Describe who you are in 3 sentences:
I'm Giulio, Head of Marketing in niche fragrances, and I've raised between the Italian riviera and the Swedish countryside. After living in Milan, Singapore, Copenhagen and Tel Aviv, I moved to Naples for 2 years and that was one of the most astonishing experiences ever.
What is your relation to this city?
My grandmother Anna came from a town close to Naples, and before moving there I had heard so many surprising stories about the city. When I decided to do another Master's in philosophy, I chose to do it in Naples because it hosts the most ancient public university in the world.
Best experience?
Together with a friend who is a Canadian anthropologist, I once joined a religious procession at 6am where everyone was barefoot, wearing white clothes. We left Naples to reach a town which lays right under the Vesuvio volcano. During the path, we crossed old churches from the 17th century which were intertwined with motorways, quite crazy!
Weirdest experience?
I spent NYE at a friend's place with 6 people from different countries. At midnight, we went out on her rooftop and seeing the whole city overwhelmed by fireworks and noises was at the same time energizing and frightening.
Your top 3 hangout spots?
1. Chiostro dei Santi Marcellino e Festo: for a chill coffee moment in an elegant and decadent green spot in the middle of the historical centre.
2. Café Intra Moenia: literary coffee in a famous square of Greek origins. The bar is definitely the main cultural hub in the city.
3. The Institute Filosofico is hosted by a Borbonic palace which is not-to-be-missed and the view on both sides of the city is breath-taking.
Favourite restaurants?
1. La Stanza del Gusto: Michel-starred simple restaurant proposing interesting dishes with super local ingredients.
2. Bar Vero: vegetarian restaurant in the middle of the historical center's small stone alleys proposing a mix of Neapolitan and Southamerican cuisine.
3. Sorbillo: the best pizza I've very tasted, made with local biological ingredients.
Best date place?
Probably the top of the hill panorama spot next to Certosa di San Martino. The road going down to the city dates back to the 13th century and is even more romantic.
Best Sunday spot?
Spending a few hours in the park of Museo Capodimonte, built on one the city's hills, is always worth it!
If you were to live in another place, where would that be and why?
Paris, which is where I live now. Although my nostalgia for the Mediterranean vibes and light might bring me back to Naples, who knows.
Where is your escape place from this city?
The beach of Marechiaro right under Posilippo's villas and park, with a view over Capri, is definitely my fav.
Best 5 local advices?
1. Never trace your path while exploring the historical centre. Getting lost there is more than worth it.
2. Speak with people, who have so much stories and advices to share, besides being the real soul of the city.
3. Most of the restaurants propose good food, so you can even give a try to the smallest and oldest places, they may be the best ones.
4. Keep a few days for the surroundings (Pompei, Ravello, Posillipo, Ischia, Procida, Bagni della Regina Giovanna,..) whose beauty cannot be missed or forgotten.
5. Try the local cold coffee, it will give you a tasteful boost a few times a day while exploring the city.
What’s your favorite This Way travel product?
This Way's For your delicate body suncream (clean formula and high performance) is often in my bag while exploring sunny destinations.