CAMPANIA
This region is the birthplace of pizza, home to an astonishing 3,000 years of history, and framed by one of the world’s most stunning coastlines. This guide helps you navigate the vibrant chaos of Naples, explore ancient Roman ruins, and indulge in world-class cuisine along the glorious Bay of Naples.
Why Visit Campania?
Ancient History: Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The Amalfi Coast: Drive or cruise this legendary stretch of coastline, famous for its dramatic cliffs, colorful vertical villages like Positano, and turquoise waters.
World-Class Cuisine: Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and the incredible produce grown in the fertile volcanic soil.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit for warm, pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and hiking the coastal trails, with moderate crowds and prices.
Peak Season (June-August): Be prepared for very hot weather and the highest prices. The region, especially the Amalfi Coast and Capri, is crowded, but the sea is at its warmest for swimming.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. Some smaller tourist services (ferries, hotels) may be closed.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Naples (Napoli)
The vibrant, chaotic, and beautiful regional capital is a city of contrasts, known for its historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and its world-famous food scene. Naples is the ideal hub for exploring the entire region.
Your Smart Tip: To experience the city’s true soul, ditch the tourist restaurants. Grab a quick, cheap, and authentic espresso standing al banco (at the bar counter) and try the city’s fantastic street food like frittatina di pasta.
Pompeii, Herculaneum & Mount Vesuvius
The twin Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were perfectly preserved by the ash of Mount Vesuvius’s 79 AD eruption. The active volcano itself is open for hikes to the crater rim.
Your Smart Tip: Visit Herculaneum (Ercolano) first. It’s smaller, better preserved, less crowded than Pompeii, and gives you a powerful, intimate look into Roman life.
Islands: Capri, Ischia & Procida
These magnificent islands are a short ferry ride from the mainland. Capri is the most glamorous, famous for its Blue Grotto; Ischia is known for its thermal hot springs and dramatic Castello Aragonese; and tiny Procida is a charming, colorful fishing village.
Your Smart Tip: Stay overnight on Ischia for the best value. The island is less expensive than Capri and offers a wonderful mix of spas, beaches, and historic sites.
The Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Peninsula
A legendary stretch of mountains plunging into the sea, featuring cliffside villages like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The nearby town of Sorrento is a perfect base for exploring the coast and the islands.
Your Smart Tip: Instead of relying solely on the crowded coastal bus, use the ferries or hydrofoils to travel between the towns. It’s often faster, less stressful, and offers magnificent sea views.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Campania has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot, and dry summers and short, mild, and rainy winters. The sea is warm enough for swimming from June through October.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Standard Italian is spoken everywhere, but the local Neapolitan dialect is common. Most people involved in tourism speak English.
Dining: Dinner is usually served late, rarely before 7:30 PM. A cover charge (coperto) is common at sit-down restaurants. It is a service charge, and a separate tip is not mandatory but appreciated.
Dress: When visiting churches, both men and women should have their shoulders and knees covered. Italians tend to dress smartly, so leave the overly casual clothing for the beach.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$50), mid-range hotels ($90–$160), luxury ($200+). Prices are significantly higher on the Amalfi Coast and Capri, especially in summer.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$50 per person), street food pizza/snack ($3–$8).
Transport: Local train/bus ticket ($1.50–$4), ferry (local $10–$25).
Activities: Archaeological sites ($18–$25), boat tour/day trip ($70+).
Daily Budget:
Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, street food, public transport).
Mid-range: $150–$250 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
Luxury: $300+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train: The Circumvesuviana is a private railway connecting Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento. Fast national trains connect Naples with Salerno.
By Ferry/Boat: This is the most scenic way to travel between Naples, the islands (Capri, Ischia, Procida), and the Amalfi Coast towns.
By Car: While a car is useful for exploring inland Campania, driving and parking on the Amalfi Coast is notoriously difficult, expensive, and not recommended in peak season.
Must-Try Food
Pizza Napoletana: The authentic Neapolitan pizza, with a soft, thin center and a high, airy crust (cornicione). The simple Margherita is the classic.
Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP: Fresh mozzarella made from the milk of water buffalo.
Spaghetti alle Vongole: Spaghetti with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes a hint of chili and cherry tomatoes.
Parmigiana di Melanzane: Layers of fried eggplant baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Soft potato dumplings baked in a tomato sauce with melted mozzarella and basil.
Frittura di Paranza: A mix of fresh, lightly floured and fried small seafood and fish.
Crocchè: Fried mashed potato croquettes, a common street food in Naples.
Sfogliatella: A shell-shaped, flaky pastry with layers of dough, filled with a sweet, spiced ricotta and candied fruit filling.
Torta Caprese: A rich, moist chocolate and almond cake, traditionally gluten-free.
Delizia al Limone: Small sponge cakes soaked in Limoncello syrup and covered with a light lemon cream glaze.
Must-Try Drinks
Limoncello: A sweet and potent liqueur made from the zest of local, highly aromatic Amalfi Coast lemons. Served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo.
Aglianico: A full-bodied, dark red wine made from the Aglianico grape, particularly the highly-regarded Taurasi DOCG from the Avellino area.
Falanghina: A popular, dry, and fruity white wine from Campania.
Greco di Tufo: Another excellent, crisp, and structured white wine from the region.
Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio: A red or white wine grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, with a name meaning “tears of Christ.”
Aperol Spritz: Though not unique to Campania, this light mix of Aperol, prosecco, and soda is the quintessential refreshing aperitivo.
Espresso: Naples is famous for its coffee culture. An espresso is typically served very short, very hot, and very strong.
Acqua con Gas: Sparkling mineral water, almost always preferred over still water with a meal.