Campania sits right in the heart of Southern Italy and, honestly, it’s a place that’s pulled me back over and over since my first visit. You’ll find everything here—from the haunting ruins of Pompeii under the watchful eye of Mount Vesuvius to the sun-soaked beaches of Capri and the winding cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Somehow, this region squeezes in more culture and natural beauty than you’d ever expect.
If you’re into history, dreaming of the perfect slice of pizza in Naples, or just want to float in crystal-clear waters, Campania’s got you covered with unforgettable experiences and that warm, sometimes-chaotic Southern Italian charm.
Strolling through Campania’s old streets, I can’t help but notice how the past and present just blend together. One minute, I’m sipping espresso at a noisy café; the next, I’m wandering through Roman villas where ancient frescoes still pop with color.
It’s like the whole region is an open-air museum, but with real life buzzing all around you.
Campania’s diversity really stands out to me. Somehow, in just one day, you can visit royal palaces in Naples, hike a volcano, and then swim off the coast of Positano as the sun goes down.
Every time I travel here, I realize Campania isn’t just a spot on the map—it’s a full-on sensory adventure through some of Italy’s liveliest landscapes and traditions.
Unveiling Ancient Ruins and Archaeological Wonders
Campania holds some of Italy’s most precious archaeological treasures, where ancient civilizations left their mark in ruins that feel frozen in time.
These sites give you a real peek into daily life from thousands of years ago.
Exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum
Pompeii is a wild experience. You step onto streets and into homes that Mount Vesuvius buried in ash back in 79 AD. I still remember being stunned by the murals—so detailed, so alive.
Herculaneum, which sits just down the road from Pompeii, actually preserves more wooden beams and even some second stories. It feels smaller, quieter, and honestly, a bit more personal.
Both places are packed with details: ancient snack bars, graffiti, and even those eerie casts of people caught in their final moments. If you go, try to get there early to dodge the crowds and the worst of the heat.
The audio guides really help you make sense of what you’re seeing.
The Legacy of Paestum and the Etruscans
Paestum blew me away with its three massive Greek temples rising out of the countryside. Built between 550 and 450 BC, they’re some of the best-preserved Greek ruins anywhere—maybe even better than what you’ll find in Greece.
Right next to the site, the archaeological museum displays the famous “Tomb of the Diver,” a 2,500-year-old painted tomb showing ancient banquets and a mysterious plunge into the afterlife. It’s genuinely moving.
Most people skip the old city walls, but they’re worth a look. You can actually see how the Greeks and Romans built this once-bustling coastal hub.
Marvels of Ancient Acropoli
The Bay of Naples area hides a few lesser-known acropoli that are absolutely worth your time. Cumae, the first Greek colony on Italy’s mainland, has a cave where the Sibyl, a legendary oracle, once gave her prophecies.
At Baia, the archaeological park uncovers the remains of Roman thermal baths where emperors came to unwind. Today, much of Baia sits underwater thanks to volcanic shifts, so you can even dive or snorkel among the ruins.
I particularly liked exploring the ruins at Stabiae, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the bay. The frescoes here are stunning and, best of all, you can enjoy them without elbowing your way through crowds.
Coastal Charms: Discovering the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast stretches out along the Tyrrhenian Sea, a vibrant ribbon of color and history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves up views that honestly seem too perfect to be real—cliffs plunging into blue water, pastel towns clinging to impossible slopes.
Enchanting Towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello
Amalfi, right at the heart of the coast, greets you with its massive 9th-century cathedral looming over the main square. I loved ducking down narrow lanes lined with shops selling handmade paper—a tradition that’s been around forever here.
Positano totally charmed me. The buildings tumble down the hillside in soft colors right to the beach. Standing on the sand, looking back at the stacked houses, is a view I’ll never forget. Wear comfy shoes; those “streets” are really just endless staircases.
Ravello sits high above everything, offering the most jaw-dropping panoramas I’ve ever seen. The gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone are perfect spots to just sit and soak in the endless blue.
If you want something quieter, check out Minori and Maiori. They’re more laid-back, with lovely beaches and a real local vibe.
Sorrento and Local Lemon Groves
Sorrento makes a great base for exploring the coast. I love starting here—the hotels perch on cliffs, and the views over the Bay of Naples are unreal. The town itself feels more open than Amalfi or Positano, with broad piazzas and lots of shops.
The hills around Sorrento overflow with lemon groves. These aren’t your average lemons—they’re huge, super fragrant, and central to the local food scene. I toured a family-run grove and learned how they’ve kept the tradition alive for generations.
You can’t leave without trying limoncello, the zesty local liqueur. I watched a producer peel lemons by hand, carefully avoiding the bitter white pith. Most shops hand out samples, but I think the small-batch stuff made from old recipes is the real deal.
Idyllic Island Escapes: Capri, Ischia, and Procida
Just off Campania’s coast, three islands sparkle in the Bay of Naples—each with its own personality. I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite.
Capri and the Blue Grotto
My first glimpse of Capri from the ferry was unforgettable. Sheer limestone cliffs rise straight out of the sea, and you can see why Roman emperors fell in love with this place.
