Campania, in southern Italy, is a region rich in history, culture and breathtaking scenery. From Naples to the Amalfi Coast, via Pompeii and Capri, this region has so much to offer that you won't know where to turn. To help you plan your trip, here are the 15 must-sees in Campania.
1. Naples, a must-see in Campania
Naples, at once turbulent and endearing, irreverent and religious, is a land-locked city by the sea that never ceases to amaze and dazzle. It's more a place to live than to visit, despite its exceptional historical and religious heritage. Churches, museums, gardens, villas, charming alleyways and islands for seaside pleasures: a stay in Naples offers a unique experience and a great slice of life. Dominated by Mount Vesuvius, it's hard to pinpoint the city's identity, so rich is it in the many facets of its history. Let yourself be carried away, settle down in the best traditional restaurants, smile at the somewhat noisy folklore of the Neapolitans, take part in the ritual of the evening stroll and enjoy the improvisation of life in southern Italy! Wondering what to see and do in Naples? Here are the top 18 must-sees!
How to visit Naples in 3 days? Itinerary tips
2. Visit the archaeological park of Pompeii
It's a must-see in Campania : Pompeii isone of the most visited sites in Italy , and undoubtedly one of the most fascinating. It all began in 79 BC, when Vesuvius, still one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted. Its lava and, above all, its ashes buried the Roman village of Pompeii and Herculaneum for ever. The story could have ended there, except that the remains of the Roman village were discovered by chance during excavations in the 17th century. Perfectly preserved, Pompeii is an exceptional testimony to Roman life : objects, roads, mosaics, frescoes, traces of horse-drawn carriages and even bodies frozen for eternity. Tempted? Discover our article dedicated to Visiting Pompeii: practical information you need to know!
3. And the lesser-known Herculaneum!
Herculaneum is another Roman village buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, frozen forever by its ashes. Although smaller than Pompeii, with a cleared surface area of 4.5 hectares, it is just as rich and offers a more intimate experience. What's more, it's better preserved, as it wasn't affected in the same way by the eruption. So you can admire its exceptional villas, some of them spectacular. Herculaneum is even home to a villa said to have belonged to Julius Caesar's father-in-law! If Herculaneum is smaller, it's because a large part of its surface is still buried, as a modern town, Ercolano, has been built on the new surface. To find out more, read our article dedicated to Visiting Herculaneum: practical information you need to know!
See also our article on 20 Unesco World Heritage sites in Europe to discover.
4. Climbing Mount Vesuvius, one of the world's most impressive volcanoes
It'sone of the world's most impressive volcanoes: towering at 1,281 metres, its silhouette has become one of the symbols of southern Italy. It is all the more mythical for being one of only three active volcanoes in Europe. But it's its history that makes it so famous, as one of its eruptions buried Pompeii and Herculaneum under lava. Since then, Vesuvius has erupted again and again, making it the only European volcano to have erupted in the last century. The last eruption took place on March 29, 1944, and its lava flows, now petrified, are still clearly visible on the volcano's flanks. Walking along the volcano's walls offers spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and its islands, such as Capri and Procida, some of Italy's most beautiful scenery. How to visit Mount Vesuvius Find out all our tips for climbing it.
5. What to do in Campania Amalfi, one of the jewels of the peninsula
This is one of the most beautiful places to see on the Amalfi Coast: the town of Amalfi is one of the jewels of the Sorrento Peninsula. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and magnificent cliffs, it offers breathtaking scenery. Every step of the way immerses you in the charm of Italian villages and the authenticity of a small town proud of its traditions. Museums, historic buildings, hiking: there's something for everyone (discover the must-see things to do in Amalfi). The town can easily be visited in a weekend, but don't hesitate to spend a week or two exploring all the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, including Positano, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Switch on Dolce Vita mode, and enjoy!
6. Positano, one of Italy's most spectacular sites
Perched between sea and mountains, Positano is not only one of Italy's most beautiful villages, but also one of its most spectacular sites. Imagine cliffs and peaks bathed in sunlight, whose reflection on the turquoise water seems almost unreal. At the end of a winding, narrow road, Positano reveals itself with its pastel-white houses, clinging to the cliff face like mere outgrowths of the stone. More than just an Italian village, Positano is an architectural miracle. As the writer John Steinbeck wrote: "It's a dream place that doesn't seem real when you're there, and you feel a great nostalgia when you leave it."
What to do and see in Positano? Discover the 13 must-sees!
7. What to do in Campania Praiano, an air of dolce vita
Venturing along the Amalfi coast means abandoning the hustle and bustle of the city for the peace of a landscape suspended between sea and sky, heading for Praiano, another ancient village of the Amalfi Republic with a prestigious past. The two churches in the center, with their earthenware domes, bear magnificent witness to this today. The commune of Praiano stretches along the coast, offering a quieter, less ostentatious atmosphere than its neighbors. You'll breathe an air of dolce vita, tranquillity and serenity. For a swim, head for the Marina di Praia beach and its cove surrounded by imposing cliffs, just outside the village on the way to Amalfi. Nearby, a small, relaxing path offers further bathing spots and makes for a pleasant stroll along the water's edge.
