kids encyclopedia robot

Gulf of Naples facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Harbour of Mergellina - gulf of Naples
The Gulf of Naples at Naples, with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Capri and Ischia map
A map showing the Gulf of Naples and its islands.
Vesuvius SRTM3
A topographic map of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

The Gulf of Naples is a beautiful bay on the southwest coast of Italy. It is also known as the Bay of Naples. This wide gulf is about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) across. It is located in the province of Naples, within the Campania region.

The bay opens to the west into the Mediterranean Sea. To the north, you'll find the cities of Naples and Pozzuoli. Mount Vesuvius stands tall to the east. To the south, the bay is bordered by Sorrento and the Sorrentine Peninsula. This peninsula separates the Gulf of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno, which is home to the famous Amalfi coast.

Islands of the Bay

The Gulf of Naples is home to several stunning islands. These include Capri, Ischia, and Procida. These islands are popular spots for tourists from all over the world. They offer beautiful views and a chance to relax by the sea.

Ancient Cities and Mount Vesuvius

The area around the Gulf of Naples is famous for its ancient Roman ruins. At the foot of Mount Vesuvius, you can find the seaside towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These towns were once busy Roman cities.

In AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted with great force. It covered Pompeii and Herculaneum with thick volcanic ash and rock. This preserved the towns almost perfectly. Today, you can explore these ancient sites and imagine what life was like nearly 2,000 years ago.

Marine Life in the Gulf

The waters of the Gulf of Naples are also home to interesting wildlife. Sometimes, large Fin whales can be seen swimming in the Gulf of Pozzuoli. This shows that the bay is an important habitat for marine animals.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Golfo de Nápoles para niños

kids search engine
Gulf of Naples Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.