From September 24 to 27, 2026, the Gulf of Naples will host the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, the major event leading up to the America’s Cup scheduled to take place in Naples in 2027.
For four days, the waters off the city will be crisscrossed by AC40s—monohulls equipped with foils capable of lifting off the water and reaching speeds exceeding 40 knots. But where’s the best place to watch the regatta?
The simplest answer is: the Rotonda Diaz, on the Lungomare Caracciolo, where the official Race Village will be set up. However, those who prefer to avoid the crowds can also choose other vantage points along the waterfront. Let’s take a look at the options and how best to plan your day.
The Best Spot: Rotonda Diaz and the Race Village
The best place to fully experience the atmosphere of the America’s Cup will be the Rotonda Diaz, also known to Neapolitans as the Mappatella Beach area.
This is where the Race Village will be set up, and admission will be free. According to the official schedule for the Preliminary Regatta, the Rotonda Diaz will host the main stage, crew presentations, interviews with sailors, and entertainment before and after the races.
During the races, large screens will also allow spectators to follow live coverage, accompanied by expert commentary. This is an important feature because, even when standing right in front of the race course, it’s not always easy to understand the boats’ positions, penalties, tactical maneuvers, and standings from the shore.
The Rotonda Diaz therefore offers three advantages:
- a direct view of the race course;
- giant screens to follow the races in detail;
- the atmosphere of the Race Village, with a stage, entertainment, food and beverage stands, and official merchandise.
For those visiting Naples specifically for the event, this is likely the best option.
The section of Lungomare Caracciolo in front of the Villa Comunale
Those primarily interested in seeing the boats and who prefer to stay slightly away from the largest crowds can look for a spot along Via Francesco Caracciolo, on the stretch that runs alongside the Villa Comunale.
The organizers, in fact, designate the entire Lungomare Caracciolo as a prime area for viewing from land. During the event, the street will be closed to traffic and will become a large promenade overlooking the race course.
If you move a few hundred meters away from the Rotonda Diaz, you’ll miss the stage and some of the entertainment, but it might be easier to find a less crowded spot. This is a good option especially for those who want to alternate between watching the races and taking a stroll along the waterfront.
It’s a good idea to bring a small pair of binoculars: the AC40s will be very fast, and depending on the position of the buoys and the wind direction, they may be some distance from the coast for a few minutes.
Castel dell’Ovo and Borgo Marinari
The area around Castel dell’Ovo and Borgo Marinari also offers extraordinary scenery. In fact, one end of the regatta course will be right in front of the castle.
From this stretch of the waterfront, you’ll be able to watch the boats with the city skyline, Mount Vesuvius, and the Gulf in the background. It’s probably the most picturesque spot for taking photos, although the overall view of the race might be less comprehensive than the one offered from Rotonda Diaz.
Space around Borgo Marinari is also more limited. It’s therefore advisable to arrive well in advance and check for any access restrictions put in place for safety reasons.
Via Partenope: A Good Alternative
The section of Via Partenopebetween Castel dell’Ovo and Piazza Vittoria offers an interesting compromise.
From here, you’re close to the racecourse but can choose a spot slightly farther from the center of the Race Village. The presence of bars, restaurants, and hotels makes this area convenient for those who wish to spend the entire day along the waterfront.
However, keep in mind that terraces and tables with ocean views may be reserved well in advance and may have special conditions during the event. Those wishing to watch the regatta from a restaurant or bar should therefore make a reservation and specifically ask whether the table actually guarantees an unobstructed view of the race course.
Is Posillipo really the best spot?
From the terraces of Posillipo, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples. Places like Via Petrarca and Parco Virgiliano offer a sweeping panoramic view.
For the preliminary regatta, however, Posillipo isn’t necessarily the best choice. From above, you can clearly see the general layout of the course, but the boats will appear quite far away. Furthermore, you’ll miss the commentary, the giant screens, and the atmosphere of the Race Village.
Posillipo is therefore recommended for those seeking above all a spectacular view and who have a good pair of binoculars or a telephoto lens. To truly follow the stages of the competition, the Rotonda Diaz and the Lungomare Caracciolo remain the better options.
When the races take place
The schedule is as follows:
- Thursday, September 24: official practice day;
- Friday, September 25: up to three fleet races;
- Saturday, September 26: up to three fleet races;
- Sunday, September 27: up to two fleet races and the final match race between the top two crews.
