“My Brilliant Friend” in Naples and Ischia

From Elena Ferrante’s novels to the screen

Four acclaimed novels, an international TV production and a mysterious author: Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels have fascinated readers all over the world. With the HBO adaptation of My Brilliant Friend, the story of Elena and Lila leaves the page and comes to life on screen, bringing 1950s Naples – and the island of Ischia – to a global audience.

The saga follows the friendship between two girls growing up in a working-class neighbourhood in postwar Naples. As their lives unfold, the city, the sea and the nearby islands become powerful backdrops for love, struggle, ambition and change. It is only natural that many viewers now dream of visiting these places in person.

My Brilliant Friend on HBO

The HBO series My Brilliant Friend premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and quickly earned praise from both critics and audiences. The adaptation preserves the depth of Ferrante’s writing while adding the visual power of authentic locations, period sets and carefully chosen actors.

The production recreates 1950s and 1960s Naples with great attention to detail: narrow streets, courtyards, markets and seaside views frame the story of Elena and Lila. At the same time, the series also highlights the contrast between the harshness of the neighbourhood and the beauty of the sea and islands nearby.

More seasons are planned to cover the entire Neapolitan saga, meaning that the landscapes of Southern Italy – especially Naples, Capri and Ischia – will remain in the spotlight for a long time.

Elena Ferrante’s locations: Naples, Capri, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast

Even if we cannot travel back to the 1950s, you can still explore many of the places that inspired My Brilliant Friend. The series and the books feature:

• The vibrant city of Naples, with its historic centre, waterfront and elegant boulevards;
• The glamorous island of Capri, symbol of dolce vita and Mediterranean charm;
• The green and volcanic island of Ischia, a place of freedom and transformation in the story;
• The Amalfi Coast, including towns such as Positano, with dramatic cliffs over the sea.

In Ferrante’s universe, the sea is not just a background; it is a gateway to another life. Reaching Capri or Ischia by boat becomes a symbol of escape, growth and discovery – and this is exactly the feeling you can experience on a private tour today.

Plan your “My Brilliant Friend” tour by boat

Ischia Charter Boat can help you create your own Ferrante-inspired itinerary, following the spirit of My Brilliant Friend across the sea. Starting from Naples or from the islands, you can:

• Book boat trips to Capri and Ischia, exploring bays, beaches and coastal villages;
• Sail along the Amalfi Coast, discovering destinations such as Positano and Amalfi;
• Combine literary locations with swimming stops, coastal views and sunset cruises.

Our private cruises allow you to enjoy the same landscapes seen in the series: the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the outline of Vesuvius in the distance, the silhouette of castles and coastal towns rising above the water.

Private transfers from Naples to Capri and Ischia

In addition to scenic tours, Ischia Charter Boat provides private transfers from Naples airport and the city’s main ports to the islands of Capri and Ischia. Our services combine cars and boats to offer a smooth journey directly to your hotel, villa or harbour of choice.

Whether you are staying in a luxury hotel or in a boutique property, a private transfer lets you avoid stress and crowded ferries, while starting your holiday in true Ferrante style – with the sea as your first real contact with Southern Italy.

Start planning your Ferrante-inspired holiday

If the HBO series has made you fall in love with My Brilliant Friend and the landscapes of Naples and Ischia, this is the perfect moment to start planning your trip. Spring and summer are only a few months away: you can already book private boats, custom tours and transfers with Ischia Charter Boat to explore Naples, Capri, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast at your own pace.

Drop us an email or contact us via WhatsApp to design a personalised itinerary inspired by Elena Ferrante’s novels – and discover the places where the story of Elena and Lila comes to life.