Naples is a busy, lively city that millions of visitors enjoy without problems. The main risk the UK government flags for Italian cities is petty theft such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing in crowded centres, and the Naples area also has an official yellow volcanic alert for the Campi Flegrei, which calls for monitoring, not for avoiding the city.
"Safe" depends on what you worry about. Here are the official sources we checked on 6 October 2026, followed by practical habits for guests staying in an apartment.
What official sources say
Crime
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for Italy (updated 2 October 2026, confirmed current on 6 October) says that crime levels are generally low, but petty crime is higher in city centres and at major tourist attractions, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing. It advises extra care on public transport and in crowded places, including main train and metro stations. The page covers Italy as a whole and does not single out Naples. Read it on GOV.UK.
The Campi Flegrei volcanic area
The Italian Civil Protection Department states that the alert level for the Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei), west of Naples, is yellow, with the volcano in a state of "medium unrest". A decree of 30 October 2025 confirmed this and put Phase 2 of the alert system in place. According to the Department, Phase 2 means stronger monitoring and checks of emergency plans and training. Its emergency "red zone" includes several Naples districts, among them Bagnoli, Fuorigrotta, Soccavo and Pianura, and parts of others. The page also reports the monitoring data, so check it for the latest situation. Details: Civil Protection Department, Phlegraean Fields.
The same UK page mentions regular earthquakes and active volcanoes in southern Italy, including the Phlegraean Fields. Neither source asks tourists to avoid Naples. If you want to know where a specific apartment sits, ask your host.
Emergencies
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire. The UK advice gives this number for Italy.
Practical habits for apartment guests
These are general precautions, not official rules and not statistics.
- Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowded streets, markets and on metro platforms, in line with the official warning on bag-snatching and pickpocketing.
- Do not leave phones or wallets on café tables or visible in a bag on the back of a chair.
- Carry only what you need. Leave passports and spare cash inside the apartment. Remember that your host must register your documents within 24 hours: see documents for check-in in Italy.
- Save emergency and host numbers before you leave the apartment. Our contact details are on the FAQ.
- Choose your area with your plans in mind. Our guide to where to stay in Naples compares neighbourhoods, and our local guide covers the old centre.
Why an apartment can help
With an apartment you have a door of your own, a place to leave your documents and valuables, and a host or property manager you can reach by phone. Ask about building access, check-in details and the best way to contact the host before you arrive.
Plan your Naples stay
Browse our Naples apartments, see the 48-hour itinerary, or read what to expect for the America's Cup.
Sources checked on 6 October 2026. Travel advice is updated regularly: check GOV.UK and the Civil Protection Department page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the emergency number in Naples?
Call 112, the single emergency number for Italy, as indicated in the UK government travel advice for Italy.
Is the Campi Flegrei alert a reason to cancel a trip to Naples?
The Italian Civil Protection Department keeps the alert level at yellow, which means the volcano is monitored more closely and emergency plans are checked. It does not ask visitors to stay away. Check the Department's page before you travel for any change.
What is the biggest everyday risk for tourists?
Petty theft. The UK government advice for Italy says there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions, including main train and metro stations.
Does staying in an apartment change anything?
It does not change street risks, but you have a safe base with your own door. Ask your host about building access, where to leave luggage and how to reach them if something goes wrong.