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is pure magic. You have to duck down in a rowboat to enter, but once inside, sunlight turns the water an electric blue that doesn’t seem real.
Capri Town buzzes with life, especially around the Piazzetta, where everyone comes to see and be seen.
For the best views, I hopped on the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point. The panorama over the Tyrrhenian Sea stretched forever.
Wellness and Adventure on Ischia
Ischia, the “Green Island,” feels much more relaxed than Capri. It’s volcanic, dotted with thermal springs and healing mud that have drawn visitors for ages.
I spent a lazy afternoon at Negombo Thermal Park, drifting between hot and cold pools while looking out over the sea. Locals swear these waters cure everything from sore joints to skin problems.
If you’re into hiking, climb Mount Epomeo for sweeping island views. I also found some tucked-away beaches you can only reach by boat.
The medieval Aragonese Castle, perched on a rocky islet and connected to Ischia by a stone bridge, was a highlight for me. Wandering its old corridors, I felt like I’d slipped back in time.
Colorful Retreats on Procida
Procida, the smallest of the three, won me over with its laid-back authenticity. Tourists haven’t overrun it, so you get a real sense of local life.
Marina Corricella, the main fishing port, glows with rows of pastel houses stacked up from the water. I spent ages just taking photos and eating fresh seafood at little waterfront spots.
Terra Murata, the old fortified village, sits on Procida’s highest point. Wandering its narrow alleys, I stumbled on some of the best views of the bay.
The beaches are small but beautiful. Chiaiolella Beach, with its dark volcanic sand, was my favorite place to unwind.
Naples: Art, Culture, and Gastronomy
Naples is a whirlwind of art, history, and food—sometimes all at once. The city pulses with energy, and you can feel its traditions everywhere, from its museums to its street food stalls.
Museums, Art Galleries, and Festivals
The National Archaeological Museum in Naples blew my mind with its collection of ancient treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Alexander Mosaic alone is worth the visit.
You’ll find more than just ancient art here. The Capodimonte Museum displays works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian in a grand old palace surrounded by leafy gardens.
Street art pops up everywhere, especially in the Spanish Quarters. Murals of Maradona have become local icons, and even the alleyways feel like open-air galleries.
If you’re in town in September, check out the Festival of San Gennaro. Locals pack the streets to witness the “miracle” of the saint’s blood liquefying—a wild, passionate celebration.
Image Source: Tripadvisor
Culinary Delights: Pizza, Pasta, and Seafood
Naples invented pizza, and you absolutely have to try the real thing here. Look for pizzerias with the “Vera Pizza Napoletana” sign. The classic Margherita—just tomato, mozzarella, and basil—shows why UNESCO put this tradition on its list.
Some local pasta dishes you shouldn’t miss:
- Pasta alla Genovese (a rich onion sauce)
- Spaghetti alle vongole (clams)
- Paccheri with ragù
The city’s right on the sea, so the seafood’s always fresh. I loved watching fishermen haul in their catch at Porta Nolana market, then tasting it in nearby trattorias.
Street food is everywhere. Try crocchè (potato croquettes), pizza fritta (fried pizza), and flaky sfogliatelle pastries as you wander the city.
Practical Travel Guide to Campania
Getting around Campania is pretty straightforward, but a bit of planning goes a long way—especially during busy months. I’ve learned that picking the right transport, finding the best places to stay, and timing your trip well can make all the difference.
Getting Around: Ferries, Roads, and Private Transfers
You’ve got options in Campania. Ferries are the easiest way to hop between Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Naples runs regular services to all three, and they ramp up in the summer.
On the mainland, the Circumvesuviana train links Naples with Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento. It’s cheap, but it gets packed.
For the twisty Amalfi Coast road, I usually splurge on a private transfer. These drivers know every curve and will stop at scenic overlooks that buses just pass by.
Renting a car gives you freedom, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The roads are narrow, parking is scarce, and those ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas) can be a headache.
Image Source: Flickr
Where to Stay: From Boutique Hotels to Beachside Villas
Campania’s accommodation scene runs the gamut. Naples has everything from five-star hotels to affordable hostels—just stick to neighborhoods like Chiaia or the historic center for safety.
If you’re looking for romance, Positano’s cliffside boutique hotels are hard to beat. Yes, they’re expensive, but the views are unreal.
Families often go for villas in quieter towns like Massa Lubrense or Vico Equense. Many of these places date back to World War II and have been lovingly restored.
On a budget? Sorrento and Salerno offer good prices and make solid bases for exploring pricier spots.
When to Visit and Key Events
The sweet spot for visiting Campania is May-June or September-October. You’ll get great weather and thinner crowds compared to the summer rush.
Spring brings a ton of festivals celebrating everything from lemons to local saints. The Ravello Festival (July-September) is a highlight, with classical concerts in jaw-dropping gardens.
If you come in winter, you’ll have Naples’ museums and underground sights almost to yourself. December’s Christmas markets and nativity scenes (presepi) make the city feel extra magical.
Easter week is a big deal here, especially in Sorrento and Procida—don’t miss the processions if you’re around.
If you’re after beach time, keep in mind that most coastal spots only open from mid-May to mid-October.
