WEIRD NAPLES & THE AMALFI COAST

Italy’s most beautiful coastline was apparently designed by someone who considered flat ground a failure of imagination.

In Weird Naples & the Amalfi Coast, Guy Wann explores a corner of southern Italy where ancient cities lie beneath volcanic ash, saints are expected to perform miracles on schedule, emperors hide on islands, and buses negotiate cliff roads that appear to have been drawn during an earthquake.

Walk the remarkably preserved streets of Pompeii. Descend into the tunnels beneath Naples. Meet the skulls adopted by local families, investigate the mysterious blood of San Gennaro, and discover how pizza became one of Italy’s most successful exports. Then climb Mount Vesuvius, explore Herculaneum, follow the legends of the sirens to Sorrento, squeeze into a boat bound for Capri’s Blue Grotto, and travel along a coastline where every spectacular view seems to require another staircase.

Along the way, you will encounter Roman scandals, haunted ruins, lost maritime empires, miraculous relics, drowned villages, eccentric aristocrats, dangerous caves, impossible roads, and enough lemons to suggest the entire coast is preparing one enormous drink.

This is not a dry collection of dates or a conventional travel guide. It is a funny, story-filled journey through Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello, Salerno, Paestum, and the towns clinging stubbornly to the cliffs between them.

Perfect for curious travelers, history lovers, armchair adventurers, and anyone who suspects the best destinations are often built from beautiful bad ideas.

Pack lightly. Wear comfortable shoes. Keep one eye on Vesuvius.

It has been quiet for a while.