Campania blends ancient cities, volcanic peaks, and sunlit coasts. Naples brings art and appetite. The Amalfi Coast and Campania’s islands deliver sea days and cliff views. Vesuvius and the Cilento add hikes, temples, and quiet villages. Plan Campania bases well and keep hops short for smoother days.
Who this guide is for
First‑time visitors who want the classics without stress.
Couples seeking scenic bases, sunsets, and great food.
Families who prefer short hops, flat walks, and safe beaches.
Road‑trippers who love viewpoints, loops, and village stops.
Culture lovers drawn to museums, churches, and ruins.
Hikers after marked trails, sea breezes, and cooler seasons.
How to think about Campania’s geography
The Bay of Naples is the region’s hub. Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum sit here. The Amalfi Coast runs south of Sorrento. Capri, Ischia, and Procida rest in the bay. Salerno anchors the eastern side. Beyond lies Cilento, with parks and ancient temples. North of Naples stands Caserta and its royal palace. Eastward, hills and wine towns roll into Irpinia and Benevento.
Keep your base near your plans. Do not cross the region every day. Distances look short, but roads and crowds slow you down. Ferries and local trains help. Driving the coastal road is scenic but slow.
Best bases in Campania
Naples
Culture, food, and day trips in every direction. UNESCO core and big museums.
Best areas to stay
Historic Center for lanes and churches. Chiaia for cafés and waterfront walks. Vomero for views and quieter nights. Near Centrale or Municipio for easy transit.
Stay length (nights)
Two to three for a first visit. Add nights for museums.
Getting around
Walk the center. Use metro and funiculars for hills. Ports connect to islands.
Who it suits
City lovers, food fans, and car‑free travelers.
Pros
Deep culture, great food, best transport.
Watch‑outs
Busy lanes and noise; pick soundproofed stays.
Sorrento (for the Amalfi Coast)
Easy logistics with trains and ferries. Flat center and sunset views.
Best areas to stay
Historic core for walks and dining. Marina Grande for sea mood. Hillside hotels for terraces and quiet.
Stay length (nights)
Two to four if you plan Amalfi Coast day trips.
Getting around
Train to Pompeii and Naples. Boats to Capri and Amalfi towns in season.
Who it suits
Couples, families, and first‑timers.
Pros
Smooth transport, gentle vibe, wide choice of stays.
Watch‑outs
Cliff lifts or steps to beaches; summer crowds.
Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
Why base here
Iconic views and photogenic streets. Gardens and sea access.
Best areas to stay
Positano’s Spiaggia Grande side for boat access. Upper Positano for views and steps. Amalfi near the Duomo for ferries. Ravello near Villa Rufolo for gardens and concerts.
Stay length (nights)
Two to three for a snapshot. Longer outside July–August.
Getting around
Boats are fastest in season. Buses and the coast road are slow. Parking is scarce.
Who it suits
Honeymoons, special trips, and photo‑led travelers.
Pros
Bucket‑list scenery, boat links, great dining.
Watch‑outs
Many stairs; premium prices in peak season.
Salerno
Efficient transport hub with a local feel. Great for Paestum and Amalfi towns.
Best areas to stay
Old town for atmosphere. Near the station for day trips. Waterfront for evening walks.
Stay length (nights)
Two to three for value and easy links.
Getting around
Fast trains to Naples and Paestum. Ferries to Amalfi Coast in season.
Who it suits
Budget‑minded travelers, families, and drivers.
Pros
Great connections, fair prices, real‑life vibe.
Watch‑outs
City beaches are modest; better sands in Cilento.
Cilento (Paestum coast and inland villages)
Why base here
Long sandy beaches and quiet roads. Great food and space to breathe.
Best areas to stay
Paestum and Laura for temples and sands. Agropoli for a lively harbor. Acciaroli and Palinuro for coves. Inland villages for agriturismo stays.
Stay length (nights)
Three to five for beach days and countryside drives.
