Campania

Campania highlights

Start in the regional capital city of Naples which, like Sorrento, has some fascinating sights in addition to regular hydrofoil and ferry crossings to the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. Sorrento and Positano, although busy, are excellent bases for visiting the smaller towns and villages on the Sorrento peninsula and along the Amalfi Coast. They are also both well connected to Pompeii and Herculaneum, via the Circumvesuviana railway.

But leave time to escape the crowds to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and many hiking opportunities. The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) offers spectacular coastal views between Positano and Agerola, and the network of footpaths that criss-cross the countryside at Massa Lubrense, on the far tip of the Sorrento peninsula, are another high spot. Further south, you’ll find some very beautiful trails in the Cilento National Park.

Food and Drink

Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and balmy Mediterranean climate, Campania’s gastronomy features several IGP and DOP food products. San Marzano tomatoes, Sorrento lemons and pasta made with durum wheat semolina from Gragnano contribute to simple but delicious dishes. The region is also known for its buffalo mozzarella, excellent extra virgin olive oil and artichokes from the Paestum area.  In Naples, pizza, and particularly ‘pizza fritta’ (fried calzone with ricotta, salami and tomato sauce), is king. But, naturally, seafood is also popular, with ‘alici’ (anchovies) from Cetara being the standout choice.

IGP protected Amalfi or Sorrento lemons naturally find their way into various dishes, including ‘delizia al limone’ (lemon cake) and Naples’ signature crisp, ricotta layered ‘sfogliatella’ pastry, as well as savoury dishes such as ‘linguine al limone’. They are also, of course, a key ingredient in the local ‘limoncello’ liqueur.  Campania produces several outstanding wines, with the most highly regarded red wines including Taurasi made from the Aglianico grape, and Aglianico del Taburno, both DOCG designated. Tramonti Costa d’Amalfi DOC is produced in the Salerno province. Top white wines include Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo, both DOCG, and Falanghina (DOC).

 

Towns and cities

Stick to the historic centre in Naples where highlights include Napoli Sotterranea (Naples Underground), the cloisters at Santa Chiara church and the extraordinary veiled Christ sculpture in the San Severo chapel. Take the funicular up to Vomero to see the Certosa di San Martino and spectacular views across the bay. The towns and villages along the Amalfi Coast are undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the region. The larger towns of Positano and Amalfi tend to pull in most of the crowds while the smaller towns of Minori, Maiori, Atrani, Praiano and Conca dei Marni tend to be quieter. Don’t miss the wonderful gardens and magnificent views at the villas Rufolo and Cimbrone in Ravello and if you’re visiting in July or August, the Ravello Festival features a programme of summer concerts and classical music.

If you’re tempted by the brightly coloured pottery that is so typical of the Amalfi Coast, head for Vietri sul Mare where shops are filled with ceramics and the dome of the town’s cathedral dazzles with its bright yellow, green and blue majolica tiles.  Inland, Sant’Agata de’ Goti in the Caserta province, remains firmly off the tourist trail. The stunning medieval town has a beautifully preserved historic centre creating a skyline of bell towers and majolica tiled domes. To the south of the region, the town of Castellabate in the Cilento province is included in the collection of ‘I Borghi più Belli d’Italia’ (Italy’s most beautiful towns) and is a gateway to the trails of the Cilento National Park.

Top things to do in Campania

Catch up on ancient history at Pompeii, Herculaneum or Paestum. There are also ancient ruins to explore at the Phlegraean Fields, once home to ancient Greek and Roman settlements and fascinating for their volcanic landscapes and the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia. You’ll also find plenty of hiking opportunities, including the Gran Cono route up Mount Vesuvius.

One of the prettiest hikes on the Amalfi Coast is along the Sentiero degli Dei, from Agerola to Nocelle (Positano). There are some wonderful trails at Punta Campanella, at the tip of the Sorrento peninsula, such as the Sentiero Baia di Ieranto. For more remote hiking, head for the Cilento and Vallo di Diano nature reserves in the Salerno province.

Two historical sites stand out inland. The first is the UNESCO Reggia di Caserta, an enormous Bourbon palace with over 1400 rooms, and vast gardens with fountains, grottoes, statuary and a 2-mile canalside promenade. The second is the Certosa di San Lorenzo, or the Certosa di Padula, a UNESCO heritage site since 1998 which boasts one of the largest cloisters in the world.

 

Holidays in Campania

Our Southern Italy tour starts and finishes in Naples so you may wish to extend your holiday with a stay in the city or use it as a springboard to other locations in the Campania region. Alternatively, our Wilds of Abruzzo and Etruscan Trails in Central Italy tours start and end in Rome. From here, it is just over an hour by train to Naples or 2.5 hours to Sorrento on the high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains.

Getting There

The main airport to the Campania region is Naples International Airport. A smaller airport, Salerno-Costa d’Amalfi offers flights to some international destinations including London Gatwick, Paris and Vienna as well as several principal Italian cities including Turin, Milan and Rome. Naples is also well connected by train, with Napoli Centrale acting as a major rail hub. For more information about the Campania region, visit the Campania Tourist Board.