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Stories of Excellent Italian Hospitality

Ebook born from the idea of the Italian Airbnb community, contains the stories from hosts of 30 Italian community leaders.

Issued in December 2023 on the occasion of the visit to Italy of Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, who received it as a gift during his stay in Milan.

Among the 30 stories you can also read that of Erminio, community leader from Naples, who also tells how the Interno16HolidayHome holiday home was born.

Below is the paragraph dedicated to us:

The excitement for my first guests is still the same.
Erminio, Naples, Campania

My name is Erminio, I’m 45 years old, and I’m from Naples, and this is my story. It all began many years ago when I was just a young traveler in search of adventures. I had recently finished my studies and decided to take a trip across Europe. While I was in Budapest, Hungary, I had the opportunity to meet someone who was sharing an apartment on Airbnb. It was my first experience with this platform, and that person shared with me how wonderful it was to be able to live like a local, away from traditional hotels. This journey left a deep mark on me, and that’s why I continued to use Airbnb in all my subsequent travels. This way of traveling allowed me to connect with the true essence of a place, immerse myself in the local culture, and make new friends along the way. In 2016, my partner and I, with whom I now have two wonderful children, made an important decision. Our first child had recently been born, and we had both worked hard for many years. We decided to slow down our work pace and dedicate ourselves to our family. With our savings, we purchased an apartment in the historic center of Naples to offer it to travelers from around the world. The house had its own unique charm, but it needed significant renovations. What convinced us was our complementarity: I am passionate about cultures and languages, with curiosity and an interest in what is new and different; she is precise, creative, loves order and beauty, and respects spaces. Together, united by the love for our city, we could be a winning team, and we believed in that wholeheartedly. Our home reflects the passion we have always shared, collecting vintage items from the 1960s and 70s, and many of our guests are impressed by the unique environment we have created. I still remember the enthusiasm I felt with the first guests, a theater company that found warm support in our apartment after days of rehearsals, and their gratitude was expressed with an invitation to one of their performances. Since then, my commitment and love for this work have not changed; if anything, they have strengthened. I also remember instances of difficulty with some guests that I always tried to address, thinking of making them feel at home. Like when a family lost a backpack during an outing with all their departure documents, and we immediately mobilized to find it. Everything turned out well in the end, and it was gratifying to receive so much appreciation for our prompt action. Unfortunately, 2020 was a tough year for everyone due to the pandemic. With the tourism sector at a standstill, I started to get involved in local and regional tourism policies. I joined discussions with other citizens and tried to understand how we could address this crisis and plan for the future of tourism in Naples. In 2021, Airbnb noticed my dedicated involvement in the community and chose me to lead the host community in my city. This was an incredible opportunity as it allowed me to actively contribute to enhancing the experience of travelers visiting Naples. Shortly after, Airbnb recognized my commitment not only at the local level but also at the national and European levels. They entrusted me with representing Italian hosts in political discussions with the respective Italian and European governments. This is a significant responsibility, but also a great honor because it allows me to influence tourism policies on a much broader scale. What I love most as an Airbnb traveler is the opportunity to interact with locals, discover and live the local life, and share my experiences with others. At the core of my hosting style are inclusion and professionalism. My aim is to make sure that my guests’ stay is unforgettable, offering them a genuine Neapolitan experience. Naples is a city with a millennia-old cultural and artistic tradition, and my mission is to convey its value. I look to the future with the promise of continuous improvement and the commitment to making tourism more sustainable, both environmentally and socially. I firmly believe in respecting the law and the importance of promoting responsible tourism. Airbnb has given me the opportunity to realize my dream of sharing the beauty of Naples with the world, and I will continue to do so in the best possible way with the support of my family.

Lights and Sounds of Naples, Four Days of New Year’s Events

It will be a four-day celebration, from December 29th to January 1st, following the ‘Naples City of Music’ project, catering to both the younger and older generations. The programming is aimed at highlighting various forms of entertainment, particularly musical.

Friday, December 29th

The event calendar kicks off with two moments of solidarity. First, Maestro Carlo Morelli will bring “La musica in carcere” (Music in Prison) with the band performing for the inmates of Poggioreale. The second event is dedicated to young patients at Santobono, who, in the afternoon (3:00 PM), will receive a visit from Mayor Gaetano Manfredi accompanied by artists Lele Blade, Lda, Francesco Cicchella, and Peppe Iodice.