Getting around
A car helps. Trains reach Paestum and Agropoli. Buses link coastal towns.
Who it suits
Families, slow travelers, and hikers.
Pros
Space, sandy strands, value dining.
Watch‑outs
Services pause mid‑afternoon; a car is handy.
Caserta
Why base here
See the royal palace and vast gardens without a rush.
Best areas to stay
Near the Reggia for easy access. Around the station for trains.
Stay length (nights)
One to two on a culture‑focused route.
Getting around
Walk to the palace. Trains run to Naples and Rome.
Who it suits
Architecture buffs and garden lovers.
Pros
Easy palace access, calmer than Naples.
Watch‑outs
Plan time for the far English Garden.
Inland Irpinia and Benevento
Why base here
Wines, calm roads, and historic layers.
Best areas to stay
Taurasi and Atripalda for wineries. Benevento center for arches and lanes. Countryside inns for views.
Stay length (nights)
Two to three with tastings and short hikes.
Getting around
A car is best. Roads are quiet and scenic.
Who it suits
Wine travelers, hikers, and photographers.
Pros
Characterful towns, serious wines, low crowds.
Watch‑outs
Prebook tastings, especially weekends.
Top things to do in Campania
Tickets & passes: Pre‑book Pompeii, Vesuvius/Gran Cono, and Caserta on busy days. Consider a regional museum pass when visiting multiple paid sites within 72 hours and using public transport. Avoid quoting prices; check official pages for current inclusions.
UNESCO at a glance
A quick overview for planning.
Historic Centre of Naples.
Archaeological areas: Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabiae.
Amalfi Coast.
Royal Palace of Caserta, park, and aqueduct.
Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park with Paestum, Velia, and the Certosa di Padula.
Santa Sofia, Benevento (Longobards in Italy: Places of Power).
Walk Naples’ historic center
Follow long lanes and side chapels. Visit cloisters and small museums. Hunt for Caravaggio and baroque surprises. Stop for coffee, fried bites, and sweets. Take it slow and look up. Add Underground Naples if rain hits. Allow a full day for an easy pace.
Eat classic Neapolitan pizza
The city is the style’s birthplace. Dough rises slowly. Heat blisters the crust in seconds. Order a Margherita or Marinara and keep it simple. Expect queues at popular pizzerias. Go early for lunch or late evening to avoid waits.
Explore Pompeii
Pompeii shows a Roman city frozen in time. Streets, houses, and frescoes survive in detail. Bring water and a hat. Start early to avoid heat. Choose a few areas and focus. The site is large and distances add up.
Duration: 3–5 hours.
Best time: Early morning, shoulder seasons.
See Herculaneum
Herculaneum is smaller and more intimate. Wooden details and upper floors survive. Compare it with Pompeii for a fuller view. The mood feels quiet and concentrated.
Duration: 2–3 hours.
Best time: Early morning; cooler months for detail.
Hike Vesuvius’ crater rim
The cone rises above the bay. Access to the Gran Cono trail is ticketed with timed entry. Buy online when operating and follow the marked path to the rim. Views sweep over Naples and the islands. Go early and pack layers.
Duration: ~2 hours including stops.
Best time: Clear mornings; spring and autumn.
Sail the Amalfi Coast
Cliffs drop to tiny beaches. Villages cling to rock spurs. Boats offer the calmest way to move in season. The road is famous but tight. Sea travel avoids parking stress and saves time.
Duration: Half‑day to full‑day.
Best time: Morning departures, late March–October.
Stroll Ravello’s gardens
Terraces frame the sea from high above. Paths wind through flowers and old stones. Music events and cafés add charm. Light is soft in late afternoon.
Duration: 2–3 hours for both villas.
Best time: Late afternoon for softer light.
Day trip to Capri
Capri combines sharp cliffs and chic streets. Views open from high terraces. Ride up to Monte Solaro for panoramas. Boats circle grottoes and limestone arches. Crowds thin outside peak months. Anacapri feels calmer than the Capri town center.
