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Campania
Italy
Visit Campania
Campania, a region in southwestern Italy, is a captivating area steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. The region is perhaps best known for its iconic capital, Naples, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Naples offers a unique blend of architectural styles, from ancient Roman ruins to Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, all set against the backdrop of the imposing Mount Vesuvius. The city's vibrant streets are filled with the aroma of espresso and the world-renowned Neapolitan pizza, which you can enjoy in bustling piazzas such as Piazza del Plebiscito and along the picturesque waterfront.
Beyond Naples, Campania boasts some of Italy's most famous archaeological sites. Pompeii and Herculaneum, both destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are exceptionally well-preserved, with intact buildings, detailed frescoes, and poignant casts of the victims, providing an unparalleled window into the past. For a change of pace, the Amalfi Coast, another UNESCO World Heritage site, offers stunning Mediterranean landscapes. This dramatic coastline is dotted with pastel-colored villages like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, perched precariously on steep cliffs above the sparkling blue sea. The region's rugged terrain and scenic beauty make it a perfect spot for hiking, especially the famous "Path of the Gods," which offers breathtaking views.
Campania's rich tapestry is further adorned with lesser-known gems such as the Royal Palace of Caserta, often likened to Versailles for its grandeur and the beauty of its gardens. The islands of Capri and Ischia are also part of Campania, each offering a unique charm—Capri with its upscale boutiques and the famous Blue Grotto, and Ischia with its thermal spas and lush landscapes. Throughout the region, visitors can indulge in Campania’s culinary delights, from fresh seafood dishes and the unique flavors of buffalo mozzarella to the sweet treat of limoncello, typically sipped after dinner. Whether exploring ancient ruins, lounging on sun-drenched beaches, or enjoying the lively street life of Naples, Campania offers an Italian experience that is as rich as it is unforgettable.
Campania Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
42°F
50°F
9
February
46°F
54°F
12
March
50°F
59°F
12
April
50°F
64°F
12
May
57°F
68°F
9
June
64°F
77°F
7
July
72°F
86°F
7
August
68°F
86°F
7
September
59°F
77°F
7
October
57°F
68°F
9
November
50°F
59°F
12
December
41°F
55°F
12
Need to Know Before You Go To Campania
Nickname:
Terra Felix
Primary Language:
Italian
Time Zone:
Europe/Rome
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type L
Annual Visitors:
10 million
Primary Export:
Buffalo mozzarella
Busiest Travel Months:
August, July, June
Quietest Travel Months:
January, February, November
Find your Next Adventure in Campania
Explore Campania
Iconic Landmarks
Pompeii and Herculaneum
These ancient Roman cities were famously destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. They offer a fascinating glimpse into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago, with well-preserved buildings, frescoes, and artifacts.
Amalfi Coast
This stunning coastline is known for its picturesque scenery, dramatic cliffs, and charming towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is celebrated for its extraordinary beauty and unique landscape.
Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)
This monumental complex was designed in the 18th century by Luigi Vanvitelli and is one of the largest palaces built in Europe during that century. It includes a vast park with fountains and gardens, and it is often compared to Versailles in France.
Naples Historic Center
The historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich history and vibrant streets. Landmarks include the Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro), the ancient underground passages of Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea), and the historic street of Spaccanapoli.
Mount Vesuvius
The only active volcano on the mainland of Europe, Mount Vesuvius is infamous for its eruption in 79 AD that led to the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The volcano itself can be hiked, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding areas.
Capri
This island in the Bay of Naples is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels, and shopping, from designer fashion to limoncello. Notable sights include the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), the Marina Piccola, and the Gardens of Augustus.
Cultural Experiences
Visit the Ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum
These ancient Roman cities were buried under ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Exploring these sites gives a fascinating insight into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. Pompeii is larger and more famous, but Herculaneum is better preserved, offering more intimate glimpses into the past.
Explore the Historic Centre of Naples
Naples' historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its rich history and vibrant street life. Key highlights include the majestic Naples Cathedral, the archaeological treasures in the Naples National Archaeological Museum, and the intricate Sansevero Chapel, home to the stunning Veiled Christ sculpture.
Experience the Amalfi Coast
Drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, famous for its breathtaking scenery, cliffside villages like Positano and Amalfi, and beautiful beaches. The area is also known for its lemon groves, and a visit wouldn't be complete without trying some limoncello, a traditional lemon liqueur.
Tour the Royal Palace of Caserta
Often referred to as the 'Versailles of Italy', the Royal Palace of Caserta is a monumental complex with a lavish interior and vast gardens. Designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century, it's a prime example of Italian Baroque architecture.
Attend the Ravello Festival
If visiting during the summer, don't miss the Ravello Festival, one of Italy's oldest music festivals. Set in the picturesque town of Ravello, perched high above the Amalfi Coast, the festival features a mix of concerts, dance, and other cultural events, often held in the stunning gardens of Villa Rufolo.
