Campania Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Campania, Italy, with this 10000-word travel guide. Explore the region's natural attractions, hiking and biking trails, must-try dishes, and transportation options.
- Introduction to Campania
- List of Places to Visit in Campania
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Campania
- Best Things to Do in Campania: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Campania
- Food and Drink Scene of Campania
- Where to Stay in Campania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Campania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Campania
- Best Time to Visit Campania
- Do’s and Don’ts of Campania
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Campania: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Campania
- Public Transportation
- Renting a Car
- Taxis
- Where to Go Next from Campania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Campania
Located in Southern Italy, Campania is a region that attracts travelers from all over the world. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to historical Naples, Campania offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights.
The region is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the archaeological ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata; the Amalfi Coast; and the Royal Palace of Caserta.
List of Places to Visit in Campania
Campania has many popular tourist destinations that should not be missed when visiting the region. Here are some of the places you might want to include in your itinerary:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (National Archaeological Museum of Naples)
- Castel dell’Ovo (Egg Castle)
- Castel Nuovo (New Castle)
- Capodimonte Museum
- Paestum Archaeological Site
Natural Attractions of Campania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Amalfi Coast
- Sorrento Peninsula
- Mount Vesuvius
- The Phlegraean Fields
- Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Campania
Campania offers some incredible hiking and biking trails for adventure seekers. Here are a few:
- Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
- Coastal Path (Sentiero Costiero)
- The Path of the Forts (Sentiero dei Fortini)
- Mount Vesuvius Trail (Sentiero del Vesuvio)
- Valle delle Ferriere
Best Things to Do in Campania: Activities and Tours
If hiking and biking are not your thing, there are many other activities you can enjoy in Campania. Here are some popular tours and activities that you might find interesting:
- Cooking classes
- Wine tasting tours
- Boat tours along the Amalfi Coast
- Visiting lemon groves and Limoncello factories
- Visiting the thermal baths
Week-Long Itinerary for Campania
If you’re planning to spend a week in Campania, here’s a sample itinerary to consider:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Naples, visit the National Archaeological Museum |
| 2 | Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum from Naples |
| 3 | Take a day trip to Capri from Sorrento |
| 4 | Hike the Path of the Gods from Positano |
| 5 | Visit the Amalfi Coast towns of Amalfi and Ravello |
| 6 | Explore the Cilento National Park and Paestum Archaeological Site |
| 7 | Relax on the beaches of the Sorrento Peninsula |
Food and Drink Scene of Campania
Italian cuisine is famous all over the world, and Campania is no exception. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Pizza (from Naples)
- Spaghetti alle vongole (Spaghetti with clams)
- Melanzane alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmigiana)
- Mozzarella di Bufala (Buffalo Mozzarella)
- Ragu alla napoletana (Neapolitan Ragù)
Local Beverages
- Limoncello
- Aglianico del Taburno
- Fiano di Avellino
- Taurasi
- Greco di Tufo
Where to Stay in Campania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
In Campania, you can choose from a wide range of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay:
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria (Sorrento)
- Villa Franca (Positano)
- Hotel Carlton International (Naples)
- La Floridiana (Capri)
- Casa del Sole (Ravello)
What to Buy in Campania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re interested in bringing back souvenirs or local products from your trip, here are a few things you might consider:
- Ceramics and pottery from Vietri sul Mare
- Limoncello and other liqueurs
- Leather products from Naples
- Traditional Neapolitan nativity scenes
- Anchovies from Cetara
Local Culture and Customs of Campania
Campania has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated throughout the year. Some important festivals to note include:
- The Neapolitan Nativity scene (Il presepe napoletano)
- Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia)
- The Feast of San Gennaro (La festa di San Gennaro)
- The Festival of Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia)
Best Time to Visit Campania
The best time to visit Campania is from April to June or September to October when the temperatures are comfortable, and the crowds are thinner than in peak season.
Do’s and Don’ts of Campania
Do:
- Learn some basic Italian phrases
- Try the local cuisine
- Follow dress codes when visiting religious sites
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Use public transportation
Don’t:
- Drink tap water
- Ignore traffic laws
- Touch historical monuments
- Wear revealing clothes when visiting religious sites
- Leave your belongings unattended
Safety and Health
Safety in Campania
Campania, like any other region in Italy, is generally safe for tourists. However, like in any other tourist destination, it’s always better to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Health in Campania
Before traveling to Campania, make sure to consult your doctor to get the necessary vaccinations and carry enough medication if you have any medical conditions. Also, make sure you have adequate health insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Getting to Campania: Transportation Options and Logistics
Campania is easily accessible by air, train, car, and ferry.
Airports Near Campania
- Naples International Airport (NAP)
- Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR)
Bus Stations Near Campania
- Naples bus station
- Salerno bus station
Other Options
- Trains (Trenitalia)
- Ferries (Alilauro, Caremar)
How to Get Around in Campania
In Campania, you can get around by using public transportation, renting a car, or taking taxis.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is an affordable way to get around Campania. The regional bus and train systems are well-connected and run frequently.
Renting a Car
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Campania at your own pace. However, it can be challenging to navigate the narrow and winding roads in the region, especially in peak season.
Taxis
Taxis are a convenient option for shorter journeys, but they can be expensive. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi.
Where to Go Next from Campania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Campania is an excellent base for exploring other parts of Italy. Here are some nearby destinations you might consider:
- The Amalfi Coast
- Naples
- The island of Capri
- Procida
- Ischia
Conclusion
Campania is a diverse travel destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art and history, natural beauty, culinary delights, or outdoor adventures, Campania is sure to satisfy your travel cravings. Plan your itinerary wisely, and make the most of your time in this enchanting corner of Italy.
