The Gulf of Naples or the Bay of Naples is a 15 kilometre-wide gulf located along the south-western coast of Italy (province of Naples, Campania region). It opens to the west into the Mediterranean Sea, bordering on the north by the cities of Naples and Pozzuoli, and on the east by Mount Vesuvius. The area is a booming tourist destination, with the seaside Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum at the foot of Mount Vesuvius; and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida located within the Gulf.

The views in this part of town in Naples city are easy on the eyes. With our designer bolthole, Hotel Micalò situated within 2 minutes walking distance from the port, we saw a side of Naples that most travellers wouldn't know about as most stay close to the city centre. With the gradual length of the bay, it is no wonder this city hosted the sailing events for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.

In the early mornings, we would take a stroll to see the bridge of boats across the bay bringing in fresh fish for merchants to sell. As we walked up the sidewalk by the bay, the streets kept getting narrower but the sights were ever more beautiful. Nevertheless, it brought back memories of our trip to the Italian Riviera from last year's escape. Colourful scenario, transparent sea waters, beautiful hotels on cliffs with private beaches and historical Liberty buildings dating back to 1915 are to be seen.

For Neapolitan clubbers, summer means the sound of the surf mixed with top quality DJs in one of the many nightclubs along the coast. At Arenile, the closest beach club to the city centre, crowds gather in the evenings to hang around the bar, catch the great sunsets and enjoy live music (BB King and the likes have played). The nearby Lido Turistico is a more ordinary beach bar, where the sea almost meets the lounge area. Nabilah has inviting sofas arranged around white tables with luxury scented candles surrounding the DJ console. If you love the aperitivo culture, go to Sohal Beach Club, a little further along the beach, before dancing the night away.

The beaches are beautiful around the coast and summer can be enjoyed until mid-October. A true Mediterranean holiday for the young spirited of all ages. Naples's vibrant bay is the perfect getaway to explore a new side of Italy.