Campania

Campania

Your Ultimate Online Guide to Discovering Campania
Golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, archaeological sites and quaint fishing villages alongside cities steeped in thousands of years of history make Campania an ideal holiday destination.
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Rich in ancient cities, archaeological sites, breathtaking natural landscapes and crystal-clear waters, Campania is the ideal destination for those seeking a journey encompassing history, nature and relaxation. The region, with its magnificent capital Naples, is home to internationally renowned locations such as Capri, Ischia and Positano, alongside charming fishing villages and towns perched on clifftops where time appears to have stood still.

Campania captivates diverse visitors through its sunny atmosphere and rich historical and archaeological heritage, as well as its numerous exclusive destinations offering boutique shopping, artisan shops and luxury hotels perched above the sea. The region also boasts an ancient and extensive culinary tradition that has made it famous worldwide—not just for pizza, friarielli and babà, but also for excellent street food such as cuoppo di mare, pasta fritters and fried pizza.

When to visit Campania

Given the variety of attractions, Campania is a region that can be visited year-round: summer suits those seeking a beach and relaxation holiday, whilst the rest of the year, thanks to milder temperatures, offers the perfect period for a cultural break focused on exploring cities.

Many coastal locations in Campania, along with the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, boast crystal-clear waters and golden beaches with bays nestled between towering cliffs. For those who enjoy diving, there’s the opportunity to explore fascinating seabeds inhabited by diverse marine species where nature and history converge. With Campania’s warm, typically Mediterranean climate, swimming is possible from May through October. Early and late summer months are actually ideal for a beach holiday, as beaches are less crowded and you can find excellent deals on both flights and accommodation.

During the shoulder seasons and winter, Campania is one of the perfect destinations for those interested in a more cultural experience that includes both city visits and archaeological sites. If you’re planning to visit Naples, the famous Via San Gregorio Armeno, known as the Street of Nativity Scenes, is absolutely worth visiting during the Christmas period to admire the celebrated Neapolitan nativity figurines and the beautifully decorated city. Those who love thermal springs and wish to enjoy a wellness retreat can head to Ischia island, which welcomes visitors throughout the year thanks to its thermal waters.

Things to do in Campania

Nature, architecture, history and relaxation: Campania truly offers an extensive heritage for its visitors. The region is famous worldwide for the stunning Amalfi Coast and its islands set within marvellous natural landscapes, yet its long history, clifftop villages and archaeological sites shouldn’t be overlooked either.

The millennia-old history and landscape beauty combined with the atmosphere found in certain locations have made Campania a favourite destination for VIPs and figures from the political and economic spheres, as well as a film set for movies, advertising and commercials. Furthermore, thanks to its scenic beauty and peaceful villages, numerous artists and figures from the music and entertainment world have chosen these small towns for their stays over the years, considering them truly inspiring places.

Naples and Northern Campania

Naples panorama viewed from Vomero

The regional capital and largest city is Naples, home to the Capodichino international airport that connects the region to many Italian and European cities and serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the area. The Parthenopean city, with its folklore, history and traditions, is an absolute must-visit during a trip to Campania.

From Naples, main connections depart not only to the Gulf Islands, by both ferry and hydrofoil, but also to many towns along the Amalfi Coast. From this city, the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are easily reachable as day trips, as are cities such as Caserta, with its beautiful Royal Palace, and Benevento with its truly unique historical and artistic heritage.

Amalfi Coast

The village of Positano, on the Amalfi Coast

Along the coastline stretching from Positano to the town of Vietri sul Mare lies the celebrated and picturesque Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts renowned destinations and small towns nestled between mountains and sea. Currently the coast comprises 14 municipalities: Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, Vietri sul Mare and Agerola. The name derives from the beautiful town of Amalfi, which is not only the geographical heart but also the historical hub of the coast—a picturesque location positioned with a stunning sea view.

Positano, another celebrated coastal town, is characterised by narrow winding streets, small boutiques and viewpoints offering breathtaking coastal vistas. Less famous but equally charming are the town of Vietri sul Mare, a characteristic fishing village renowned worldwide for its ceramics, Praiano, a small village perched above the sea concealing beautiful beaches, and Ravello, a town that has attracted artists, musicians and creatives over the years and is famous for the Ravello Music Festival and its splendid villas.

Cilento and Southern Campania

The historic centre of Agropoli, in Cilento

The area of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park is a natural area declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 that encompasses a vast territory characterised by diverse environments.

In southern Campania you can admire not only the beautiful city of Salerno, famous for its historical heritage, but also the wonderful archaeological site of Paestum and several areas of extraordinary natural beauty such as the Calore Gorges. Don’t miss a visit to the villages such as Pioppi, Pisciotta and Acciaroli, and the historic town of Castellabate. Finally, we recommend setting aside a few days for relaxation on its beautiful beaches, such as Punta Licosa and the splendid Baia del Buon Dormire.

Sea in Campania, locations with the most beautiful beaches

The Furore fjord

Campania is a region many choose as a travel destination because it’s the ideal location for a holiday combining culture, nature and relaxation. For variety and water quality, Campania is an excellent choice for those wishing to organise a seaside holiday, given the numerous beaches that hold the Blue Flag designation.

If you want to enjoy beaches along the Campanian coast you’ll be spoilt for choice: from the celebrated and marvellous Amalfi Coast beaches to the paradisiacal beaches of Cilento. Positano, Amalfi, Castellabate and Salerno are all coastal towns that allow you to combine cultural visits with peaceful beach days. Those seeking a holiday focused on sea and relaxation will be enchanted by the charming and small fishing villages like Atrani or Vietri sul Mare.

