italian-region-guide-campania

Visit Campania

This stunning region is a firm favourite with travellers seeking a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From the sun-drenched terraces of Ravello to the dramatic cliffs of Positano, every corner of the Amalfi Coast promises awe-inspiring beauty.

In Naples (Napoli), vibrant streets, lively piazzas, and colourful architecture create an unforgettable urban tapestry, while nearby Castellammare di Stabia offers charming coastal views and access to historic ruins. The imposing Aragonese Castle of Ischia stands as a sentinel over the sparkling sea, and the majestic Caserta Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the grandeur of Italy’s royal heritage.

Campania Region

Campania’s treasures extend beyond the coast into quiet, picturesque towns and verdant countryside. Wander the cobbled streets of Salerno, relax on the beaches of Procida, or explore the ancient hamlet of Roccagloriosa, steeped in history and local culture. Inland gems like Buccino reveal a quieter, authentic side of the region, where rustic cuisine and traditional festivals reflect centuries of heritage. With its blend of sparkling turquoise waters, lush olive and lemon groves, and historic marvels at every turn, Campania is the southern jewel of Italy.

Naples

Naples, the vibrant heart of southern Italy, is a city where centuries of history mingle with the energy of everyday life, creating a unique blend of tradition, passion, and raw beauty.

Naples captivates with its labyrinthine streets, bustling piazzas, and colourful markets where the scent of freshly baked pizza mingles with the salty sea breeze.

At its core, the historic center – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds layer upon layer of Neapolitan life. Here, the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the imposing Castel Nuovo speak of kings and conquerors, while Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that slices through the city, pulses with cafés, artisan shops, and centuries of stories.

Nearby, the National Archaeological Museum houses some of Italy’s most important treasures, including relics from Pompeii and Herculaneum, transporting visitors to a world preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which looms dramatically over the bay. A short trip outside the city reveals the ruins themselves, frozen in time, with Vesuvius standing sentinel in the background.

Naples is a city of creativity as much as history. From the artisanal workshops of Via San Gregorio Armeno, where skilled craftsmen craft intricate nativity scenes, to contemporary galleries and bold street art, the city exudes a spirit of fearless artistic expression.

For breathtaking views, climb to the Castel Sant’Elmo or the Posillipo hills, where the Bay of Naples shimmers below, the islands of Capri and Ischia dot the horizon, and the terracotta rooftops of the city stretch as far as the eye can see.

Ravello

Ravello, perched high on the cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is a picture of elegance and serenity, where breathtaking vistas meet centuries of art, music, and history.

Perfect for travellers seeking beauty, culture, and tranquility, Ravello enchants with its terraced gardens, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming villas that seem suspended between sky and sea.

The air here is perfumed with the scent of lemon blossoms, and the view of the cobalt-blue Tyrrhenian stretches endlessly below.

At the heart of the town stands Villa Rufolo, a 13th-century masterpiece whose gardens inspired Wagner and continue to host the Ravello Festival, where music drifts across the cliffs like a gentle breeze.

Nearby, Villa Cimbrone offers terraces of stunning panoramic views, adorned with marble statues and fragrant blooms, perfect for quiet reflection or a sunset moment to remember.

Ravello’s historic center is dotted with medieval churches, quaint cafés, and artisan shops, where every street corner tells a story of a town that has long been a haven for poets, painters, and composers. The cathedral of Ravello, with its elegant bronze doors and Byzantine mosaics, stands as a testament to the town’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

From the scenic paths that wind along the cliffs to the panoramic lookout points where the villages of the Amalfi Coast glimmer like jewels below, Ravello invites you to slow down, savor the view, and lose yourself in a timeless landscape of sea, sky, and culture.

Positano

Positano is a town where vibrant colors, dramatic cliffs, and sparkling Mediterranean waters create an unforgettable coastal paradise.

Perfect for travellers seeking beauty, culture, and relaxation, Positano captivates with its cascading pastel houses, narrow winding streets, and lively piazzas dotted with cafés, boutiques, and artisan shops. The scent of lemon groves and the salty sea air fills the town, while fishing boats gently bob in the turquoise harbor, preserving a centuries-old maritime charm.

At the heart of Positano lies the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its iconic majolica-tiled dome and centuries of local devotion. Beyond the piazza, terraces, stairways, and hidden alleyways reveal breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, the sparkling sea below, and the dramatic cliffs rising above.

