility and splendid views. Located on the promontory between Lake Fusaro and Miliscola Bay, it is the ideal starting point for a day trip to the island of Procida, thanks to its convenient pier. The relaxed atmosphere, the presence of fishermen, and the view of the sunset over the sea make it an authentic and peaceful corner of the Phlegraean Fields, far from the hustle and bustle.
How to get around the city
Getting to the city of Naples
We recommend using the subway for daytime excursions and traveling by car or taxi during the evening and night hours so that you can continue enjoying yourself even after the last subway run.
By subway: at the Pozzuoli stop, you can park your car and take the train that goes directly to the heart of Naples (Montesanto). We invite you to consult the timetables here.
By car: take the entrance to the tangenziale di Arco Felice and continue towards Naples. Take the exit Fuorigrotta to reach the Maradona stadium or the Caracciolo seafront; exit Vomero to visit the upper part of Naples and one of the coolest districts in the city; or Capodimonte to easily reach Piazza Dante and the historic center.
Recommended tours and activities
Enjoy unique experiences in the area, accompanied by professionals and travelers who will make your exploration even richer and more magical!
Would you like to stay here?
We are an agency specializing in premium accommodation management, designed to offer a stay that meets the highest expectations. Our team stands out for its professionalism, discretion, and constant attention to guests, ensuring personalized hospitality and support at every stage of their stay. Every detail, from the organization of the rooms to the check-in process, is handled with precision and passion to ensure comfort, functionality, and peace of mind. Thanks to a deep knowledge of the area and high operating standards, Vacuna combines the warmth of authentic hospitality with the efficiency of a professional organization. With us, every guest is welcomed with competence and respect, for a stay that is truly easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.
