Campania Travel Guide
Region Southern Italian region containing Naples and Amalfi Coast
Naples’ pizza, Pompeii’s ruins and the Amalfi Coast’s cliff roads draw visitors to Campania; Capri’s grottos, Vesuvius hikes and fresh seafood along the Tyrrhenian make it a mix of history and coastal escape.
Why Visit Campania #
Neapolitan pizza in Naples is a pilgrimage: soft, charred crusts baked in wood-fired ovens at spots like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo. Eat standing at the counter or find a local osteria; the pizza is simple, immediate and often better than its reputation. Skip overly touristy places and follow local queues.
Drive or boat the Amalfi Coast to see vertical towns like Positano and Ravello clinging to steep cliffs, with lemon terraces and hidden beaches. Hike the Path of the Gods for sweeping views and take a ferry to Amalfi or Sorrento for seafood and limoncello. Expect crowds, but the scenery still rewards the effort.
Walk through Pompeii’s streets and Herculaneum’s better-preserved houses to see Roman life frozen by Vesuvius in AD 79. Herculaneum feels more intact and less crowded; Pompeii’s scale is impressive. Combine both sites with a hike up Vesuvius for geological context and panorama over the Bay of Naples.
Capri mixes upscale piazzas with dramatic sea caves; a small rowboat through the Blue Grotto is touristy but worth it if you manage timing and price. Walk up to Villa Jovis or take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for expansive views. Visit early in the day to avoid cruise-ship rushes.
A short hike on Mount Vesuvius puts you on the rim of an active volcano with direct views into the crater and across the bay to Naples. Trails are accessible from parking at the summit road, and the walk takes less than an hour from the car park. Go early to beat heat and tour buses.
Who's Campania For?
The Amalfi Coast, Capri and Positano are quintessential romantic escapes, with cliffside hotels and boat trips ideal for honeymoons or anniversary getaways.
Shallow beaches, ferry connections and Pompeii’s archaeological park make Campania accessible for families. Small towns are walkable but involve steep stairs.
Naples has budget lodgings and lively street life for backpackers. Regional trains link Pompeii and Sorrento, supporting affordable coastal circuits.
Naples and Salerno offer some coworking and decent internet, but smaller coastal towns lack infrastructure for reliable long-term remote work.
Campania is gastronomic gold: authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh seafood, and pastries like sfogliatella. Markets in Naples are irresistible to food lovers.
Hiking Vesuvius, the Sentiero degli Dei and coastal sea-caving provide strong adventure options. Rock and sea activities combine accessible thrills.
Naples’ late-night bars and summer beach parties along the coast enliven warm months. Expect lively local music and seaside celebrations.
The dramatic Amalfi cliffs, Capri’s marine reserves and Cilento’s national parks offer varied coastal and Mediterranean landscapes for nature lovers.
Top Cities in Campania
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Regions of Campania #
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a tight ribbon of dramatic cliffs, lemon groves and stacked villages that define iconic southern Italian coastal scenery. Days revolve around cliffside drives, narrow stairways and sea views while evenings bring fresh seafood and limoncello. It’s postcard-perfect but can be very crowded in summer.
Top Spots
- Positano - Cliffside houses, pebble beaches and postcard vistas.
- Amalfi - Historical maritime town with cathedral and busy harbour.
- Ravello - Cliff-top gardens and one of the coast’s best panoramas.
Naples & Bay
Naples is raw, thrilling and the culinary engine of Campania: chaotic streets, historic sites and fantastic food. Use the city as a base for Pompeii and the islands, but spend time exploring its undergrounds, bakeries and bustling markets. The Bay of Naples is a compact region where ancient and modern collide.
Top Spots
- Naples - Volcanic, boisterous city with world-class pizza and archaeology museums.
- Capodimonte - Museum and sweeping bay views.
- Castel dell’Ovo - Historic castle with seaside promenades.
Sorrento Peninsula
The Sorrento Peninsula bridges the city and coast: easy ferries to Capri, charming towns and archaeological must-sees like Pompeii and Herculaneum. Its terraces and sea views make it a favorite for relaxed basing, combining beaches and ancient history with short excursions to nearby islands.
Top Spots
- Sorrento - Cliff-top town with marina, lemon groves and ferry links.
- Pompeii - World-famous ruins of a Roman city frozen by Vesuvius.
- Herculaneum - Better-preserved alternative to Pompeii with cooler crowds.
Islands
Capri, Ischia and Procida offer three island personalities: Capri’s glamour, Ischia’s thermal resorts and Procida’s undisturbed charm. Boat trips, coastal walks and seaside dining dominate. Islands are a great way to escape mainland bustle while sampling Mediterranean island life and superb views.
Top Spots
- Capri - Glamorous island of blue grottos, chic boutiques and dramatic cliffs.
- Ischia - Thermal springs, gardens and a mellow island vibe.
- Procida - Colourful, compact island with an authentic feel.
Cilento
South of the Amalfi Coast, Cilento is quieter and more rugged with long beaches, Greek ruins and a national park that preserves coastal villages and inland hills. Travelers come for relaxed beaches, archaeological sites like Paestum and a more local, slow-paced slice of Campania away from the crowds.
