
Campania Travel Guide
Welcome to the Campania travel guide, your essential resource for exploring this stunning southern Italian region. From the bustling streets of Naples to the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the charming islands of the Bay of Naples, Campania is a destination that blends history, culture, and world-renowned cuisine.
Whether you’re interested in discovering ancient ruins, indulging in authentic Neapolitan pizza, or relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, this Campania travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip. Read on for Campania travel tips, top recommendations for Campania food and wine, and must-try Campania itineraries.
From honeymoons to family trips and more, we do a lot of Italy travel planning in this region. Though it is known, there is still a lot to discover and explore as most Americans end up in Capri and Sorrento and skip over places like Naples, Ischia, and Minori.
Campania Travel Tips
Proper Campania travel planning ensures you experience the best of this diverse region. Here are some essential Campania travel tips to make the most of your visit:
When to Visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Getting Around: Naples has an extensive public transportation network, but renting a car is best for exploring the Amalfi Coast and the countryside.
Where to Stay in Campania: Choose from historic hotels in Naples, cliffside resorts in Positano, or boutique stays in Sorrento.
Things to Do in Campania: Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, take a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast, and indulge in the region’s legendary cuisine.
Campania Itineraries: Plan a mix of cultural exploration in Naples, scenic drives along the Amalfi Coast, and island-hopping adventures in the Bay of Naples.
Where To Stay In Campania
Naples
Naples is the beating heart of Campania, a city bursting with history, energy, and incredible food. Naples offers an unparalleled culinary scene as the birthplace of pizza, from classic Margherita pizza to rich ragu and fresh seafood. Some of the top things to do in Naples include visiting the Naples National Archaeological Museum, exploring the historic Spaccanapoli district, and taking a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii.
Naples also serves as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast and the islands of the Bay of Naples, making it a key destination in any Campania travel guide.
Amalfi Coast
One of Italy’s most famous and picturesque regions, the Amalfi Coast is a must-visit for travelers exploring Campania. Known for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and stunning sea views, this coastline is home to some of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Positano captivates visitors with cascading buildings and luxury boutiques, while Amalfi boasts a historic cathedral and charming piazzas.
Ravello, perched high above the coastline, offers breathtaking gardens and sweeping vistas, while Minori is a hidden gem known for its relaxed atmosphere and traditional pasta-making heritage. Whether enjoying a scenic drive, savoring fresh seafood, or taking a boat tour, Amalfi Coast travel is an unforgettable experience.
Bay Of Naples Islands
Campania is also home to the stunning islands of the Bay of Naples, each offering a unique charm and appeal. Capri is famous for its glamorous lifestyle, the Blue Grotto, and breathtaking coastal views. Ischia, known for its thermal spas and lush landscapes, is a perfect destination for relaxation and wellness.
Procida, the smallest and most colorful of the three, is a charming island that remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal escape for those seeking an authentic Italian experience. Exploring these islands is a highlight of any Campania travel guide.
Campania Food And Wine
No Campania travel guide would be complete without highlighting the region’s legendary cuisine. Campania food and wine are among the most celebrated in Italy, featuring bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old traditions. Must-try specialties include:
Pizza Napoletana: The world’s most famous pizza, featuring a thin, soft crust, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
Spaghetti alle Vongole: A simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with fresh clams, garlic, and olive oil.
Mozzarella di Bufala: Creamy buffalo mozzarella, best enjoyed fresh from the dairies of Campania.
Sfogliatella: A crispy, layered pastry filled with sweet ricotta and citrus zest.
Melanzane alla Parmigiana: A classic eggplant Parmesan dish layered with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Delizia al Limone: A lemon-infused sponge cake filled with a zesty cream, a specialty from the Amalfi Coast.
Struffoli: Small, honey-coated fried dough balls, a festive treat often enjoyed during the holidays.
Pastiera Napoletana: A traditional Easter dessert made with ricotta, wheat berries, and orange blossom water.
Campania is also home to some of Italy’s finest wines. Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo are exceptional white wines, while Taurasi is a robust red wine made from Aglianico grapes. Pairing these wines with local dishes is necessary for any food-loving traveler exploring Campania food and wine.
Classic Campanian Recipes
If you’re not yet heading to Campania, you can still bring the flavors of this coastal Italian region home with these classic recipes:
Campania Travel Planning Resources
Starting to plan Italy travel? Check out these helpful links:
- Apartments: Use code SaltandWindTravel/AM when booking apartment stays with Plum Guide
- Hotels: Book High-Quality Hotels at Booking.com
- Italy Trip Calculator: Get our new budget calculator to estimate your Italy trip cost accurately.
- Italy Trip Planner: Planning a trip to Italy yourself? You’ll want our Italy itinerary planner so you can access our expert travel insights from more than ten years of travel planning in Italy!
- Tours: Book in-depth tours with Context Travel
- Shop: See our favorite travel essentials in our Amazon store
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Frequently Asked Questions About Campania Travel
Campania offers a wealth of attractions that appeal to a wide range of interests:
- Naples: The regional capital, known for its rich history, vibrant streets, and as the birthplace of pizza. Key attractions include the historic center, the Naples National Archaeological Museum, and the nearby ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- Amalfi Coast: A stunning stretch of coastline famous for picturesque towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, offering breathtaking views, chic boutiques, and beautiful beaches.
- Capri: An enchanting island known for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels, the Blue Grotto, and historic sites like Villa Jovis.
- Cilento: Less traveled compared to the Amalfi Coast, this area offers beautiful beaches, the ancient ruins of Paestum, and the Cilento National Park.
- Ischia: A volcanic island known for its thermal spas, beautiful beaches, and the Aragonese Castle.
Navigating Campania effectively can greatly enhance the visitor experience:
- Transportation: Utilize the region’s extensive public transport network including trains and ferries, especially useful for exploring the Amalfi Coast and islands like Capri and Ischia.
- Accommodations: Consider staying in a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast to agriturismos in the Cilento countryside.
- Local Cuisine: Campania is famous for its food. Don’t miss trying Neapolitan pizza, fresh seafood along the coast, buffalo mozzarella from Paestum, and local pastries like sfogliatella.
- Seasonal Considerations: Visit in the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) to enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds, especially in tourist hotspots like the Amalfi Coast.
To fully engage with Campania's rich cultural and natural heritage, consider the following activities:
- Historical Sites: Explore ancient Greek and Roman sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Paestum for a glimpse into the past.
- Wine Tasting: Visit local vineyards in areas like Taurasi and the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to taste unique volcanic wines.
- Hiking and Nature: Trek the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast for spectacular views, or explore the lesser-known trails in Cilento National Park.
- Cultural Festivals: Participate in local festivals like the Napoli Teatro Festival for cultural performances or the Lemon Festival in Massa Lubrense.