See all cities and destinations in Campania
It is easy to see why the Amalfi Coast is considered to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. Experience the rich nature and visit the fascinating towns of Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, Minori and don't forget the Sorrento peninsula with views over the bay of Naples with the majestic Mount Vesuvius guarding the landscape.
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Campania never fails to inspire, and many writers over the years (including H.C. Andersen (1805 - 1875) who visited during his grand tour in the early 1840's and wrote passionately about Naples and its surroundings) have spent time in Campania. The same fascination lies with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832) with his works "Italian Journey", where in 1786 he described Naples as a paradise. Something that many would probably not call the city today, with its chaotic, noisy and very lively city centre.
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The southern part of the region - called Cilento, where Goethe also came from is today home to Italy's second largest nature reserve, setting the stage for your holiday amidst great natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. In the many quaint coastal towns, with their slow-paced everyday life, you will find an arch-Italian atmosphere and a good sound cuisine based on the area's own home-grown and home-produced delights.
The Romans found a refuge in Campania and built splendid towns like Pompeii, which in its glory days had to surrender to Mount Vesuvius' anger. In spite of the enormous destruction and wear and tear during the ages, Pompeii is still a spectacular sight.
A magical experience full of romance, charm and discovery is waiting for you in Campania. There is so much to do and see though, where do you start? You can search through our selection of hank-picked accommodation options including self catering apartments, bed & breakfast or hotels and see what takes your fancy, or feel free to contact us for our recommendations. That way, you can take advantage of our expertise on Campania and experience at personalised holiday planning.
Let love blossom in Campania where the sun and the sea meet in perfect harmony with the land, and the rich and charismatic Italian culture.
Choose from our hand-picked selection of romantic locations in Campania that are perfect for a holiday for two. Or you can contact us for free travel advice from our experts on travel in Campania. We will happily put together an itinerary for your romantic holiday in Campania.
Naples is a wonderful blend of greatness, new and old, with a hint of decay in certain areas of the town. The city was founded by the Greeks and named Neapolis and since it has been under Roman, Byzantine, Gothic, Norman, French and Spanish possession; all of which have left their trace. Amongst the many things to see here in Naples, Italy's Archaeological National Museum, the Duomo, Castel Nuovo and the Royal Palace are on the top of the list. The more unknown underground city can also be recommended.
Salerno in the south is beautifully located on the coast and is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The city was dominated by the Lombards for some time, but fell under Norman rule when Robert Guiscard decided to consolidate power in the South. Much of the city was damaged during the bombings of World War II, and this is why some areas appear more modern in style. There are plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining and strolling around the city - eg. the city's long panoramic promenade by the sea. The city has surprisingly few tourists despite its proximity to the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi, Positano and Ravello along the Amalfi coast all have their individual charm and are beautifully situated on the steep slopes rising up from the sea. The cathedral in Amalfi is a grand and fine monument of Norman origin. In spite of a certain amount of tourists, Sorrento on the Sorrentine peninsula is nice to visit. The town spreads up the slopes and in many places it offers superb panoramic views over the Bay of Naples.
Minori and Maiori in the middle of the coastline are quite different. The larger town of Maiori seem higher that it was since in 1954 as it was flooded and then rebuilt due to extensive damage. The neighbouring town of Minori also has its own small beach and a charming old city centre with narrow streets and a cosy atmosphere and may seem less touristy compared, for example to the towns of Positano and Amalfi. Ravello is home to two beautiful Villas with gardens; Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone and also has a fantastic view overlooking the Amalfi Coast since it is around 350 above sea level.
Experience the wonderful Sorrento peninsula, which despite its constant flurry of tourists, is still charming. The city spreads up the slopes, and from several places you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the Gulf of Naples. Further inland, cities like Caserta (Old Town) has several historical monuments to offer. Benevento has a long and important history and is also known for its beautiful triumphal arch built by Emperor Trajan.
Cilento is a beautiful area, located south of the Amalfi Coast in the south of the region of Campania. Most of the area includes the National Park: Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano which is regarded as Italy's second largest park. The area is also legendary and rich in culture, including the well-preserved temples of Paestum. Here you will find quaint towns along the coast, as Acciaroli, Agropoli and Santa Maria di Castellabate etc., where the number of tourists cannot measure up to those found on the Amalfi Coast.
The history of Campania is most impressive. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Goths, Lombards, Normans, French and Spaniards have all left their mark on the region. Focusing on the Roman aspects, the obvious contenders are Pompeii and Herculaneum. Paestum has a resplendent Doric temple as evidence of the earlier Greek presence.
The Normans left monuments in Naples, Benevento, Caserta and Amalfi. On going through the history books it is evident that the Norman reign in particular was very exciting.
Much of the history of Campania is dominated by the period when the region was part of the kingdom formed by the Two Sicilies" which included virtually all of southern Italy. This may explain why the residents of the southern Campania have a more Sicilian-influenced dialect opposite the central and northern Campania, where the Neapolitan dialect prevails.
The weather is nearly always good in Campania. Since many of the interesting towns enjoy a coastal position, it is often possible to combine a cultural and historical break with sun and sea. Long sandy beaches are not typical for the region, but small sandy coves are found amongst the rocks. Saying that Maiori has a long sandy beach and is very family friendly, and Minori also has a good beach with a shallow shore. Generally though, the more south you go, the wider and sandier they become.