Top Spots
- Paestum - Remarkable ancient Greek temples set amid plains.
- Acciaroli - Quiet fishing village and seaside restaurants.
- Cilento Coast - Less-crowded beaches and national park access.
Top Things to Do in Campania
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- Pompeii archaeological site - Extensive Roman city ruins preserved by ash, offering streets, houses, frescoes and vivid daily-life insight.
- Positano (Amalfi Coast) - Cliffside village of pastel houses, winding stairways, and coastal viewpoints along the SS163 Amalfi drive.
- Naples historic center - Chaotic UNESCO-listed historic center where street life, churches, and authentic Neapolitan pizza intersect.
- Mount Vesuvius - Active volcano with hiking trails to the crater rim offering panoramic views over Bay of Naples.
- Capri and the Blue Grotto - Island reachable by ferry, known for jagged coastline, upscale shops, and the Blue Grotto sea cave.
- Paestum Greek temples - Well-preserved ancient Greek temples set amid countryside, with a museum housing impressive archaeological finds.
- Procida island - Tiny colorful island with authentic fishing villages, quieter beaches, and cinematic pastel waterfronts.
- Ravello - Perched mountain town offering peaceful gardens, classical-music heritage, and expansive Amalfi coastal panoramas.
- Reggia di Caserta (Royal Palace) - Enormous 18th-century palace and formal gardens rivaling Versailles, with grand staircases and fountains.
- Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei) and Solfatara - Volcanic area west of Naples with fumaroles, Pozzuoli amphitheatre, and mineral-rich thermal sites.
- Cilento Coast and Palinuro caves - Less-developed southern coastline featuring sea caves, remote beaches, and excellent swimming and boat excursions.
- Monte Faito cable car - Short cable-car ride rising from Castellammare di Stabia to mountain trails and sweeping bay views.
- SS163 Amalfi Coast drive - SS163 Amalfi Coast drive, roughly fifty kilometers of cliff-hugging road between Sorrento and Amalfi.
- Sorrento-Capri-Positano boat circuit - Day boat circuit linking Sorrento, Capri, and Positano, ideal for coastal grottos and seaside viewpoints.
- Naples-Pompeii-Vesuvius-Herculaneum circuit - Short archaeological circuit from Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius, spanning roughly thirty to sixty kilometers.
- Sorrentine Peninsula coastal loop - Coastal drive around the Sorrentine Peninsula with lemon groves, marinas, and dramatic seaside overlooks in a day.
Planning Your Trip to Campania #
Weekend Campania Itinerary
Fast-paced Campania weekend: Naples for food and history, Pompeii's ruins, and a scenic stretch of the Amalfi Coast to Sorrento or Positano for coastal charm.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Naples; pizza in Spaccanapoli and historic centre.
- Day 2 - Daytrip Pompeii ruins and Mount Vesuvius viewpoint.
- Day 3 - Sorrento short visit or Amalfi Coast drive to Positano.
1 Week Campania Itinerary
One-week Campania circuit: Naples food and history, Pompeii and Herculaneum, then Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast with Ravello and a Capri island daytrip for sea and gardens.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Naples; Castel dell'Ovo and waterfront.
- Day 2 - Pompeii full day exploration.
- Day 3 - Herculaneum and Vesuvius excursion.
- Day 4 - Sorrento base; local limoncello tasting.
- Day 5 - Drive Amalfi Coast: Positano and Amalfi towns.
- Day 6 - Ravello gardens and coastal viewpoints.
- Day 7 - Daytrip to Capri by ferry; Blue Grotto or Anacapri.
2 Weeks Campania Itinerary
Two-week Campania journey: Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum, Capri and Ischia island days, Amalfi Coast towns, Paestum ruins and Cilento beaches for history, sea, and thermal stops.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Naples; evening historic centre walk.
- Day 2 - Pompeii full-day archaeological visit.
- Day 3 - Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius hike.
- Day 4 - Ferry to Capri; Anacapri and island beaches.
- Day 5 - Return to Sorrento; local workshops and coastal strolls.
- Day 6 - Amalfi Drive: Positano, Amalfi and evening Ravello.
- Day 7 - Relax in Ravello gardens and viewpoints.
- Day 8 - Head south to Paestum Greek temples exploration.
- Day 9 - Visit Cilento coast towns and beaches.
- Day 10 - Salerno historic centre and waterfront.
- Day 11 - Daytrip to Ischia via Pozzuoli ferry.
- Day 12 - Explore Ischia thermal springs and gardens.
- Day 13 - Return to Naples; final shopping and museums.
- Day 14 - Depart from Naples.
Best Time to Visit Campania #
Campania has a Mediterranean climate on the coast-hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters-while inland and higher elevations are cooler. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times for coastal travel and archaeological sites; summer is peak season for beaches and islands.
January
January is cool and relatively wet along the coast and in Naples; inland hill towns are cooler with occasional frost at higher elevations. Tourist numbers are low outside of major cities and religious sites.
Events
No major festivals this month.
