Complete Guide to Campania (2025)

Naples, renowned for its vibrant blend of chaos and charm, stands as a testament to Italy’s rich history, architectural marvels, and cultural depth, not to mention its stunning natural scenery. It ranks as Italy’s third largest city, trailing only Rome and Milan, and is nestled in the southern part of the country, within the Campania region.

The city is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, where every turn reveals majestic castles, churches, and palaces, each with their own captivating tales. Even without stepping inside landmarks like Castel dell’Ovo, the Duomo, San Francesco di Paola Basilica, or the Royal Palace, simply meandering through Naples’ picturesque streets can captivate any visitor.

The allure extends beyond Naples itself, with the surrounding region offering a plethora of intriguing sites, making the city an ideal hub for excursions to Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano, and Mount Vesuvius.

After a day of discovery, there’s no better way to satisfy your appetite than by savoring the local Neapolitan cuisine at a traditional eatery. After all, this city is the proud birthplace of pizza!

Nestled in the shadow of the soaring Sorrentine Peninsula, Salerno is one of the Campania region’s most overlooked and underrated cities. Combining the convenience of big-city life with the charm of a small town, it remains a delightful place that has yet to be discovered by mass tourism—let’s hope it stays that way!

Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Salerno is a historic city with significant importance, primarily due to its role as the seat of the Salerno Medical School, Europe’s first medical institution, established in the Middle Ages.

You can delve into this storied past by visiting landmarks such as the magnificent Salerno Cathedral, a stunning example of the region’s mixed architectural tradition, or the imposing Castle of Arechi. Perched on a hilltop, the castle offers panoramic views of the cityscape and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

When hunger strikes, indulge in authentic regional dishes like scialatielli, a famous seafood pasta, or the delectable sfogliatella, a pastry filled with sweet ricotta cream. And, as with everywhere in this part of Campania, don’t miss the chance to taste locally produced limoncello, a beloved regional staple.

Sorrento, beautifully perched on a plateau overlooking the Bay of Naples, has been a favored tourist destination for nearly two centuries. Traditionally, it has been one of the preferred resorts for British visitors to Italy, and in recent decades, it has become Italy’s leading package-holiday spot for English-speaking travelers. This historic seaside town has adeptly embraced tourism, offering a classic Mediterranean summer holiday atmosphere while preserving its authentic Italian character and charm.

One of Sorrento’s main attractions is its ability to cater to a wide range of holiday experiences. Visitors can enjoy rural walks through lemon and olive groves or choose from various excursions by land or sea. With easy access to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Naples in one direction, and the Amalfi Coast in another, Sorrento provides an excellent base for exploring Roman ruins, quaint seaside resorts, traditional villages, and stunning scenery. Its well-connected infrastructure makes Sorrento a convenient and practical holiday choice.

The Amalfi Coast has always been steeped in mythology. The Greeks, enchanted by the region’s expansive rocky coastline and dramatic mountains, wove especially tender legends around it. According to one such legend, Hercules fell deeply in love with a captivating nymph named Amalfi. When she died prematurely, Hercules was heartbroken and searched for a burial place worthy of her memory. He found this place in what would eventually become the town of Amalfi, destined to rise as a notable power. As one of his twelve labors, Hercules stole a tree from the Garden of the Hesperides and planted it at her final resting place. This tree bore the fruit known today as Amalfi lemons, symbolizing the beginning of the many iconic associations that would be drawn from this magical and evocative place.

The Pompeii ruins are a vast and intricate collection of ancient Roman remains, with Mount Vesuvius looming ominously in the distance. Once a thriving city of 20,000 mostly middle-class citizens, Pompeii’s strategic location made it a crucial hub for trade between Rome and the broader Mediterranean. Pompeii was a bustling metropolis with chariots traversing its streets, an amphitheater hosting gladiator fights, and citizens enjoying the prosperity of the Roman Empire. This vibrant city met a sudden and catastrophic end in 79 A.D. when Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city under layers of ash up to six meters deep. While many residents managed to escape, some were trapped and entombed in the ash and debris.

Buying Tickets for Pompeii

Ticketone is the only official Pompeii tickets website, but you can now also buy official Pompeii tickets with free 24 hour cancellation with Optional Audio Guide. When you head to the official site to book your Pompeii tickets, you’ll have two options: ‘Intero Pompei Plus’ (€ 23.00) and ‘Intero Pompei Express’ (€ 19.00). ‘Pompei Plus’ also inlcudes Villa dei Misteri, Villa di Diomede, and Villa Regina at Boscoreale (the suburban villas).

Tips for Visiting Pompeii

• 3 Entrances:
  • Porta Marina is the most frequented by tourists. Here, visitors can store their bags, use restrooms, and pick up a map, which is crucial for navigating the extensive site. Once inside, you are free to explore the ruins at your own pace. While some areas might be roped off due to ongoing archaeological work or preservation efforts, you generally have the freedom to wander and discover the ancient city.
  • Piazza Anfiteatro is an ideal entrance for visitors staying in the central area of modern Pompei.
  • Piazza Esedra is conveniently located a short walk from Porta Marina, making it an alternative entrance to the Pompeii archaeological site. This entrance is less crowded, as it is typically used by groups, but individuals can also use it to avoid the larger crowds at Porta Marina.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential for exploring Pompeii. The site is much larger than it appears on a map, so expect to do a lot of walking. Additionally, the roads are uneven and dusty, making sandals or flip-flops impractical and challenging to navigate.
• Use Sunscreen: Sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin while walking through the exposed ruins. Pompeii is almost entirely exposed to the sun, with few shaded areas, due to the collapsed roofs from the ash of Vesuvius.
• Bring Sunglasses and a Hat: Sunglasses and a hat are important to shield your eyes and face from the sun. These items will help prevent squinting and provide comfort during your visit.
• Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle is handy for staying hydrated in the heat of Pompeii. There are several public fountains with safe drinking water where you can refill your bottle as you explore the site.
• Food Availability: If you need a quick bite to eat while visiting, food is available within the park, but it could be far away.

Visiting Capri, the enchanting island in the Bay of Naples, is a dreamlike experience that combines natural beauty with luxurious charm. Known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes, Capri has long been a favored destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and sophistication. The island’s iconic Blue Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by an ethereal blue light, is a must-see attraction that captures the magical allure of Capri. As you explore the island, you’ll find yourself captivated by its picturesque villages, winding streets lined with vibrant bougainvillea, and breathtaking views from the famous Gardens of Augustus.

Beyond its natural wonders, Capri offers a rich cultural experience, with historical sites, upscale boutiques, and elegant cafes. The Piazzetta, often referred to as the “living room of the world,” is the heart of Capri’s social life, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Strolling through the town of Anacapri, you can visit the beautiful Villa San Michele or take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, for panoramic views. Whether you’re indulging in fine dining, relaxing on a secluded beach, or exploring ancient ruins, Capri offers a perfect blend of serenity and sophistication that makes it one of Italy’s most beloved destinations.