Juve Stabia Playbook: Your Unrivalled Experience With the Wasps

About 20 miles southeast of Naples, the city of Castellammare di Stabia has a football team with one of the most unique-sounding names in the Italian game: Juve Stabia.

The Wasps have reached the Serie B play-offs for the past two seasons and Castellammare is the perfect stop for anybody looking to add another destination to a calcio weekender involving Napoli.

From how to get tickets, to where to eat and drink, plus everything in between, this guide has you covered.

Where To Stay

No matter your taste and budget, there are plenty of options in Castellammare di Stabia.

If you want to step out of your door and immediately be surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and the evening promenade vibe, stay in the town centre along or near the Lungomare, which is within walking distance of the train station.

For something slightly more relaxed, head towards the hills around Castellammare, where you can find plenty of Airbnbs overlooking the gulf, but you will have to walk around 30 minutes to get into town or take a cab.

Similarly, the coastal road heading towards Sorrento offers a number of resort-style holiday homes and hotels – some with private beach access – in a more peaceful environment. Again, the flipside is having to drive or take a cab into town.

Where To Eat

You cannot visit a coastal city without diving into a plate of seafood pasta. Francesco & Co on the central Corso Alcide de Gasperi is a local favourite for lunch and dinner. Make sure to try their Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare (thick local pasta with mixed seafood) or treat yourself to the grilled catch of the day. Mains start at €15.

Further down on Corso de Gasperi, Vittorio Pizza is an institution when it comes to the true spirit of Neapolitan comfort food. Think perfect wood-fired pizzas, starting from €5, with pillowy crusts, plus classic fried street food such as cuoppo – a greaseproof paper cone filled with squid and assorted savoury bites.

At La Monica Braceria Pizzeria in the old town, pizzas start at €6 and this restaurant is also famous for its grilled meats.

If you are happy to splurge, head to the high-end Piazzetta Milù, which is also on Corso de Gasperi. Booking is essential for this two-star Michelin restaurant, famous for its highly creative, modern Campanian fine dining. The restaurant offers a blind ‘evolution’ tasting menu for €250 that focuses on traditional regional flavours, with a modern take on classic dishes. Mains start at €17 for a bowl of pasta.

Where To Drink

Located right in the centre of town in Piazza Vanvitelli, Experimental Bar features a sleek and modern design and switches from afternoon café into a high-end cocktail bar at night. Ask the bartenders for a signature creation, as they love using ingredients from around the world.

If you fancy something less… experimental, head to Caravella Cafè & Spirits on the central Via Alcide de Gasperi. This place is quintessentially Italian and an excellent destination for a slow aperitivo as the sun goes down, or for a spot of breakfast to start the day.

Hops Pub on the Lungomare offers a more informal and relaxed atmosphere, akin to those you would find in a pub in Britain. It is the perfect antidote if you want a break from traditional wine bars and has an excellent selection of beers.

Finally, if you want to sip on a glass of wine while taking in sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples, head to the bar at the Hotel Stabia on the Lungomare in Piazza Principe Umberto and treat yourself to a drink, with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

Don’t Forget

Tickets – Juve Stabia tickets are available on the club website or at authorised Etes selling points. You do not need to be a Juve Stabia fidelity card holder to buy tickets but members are given priority.

Ticket prices start at €15 in the Curva San Marco or at €10 for under-16s.

Merchandise – All Juve Stabia match kits, collections and collaborations can be bought through the club’s online store and at the Juve Stabia store on Corso Garibaldi.

Did You Know?

Castellammare di Stabia was originally home to two clubs – Stabia Sporting Club, who were founded in 1907 and went bankrupt in 1933 when they were already known as FC Stabiese, and Juve Stabia, founded in 1945.

Eight years later, the Stabians assumed the sporting tradition of the defunct FC Stabiese and took over as the main club of the city and assumed the sporting tradition of the previous club. 

Getting There

Castellammare di Stabia is 20 miles southeast of Naples and easy to reach from Campania’s capital. From Napoli Centrale, the direct train service takes less than an hour.

The Menti is located at the northern edge of Castellammare and is best reached by foot, approximately a 15-minute walk from the town centre and a 25-minute stroll from the Lungomare, the seafront promenade. Alternatively, a five-minute cab ride gets from you the main thoroughfare along the beach to the ground.

Need Another Football Fix?  

Campania is a football hotbed. Naples is 20 miles north of Castellammare, while you can catch Serie B action in Avellino, which is just over an hour away. Serie C heavyweights Salernitana are 45 minutes away by car south on the A3 motorway.