Naples

Introducing Naples

This Naples is on the beach, not in Italy, but it’s chic enough to be in the latter. The Gulf Coast’s answer to Palm Beach is a rich town, and not afraid to flaunt it. The houses lining the beachfront road are ornate, gigantic affairs, done up in pastel colors and set back on perfectly manicured lawns filled with pink and purple flowering bushes and a view of the long, white sandy coastline and turquoise gulf. Despite the elegant shops and fine restaurants (many Italian, ironically) housed in the perfectly maintained tangerine and lemon buildings on swanky 5th Ave downtown, Naples still manages to feel laid-back. Plus, the beaches are less crowded than others nearby (although the accommodation tends to be a bit more expensive), the restaurants are better and the tone more romantic. Naples isn’t exactly a hot town with the younger set, it caters more to the babyboomer billionaire set, so don’t come looking for nightlife – the entire city pretty much shuts down by 10pm. But if you’re looking for a top romantic beach on the Gulf of Florida, it’s pretty hard to beat this genteel beach town with its serene atmosphere, delicious seafood and amazing sunsets.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009