Saturday, December 30th

Children’s New Year at Maschio Angioino: From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the castle will transform into a magical place for children with games, shows, and entertainment. In Piazza Plebiscito, starting at 8:00 PM, the focus will be on urban and rap music with various artists from the Neapolitan scene and beyond. The evening will open with the winners of the “Young Promises of City of Music” contest selected by a distinguished jury composed of Geolier, Luchè, and Chiummariello. Performances will include Plug, Lele Blade, MV Killa, Yung Snapp, Niko Beatz, Enzo Dong, NTO, Coco, LDA, Vale Lambo, Andrea Settembre, and closing the concert, the lady of Italian rap, Rose Villain, one of the protagonists of the upcoming Sanremo.

Sunday, December 31st

A grand show in Piazza Plebiscito awaits the midnight toast with the participation of many artists, comedians, and singers. Starting at 9:00 PM, on stage, Enzo Avitabile and i Bottari, The Kolors, Francesco Cicchella, Arisa, and Jimmy Sax will perform in an evening hosted by Peppe Iodice, Francesco Mastandrea, Francesco Procopio, and Daniele Decibel Bellini. Other great figures from the entertainment world, such as Gabriele Esposito, Erminio Sinni, and Ciro Giustiniani, will also warm up the audience. Young emerging comedians from a contest will also perform on stage.

December 31, 2023, from 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM ‘Naples changes track’:

At Colonna Spezzata in Piazza Vittoria, the new year will be celebrated with HISTORY 90+, an irresistible format launched by Drop dedicated to the fabulous 90s, featuring the unmistakable radio style of DJ Cerchietto and DJ sets by Danilo De Santo and Irene Ferrara, followed by vocalist Goldie Voice.

On the stage at Rotonda Diaz, the dance floor will be animated by the new generation of the Neapolitan club culture in collaboration with musical collectives Drop, Soul Express, and Bang! The protagonists of Nu Disco and Nu Funk made in Naples, including Marvin&Guy, Pellegrino, Fantasie Safari, Mario Bianco & Gabriele Del Prete, Vincenzo Curcio B2B Mugman, and Valerio Viglione, all DJs and musical producers from the Naples metropolitan area, will follow.

Monday, January 1st

At Colonna Spezzata from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, NAPOLI JAM SESSION. A concert/event curated by Max Jovine, bassist of 99 Posse, bringing together about thirty authors, artists, and musicians from the new Neapolitan music scene. Starting at 4:00 PM on January 1, 2024, an original and transversal musical blend will merge rhythms, sounds, and various languages produced in recent years under the shadow of Vesuvius. From the N’Arte collective band to Maestro Giuseppe Spinelli’s band, which will accompany the live performances of fifteen special guests: 1. Andrea Tartaglia; 2. Balbusea; 3. Veronica Simioli; 4. Antonio Marino; 5. N’Arte Collective; 6. Dario Sansone; 7. Francesco Di Bella; 8. Greg Rega; 9. Helen Tesfazghi; 10. Jovine; 11. Peppoh; 12. Simona Boo; 13. Zulù; 14. Fabiana Martone; 15. Vesuviano.

At the Basilica di San Domenico Maggiore, at 6:00 PM, the new year will begin with the traditional classical music concert paying tribute to Maestro Roberto De Simone ‘Natale a Napoli alla Corte di Carlo di Borbone’ (Christmas in Naples at the Court of Carlo di Borbone). The orchestra La Nuova Polifonia, conducted by Alessandro De Simone, and the vocal ensemble Ensemble Vocale di Napoli will perform the Christmas Motet “Quem vidistis pastores?” brought to light by Maestro Roberto De Simone. A Christmas musical moment that Naples has never given up since 1737, in the splendid setting of San Domenico Maggiore, and an important event not only for promoting local traditions but also for the history of European music and culture.

Best Souvenirs to Bring Home from Napoli

The historic center is the home to artisan craftsmen and traditional workshops, where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures at affordable prices and see how a number of specialty items are still made using traditional techniques passed down through the generations.

It is practically impossible to make an exhaustive list, you will be able to find tailor shops, handcrafted clothing, shoes, contemporary arts, jewelry, vintage items stores in a few meters. My advice is to explore the historic center, enter the courtyards of historic buildings, through the streets and find these gems.