Duration: Full day.
Best time: Shoulder seasons; early ferries in summer.
Soak in Ischia’s thermal parks
Hot springs feed garden complexes and seaside pools. The island suits longer stays. Trails cross the interior. Village harbors are relaxed. Add Aragonese Castle for views and history in one stop.
Duration: Half‑day to full day.
Best time: Spring and autumn; summer evenings.
Photograph Procida’s harbor
Colorful houses step around the bay. The scale is small and friendly. Views work from the ridge above. Cafés line the water. It pairs well with a calm day.
Duration: Half‑day.
Best time: Sunset for warm tones.
Tour the Royal Palace of Caserta
A vast palace stretches over grand halls and staircases. Gardens sweep back with water features. An English landscape garden hides quiet corners. Allow time for both palace and park. Wear comfortable shoes; distances are long.
Duration: 3–5 hours depending on the park.
Best time: Weekdays; mornings for cooler walks.
Visit Paestum’s Doric temples
Three great temples stand near the sea. The museum adds sculpture and painted tombs. Light and shadow change across the day. Beaches sit a short drive away.
Duration: 2–4 hours.
Best time: Early or golden hour.
Explore the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park
Hikes roll through oak woods and limestone hills. The protected area is officially the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, part of a wider UNESCO inscription with Paestum, Velia, and the Certosa di Padula. Villages serve simple meals and local cheese. Caves and rivers add variety. The mood is unhurried.
Duration: Half‑day hikes to multi‑day stays.
Best time: Spring and autumn for cooler walks.
Find Santa Sofia in Benevento
A small church carries Lombard history and forms part of the UNESCO serial site “Longobards in Italy: Places of Power.” Porticos and carvings reward close looks. The town also has a Roman arch and quiet streets. Combine with Irpinia wineries for a rich day out.
Duration: 1–2 hours in town center sites.
Best time: Weekdays; cooler months for unhurried visits.
Taste Campania’s wines
Whites include Fiano and Greco. Reds center on Aglianico, led by Taurasi. Many producers host tastings. Book ahead in rural areas. The style suits food and cellaring. Designate a driver or plan a transfer.
Enjoy beaches and coves
The Amalfi Coast offers small pebbly coves. Cilento gives long sands. Choose early mornings for calm light. Bring water shoes for stones. Reserve chairs in high season if you want shade and space.
Duration: As long as you like; aim for mornings.
Best time: May–June, September–October.
Best time to visit
Spring brings mild days and flowers. April to June is prime for walking and views. Summer is hot and busy, especially in July and August. The sea feels warm and blue. Autumn, from September to October, is ideal for coasts and wine roads. Winter is quiet and cultural. Naples and Caserta work well year‑round. Some island and ferry services reduce in the off‑season.
Plan around daylight, not just temperature. Winter days are short. Summer heat drives slow afternoons. Early starts help in every month.
One‑week and two‑week plans
Pace tip: build one buffer half‑day every three days for heat or ferries.
3 days (city focus)
Day 1: Naples historic center and museums. Pizza night.
Day 2: Pompeii in the morning. Afternoon gelato and harbor stroll.
Day 3: Capri or Procida by boat. Sunset back in the city.
Swap-ins: If seas are rough, replace Capri with Naples Underground + Castel dell’Ovo.
Pace tip: Keep museum lists short to avoid rush.
5 days (bay and coast)
Days 1–2: Naples. Add Herculaneum or underground sites.
Day 3: Pompeii and a short Vesuvius hike.
Days 4–5: Sorrento base. Boat along the Amalfi Coast.
Swap-ins: If hot, swap Vesuvius for an evening boat to Positano.
Pace tip: One island day or one coast loop—avoid both.
7 days (classic loop)
Days 1–3: Naples base with island day trip.
Days 4–5: Sorrento or Amalfi. Path of the Gods, village time.
Days 6–7: Salerno or Paestum for temples and wide beaches.
