Is there a Mafia in Naples?

While the term %22Mafia%22 technically refers to the Sicilian Cosa Nostra, Naples and the Campania region have their own historical organized crime syndicate known as the Camorra . It is one of the oldest and largest criminal organizations in Italy, dating back to the 17th century. Unlike the hierarchical Sicilian Mafia, the Camorra is made up of various independent clans that often clash with each other.

Is Naples safe for tourists despite the Camorra?

Yes, Naples is generally very safe for tourists. The Camorra’s activities are deeply embedded in white-collar crime, drug trafficking, and underground economies, which do not target tourists. Violent crime related to the Camorra happens almost exclusively between rival clans in peripheral neighborhoods far outside the historic center. As a tourist, your biggest concern will be petty crime like pickpocketing, just like in any other major European city.

Which neighborhoods in Naples should tourists avoid?

Even though a few years ago neigborhoods like Scampia and Secondigliano we highly infiltrated with the Camora, things have changed for these places. Most problems are now in the far suburbs of the city, like Melito, Caivano, Ponticelli. There is no reason for a tourist to visit these residential areas. In the city center, areas like the Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli) are perfectly fine to visit during the day, though you should stay alert at night and stick to well-lit streets.

Will I see any signs of the Camorra during my visit to Naples?

No, you will not see visible signs of organized crime walking through the historic center, visiting Pompeii, or enjoying a pizza. The daily life of a tourist in Naples is filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking views, and incredible food. The city's safety has improved dramatically over the last two decades.

Can I take a %22Mafia Tour%22 in Naples?

Unlike some cities, Naples does not promote %22Mafia tourism%22 out of respect for the local victims of organized crime and the ongoing efforts of anti-Camorra activists. However, you can join cultural walking and bike tours that explain the social history of the city, including how local communities and youth projects are reclaiming spaces and fighting back against the Camorra's influence through legal economies.

Scampia biketour in Naples

Discover Scampia by bike. Book an exclusive, high-quality private tour and immerse yourself in Scampia’s history, from its transformation to its future, in collaboration with local guides.

START DISCOVERING

Discover Scampia by bike

Discover Scampia by bike. Book an exclusive, high-quality private tour and immerse yourself in Scampia’s history, from its transformation to its future, in collaboration with local guides.

START DISCOVERING

About Local in Naples

The Dutch-Neapolitan Connection in Naples

We are Giuseppe Renzuto and Iris de Brouwer, residents of Naples and, as our friends like to say: a “Dutch Neapolitan” and a “Neapolitan Dutchie.” Our shared passion is revealing the soul of this vibrant city to curious travelers looking for an authentic Italian experience.

With our extensive background in the Naples tourism industry, we successfully introduced the groundbreaking anti- mob Scampia Tour to the Dutch and Flemish markets. By bridging cultures, we’ve shown thousands of visitors a side of the city that most tourists never see.

New International Bike Tours in Naples

Today, our project is evolving. We are thrilled to launch our new international bike tours in Naples. Combining local expertise with a global mindset, we offer a unique perspective on the city’s history, mob history, street art, and hidden gems—all from the saddle of a bicycle.

working together with:

Nedelandstalige Locals in Naples Peppe en Iris

Ciro Corona and (R)esistenza

Driving Change in Scampia

Ciro Corona is a pivotal figure in the fight for legality in Scampia. He is dedicated daily to managing assets confiscated from organized crime and fostering the social reintegration of former inmates.

The (R)esistenza Cooperative is a powerhouse of transformation in the neighborhood. Their mission focuses on promoting legality through education and hands-on examples:

Managing Confiscated Assets: Turning former criminal strongholds into hubs for community, culture, and social farming.
Social Reintegration: Providing concrete career and life opportunities for former prisoners and at-risk youth.

From the Anti-Mob Scampia Tour to the Scampia Bike Tour

Our partnership began in 2019, though Ciro’s vital work started long before. Together, we launched the Scampia socio-cultural tour, an anti-mob tour, which has already welcomed thousands of visitors and radically shifted the perception of the district.

