Tourist blasts major holiday destination for being messy and full of rubbish
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An avid traveller has ignited fierce debate online after he revealing his experience of a popular Italian holiday destination was overshadowed by 'chaos' and 'streets full of trash'.
Marek Pukas, a travel content creator from Borchów, Poland, embarked on a solo adventure to explore the world earlier this year and regularly shares the highlights of his travels in videos posted to Instagram.
The jetsetter enthusiastically showcased his whirlwind trip to Italy this month, where he sipped wine in Bari, marvelled at the whitewashed stone huts in Alberobello and observed Renaissance art and architecture in Florence.
Despite enjoying the majority of his five-day break, he admitted he was left disillusioned by Naples, as shown in footage uploaded to his page @marko.travel.
In the clip, which has since amassed over half a million views, Marek sported a glum expression while walking through the city's cobbled streets.
He panned his camera to show pavements, tree planters and outdoor restaurant areas strewn with discarded bottles, food packaging, clothing, shoes and plastic bags.
In an accompanying 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 has since sparked a heated discussion among 700 viewers, with many locals and tourists defending the Italian hotspot, while others felt they could relate to Marek's experience.
One person argued: 'I live in London. LONDON is worse than Naples. I wish I could live in Naples,' while another chimed, '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.'
A third wrote: 'Why don't you try filming other parts of the city - Chiaia, the Lungomare, Vomero, or even the historic centre 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.'
However, one Italian viewer hit back: 'Unfortunately it is not just Naples. This is the reality of many towns/villages in south of Italy. People just don't care. This morning i went to the beach and there were leftover bottles of beers and water.'
A tourist added: '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.'
Some viewers expressed a more neutral opinion of the city, as one wrote: 'The amount of beauty, breath taking sights, art, theatre in the face of its people are one thing with chaotic streets, noises and smells. Your sense can't remain untouched.'
A second commented: 'I too was shocked by the dirtiness and chaos of the city! 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!!!'
Meanwhile, Europe's most famous holiday hotspots are busier than ever this week - despite anti-tourism protests taking place across the continent.
Images show swarms of holidaymakers packed shoulder-to-shoulder and forming huge queues waiting for trains and buses in some of the most beautiful destinations in Italy and Greece.
In the Italian village of Varenna - famed for its tiny streets and colourful facades of houses - Brits have complained of crowds so dense they were barely able to reach down to take their phones out of their pockets.