Swap-ins: If ferries are limited, base in Salerno and bus/boat mix.
Pace tip: Alternate ruins with sea days.
10 days (coasts and countryside)
Days 1–3: Naples. Slot in Herculaneum.
Days 4–6: Amalfi Coast base. Mix boat and bus.
Days 7–8: Paestum and Cilento. Beach and temples.
Days 9–10: Caserta and a wine stop in Irpinia.
Swap-ins: Replace Capri with Procida if seas are choppy.
Pace tip: Keep one flexible evening for golden-hour photos.
14 days (deep dive)
Days 1–3: Naples.
Days 4–6: Amalfi Coast with a Ravello day.
Days 7–9: Capri or Ischia stay.
Days 10–12: Cilento villages and hikes.
Days 13–14: Caserta, Benevento, and slow evenings.
Swap-ins: Trade Capri for Ischia if you want thermal parks.
Pace tip: Plan laundry on day 7 or 8 to travel lighter.
Keep travel days light. Two hours in transit can feel longer in summer heat. Balance ruins with sea time or gardens.
Where to stay by traveler type
Couples
Families
Friends and groups
Amalfi Coast villas if you travel off‑season.
Naples apartments near major streets.
Cilento farm stays with big tables and outdoor grills.
Car‑free travelers
Choose hotels near stations or ports.
Use boats in season to reduce steps and stairs.
Drivers
Avoid tight ZTL zones in historic cores.
Base in Salerno, Paestum, Caserta, or inland towns.
Use parking garages and walk the last stretch.
Food and drink to try
Street eats
Pizza Napoletana: soft center, blistered edge, simple toppings. Order Margherita or Marinara.
Pizza fritta: fried dough pocket with ricotta and cicoli. Great as a quick snack.
Frittatina di pasta: deep‑fried pasta cake with béchamel and peas.
Cuoppo: paper cone of fried seafood or vegetables. Eat hot.
Sfoglia riccia or frolla: two takes on sfogliatella. Both crisp and fragrant.
Pasta, seafood, and mains
Spaghetti alle vongole: clams, garlic, parsley. Pure and briny.
Genovese napoletana: slow onions with beef. Sweet and rich, despite the name.
Ragù napoletano: long‑simmered tomato sauce with meat. Sunday classic.
Impepata di cozze: mussels with black pepper and lemon.
Parmigiana di melanzane: layered aubergine bake. Comfort on a plate.
Cheeses and dairy
Mozzarella di bufala DOP: best near Paestum. Eat the day it is made.
Fior di latte (Agerola): cow’s milk mozzarella, firm and milky.
Provola affumicata: lightly smoked. Melts beautifully on pizza.
Ricotta di bufala: soft, sweet, and perfect with honey.
Sweets and lemon treats
Pastiera: citrus and wheat tart, classic at Easter.
Babà: rum‑soaked sponge. Light and boozy.
Delizia al limone: lemon dome cake from the Sorrento coast.
Zeppole di San Giuseppe: March pastry with cream and cherry.
Granita al limone and limoncello: cool sips for hot days.
Wines and local bottles
Whites: Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina.
Reds: Aglianico and Taurasi for depth and structure.
Volcanic labels: Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio and Piedirosso.
Historic name: Falerno del Massico from northern Campania.
After‑dinner: limoncello; try nocillo (walnut liqueur) where available.
Market and tasting tips
Book winery tastings in advance, especially weekends.
Buy mozzarella in the morning and eat it the same day.
Lunch runs late. Dinner starts later than in much of Europe.
Ask for house pasta portions for kids. Many places oblige.
Coffee is quick at the bar. Table service costs more.
Smart planning tips
Start early for ruins and outdoor sights.
Pack sun protection and a refillable bottle.
Wear good shoes for steps and cobbles.
Carry small cash for buses and beach services.
Reserve popular sites in peak months where needed.
Travel light if your stay includes many stairs.
Use boats to skip traffic and parking stress.
Keep one buffer day for weather or rest.
