A social media travel influencer has branded a popular tourist destination “the most disappointing city in Italy”. Marek Pukas, who posts on Instagram as marko.travel and describes himself as “just a simple boy making his dreams happen”, prompted a strong reaction after posting a reel on the social media platform.
Marek, who has more than 47,000 followers and regularly posts videos showcasing the spectacular destinations he travels to, posted the clip of Naples on Italy’s south coast. The video shows Marek walking through the city, focusing on piles of rubbish on the streets, with the caption “Most disappointing city in Italy? This is Naples.”
In the caption Marek wrote: “Italy has blown me away so many times – cities full of beauty, charm, and care. But Naples…took me by surprise. Not in the good way.
“I’ve seen a lot of places across this country, but I’ve never seen streets so full of trash. It was messy, chaotic, and honestly, hard to enjoy.
“This isn’t about throwing shade – it’s just my honest experience. I know every city has its challenges, and maybe I caught Naples on a bad day. But I hope things can improve, because this city deserves better.”
The clip ignited a fierce debate, with some commenters agreeing with Marek, but others passionately defending the city.
iamevelinebea wrote: “Thats true I was there, same situation”, while vitacata commented: “I’m on an Italian trip, and so far, I have visited Naples, Rome, Florence, and Verona, and Naples was the only city where trash were everywhere, very dirty and smelly. If I have to be honest, it’s most likely I wouldn’t return there. So far, Verona and Firenze are my top favorites.”
And mervapat wrote: “I completely understand what you mean! I too was shocked by the dirtiness and chaos of the city! A dramatic contrast to the rest of Italy!! However, if you look past this it is a city so special, rich in history with unbelievable sites and a unique vibe and energy which is unforgettable!!!”
missunderstood.89 added her perspective, saying: “I’m in Napoli currently. Some areas are bad but overall it’s not as bad as I’ve heard from people. And I find the southern Italians so much more approachable and kind. They appreciate tourists trying to attempt Italian, I found northern Italy I felt more judged. Minus Florence. Looooved Florence and the people and vibes there!”
But fabio_corbisiero leapt to the defence of the popular tourist destination, writing: “Why don’t you try filming other parts of the city — Chiaia, the Lungomare, Vomero, or even the historic center itself? These dirty corners you’re showing are definitely part of Naples, no doubt — but why not also go and film the dirty corners of London, New York, Rome, Milan, Athens, or Madrid? Why don’t you do that? Naples is amazing.”
And nr_napoli wrote: “If you don’t like it, don’t travel. Stay in your country. You only filmed the worst part of a beautiful, constantly growing city. Naples is the home of culture, great food, and real manners. People like you should be banned for misusing social media like this. Oh, and by the way — every single hotel and restaurant here is fully booked. Enjoy your city, I’ll enjoy my Naples.”
The city is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Italy. It is one of the oldest continously-inhabited urban areas on the planet, with people first living there around 3,000 years ago.