Nativity Scenes

The most traditional of all Neapolitan crafts is the handmade nativity scene, an art form that dates back to the 1700s and that dominates holiday décor in all of southern Italy. The heart and soul of Naples’ nativity scene production is on Via San Gregorio Armeno, that is crowded on both sides with dozens of shops and stalls selling handmade nativity scene figurines, model houses, and props. You can find nativity scenes in all sizes and price ranges on sale.
Ferrigno – Via San Gregorio Armeno, 8
Capuano – Via San Gregorio Armeno, 28

Ceramics

Naples and the surrounding region of Campania have been known for their local ceramic production for centuries. If you love handpainted majolica ceramics, you can choose from an endless variety of techniques and styles, from the elegant porcelain from Capodimonte to the more rustic majolica from Vietri sul Mare. Choose from traditional designs or more contemporary and minimalist motifs.
Mac Bottega Di Ceramica – Via Nilo, 12
Ceramiche di Vietri – Via Domenico Capitelli, 8

Ties

One of the most prestigious arts in Naples is custom tailoring, which includes classic suits, shirts, and ties for men but also specialty items like wedding gowns, hats, and knits. You’ll find a number of landmark shops around Naples that carry a vast selection of high-end ties in pure silk.
Marinella Cravatte – Riviera di Chiaia, 287
Cravatteria Ulturale – Via Carlo Poerio, 115

Lucky Horns

You don’t have to be superstitious to delight in one of the most iconic symbols of Naples’ tradition and lore: the lucky horn, a charm known locally as the “curniciello”. This traditional amulet is in the shape of a hot pepper (or “corno” in Italian) and it is believed to ward off the evil eye. Browse the artisan workshops and jewelry stores in the historic center to choose a handmade version in ceramic or fine red coral.

Unique Musical Instruments

Neapolitan music is beloved the world over and has been an important part of the city’s history and culture for centuries. For music lovers, Naples is the perfect destination for exploring new traditional instruments – many made by hand – and even purchasing one to try at home. To explore the world of Neapolitan folk instruments, take a walk down Via San Sebastiano, known in Naples as “the musician street”.
Loveri S.r.l. Strumenti Musicali – Via San Sebastiano, 15

Leather goods

Wallet, purse, bag, belt or gloves. Neapolitan artisans are some best of Italian craftsmanship.
Scriptura Pelletteria – Via S. Sebastiano, 45

Design

Naples is also the protagonist of the Italian style. There are many shops in the city where you can buy unique interior design pieces.
Versione Luce – Via dei Tribunali, 279
Ferrari – Via Miguel Cervantes de Saavedra, 60/M

Retro Items

In Naples, in recent years, numerous “vintage” shops have opened. In these shops with retò furnishings it is possible to find clothing, objects and accessories from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Oblomova – Via S. Sebastiano, 20
Oggetti & Stampe d’Epoca – Via S. Giovanni Maggiore Pignatelli, 49
Baule Volante – Via San Biagio Dei Librai, 106

A Neapolitan Coffee Maker (and Coffee)

The final item that should be on your list of souvenirs to bring back from Naples is ideal for coffee lovers: a “cuccumella”, the traditional Neapolitan coffee pot made from aluminum and used on the stovetop. This timeless coffee pot is made up of a number of parts that fit together and together brew a perfect Neapolitan espresso. Be sure to pick up a package or two of ground Neapolitan espresso beans (Passalacqua is a local favorite), sold in grocery shops and coffee bars across the city.
Mexico – Piazza Dante, 86
Spina – Via Pignasecca, 62

SPECIAL

Here is the most special souvenir you can choose. My creation with the punch needle. Choose your shape, your design and I will create it for you during your stay in our apartment. A unique gift.
Melareca Handcrafted

New Year’s Eve 2023, what to do in Naples: scheduled events and parties

The unmissable concert in Piazza Plebiscito, but also theater, music and art, there are so many opportunities to celebrate the new year in Naples.

The traditional New Year’s concert
The traditional New Year’s concert will be held in Piazza del Plebiscito from 9.30 pm until the stroke of midnight. Peppe Iodice was present followed by Peppino Di Capri, Lina Sastri and Franco Ricciardi. After the midnight toast there will be a Dj set on the seafront in via Caracciolo.

Tribute to Pino Daniele
On December 29th at the Galleria Umberto I there will be a tribute to the great artist Pino Daniele, by his son Alex Daniele, with audiovisual installations and performances by emerging artists who will interpret the songs from the album Nero a Metà. The same evening the National Prize of the arts will be awarded with the Italian Conservatories and Academy of Fine Arts.