Rainy or very hot day ideas
Naples museums and royal rooms.
Cloisters and underground tours.
Caserta palace halls and galleries.
Thermal parks in Ischia.
Long lunches under shade in Cilento.
Hiking highlights
Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
Classic clifftop traverse above the Amalfi Coast.
Standard route: Bomerano (Agerola) → Nocelle (above Positano).
Distance: ~6–7 km. Walking time: 2–3 hours one way.
Terrain: rocky single‑track with steps and some exposure.
Extensions: down stairs to Positano; or up to Montepertuso.
Logistics: buses reach Bomerano; from Nocelle continue by stairs or bus.
Best time: spring and autumn. Start early in summer.
Vesuvius (Gran Cono trail)
Marked cone trail to the crater rim.
Access is ticketed with timed entry when operating.
Distance: ~3.5 km round trip. Elevation: short but steady.
Surface: ash, gravel, and dust. Shoes with grip help.
Conditions change fast with wind. Bring a light layer.
Combine with Pompeii or Herculaneum for one full day.
Cilento mountains and rivers
Alburni: limestone ridges with caves and wide views.
Monte Stella: panoramic summit above coastal villages.
Cilento coast: short coves paths near Palinuro and Camerota.
Gole del Calore (Felitto): river gorge walks and swimming spots.
Distances vary. Many trails are half‑day loops.
A car helps to reach remote trailheads.
Capri coastal circuits
Pizzolungo: dramatic cliffs and arches near the Faraglioni.
I Fortini: fort trail between small coves on the western coast.
Monte Solaro: highest point on the island, wide bay views.
Surfaces mix paved lanes and rocky paths. Watch steps.
Avoid midday heat on exposed terraces.
Ischia green routes
Monte Epomeo: tufaceous summit with island panoramas.
Piano Liguori → Campagnano: balcony path above the sea.
Bosco della Maddalena: shaded woodland tracks.
Trails range from 1 to 4 hours. Buses reach most starts.
Gear and safety
Carry two liters of water per person in summer.
Hat, sunscreen, and a light wind layer are essential.
Trail shoes with grip beat sandals on rocks and dust.
Check local notices for closures and fire risk.
Heat and wind change comfort fast. Turn back if needed.
Do not block farm gates or terraces when taking photos.
Beach and sea tips
Amalfi Coast reality
Beaches are small, pebbly, and often stepped. Expect stairs and narrow access.
Space is limited in July–August. Go early or late for calm light and room.
Spiagge libere (free sections) exist but are small. Most space is run by lidi (beach clubs).
Bring water shoes for stones and slippery ramps.
Using beach clubs (lidi)
You rent two chairs + one umbrella as a set (details vary).
Reserve ahead on peak weekends. Walk‑in is fine off‑season.
Pay in cash in smaller towns. Keep small notes for lockers and showers.
Shade helps in midday heat. Reapply sunscreen after swims.
Boats and coves
Boats are the fastest link between Amalfi towns in season.
Water‑taxis reach small coves. Prices vary by distance and time.
Sea conditions change through the day. Morning is usually smoother.
In swell or red‑flag days, grotto and cave trips may pause.
Capri, Ischia, Procida
Capri: tiny pebble coves and platforms on rocks. Blue Grotto closes when seas rise.
Ischia: mix of sandy arcs and thermal outlets. Family‑friendly and larger.
Procida: photogenic sandy bays; scale is small and relaxed.
Cilento coast
Long sandy strands and clear shallows. Good for families.
Towns like Agropoli, Acciaroli, Palinuro, Camerota offer choice.
Parking is easier than on the Amalfi Coast, but arrives early in August.
Practical tips
Swim season runs roughly May–October. Shoulder months feel best.
Pack a light foldable towel; stones dry fast but can be hot.
Bring a dry bag for boat days and camera gear.
Keep small cash for sunbeds, showers, and snacks.
Respect red flags and lifeguard advice; currents can be strong near rocks.