The coastline is an unbridled haven for snorkelling and diving lovers and for those that just like to swim. Cilento reserve at Capri is a good place for snorkelling in particular. Sailing is also popular along this coast. If sailing is not your thing and you would prefer to have a captain at the helm, then you can take ferries from Naples to the Islands of Ischia and Procida.
Roughly 35% of Campania is covered by mountains, which dominate much of the inland region. More than 50% of the total area of Campania is hilly terrain. The remaining 15% is made up of plains.
Much of the coastline features rugged cliffs covered in lemon trees and other vegetation. The Amalfi coast and the Sorrentine peninsula are exceptionally beautiful. The high mountains in the hinterland in the Cilento nature reserve are covered by woods, but the typical Mediterranean flora is found everywhere on the coast.
Many excellent vineyards cover the highlands in the Avellino province. Campania's local grape, the superb black Aglianico grape, and the equally fine white Greco di Tufo and Fiano are grown here.
The highest point in Campania, 2050 m above sea level, is found in the northernmost part of the region also called Monti del Matese. This area enjoys a lovely and unspoiled countryside with woods, rivers and lakes. The area is a designated Nature Reserve with an abundant fauna. Wolves, golden eagles, wildcats and other exciting game birds live here.
Much of the coastline is characterized by rugged cliffs covered with lemon trees and other vegetation. Amalfi Coast and Sorrento peninsula are exceptionally beautiful. In Cilento reserve you will find high mountains covered by lush forests, whereas along the coast encounter the typical Mediterranean flora.
The highlands of the Avellino province play host to many beautiful vineyards which are often planted with Campania's own great grape varieties, such as the blue Aglianico grape and green Greco di Tufo and Fiano grapes.
Campania highest point is 2,050 meters above sea level, in the region's northern part which is also called Monti del Matese. In this area you will find beautiful and unspoiled nature with forests, rivers and lakes. The area which, incidentally, is a protected park is also rich in fauna where there are wolves, eagles, wild cats and other exciting hunting birds.
The region has an immense array of delightful produce including lemons, fruits of the forest, truffles, mushrooms, hazelnuts, figs, chestnuts and fantastic local cheeses and sausages. The best-known cheese has to be Mozzarella di Buffala.
However, Campania's trademark must be the pizza. It originates from here, but the region has much more to offer besides pizzas. Needless to say lovely fresh fish is a firm favourite. In the more central parts of Campania game and other meats are often served. Otherwise lamb and pork is much enjoyed as in the rest of Italy.
If you are looking for exquisite gourmet cuisine do pay a visit to Don Alfonso and Torre del Saracino on the Sorrentine peninsula. They are among some of the best restaurants in Italy.
Fish and seafood: The fact that a lot of fish and seafood is consumed in Campania should not come as a surprise. In the area around Naples big fat saltwater eels called “Capitone" are very popular. They are prepared in different ways but smaller eels cooked with fresh bay leaves are also a delicacy.
Anchovies are also a favourite in Campania, salted, fresh or fried. “Gamberetto di nassa" is a particularly popular type of prawn. Some gourmands prefer it raw without the classic hint of lemon.
Mussels, squid and other fish and seafood typical to the Mediterranean are naturally often to be found on the menu.
Meat, game and poultry: Suckling pig, lamb, goat and the special type of rabbit from Ischia are amongst the favourites in Campania. Game, such as wild boar, is mostly eaten in the central and northern parts of the region.
Sausages and ham: Campania has plenty to offer in this area as well. The wonderful cured ham “Prosciutto di Pietraroja" comes from the mountains around Benevento. Campania's best-known sausage is the one bearing the name of the region's capital “Salame Napoli". Other good sausages deserving a mention here are “Salame di Agerola" from the southern part of Campania, “Salame di Mugnano" from the wine province of Avellino, “Soppressata di Gioi Cilento" from the wonderful Cilenta Nature Reserve and from the Salerno area “Soppressata di Ricigliano".
Cheese: Mozarella is Campania's most famous cheese and rightly so. The true mozzarella is made from buffalo milk, and is exquisite with a few drops of good olive oil, Campania's cherry tomato “Pomodorino al piennolo" and, of course, a few basil leaves.
Sweets: Cakes and ice cream are excellently produced in Campania. Ice cream made from the fantastic lemons growing on the Amalfi coast is truly great. It has been scientifically proven that the lemons from the Amalfi coast contain double the flavour of other types of lemons.
Wine and vineyards: In the last few years, a series of very exciting and efficient vineyards have appeared with fantastic wines made from local grape varieties. Among the best known is the Taurasi, a red wine made from the Aglianico grape. The best ones are quite sensational and offer a delightful complexity and elegance. Taurasi is often called the Barolo of the south because of certain similarities with this great wine, especially as far as acidity and tannins are concerned.
Among the white wines Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino demand attention. The wine has a fine bouquet with many different impressions; it has a crisp and clean taste and is well suited to the excellent fish dishes on offer in Campania.
Below is a list of some of the best vineyards in Campania: Feudi di San Gregorio, Mastroberardino, Salvatore Molettieri, Antonio Caggiano, Terredora di Paolo, Cantina del taburno, Villa Matilde, Caputo, Luigi Maffini, Marisa Cuomo.
You can choose from our collection of handpicked holiday accommodation including villas and self-catering apartments, B & B and hotels in Campania by using the search machine at the top of the page. Feel free to ask our experienced travel experts with over 15 years experience of travel in Italy for free advice by emailing us using the contact link at the top of the page, by using the chat box to the left of the page, or call us using the number to the right of the page. We look forward to making your holiday in Campania a dream come true.
