Campania is the region around Naples, on the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy. It packs an astonishing amount into a small area: a great historic city, the best-known Roman ruins in the world, a volcano and one of the most famous coastlines anywhere.
Why visit Campania
For history, coastline and food. You can walk the streets of Pompeii in the morning, eat pizza in Naples at lunchtime and watch the sunset over the sea from a village on the Amalfi Coast.
Top places in Campania
Naples
A loud, warm, unforgettable city with a UNESCO-listed historic centre, baroque churches, underground passages and the National Archaeological Museum.
Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius
Two Roman towns buried by Vesuvius in AD 79 and the volcano itself, which you can walk up to the crater rim.
The Amalfi Coast
Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and the fjord of Furore: villages clinging to cliffs above a deep blue sea, linked by the famous coast road and by boat.
Capri and Ischia
Islands of grottoes, gardens and thermal springs, a short ferry ride from Naples.
Paestum and the Cilento
Some of the finest Greek temples in Italy and a quieter coast of beaches and seaside towns such as Agropoli.
Best time to visit Campania
April to June and September to October are the most pleasant. July and August are hot, and the Amalfi Coast and Capri are crowded. Naples is good all year.
Getting to and around Campania
Naples airport has flights from all over Europe and high-speed trains link Naples with Rome in about 70 minutes. The Circumvesuviana train serves Pompeii and Sorrento; ferries and buses serve the coast and the islands.
What to eat in Campania
Neapolitan pizza, mozzarella di bufala, spaghetti with clams, sfogliatella and babà, lemons from Amalfi and limoncello.
Campania FAQ
How many days do I need in Campania?
Five days to a week for Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast; longer to add the islands or the Cilento.
Do I need a car on the Amalfi Coast?
No: the road is narrow and parking is scarce. Buses and boats are usually easier.