Take your litter with you. Do not block fisherman ramps with towels.
Culture notes and etiquette
Greetings matter. A simple “buongiorno” goes far.
Churches expect covered shoulders in some areas.
Coffee is quick at the bar. Sit‑down costs more.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave small coins.
Keep voices lower in small lanes at night.
Budgeting and costs
Accommodation peaks in July and August.
Shoulder seasons offer value and calmer streets.
Ferries and buses are affordable compared to taxis.
Museum passes can save money on busy days.
Food ranges from street eats to special‑occasion dining.
Accessibility notes
Many historic lanes include steps and uneven stones.
Coastal towns stack vertically with steep alleys.
Boats may require steps down to piers.
Choose bases with elevators and flat access when possible.
Cities like Naples and Salerno offer more flat terrain.
With kids
Pick bases with easy transport and flat promenades.
Alternate ruins with beach time.
Book early dinners or choose casual spots.
Bring sun hats and refillable bottles.
Ferries can feel like a mini adventure.
One perfect day options
Naples
Morning: cloisters and art in the historic center. Lunch with pizza and a sweet. Afternoon: a small museum and a seafront stroll. Evening: lively lanes and gelato.
Amalfi Coast
Morning: boat to a second village. Midday: beach hour. Afternoon: garden visit in Ravello. Evening: dinner on a terrace.
Capri
Morning: ride up for views and a ridge walk. Lunch in a shaded square. Afternoon: coastal boat loop. Evening: back on the ferry at golden hour.
Paestum and Cilento
Morning: temples and museum. Lunch near the sea. Afternoon: beach or a country drive. Evening: slow dinner under vines.
Responsible travel
Carry your own bottle and refuse single‑use plastic.
Keep to marked trails and respect closures.
Support local producers and family businesses.
Avoid blocking farm gates for photos.
Travel off‑peak to spread visits across seasons.
Plan your Campania stay
Pick one base for your first nights. Add one coast base or an island stay. Choose two headline experiences and reserve them. Keep one open day for weather or rest. Then slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the region.
FAQs
Is Campania safe for tourists?
Yes, with normal city awareness. Watch your bag on crowded transport. Use hotel safes for passports. Avoid quiet alleys late at night.
Do I need a car?
Not for Naples, Pompeii, islands, or the Amalfi Coast. Trains and boats cover most routes. A car helps for Cilento and inland villages.
How many days do I need?
Three days work for a taste of the bay. One week covers highlights. Two weeks let you add islands, Cilento, and wine towns.
When is the best month to visit?
May, June, September, and October. Weather is kind and crowds thinner than peak summer.
Can I swim outside summer?
Yes, in warm spells from late spring to early autumn. Local seas cool in winter. Pools and thermal parks help in colder months.
Pompeii or Herculaneum first?
Choose Pompeii for scale and streets. Pick Herculaneum for details and preserved wood. Many travelers visit both for contrast.
Is the Path of the Gods hard?
It is a moderate hike with steps and exposed sections. Go early. Wear shoes with grip. Carry water and a hat.
How do I reach Capri, Ischia, or Procida?
Ferries run from Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno in season. Off‑season timetables reduce. Check a day ahead and go early.
What shoes should I pack?
Choose sturdy trainers for ruins and cobbles. Add water shoes for pebbly beaches. Pack light and break them in at home.
Can I visit Vesuvius without a guide?
Yes, on marked trails when open. Conditions can change with weather. Carry layers for wind at the rim.
Where should I base without a car?
Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno are best. Each has trains and boats. You can add day trips without stress.
How can I avoid crowds?
Start early. Visit big sites on weekdays. Travel in shoulder months. Use boats to move between coastal towns.
Final notes for smooth travel
Keep to short routes and early starts. Balance ruins with sea and gardens. Respect local pace and mealtimes. Travel light and stay flexible. Campania rewards simple plans and curious minds.
Discover Campania: Cities, Villages, Posts & Nature
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