8. Ravello
Founded in the 6th century, Ravello is the embodiment of great style and southern beauty. Heir to an exceptional tradition of craftsmanship, the town boasts elegant churches, remarkable palaces and magnificent gardens (Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone). Perched on the slopes of the Dragone valley, less exposed to the flow of tourists, Ravello unfolds its magic effortlessly, simply inviting the traveler to rise and face the Gulf of Salerno to admire some of the most beautiful scenery on the Mediterranean. In the image of radiant Latin femininity, Ravello naturally seduces.
9. Ischia, one of the wonders of the Italian coast
Among the wonders of the Italian coast, the volcanic island of Ischia stands out as a peaceful jewel on the shores of the Mediterranean. Nicknamed the Green Island, it forms a trio in the Gulf of Naples with Procida and Capri. Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Naples? This is the place to be, although the island is particularly popular in summer. From beaches and nature to thermal baths and charming fishing villages, get ready for a dream holiday. The lush vegetation plunges you into a green and exotic universe, the promise of an idyllic getaway. Let's discover the 15 must-do things to do in Ischia right here.
10. Sorrento, a beautiful cliffside town
Did you know that limoncello originated in the region between Sorrento and Capri? Here, lemon is king! Like neighboring Positano, Sorrento is a beautiful town perched on a cliffside. The wonders of the Amalfi Coast, in south-western Italy, are revealed in a colorful landscape. The higher you climb in the town, the more the view of the Gulf of Naples unfolds, offering an exceptional panorama. From its rich heritage to its natural surroundings, discover the 13 must-do activities in Sorrento during your trip to Campania.
11. Salerno, an ideal location for exploring the coast
The main town in southern Campania offers a relaxed atmosphere in its historic center, as well as good places to sample typical Italian culinary specialties. Its strategic location between the Amalfi Coast, Paestum and Cilento makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the region. Often overlooked by travelers because of its prestigious proximity to the Amalfi Coast to the west and Paestum to the south, Salerno nevertheless boasts an attractive historic center. Accommodation is more economical than on the Amalfi Coast, and there are many good restaurants.
12. Capri, the ideal destination for a romantic vacation
What to do in Campania Located off Italy's Amalfi coast, Capri is the epitome of elegance and romance. Suspended between azure skies and crystal-clear seas, this light-filled island offers breathtaking panoramic views, and the azure waters that surround it make it the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Among the must-sees and must-do's on the island, don't miss the cliffs and sea caves, such as the famous Grotte Bleue, the gardens of Villa San Michele overlooking the sea or the secluded beaches, such as Marina Piccola. You'll see, between jet-set and authenticity, nature and worldliness, Capri is a magical island, steeped in nostalgia.
13. What to do in Campania Visit Caserta and its royal residence
Caserta is synonymous with its magnificent Royal Palace. In the 18th century, Charles de Bourbon, King of Naples, decided to build an immense palace modelled on Versailles. Leading artists, including the famous architect Luigi Vanvitelli, were invited to participate in the project. The architecture of this grandiose reggia, a symbol of royal power, blends two styles: Neapolitan Baroque and Neoclassical. Today, the palace is surrounded by the modern city. Up in the hills, the medieval town of Casertavecchia boasts a 12th-century cathedral incorporating Arab-Sicilian elements and the ruins of a castle.
Discover our Top 10 cities to visit in Italy.
14. Procida and its pretty, colorful houses
What to do in Campania We recommend a visit to Procida for its beautiful fishing villages and colorful houses. With its 3.7 km² and 10,000 inhabitants, it has managed to stay away from mass tourism and is the smallest of the islands in Italy's Bay of Naples. Procida is divided into nine districts, but we particularly recommend the three main ones: Terra Murata (north-east), a medieval village perched at the top of the island near the Abbey of San Michele, Corricella (north-east), and Vivara, the wildest and oldest part , located at the south-western end of the island. The pleasure of wandering through the narrow streets of colorful, tightly-packed houses should seduce even the most jaded traveler.
15. Escape to the Cilento National Park
The Parco del Cilento e Vallo di Diano is Italy's second-largest park, ideal for a moment of relaxation and nature away from the city and seaside resorts. It has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and boasts rare, protected flora and fauna. Throughout its history, the Cilento Park has remained on the sidelines, which is why it is still little known and seldom visited by tourists. This is a pity, as it offers sublime landscapes and breathtaking views of the coast, as well as authentic villages and impressive monuments such as the Carthusian monastery of San Lorenzo and the village of Roschigno Vecchio. The best way to discover the park is to stay in an agriturismo like L'Acquafredda, a typical stone farmhouse right in the middle of the park that will enchant you.
Tempted by this selection? Take a look at our airfares and book now !
