What is special about Southwest Florida?  The sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico!
The coastline along Napoli Italy is windy and mountainous offering beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Beach resorts along the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida.
Southwest Florida
The sunsets along the southern coastline of Italy are stunning.
Southern Italy

What Do Naples and Napoli Have in Common?

Both have fantastic sunsets, lots of sunshine, palm trees, amazing views of the water, great seafood and are located along the coastline.  The winter weather is better in Southwest Florida and the summers in Southern Italy, along the sea, are pleasant with a light breeze. Welcome to our Naples to Napoli journey!

Why Naples and Napoli?

Because we have homes in Southwest Florida and Southern Italy.  We enjoy living like a local and exploring both areas. 

Our villa in the town of San Nicola Arcella in Southern Italy.

Our Italian journey began in 2002, when we took a family trip to Tuscany during Christmas.  We rented a villa and visited the towns in the region.  Everyone loved the trip.  My mom said we should investigate buying a property as a vacation home and rental. 

Unfortunately, in 2003, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and lost her battle in 2004.  She was only 65.  At that moment, my husband and I decided that we shouldn’t wait until we’re in our retirement years to start enjoying life.  Mom wanted a home in Italy, so we decided to make it happen. 

After lots of research, we found a property in a small village called San Nicola Arcella in the northern part of Calabria.  That’s when our Italian adventure started.

Fast forward to 2010, we took another family trip to Naples, Florida during Christmas.  Around this time, the housing market was horrendous.  An opportunity arose that we couldn’t resist, even though we were nowhere near retirement – isn’t that why everyone buys in Florida???  Well, we fell in love with the Naples area and our Florida adventure continues.

The Naples Pier juts into the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida.
Photo by Steve Knight

We are so grateful to be able to spend time in both places and share our experiences.  The following posts will provide information on things to do, where to stay, and where to eat.  

Southwest Florida Posts

10 Best Hotels in Bonita Springs, Florida in 2024 (By a Local)

21 Best Hotels in Naples, Florida from Beach to City 2024

Is Naples Florida Worth Visiting in 2024? (By a Local)

22 Best Things to Do in Bonita Springs in 2024 (By a Local)

Day Trip to Ave Maria Florida: 5 Best Things to Do in 2024 (By a Local)

15 Best Naples Florida Rainy Day Activities (By a Local)

Downtown Naples Florida: Things To Do & See

33 BEST Day Trips From Naples Florida You’ll LOVE For 2024

20 BEST Bonita Springs Restaurants & Places to Eat (By a Local)

Southern Italy Posts

How to Visit Amalfi by Ferry from Salerno in Southern Italy

10 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Calabria Italy in 2024 (By A Local)

29 Best Things To Do In Napoli (Naples, Italy 2024)

Is Maratea Italy Worth Visiting? (By a Local)

Day Trip to Paestum Italy 2024 – Ancient Greek Temples

Is San Nicola Arcella in Calabria Italy Worth Visiting?

Is Tropea in Calabria Italy Worth Visiting?

Travel Tips

How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip: Travel Light with Just a Carry-On & Personal Item!