February
February remains cool with regular rain showers; Carnival events occur in towns across Italy and some local festivities may be held. It's a quieter month for the Amalfi Coast, with lower hotel rates.
Events
No major festivals this month.
March
March brings milder weather and the start of spring blooms; rain is still possible but days become gradually warmer. It's a good time for visiting archaeological sites and cities without summer crowds.
Events
No major festivals this month.
April
April offers pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than summer, making it a great month for coastal drives and visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum. Spring festivals and Easter processions draw regional interest.
Events
No major festivals this month.
May
May is warm and largely dry, ideal for coastal excursions, hiking the Amalfi Path of the Gods and exploring towns before peak season. Outdoor terraces and boat trips become popular.
Events
- Maggio dei Monumenti (Naples) - Maggio dei Monumenti features extended openings and events around Naples' historic sites during May.
June
June brings reliably warm weather on the coast and in Naples, with long daylight hours perfect for beach visits and island hops to Capri and Ischia. Expect increasing visitor numbers toward the end of the month.
Events
No major festivals this month.
July
July is hot, especially inland and in the cities; coastal breezes ease temperatures on the Amalfi Coast but beaches and ferries are crowded. Book accommodations in advance for coastal towns.
Events
- Ferragosto (public holiday) - Ferragosto (Aug 15) marks the peak summer holiday period around which many Italians take vacations; July is a busy summer month leading into it.
August
August is the height of summer: very hot and crowded on the coastline and islands, with many Italians vacationing at the same time. Some smaller businesses may close for a portion of August.
Events
- Ferragosto (public holiday) - Ferragosto on August 15 is a major summer holiday with beach and village celebrations across the region.
September
September is a favorite month for many visitors: temperatures remain warm but the summer crowds begin to thin, and sea conditions are still good for swimming. It's an excellent time for coastal drives and food-focused travel.
Events
- Feast of San Gennaro (Naples) - Feast of San Gennaro (Sept 19) is an important religious celebration in Naples with processions and local ceremonies.
October
October sees cooler temperatures and increasing rainfall, especially later in the month; vineyards and orchards are active during the harvest season inland. Tourist numbers taper off, making it pleasant for sightseeing.
Events
No major festivals this month.
November
November is cooler and wetter with fewer tourists; cultural attractions in Naples remain accessible and hotels often offer lower rates. Some coastal facilities close for the season.
Events
No major festivals this month.
December
December is cool with frequent rain and the start of holiday markets and religious observances; higher elevations may be noticeably colder. It's a good month for cultural visits and seasonal events in cities.
Events
- Nativity markets (San Gregorio Armeno, Naples) - Naples' San Gregorio Armeno is famous for artisan nativity scene workshops and lively Christmas market activity through December.
Getting to & Around Campania #
Most travelers fly to Naples International (NAP) or arrive by train at Napoli Centrale or Salerno; the Circumvesuviana connects Naples with Pompeii and Sorrento. Ferries from Naples and Sorrento provide direct access to Capri, Ischia and Procida.
Campania combines busy urban areas with coastal and island destinations; narrow, winding coastal roads (Amalfi Drive) and reliance on ferries for islands make sea and regional rail often more practical than driving for tourists. Expect congested streets in Naples and seasonal crowds on coastal routes.
- Airports - Campania’s main airport is Naples International (NAP) serving international and domestic flights; Salerno has limited regional services. Many visitors combine air travel with rail or car to reach the Amalfi Coast and inland towns.
- Trains & Regional Rail - Trenitalia serves Napoli Centrale and Salerno for national connections; the private Circumvesuviana regional line links Naples with Pompeii and Sorrento and is vital for visiting Vesuvius and the Sorrentine Peninsula.
- Ferries - Ferries and hydrofoils from Naples (Molo Beverello) and Sorrento connect to islands (Capri, Ischia, Procida) and some Amalfi Coast ports; operators include several local companies - boats are often faster than road travel for island and coastal hops.
- Buses & Local Transit - SITA and local bus services serve the Amalfi Drive and inland towns, but roads are narrow and buses can be slow; in the Amalfi area, consider local ferries or small-group transfers to avoid congested coastal roads.
Where to Stay in Campania #
Campania offers coastal Amalfi and island Capri luxury along with Naples’ budget-friendly stays and heritage hotels near Pompeii. Expect high seasonal demand on the Amalfi Coast and Capri; inland areas like Benevento have quieter, more affordable options.
Naples provides the best city hotel selection, from budget inns in the historic centre to mid-range hotels near the waterfront and train stations-convenient for Pompeii and day trips to Capri.
Positano, Amalfi and Ravello feature boutique cliffside hotels and family-run B&Bs with sea views; prices surge in summer and during festivals, so book early for May-September stays.
Capri and Sorrento have numerous villas and private apartments for groups seeking privacy and sea views-useful for longer stays or peak-season travel when hotel availability is limited.
Budget hostels and simple guesthouses are available in Naples and Sorrento for backpackers and budget travellers, often within walking distance of major transport links.
Inland Campania near Avellino and Benevento offers agriturismos and farmhouse stays-good for quieter countryside experiences and sampling local wines and produce away from coastal crowds.