The Campanian Islands

The village of Sant’Angelo in Ischia

As for the islands, Campania can boast the presence of Capri, Ischia and Procida, easily reached from Naples, which offer marvellous natural landscapes.

Capri, an island now famous worldwide for its elegant and almost exclusive environment, is known for the beautiful rock formations that rise from its coast, whilst Ischia attracts travellers from across Europe not only for its crystal-clear sea but also for its thermal springs.

Finally Procida, an island that has managed to maintain an authentic atmosphere where time seems to have stopped, features colourful houses clinging to clifftops, small hidden bays nestled between high cliffs and the island of Vivara, a protected oasis that is home to rare plants and numerous wild animals.

Archaeological sites in Campania

Fresco at Pompeii

A region with ancient origins, Campania was once part of Magna Graecia, a domain of the Roman Empire and later home to one of the most important maritime republics, Amalfi. From its ancient and sometimes turbulent past, this land preserves a precious historical and archaeological heritage.

Pompeii and Herculaneum are two emblematic locations from this past: having vanished with the eruption of Vesuvius, they now host two important archaeological sites that have revealed what these two cities were like thousands of years ago when they belonged to the Roman empire. Also Paestum, a town along the Cilento coast, features an archaeological site with temples dating to Magna Graecia and other Roman-era remains that we can still admire today in excellent condition.

Don’t forget Benevento which is home to the Roman Theatre, commissioned by Hadrian in the early 2nd century and still used for musical and theatrical events, and Trajan’s Arch, a structure built around 114 AD to commemorate the opening of the Appian Way connecting Benevento to Brindisi.

How to get to Campania

The city of Naples, the regional capital of Campania, is home to the Naples-Capodichino international airport that connects the region to many cities in Italy and across Europe. One of the best ways to reach Campania is indeed by low-cost flight from one of the Italian airports (Venice, Milan, Bologna, Palermo…) with a direct flight to Naples.

Another alternative is to reach the region by train. Thanks to the high-speed railway network, Naples and Salerno are connected to other Italian cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan and Turin, whilst regional train lines connect Campanian towns to other locations in southern and central Italy.

Those who prefer to travel by sea can reach the ports of Naples and Salerno by ship from major Italian and Mediterranean ports.

Alternatively, Campania is also easily accessible by car: from northern Italy take the A1 Motorway Milan-Naples, whilst those arriving from the south can use the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria, or if coming from Puglia the A16, which connects the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic Sea.

Finally, there are also long-distance coach routes from companies such as Flixbus that connect major Campanian cities to other Italian locations such as Venice, Milan, Rome and Bari.

Where to stay in Campania

Campania offers all its visitors a wide range of accommodation options to suit every need: from luxury hotels to small family-run properties, from apartments to holiday homes with swimming pools. Depending on the type of trip you’re planning, you can choose to stay in the city to be close to the main cultural attractions, in seaside resorts where you can easily reach the beaches, or in a quiet village surrounded by countryside. The major cities and most famous coastal resorts offer plenty of choice, whilst smaller villages have a more limited number of properties.

Naples is an ideal base for a stay in Campania, as it allows you to reach numerous destinations in a day trip, including Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius and the Sorrento Peninsula. If you’re planning to stay on the Amalfi Coast, in towns such as Amalfi or Positano, we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance, as rooms can be hard to find during the high season, and prices aren’t always reasonable.

Capri, considered a luxury destination, is home to numerous upmarket hotels with breathtaking sea views that often require a substantial budget, while Ischia, famous for its thermal tourism, offers a variety of properties at different price points. Finally, in the Cilento area, you can choose between accommodation in seaside resorts such as Marina di Camerota, Palinuro or Castellabate, or quieter inland villages surrounded by the greenery of the Cilento National Park.

Whatever location you choose for your trip to Campania, we recommend booking your accommodation in advance, especially in seaside resorts, so you can find the property that best suits your budget and needs.

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Where is Campania located

Campania is a region in southern Italy, bordered to the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region is bordered to the north-west by Lazio, to the north by Molise, to the east by Puglia and to the south-east by Basilicata.

For your holiday in Campania

Top Things to Do in Campania

Top Things to Do in Campania

A region steeped in history, Campania is a destination that captivates its visitors with its stunning beaches, historic cities, archaeological sites and natural landscapes.
Best Beach Destinations in Campania

Best Beach Destinations in Campania

From the Sorrentine Peninsula to the Amalfi Coast, from Cilento to Capri, the entire Campania coastline offers truly exceptional seaside destinations with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Naples

Naples

Famous for its folklore and ancient traditions, Naples is a seaside city that boasts wonderful historical, cultural and artistic heritage.
Where to stay in Campania

Where to stay in Campania

From the Amalfi Coast to Cilento, from the Islands to Campania's main cities: here's a guide to the best places to stay during a trip to Campania!
Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast

Salerno

Salerno

Caserta

Caserta

Cilento

Cilento

Best beaches in Campania

Best beaches in Campania

Islands of Campania

Islands of Campania

The most beautiful villages in Campania

The most beautiful villages in Campania

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Campania

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Campania

How to save on transport and entrance fees

City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.

Campania: Artecard 3 - 7 Day or Gold/Lite 365 City Pass
Campania: Artecard 3 - 7 Day or Gold/Lite 365 City Pass
Discover Campania and Naples with a pass to visit 40 cultural sites and public transport (included only in the 3-day pass).
From 27,00 €