The official races are tentatively scheduled to take place between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. Since a large crowd is expected, it is advisable to arrive at the waterfront at least an hour and a half before the start, especially on the final day.
Schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions and, above all, wind conditions. Before setting out, it is therefore advisable to check the official America’s Cup website.
Watching the race from the water
Watching the competition from a boat can be a fascinating experience, but it does not mean you can sail freely around the race course.
The organizers have designated specific areas reserved for spectator boats. Boats must be registered and comply with staff instructions, the five-knot speed limit, and prohibitions on anchoring, swimming, and the use of drones in the designated area.
For most visitors, therefore, watching the race from the Caracciolo Waterfront will be simpler and likely more effective. From land, you’ll be able to follow both the boats and the live footage broadcast on the giant screens at the same time.
Where to Stay to Watch the Preliminary Regatta
When choosing accommodations, there’s no need to look for a room right on the waterfront. During an event of this scale, staying in the most crowded area can mean higher prices, noise, traffic, and difficulty getting around.
A better option is to stay in downtown Naples, near the metro, and reach the waterfront on foot or by public transportation.
Casetta Correra, just a short walk from Piazza Dante, allows you to stay in the historic heart of the city and reach the regatta area via the metro:
· From the Dante station on Metro Line 1, once you arrive at the Municipio station, take Metro Line 6 and get off at the Arco Mirelli stop: just a few meters away is the Race Village, with free admission; this is the center of the action, featuring dock-out and dock-in shows on the main stage and plenty of other entertainment for fans and visitors. There will be food and beverage stands, as well as a store selling official merchandise.
· From the Montesanto station on Metro Line 2 (just a short walk from Casetta Correra), ride to the Mergellina stop; the Race Village is just a short walk away.
· Alternatively, those who enjoy walking can turn the trip into a pleasant stroll along Via Toledo, through the historic city center, and along the waterfront.
Why Choose Casetta Correra During the America’s Cup
Casetta Correra is particularly well-suited for a couple looking to combine the America’s Cup with exploring Naples.
The vacation rental is located in a historic 18th-century building, in a central yet secluded area away from the noisiest nightlife. After spending a few hours among the crowds and excitement of the Race Village, you can return to a peaceful setting and relax on the private terrace, surrounded by plants and flowers.
Its proximity to Piazza Dante also makes it easy to reach not only the waterfront but also the National Archaeological Museum, the historic center, Via Toledo, the Pignasecca district, and the main metro stations.
Casetta Correra also features high-speed Wi-Fi, a monitor, keyboard, and mouse—a convenience for those who need to work during their stay or want to stream the races, check the standings, and review technical insights.
Staying here means, in other words, being able to participate in the event without missing out on the most authentic side of Naples. In the morning, you can stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center; in the early afternoon, head to the waterfront to watch the races; and in the evening, return to a quiet home, away from the event’s busiest areas.
Some practical tips
To get the most out of the Preliminary Regatta, we recommend:
- arriving at the waterfront by 12:30–1:00 p.m.;
- wearing comfortable shoes;
- bringing a hat, water, and sunscreen;
- using a small pair of binoculars;
- avoiding driving;
- checking official updates every morning;
- booking restaurants and accommodations in advance.
Wind conditions may cause changes to the course and schedule. Therefore, no spot along the coast can guarantee that the boats will always remain very close to the spectators.
So, what’s the best spot?
For those who want to experience the event in its entirety, the best choice is the Rotonda Diaz, in the center of the Race Village. It offers the best combination of views of the race course, giant screens, technical commentary, and atmosphere.
Those who prefer a quieter setting can head along Via Caracciolo, while Castel dell’Ovo and Via Partenope offer the most picturesque backdrops for photos and panoramic views.
No matter where you choose to watch, the spectacle will be exceptional: seeing the AC40s “fly” across the waters of the Gulf, with Mount Vesuvius and Castel dell’Ovo in the background, will be one of the most thrilling experiences Naples has to offer in 2026.
And by choosing a central yet quiet accommodation like Casetta Correra, the preliminary regatta can also become an opportunity to discover, at your own pace, one of the most fascinating cities in the Mediterranean.
