It’s fair to say that Italy’s third most populous city has a bit of a mixed reputation, having historically been associated with a lower standard of living and higher crime rates than the more glam cities in the north. But Naples is increasingly becoming known as a travel destination, boasting the most authentic pizza restaurants, gorgeous architecture and fascinating natural surroundings.
But those natural surroundings have been causing some problems. Naples lies close to a volcanic caldera (a large depression that forms when a volcano collapses, and includes Mount Vesuvius) which has been experiencing tremors over the last few days. The government has set aside €500 million for evacuations and other safety interventions like strengthening buildings. So, here is everything you need to know if you’ve got a trip booked to Naples.
Is it safe to travel to Naples?
While it is mostly considered safe to travel, it’s important to keep tabs on the latest advice from local officials. Naples has been feeling these tremors over the last few days, leading the government to evacuate hundreds of residents and inmates of a women’s prison in the seaside town of Pozzuoli, and to close schools.
There is a red zone in place, which is an area to be evacuated in the event of an eruption. The Chiaia and Vomero areas of Naples fall within this area, as do the towns of Pozzuoli and Bacoli. The rest of Naples is in the yellow zone, which means it’s at risk of significant volcanic ash falls during an eruption.
Where was impacted by the earthquake?
The earthquakes have been recorded at the Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei) which is an active volcano crater, and the largest of its kind in Europe. Vesuvius and the archeological park of Pompeii are close by.
Though scientists believe an eruption here is unlikely (there hasn’t been once since 1538) the 500,000 locals who live within the red zone areas (Chiaia, Vomero, Pozzuoli and Bacoli) say they live in a state of ‘constant anxiety’ according to euronews.
How close was the earthquake to Naples?
The Phlegraean Fields are around 20km from Naples. While that might sound quite close, there have been no casualties or buildings damaged in the city so far.
What’s the latest UK Foreign Office advice?
The UK Foreign Office has said: ‘There are several active volcanoes in southern Italy. National emergency planning has been updated for Vesuvius as well as the Phlegraean fields, an area that remains active and which has experienced tremors in 2024.’
Its ‘safety and security’ page also reads: ‘Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line, which means that minor tremors and earthquakes are a regular occurrence. Learn more about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.’
What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip?
As the UK Foreign Office hasn’t explicitly advised against travelling to Italy, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cancel your travel plans without any penalties. To see what can be done, it’d be best to contact your accommodation, flight or trip provider before you travel.
Have flights to Naples been cancelled?
There is no news of Naples-bound flights being cancelled, but to be on the safe side, check directly with your airline before you travel.
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