Street artists in the city
On 30 and 31 December, numerous events will be held in the city with street artists, performing arts, music performances and acting. The Rkomi concert is scheduled for Friday 30, while on the 31st, at the Palavesuvio in Ponticelli, the Scarlatti Young orchestra will perform.

Don Juan in Soho at the Bellini Theater
Don Juan in Soho will be staged at the Bellini theater on December 31st. The comedy traces the life of an unscrupulous DJ who grew up in the Soho district. The event is scheduled to start at 9pm.

Fireworks
The real protagonists after midnight will be the traditional fireworks at Castel dell’Ovo. The evocative show usually begins around 01:30 and ends half an hour later, at 02:00, as always leaving the thousands of people who will watch from the Lungomare or from other higher up locations.

Christmas in Naples at the Court of Charles of Bourbon
On January 1, a show curated by Maestro Roberto De Simone will be held to begin the year in which the extraordinary composer’s 90th birthday falls in his name. Scheduled in the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore at 17.30.

Check official website here!

The Neapolitan pastry tradition for the Christmas holidays

The tasty Christmas delicacies from Campania are part of the centuries-old Neapolitan pastry tradition: roccocò, susamielli, divino amore, zeppole and struffoli, lead us by the hand in the liturgical period of Advent, to long evenings spent at home, to the game of tombola.

Zeppole or Ancient Scauratielli.

Typical of the Sorrento coast, they are fried donuts prepared with a dough made from flour, water, milk and aniseed, and seasoned with honey, riavulilli (for the uninitiated, they are microscopic sugared almonds of various colors that bring to mind the decorations of our Christmas) and orange peel.

Among the Neapolitan trades there was also that of the zeppolara who fried these donuts in lard or animal fat in the street and served them covered in honey.

Zeppole

Struffoli

Delicious sweet balls fried and dipped in honey. In Naples it is not Christmas without struffoli, that explosion of taste that makes you feel like a child again every time you eat them, golden and colorful with riavulilli and candied fruit.

The origin of struffoli is Greek: the name derives from strongulos, i.e. spherical, rounded or hollow-shaped pasta; this preparation is also consolidated in the Neapolitan confectionery tradition, the confections by the Nuns of the convents of the Croce of Lucca and those of S. Maria dello Splendore were splendid.

A little curiosity, in Greek cuisine, there is a similar sweet, the Loukoumades, mixed with flour, eggs, sugar, nutmeg and seasoned with honey flavored with lemon and cinnamon.

Struffoli

Mustacciuoli

The mustacciuoli have a rhomboidal shape, are about 10-12 cm large and are covered with a chocolate glaze, while inside they are characterized by a soft paste with a taste of honey and candied fruit.

These desserts are particularly loved by Neapolitan children for their softness and for the taste that combines honey and chocolate.

Mustacciuoli

Roccocò

Donut-shaped sweets, in which the scent of citrus fruits sends our thoughts back to the Mediterranean, its coasts and its flower gardens.

Impenetrable sweet, hard, suitable for those with solid teeth, its name comes from the French rocaille for the baroque and rounded shell shape.

It is a particularly hard biscuit so it can be softened by dipping it in vermouth, sparkling wine, white wine or marsala.

Roccocò

Divino Amore

History has it that, in the 13th century, the cloistered nuns of the Divino Amore convent, located near San Biagio dei Librai, prepared these sweet pastries to pay homage to Beatrice of Provence, mother of King Charles II of Anjou. Today the convent no longer exists, but the tradition of preparing Divino Amore has never stopped.

The Neapolitans love to taste these sweet oval pastries covered with a pink sugar glaze and filled with almonds, mixed candied fruit, eggs and apricot jam.

Divino Amore

Susamiello

It is one of those desserts that the Neapolitans always want to see on their festively laid table during the Christmas period. But don’t call it just a biscuit. It is, in fact, a dessert in all respects. Compared to the Roccocò of which they are distant relatives, the Susamielli are a little softer and have the characteristic “S” shape. They owe their name to the covering with sesame seeds and among the ingredients used to prepare them, the minced walnuts, honey, cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg stand out for their aroma.

Susamiello

What is your favorite Neapolitan Christmas dessert, and above all, why?

Do you need a taxi?

We recommend these apps to download on your smartphone to easily book your taxi and know the fares in advance. Look for them on the web or in your store.

