Naples by kayak: exploring the coast between Posillipo and Nisida

The journey begins paddling beneath the high cliffs of Posillipo, the residential district overlooking the gulf. Above you, elegant historic villas framed by greenery; all around, the deep blue of a surprisingly clear sea.

Your kayak glides silently past hidden caves and small coves accessible only by water, revealing an intimate and unspoilt side of Naples.

One of the most thrilling moments of the experience is entering the Gaiola Marine Protected Area. Beneath the surface of the water lie Roman-era archaeological remains: villas, ports and submerged nymphaea.

Paddling through this open-air museum—with mask and snorkel always within reach—means immersing yourself in both history and nature, where crystal-clear waters reveal traces of an ancient past.

Continuing westward, you reach the island of Nisida, a small volcanic cone connected to the mainland by a pier.

Although the island itself is not open to visitors, its striking silhouette and rugged cliffs—home to seagulls and cormorants—create a powerful and evocative setting. The waters here are calm and deep, ideal for a relaxing pause or a refreshing swim.

In the background, the horizon opens towards the Phlegraean Fields, while Naples now seems distant, quiet, almost unreal.

A kayak tour offers a rare and privileged point of view. No engines, no crowds—only the sound of the paddle touching the water, the scent of the sea and the feeling of being part of the landscape.

Between Posillipo and Nisida, Naples reveals itself in its most authentic and powerful form, suspended between myth and natural beauty.