High-end shopping, golf, nature trails and blinding beaches – we'd like to see you try and name something Naples holidays don't cover.

Sophisticated Sunshine State

Naples might have you picturing Vespas whizzing through narrow Italian alleys. But this city’s stateside – on Florida’s Gulf Coast, to be exact. And its charm is more classy than chaotic. The Mediterranean-style mansions and manicured golf courses have a European flavour. But the marshmallow-white beaches add Caribbean flair. It’s not called the Paradise Coast for nothing.

Beach babe

If there was a beach lottery, this place would pull the winning ticket. Its city beach bucks the trend with its supersized and super-soft sands. Plus, you can ogle gawp-worthy sunsets and dolphins from its historic pier. Then there are the minus-the-make-up stretches. Delnor-Wiggins State Park has a whopping 166 acres of untouched sand to play with.

Downtown digs

There’s no shortage of places to splash the cash in Naples. 5th Avenue’s people-friendly prom’s a good place to start. The fancy boutiques here are stuffed with designer clobber. Its shopping centres are just as flash – the shops are joined by sculptures and bubbling fountains. And you won’t be able to walk a block down Third Street South without stumbling upon an art gallery.

Green giant

The whole of Naples is practically one big botanical garden. Here, the palms, bougainvillea and shrubs aren’t reserved for parks. But if that’s not enough to satisfy your green fingers, there’s also a 170-acre botanical garden and a nature centre with a wildlife hospital. Plus, you can play spot the gator at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary or the Everglades – both are less than an hour’s drive.

At a Glance

  • Dolphin-watch off Naples City Beach
  • Clamber up the observation tower at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
  • Pop to the Everglades for the day

TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NAPLES (FLORIDA)

BEACHES

SHOPPING

NIGHTLIFE

FOOD & DRINK