Are There 24-Hour Pharmacies in Naples? 2025 Travel Guide

Traveling to Naples, Italy, can be an unforgettable experience. Between historic streets, incredible food, and lively piazzas, the city offers something for every traveler. But what happens if you suddenly need medicine or health supplies late at night? Many visitors ask: “Are there 24-hour pharmacies in Naples?”

This guide explains the availability of late-night pharmacies, how to find them, and practical tips for accessing medicine in Naples in 2025.

Pharmacy Regulations in Italy

Italy has a well-regulated pharmacy system, known as farmacie. Key points for travelers:

Pharmacies are legally required to have a licensed pharmacist on duty during opening hours.

Most pharmacies operate from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. Some also open on Sunday mornings.

Unlike some countries, Italy does not have widespread 24-hour pharmacies, but many cities, including Naples, have night pharmacies on call or with rotating schedules.

Travelers should note that Italian pharmacies dispense over-the-counter (OTC) medications as well as prescription drugs, but some medications may require a doctor’s prescription—even for tourists.

How to Find a Late-Night or Emergency Pharmacy

While 24-hour pharmacies are rare, Naples provides several ways to access medicine outside regular hours:

Farmacia di Guardia (On-Duty Pharmacy)

Italian cities maintain a rotating schedule of night and weekend pharmacies, called farmacia di guardia.

These pharmacies remain open outside normal hours to handle emergencies.

A typical schedule is posted in all pharmacies and local newspapers.

Online Search Tools

Websites like Farmacie Napoli
list current on-duty pharmacies.

Simply enter your neighborhood or zip code to see which pharmacy is available.

Local Police or Hotel Assistance

Police stations often provide lists of night pharmacies.

Hotel concierges or receptionists can guide you to the nearest farmacia di guardia.

Smartphone Apps

Apps like Farmacie App or Google Maps with filters can show pharmacies open “24 hours” or currently operating late.

Always double-check the hours as listings may occasionally be outdated.

Common Medications and Availability

Italian pharmacies are well-stocked with common OTC medications:

Pain relievers like paracetamol and ibuprofen

Cold and flu remedies

Allergy medications

Digestive aids and antacids

First-aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics)

Prescription medications: Travelers should bring prescriptions in case they need medication not available OTC. Italian pharmacists may request a doctor’s note or international prescription for controlled substances.

How Night Pharmacies Operate

Night and emergency pharmacies in Naples generally follow these rules:

Clearly marked with a green cross and “di guardia” sign.

Open hours are usually 7:00 PM to 8:00 AM, with exact times posted at the pharmacy entrance.

Prices for emergency hours may be slightly higher due to after-hours service.

Pharmacists are trained to handle emergencies and can guide travelers on medication alternatives if needed.

Tips for Using Pharmacies in Naples

Know the Italian Names of Medications

Many brand names differ from those in your home country.

Bring your prescription and a note with the active ingredient names.

Carry Cash or Card

Most pharmacies accept credit/debit cards, but cash is widely used.

Ask for Advice

Italian pharmacists are highly trained. They can provide dosage instructions, check for interactions, and recommend substitutes.

Check Opening Hours Before Traveling

Especially on Sundays and holidays, only one or two night pharmacies may be open in each district.

Emergency Situations

If you have a medical emergency and cannot access a farmacia di guardia:

Call 118, Italy’s emergency medical number.

Hospitals in Naples usually have 24-hour pharmacies or can provide emergency medications.

Hotel staff can help coordinate transport to the nearest hospital or emergency pharmacy.

Neighborhood Insights

Different areas of Naples have varying access to pharmacies:

Historic Center (Centro Storico): Several on-duty pharmacies and late-night options.

Chiaia: Upscale neighborhood with 24-hour pharmacies in hotel-adjacent areas.

Vomero: Central pharmacies with rotating night schedules.

Outskirts/Suburbs: Limited late-night options—plan ahead if staying outside central Naples.

FAQs About Pharmacies in Naples

Are all pharmacies open on Sundays?
No. Only select on-duty pharmacies remain open. The rotating schedule is posted in advance.

Can tourists buy prescription medication?
Yes, if you bring a valid prescription from your home country. Some medications require consultation with a local doctor.

Is it safe to buy medication at night?
Yes. On-duty pharmacies are fully licensed and staffed by qualified pharmacists.

Do night pharmacies have the same selection as daytime pharmacies?
They may have fewer options but carry common medications and emergency supplies.

Tips for Travelers

Plan Ahead: If you rely on regular medication, bring enough for your trip.

Keep a List of Nearby Pharmacies: Note addresses and contact numbers in your hotel or phone.

Use Google Maps or Apps: Confirm real-time opening hours before heading out.

Carry Identification: Pharmacies may ask for ID when buying alcohol-containing medicines or controlled substances.

Conclusion

While Naples doesn’t have a widespread network of 24-hour pharmacies, the city offers on-duty pharmacies, online tools, and emergency options to ensure travelers can access medication when needed. By understanding how night pharmacies work, planning ahead, and carrying prescriptions when necessary, visitors can confidently navigate medical needs at any hour.

Whether it’s a late-night cold, a headache, or an unexpected minor injury, Naples provides accessible options for travelers in 2025. Always carry your ID, plan for emergency contacts, and use reliable online resources to find the nearest farmacia di guardia.