Nature and outdoor enthusiasts explore nearby hiking trails, including the famous Path of the Gods, offering panoramic vistas over Positano, the coastline, and the islands of Capri and Li Galli. The town’s beaches, from the bustling Spiaggia Grande to the more secluded Fornillo, invite sun-soaked relaxation, swimming, and photography against the backdrop of colorful houses tumbling down the cliffs.

Positano also pulses with creativity and local flavour. Artisans craft handmade sandals, ceramics, and textiles, while restaurants and trattorias serve fresh seafood, local pasta, and the town’s signature limoncello. Every corner invites visitors to pause, sip an espresso or a glass of wine, and soak in the town’s unique blend of Mediterranean vibrancy, timeless beauty, and authentic Italian charm.

Procida

Procida, in the Bay of Naples, is a small island where vibrant color, maritime charm, and timeless Italian life meet in perfect harmony.

Perfect for travellers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and the magic of the sea, Procida enchants with its pastel-painted houses, narrow winding streets, and bustling harbors where fishing boats bob gently in the sunlight. The scent of saltwater mingles with freshly baked pastries and the aroma of simmering seafood, creating an atmosphere that is unmistakably Mediterranean.

At the heart of the island lies Marina Corricella, a picture-perfect harbor whose bright buildings seem to tumble down to the water’s edge. Here, centuries of fishing traditions continue alongside cafés and trattorias, offering a glimpse into the everyday rhythms of island life.

Procida’s historic center is dotted with charming piazzas, churches, and hidden courtyards, where every corner reveals a story of maritime heritage, artistry, and local culture. The island’s beaches, from the golden sands of Chiaiolella to the secluded coves of Ciraccio, invite sun-soaked relaxation and sparkling views of the surrounding sea.

Rising above it all is Terra Murata, Procida’s ancient fortified village, where cobblestone streets and medieval architecture offer panoramic vistas over the island and the shimmering Tyrrhenian. Here, visitors can wander slowly, savour local seafood, and pause to take in sunsets that turn the colorful houses into a glowing kaleidoscope of light.

Procida is a place where the pace of life slows, the colors brighten, and every moment feels infused with the quiet magic of an island that has inspired artists, filmmakers, and travellers for centuries.

Amalfi

Amalfi is perched dramatically on the cliffs of Italy’s legendary Amalfi Coast, a town where natural beauty, centuries of history, and Mediterranean vitality merge in dazzling harmony.

Amalfi enchants with its narrow, winding streets that tumble down toward the sparkling turquoise sea.

Cafés spill onto sunlit piazzas, their tables dotted with locals savoring espresso or limoncello, while colourful fishing boats sway gently in the harbor, echoing centuries of maritime tradition.

At its heart stands the Amalfi Cathedral, a stunning 9th-century masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture, whose grand staircase, ornate mosaics, and elegant bell tower command the piazza and offer a glimpse into the town’s storied past as a powerful maritime republic. Nearby, the ancient cloisters, bustling artisan shops, and quaint trattorias tell the story of a community rooted in craftsmanship, faith, and a deep connection to the sea.

Beyond the historic center, terraced lemon groves and fragrant gardens cling to the cliffs, cascading toward the sparkling coastline. Paths wind through hidden corners, offering breathtaking vistas of the coastline’s jagged cliffs, the glimmering expanse of the Mediterranean.

Small beaches and secret coves invite quiet reflection, where the waves lap gently against the shore and the warm Mediterranean sun illuminates the pastel-hued houses perched above.

In Amalfi you can linger over a glass of local wine, watch the fishing boats return at dusk, and immerse yourself in a town that is as timeless, vibrant, and unforgettable as the coastline it crowns.

Sorrento

Overlooking the sparkling Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a sun-kissed town of Mediterranean charm, historic elegance, and breathtaking coastal vistas.

Sorrento captivates with its narrow cobblestone streets, lively piazzas, and bustling marinas.

The scent of lemon blossoms and sea air mingles with the aroma of freshly baked pastries and the region’s famous limoncello, creating an atmosphere of pure Italian vitality.

Explore Piazza Tasso, the vibrant centre of town where cafés, gelaterias, and artisan shops pulse with life.

Nearby, historic churches and elegant palaces tell stories of centuries past, while panoramic terraces offer sweeping views of the Bay of Naples, the island of Capri shimmering in the distance, and Mount Vesuvius rising majestically over the coast.