What began as a successful walking initiative has now evolved into the Scampia Bike Tour. By introducing bicycles, we offer an eco-friendly and dynamic way to explore the territory, connecting visitors even more deeply with the local community and its stories of resilience.

BIKETour IN SCAMPIA – NAPLES

– unique in its kind –

DISCOVER SCAMPIA BY BIKE

Discover the authentic side of one of Naples’ most talked-about and fascinating neighborhoods. Leurn about the history of how the mob took over an entire neigbourhood. Our unique Scampia bike tour will take you to the beating heart of a community undergoing transformation. This is an urban immersion experience and unique in its kind. Guided by locals!

TO THE DETAILS

REVIEWS Biketour Scampia

Scampia: Beyond prejudices, the heart of Naples The tour of Scampia with Iris and Ciro Corona was incredibly interesting and moving. Seeing the “Vele” and hearing the “real story” of life in the neighborhood was a true eye-opener. It was wonderful to discover how Ciro’s foundation, Officina delle Culture “Gelsomina Verde”, restores hope and dignity to the community. An authentic experience that stays with you and lets you experience the true soul of Naples. Highly recommended!

Jeroen van Zalm

An unforgettable experience in Scampia! The tour with Peppe and Salvatore was extraordinary. We explored the “Vele” and retraced the complex history of the neighborhood, but the true strength of this tour is its positive vision: meeting Ciro and learning about his social projects showed us how Scampia is writing a new chapter of hope.

Special thanks also to Iris for the perfect organization and warm welcome. A tour full of emotion that we recommend to anyone who truly wants to feel and understand the beating heart of Naples. Thank you Peppe, Salvatore, Ciro, and Iris!

Marcel Slagmoolen

An impressive and inspiring experience! The Scampia tour exceeded all our expectations. We were deeply moved by Ciro’s dedication and his immense heart for the community. His determination to make a difference is truly admirable.

A huge thank you to Iris, Salvatore, and Valentina for sharing their moving personal stories. Your passion gave us an honest and unique insight into the challenges and the incredible strength of this community. A tour full of hope, courage, and humanity that we won’t soon forget. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to get to know the true Naples!

Eva Bunnik

Is there a Mafia in Naples?

While the term "Mafia" technically refers to the Sicilian Cosa Nostra, Naples and the Campania region have their own historical organized crime syndicate known as the Camorra. It is one of the oldest and largest criminal organizations in Italy, dating back to the 17th century. Unlike the hierarchical Sicilian Mafia, the Camorra is made up of various independent clans that often clash with each other.
Is Naples safe for tourists despite the Camorra?

Yes, Naples is generally very safe for tourists. The Camorra’s activities are deeply embedded in white-collar crime, drug trafficking, and underground economies, which do not target tourists. Violent crime related to the Camorra happens almost exclusively between rival clans in peripheral neighborhoods far outside the historic center. As a tourist, your biggest concern will be petty crime like pickpocketing, just like in any other major European city.
Which neighborhoods in Naples should tourists avoid?

Even though a few years ago neigborhoods like Scampia and Secondigliano we highly infiltrated with the Camora, things have changed for these places. Most problems are now in the far suburbs of the city, like Melito, Caivano, Ponticelli. There is no reason for a tourist to visit these residential areas. In the city center, areas like the Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli) are perfectly fine to visit during the day, though you should stay alert at night and stick to well-lit streets.
Will I see any signs of the Camorra during my visit to Naples?

No, you will not see visible signs of organized crime walking through the historic center, visiting Pompeii, or enjoying a pizza. The daily life of a tourist in Naples is filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking views, and incredible food. The city's safety has improved dramatically over the last two decades.
Can I take a %22Mafia Tour%22 in Naples?

Unlike some cities, Naples does not promote "Mafia tourism" out of respect for the local victims of organized crime and the ongoing efforts of anti-Camorra activists. However, you can join cultural walking and bike tours that explain the social history of the city, including how local communities and youth projects are reclaiming spaces and fighting back against the Camorra's influence through legal economies.