For the first time in Italian history, Naples will take center stage at the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta. This preliminary regatta is one of the most important milestones on the road to the 2027 America’s Cup.
It is one of the most anticipated international events of the year, set to transform the Lungomare Caracciolo and the Gulf of Naples into a grand sporting stage.
From September 24 to 27, 2026, Naples will, in fact, become a true sailing city. With the boats sailing between the waters of Castel dell’Ovo, the Rotonda Diaz, and Posillipo, the area will become a veritable natural amphitheater. But where can you watch the races, and how do you get to the waterfront? Find out with us!
America’s Cup Naples 2026: Where to Watch the Races
The nerve center of the entire America’s Cup event will be the Race Village set up at Rotonda Diaz (Mappatella Beach). It will be open daily with free admission, featuring food areas, giant screens, and live entertainment.
Every day, inside the Race Village, you can watch sailor introductions, interviews, and performances by local artists. But that’s not all: at the end of the races, the winners will greet the crowd and share their experiences. In the Race Village, you can meet the stars of America’s Cup sailing and get a rare glimpse into their campaigns all for free.
In addition to the Race Village, the races can be watched from various spots along the Lungomare Caracciolo, thanks to the race course’s location in the Gulf of Naples. Here are the best spots to enjoy the show:
1. Caracciolo Promenade and Via Partenope. The pedestrian stretch from Piazza Vittoria to Castel dell’Ovo offers a perfect head-on view of the boats’ turns and is very close to the race course.
2. Posillipo, for those seeking a panoramic view from above of the entire Gulf, with Vesuvius and Capri in the background.
The choice of location depends on the experience you’re looking for: the Race Village is ideal for those who want to combine regattas, big-screen broadcasts, and entertainment. Meanwhile, the waterfront and scenic areas allow you to focus more on the view of the race course.
Where to Park for the America’s Cup in Naples
This is one of the most important pieces of information for anyone planning to drive to the event.
During the event, temporary traffic changes will be in effect in the Lungomare area. Specifically, from September 21 to 27, vehicular traffic will be prohibited on Via Francesco Caracciolo, on the section between Viale Anton Dohrn and Piazza Vittoria and on Viale Anton Dohrn. Traffic patterns will therefore also be altered on the surrounding streets.
For this reason, we recommend against looking for parking directly on the Lungomare Caracciolo. Instead, park your car in a nearby area and continue on foot or by public transportation.
Given the traffic changes and the possibility of encountering endless traffic jams, our advice is to definitely choose public transportation to reach the event area.
The best way to get to the waterfront is to take Metro Line 2, get off at Piazza Amedeo or Napoli Mergellina, and then walk to the Lungomare Caracciolo.
What to See in Naples During Your Stay
The America’s Cup will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s most beloved sports against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius but that’s not all.
It also offers visitors a chance to discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the world.
From the millennia-old history of underground Naples, Spaccanapoli, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, to the culinary and wine traditions of this wonderful city. Here are some tips for those who want to combine sailing, history, art, and views of the Gulf.
The ideal starting point, especially during the America’s Cup, is undoubtedly the Lungomare Caracciolo. This is the spot where you can experience the event’s atmosphere up close and admire the Gulf with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
From here, you can easily visit Castel dell’Ovo, one of Naples’ landmarks, built on the ancient islet of Megaride, and the Borgo Marinari, with its small harbor and restaurants overlooking the sea.
Another must-see stop is Piazza del Plebiscito, dominated by the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace, with the Galleria Umberto I, the San Carlo Theater, and Via Toledo nearby.
But for those who want to discover the authentic, millennia-old history of Naples, a visit to the city’s historic center including Via Spaccanapoli, San Gregorio Armeno, and Underground Naples is a must.
But that’s not all one of the most unique events of this America’s Cup is undoubtedly the chance to admire up close the most beautiful ship in the world, built in Castellammare di Stabia in 1931: the Amerigo Vespucci.
The Italian Navy’s famous sailing ship will be in Naples from September 20 to 25. Moored at the Stazione Marittima on Molo Beverello, right in the days leading up to the Preliminary Regatta.
It offers yet another opportunity to explore the city beyond the waterfront area.
In addition to the city of Naples, another must-see is a visit to the famous ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. As well as the imposing volcano that shaped the history of this city: Mount Vesuvius.