Sorrento is also a town of craftsmanship and tradition. Artisans create intricate woodwork, ceramics, and local delicacies, while vibrant markets and charming boutiques invite visitors to explore the soul of the region.

Winding streets reveal hidden courtyards, fragrant gardens, and quiet corners perfect for savouring a leisurely espresso or watching the golden light of sunset dance across the crystal-clear blue sea.

From the sun-drenched cliffs of the Marina Grande to the peaceful paths overlooking the coastline, Sorrento stunning, natural beauty invites you to slow down and savour every moment in a town that both lively and tranquil, historic and timeless, vibrant and endlessly inviting.

Getting there and getting around

Car hire – The best way to explore Campania is by renting a car, giving you the freedom to discover its diverse landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs and charming villages of the Amalfi Coast, to the volcanic slopes of Mount Vesuvius, the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida, and the historic sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. A car makes it easy to reach hidden gems such as Ravello, Atrani, or the Cilento hills, where public transport is limited and the roads wind through breathtaking scenery.

Public transportation in Campania is however well-developed and connects most major towns and cities. Trains efficiently link Naples with Salerno, Caserta, Benevento, and Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana line, making it simple to move between cultural and historic centers.

Buses reach many smaller towns and coastal villages, while local transport within Naples includes an extensive network of buses, trams, and metro lines.

Taxis are readily available in larger towns, and walking remains the most rewarding way to explore historic centers like Naples, Amalfi, or Procida, where narrow streets, piazzas, and vibrant local life reveal the region’s authentic charm.

Flights from the UK: Approximately 2.5 hours (to Naples).
Nearest airports:

Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR) — smaller but convenient for accessing the Amalfi Coast and Cilento area.

Naples International Airport (NAP) — about 7 km from central Naples, an ideal gateway for exploring the city and the surrounding region.

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Weather

Campania enjoys a wonderfully diverse climate, shaped by its dramatic landscapes, from the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast and the sparkling waters of the Bay of Naples, to the volcanic slopes of Vesuvius and the verdant hills of the interior. This variety makes the region a captivating destination in every season.

Summer in Campania is warm and radiant, with temperatures typically ranging from 26–34°C. It’s the perfect time to bask on the golden beaches of Amalfi, Positano, and Procida, explore the lively streets of Naples, or enjoy alfresco dining in Sorrento or Ravello, where evenings are filled with music, local wine, and sweeping coastal views.

Spring and autumn bring mild, pleasant weather, generally 15–25°C, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. In these seasons, the countryside blooms with wildflowers, vineyards and lemon groves come alive with harvests, and sites like Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the hilltop villages of the Amalfi Coast are at their most atmospheric, with fewer crowds and stunning scenery.

Winter in Campania is generally mild along the coast, with cooler conditions in the inland hills and mountains, ranging between 6–13°C. It’s a peaceful time to explore Naples’ museums, wander the historic streets of Caserta and Salerno, relax among the thermal springs of Ischia, or enjoy festive markets and local celebrations in the region’s smaller towns.

No matter the season, Campania offers something special all year round, from sun-soaked seaside escapes to timeless historical discoveries.

Top ten attractions in Campania…

Pompeii Archaeological Park – The ancient Roman city preserved under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius, offering a fascinating insight into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago.
Amalfi Coast – Join a scenic bus or boat tour to discover Italy’s most iconic coastline, where pastel-colored villages like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello cling to cliffs above turquoise seas.
Naples National Archaeological Museum – One of the most important museums in Italy, housing treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, along with remarkable Roman sculptures and mosaics.
Mount Vesuvius – Hike or take a guided excursion to the summit of Europe’s most famous volcano for sweeping views over the Bay of Naples.
Capri – A glamorous island getaway known for its rugged cliffs, chic boutiques, and the Blue Grotto sea cave glowing with electric-blue light. Boat tours around the island reveal hidden coves and sea arches.
Herculaneum – Smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, this ancient Roman town offers an intimate look at frescoed homes, temples, and baths.
Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) – A UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Baroque architecture featuring grand staircases, lavish halls, and sprawling gardens. Guided palace tours are highly recommended.
Paestum Archaeological Site – One of the best-preserved collections of ancient Greek temples outside Greece, showcasing artifacts from Magna Graecia.
Sorrento – This charming town is known for its citrus groves, lively piazzas, and artisan shops. Take a cooking class or food tour to sample local specialties.
Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Andrea) – A striking cathedral in the heart of Amalfi with Arab-Norman influences, golden mosaics, and a grand staircase.