Campania · 27 Places · Best April-June and September-October
Campania is a stunning region in southern Italy renowned for its dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, and world-famous cuisine. Home to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the islands of Capri and Ischia, it offers an unrivaled mix of history, natural beauty, and gastronomy. The birthplace of pizza and mozzarella di bufala, Campania captivates visitors with its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Campania stretches along the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy, encompassing one of Europe's most storied landscapes. The region combines the frenetic energy of Naples with the serenity of the Amalfi Coast, the haunting ruins of Pompeii and Paestum, and the island paradises of Capri and Ischia. Rich volcanic soils nourish exceptional produce including San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella that form the backbone of Neapolitan cuisine.
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The 27 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
One of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites, Pompeii was a thriving Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Visitors can walk through remarkably preserved streets, homes, baths, and temples, seeing plaster casts of victims frozen in their final moments.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 50km along the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most spectacular stretches of coastline. Dramatic cliffs plunge into the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, dotted with pastel-colored villages, lemon groves, and historic churches.
The historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its labyrinthine streets are packed with magnificent baroque churches, underground Greek and Roman ruins, and some of the world's best street food.
Often overshadowed by nearby Pompeii, Herculaneum is in many ways better preserved due to its burial in volcanic mud rather than ash. The site offers remarkably intact wooden structures, mosaics, and frescoes, giving a vivid picture of Roman daily life.
The only active volcano on mainland Europe, Vesuvius looms over the Bay of Naples and offers a dramatic hiking experience to its crater rim. From the summit at 1,280m, visitors enjoy panoramic views over Naples, the bay, and surrounding islands.
The glamorous island of Capri has enchanted visitors for centuries with its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and jet-set atmosphere. Top attractions include the famous Blue Grotto sea cave, the Gardens of Augustus, and the ruins of Tiberius's Villa Jovis.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
One of Italy's most iconic hotels, Le Sirenuse occupies an 18th-century aristocratic villa cascading down the cliffs of Positano with incomparable views of the Amalfi Coast. Each of its 58 rooms is individually furnished with antiques, and the rooftop pool and Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant are legendary.
Check rates on Booking.comCut into the cliffs 50m above the sea, Il San Pietro is a masterpiece of architectural integration with its surrounding landscape. The 60 rooms are built into the rock face, and a private beach is accessible by elevator through the cliff. The hotel's gardens are filled with Mediterranean plants and citrus trees.
Check rates on Booking.comPerched on the clifftops of Sorrento since 1834, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is one of Italy's great historic hotels with views across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius. Caruso famously gave private concerts in its orangery, and its Belle Epoque elegance remains perfectly preserved.
Check rates on Booking.comA 12th-century noble palace transformed into Ravello's finest hotel, Palazzo Avino commands breathtaking views over the Amalfi Coast. Its pink facade and terraced gardens have made it a regular in luxury travel rankings, and the Michelin-starred Rossellinis restaurant is exceptional.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
One of Naples' most legendary pizzerias, Gino Sorbillo has been making pizza on Via dei Tribunali since 1935. The Margherita and marinara here are considered benchmarks of the art form - San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and a perfectly charred crust from a wood-burning oven.
Founded in 1870 and made famous by the movie 'Eat, Pray, Love', da Michele serves only two pizzas - Margherita and Marinara. The queue outside is part of the experience, but the simplicity and quality of these two pies makes it a pilgrimage for pizza lovers worldwide.
The birthplace of pizza Margherita, Pizzeria Brandi has been serving pizza since 1780. In 1889, chef Raffaele Esposito created the Margherita here for Queen Margherita of Savoy, topping it with tomato, mozzarella, and basil to represent the Italian flag.
A Naples institution since 1901 in the working-class Materdei neighborhood, Starita is less tourist-focused than centro storico pizzerias. The fritto menu includes legendary fried pizza and cuoppo fritto (mixed fried seafood cone), with a vast pizza menu beyond the classics.
The undisputed champion of fried pizza in Naples, La Masardona has been frying pizza since 1945 from a small shop near Napoli Centrale. The calzone fritto - a half-moon of fried dough filled with ricotta, cicoli (pork fat), and pepper - is a must-eat Naples experience.
One of the Amalfi Coast's most celebrated restaurants, La Caravella has been setting the standard for fine Campanian cuisine since 1959. The menu features refined interpretations of local seafood and pasta with an extraordinary wine cellar. It has received Michelin recognition repeatedly.
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Campania has good regional transport connections. The Circumvesuviana train links Naples with Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento. SITA buses serve the Amalfi Coast. Ferries connect the Gulf of Naples islands. Naples itself has metro, bus, and tram. Driving on the Amalfi Coast is challenging due to the narrow winding road.
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $105 | $350 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $50 | $120 |
| Transportation | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $10 | $15 | $25 |
| Daily total | $75 | $180 | $500 |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Campania.
Keep bags zipped and held in front of you in Naples city center, on the Circumvesuviana train, and in crowded tourist areas
Use only official white licensed taxis from official ranks or the itTaxi app - avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you
Avoid the Scampia and Secondigliano neighborhoods of Naples - these areas have high crime unrelated to tourism
Be vigilant on the Circumvesuviana train between Naples and Pompeii/Sorrento - pickpocketing is common
Do not leave valuables visible in rental cars - break-ins target cars with bags visible on seats
Walk confidently and with purpose in Naples historic center - displaying uncertainty attracts scammers
On the Amalfi Coast road, drive extremely cautiously - the single-lane road has many blind corners
Watch out for mopeds driving on pavements and through narrow streets in Naples
Keep photocopies or phone photos of your passport and important documents separately from originals
Do not accept help with luggage or directions from strangers near Naples Centrale station without verifying credentials
Swim only at supervised beaches - Amalfi Coast has strong currents and rocky entries at some spots
In summer heat, stay hydrated when hiking Vesuvius - altitude and sun exposure are significant
Book accommodation through official channels - avoid cash deals with strangers offering rooms
The Camorra (Neapolitan mafia) operates in parts of Naples but their activities rarely affect tourists who stay in tourist areas
Use the free WIFI only on secure connections - avoid banking on public networks
Campania is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the Amalfi Coast, islands, and archaeological sites. Naples requires the same urban awareness as any major European city - petty theft and pickpocketing exist but violent crime against tourists is rare. Emergency services: police at 113 (state police) or 112 (European emergency), medical at 118 (ambulance) or 112.
The best time to visit Campania is April-June and September-October. Campania has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas benefit from sea breezes that moderate summer heat. The mountains inland (such as the Apennines that edg
Entry requirements follow Italy and Schengen Area rules. EU/EEA citizens need only a national ID. US, UK, Australian, and Canadian citizens can visit up to 90 days without a visa. Others should check Schengen requirements. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Campania is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Campania: Italian, Neapolitan dialect. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Campania include Pompeii Archaeological Park, Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana), Naples Historic Center, Herculaneum (Ercolano), and Mount Vesuvius. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