Explore the Island of Capri
A short ferry ride from Naples or Sorrento, Capri is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels, and shopping, from designer fashion to local crafts. Key attractions include the Blue Grotto, a sea cave where the water glows electric blue, the scenic overlook at Monte Solaro, and the charming town of Anacapri.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
This famous trail offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. Starting from Agerola, a small town above the Amalfi Coast, the path winds through cliffs and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque towns below.
Exploring the Cilento National Park
This less-touristed area compared to the Amalfi Coast offers a mix of mountains, forests, and coastal scenery. It's a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, and even kayaking along the Cilento coast.
Visiting the Vesuvius National Park
Hiking up Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano in mainland Europe, is a thrilling experience. The walk to the crater provides a unique opportunity to see a live volcano up close and enjoy views of the Bay of Naples.
Kayaking and Boat Trips along the Amalfi Coast
Rent a kayak or join a boat tour to explore the stunning coastline from the sea. This adventure offers unique views of the cliffs and access to secluded beaches and coves that are not reachable by land.
Diving in the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella
The waters around the Sorrento Peninsula are rich in marine life and historic wrecks. The protected area offers some of the best diving spots in Campania, with clear waters and vibrant underwater ecosystems.
Paragliding over the Bay of Naples
For a real adrenaline rush, try paragliding from the hills surrounding Naples. This adventure offers spectacular aerial views of the city, the bay, and the surrounding countryside.
Off the Beaten Path
Vallone dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), Sorrento
Just a short walk from the bustling center of Sorrento lies the Vallone dei Mulini, a deep gorge that is home to the ruins of ancient mills dating back to the 13th century. This picturesque spot is often missed by tourists and offers a unique glimpse into the historical industrial activity of the region.
Certosa di Padula (Padula Charterhouse)
Located in the province of Salerno, this is one of the largest monasteries in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The charterhouse features stunning architecture, including a large cloister and a spiral staircase, and offers insights into the life of Carthusian monks.
Roscigno Vecchia
This abandoned village offers a fascinating look at rural Italian life in the early 20th century. Abandoned due to natural disasters and migration, Roscigno Vecchia is now an open-air museum where visitors can walk through deserted streets and explore intact buildings.
Grotte di Castelcivita
These caves are located near the Alburni mountains and are less frequented by tourists compared to other cave systems in Italy. They offer spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations and have been the site of important archaeological discoveries that provide insights into prehistoric human activity in the area.
Island of Procida
While nearby Capri and Ischia are often crowded with tourists, Procida maintains a quieter charm and is just as beautiful. The island features colorful architecture, serene beaches, and an authentic local culture that makes it a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the more tourist-heavy spots.
Monte Terminio
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Monte Terminio offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful landscapes and plenty of hiking trails. Located in the Picentini mountains, it's a great spot for picnics, nature walks, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Campania Fun Facts
Campania, a region in southern Italy, is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are the top 10 fun facts about this fascinating area:
- Birthplace of Pizza
Campania, and specifically Naples, is famously known as the birthplace of pizza. The classic Pizza Margherita, with its ingredients representing the colors of the Italian flag (tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil), was first created here.
- Ancient Ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Amalfi Coast
This world-renowned coastline features stunning views, precipitous cliffs, and picturesque towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its extraordinary beauty and unique landscape.
- Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park
This park, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is noted for its biodiversity, ancient ruins, and the famous Christ of Maratea, a 21-meter tall statue overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Limoncello
This sweet, bright yellow lemon liqueur is traditionally made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, also known as Sorrento or Sfusato lemons, and is primarily produced in Sorrento, Capri, and along the Amalfi Coast.
- Underwater City of Baiae
The ancient Roman city of Baiae, now part of the Phlegraean Fields Archaeological Park, was once a popular resort for the Roman elite. Due to volcanic activity, much of the city is now underwater, offering a unique opportunity for underwater archaeology and diving.
- Naples’ Historic Center
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic center of Naples boasts one of the highest concentrations of historical monuments, churches, and palaces in the world.
- Capri’s Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a famous sea cave on the coast of the island of Capri, known for the mesmerizing blue glowing effect created by sunlight passing through an underwater cavity.
- San Gennaro’s Blood
Naples is home to the Cathedral of San Gennaro, where the dried blood of Saint Januarius (San Gennaro) is said to miraculously liquefy twice a year, an event that attracts thousands of faithful and curious onlookers.
- Mozzarella di Bufala
Campania is renowned for its buffalo mozzarella, made from the milk of water buffalo raised in the marshlands of Campania and Lazio. This cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine and is protected under EU law by its PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status.
Featured Picture Gallery
Sunset
Coastline
Rocks over the Sea
Boats on the Sea
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