Remember to make an appointment in Via dei Tribunali 94, outside the Pizzeria Di Matteo, it will be easier for the driver to reach you!

www.ittaxi.it or alternatively www.radiotaxipartenope.it
You can also book by calling +39 081 01 01
www.apptaxi.it
www.uber.com/it/it/ride/ubertaxi
www.wetaxi.it

Best places for gluten free in Napoli

On the hunt for gluten free in Napoli? Allow us to present you with our personal gluten free treasure map.

Leopoldo Cafebar Senza GlutinePiazza Cavour, 78/79

A gluten free patisserie that presents a vast and mouth watering selection of sweet treats that not only look amazing but taste wonderful, and it’s hard to believe they’re gluten free.
You can find all the most typical pastries of the Neapolitan tradition exclusively gluten-free.

Antica Pizzeria Vesi NapoliVia dei Tribunali, 388

Gluten-free pizzeria, with high quality products and with an always surprising taste. Excellent knowledge on intolerance, supplied with gluten-free products. All varieties of pizza can be eaten gluten-free, as well as beer.

Oven Il Forno VegetarianoVicoletto S. Pietro a Maiella, 10

Small and cozy place in the center with quite big offer. Food is delicious and cheap. 100% gluten-free in the historic center. Perfect for a lunch break with a focaccia, a parmigiana or croutons.

O GrinVia Mezzocannone, 83

Big heart, great intentions, amazing results! Between one pizza and another, drop by this big tiny place. Next to the University, you’ll feel like a Neapolitan, while enjoying cozy day to day Italian meals (GF and/or vegan, of course!). The place itself is really small so it’s better suited for take away or for a casual lunch.

Ristorante Vitto PitagoricoPiazza Museo, 15

Not 100% gluten-free but you only have to ask to find out. Prices are very reasonable taking in to account the taste and presentation. Portion sizes are good and with how good the food tastes you’ll be left wondering how they get it to taste so good. Very friendly and helpful staff. Restaurant opposite the Archeological National Museum.

Mammina Via Santa Brigida, 65

Mammina offers many gluten-free and lactose-free proposals: from pizza to seafood dishes, such as mussels, salads with octopus, and much more. Do not miss Frittura mista!

Zero Zero GranoVia Carlo de Cesare, 40

Cozy, delicious restaurant, with selected high quality products exclusively gluten-free, from frying, to first courses up to seafood second courses. And the baba is the icing on the cake. Staff very kind and helpful.

Cavoli NostriVia Palepoli, 32

This vegeterian restaurant offer GF recipes and a wide range of bio wines. The menu is strictly seasonal, so it is updated four times a year as well as the nature production cycle. It’s always possible to enjoy new experiments but also vegetarian or vegan or gluten free revisions of some typical dishes of the Italian tradition. Near the panoramic seafront of Napoli.

Where to park?

Our apartment is located in Vico Giganti, an alley in ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) and it is not possible to arrive by car or to park, as well as throughout the historic center of Napoli.

The nearest private car park Parking De Santo Gardes is just 200mt away in Via San Giuseppe dei Ruffi, 8. That one is in a limited traffic zone, but they will give you a temporary permission just to reach the garage.
Tel.: +39 081 454314

A little bit further, 850mt away, but not in a Limited Traffic Zone, there is Autorimessa Schisa Parcheggio in Via Foria, 107.
Tel.: +39 081 440062

For both, fees will be around €25-45 per day (small – full size car – van).

The cheaper alternative is to park your car in Parcheggio Brin in Via Benedetto Brin for €8 per day or at Quickparking Stazione Centrale in Piazza Nazionale for €9-14 per day. From these parking lots then reach the apartment by taxi.

We can suggest also Napoli Centrale – Parcheggio in P.za Giuseppe Garibaldi, 137 for €2.50 / each hour or fraction, daily rate: € 22. From these parking lot then reach the apartment by metro.

Naples International Airport has six car parks that can accommodate 1,400 vehicles. They can be found as you approach the airport on the main entry road. Options for long term and short term parking are available.

To visit Napoli, the car is not recommended.

From our apartment all the sites of interest, restaurants, cafè, pizzerias are easily reachable on foot or by metro, the nearest metro stations are 800mt away.

Also a taxi rank is just 100mt away.

You could consider driving the car only for the day when you want to take a trip out of town (Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Caserta, etc.)