An Introduction to Campania, Italy

Campania is a region in the South of Italy, edged by the Mediterranean Sea. Made up of five provinces, Campania has incredible nature and cities. With archeological sites, gorgeous beaches, and delicious food, Campania is the place to visit if you want an unforgettable holiday.

Must See & Do in Campania

Naples, the world capital of pizza, is a city to visit in Campania. One of the oldest ancient cities in Europe, its historical past is evident in the city’s numerous monuments and archaeological museums. Don’t miss a visit to Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples Harbour, and San Gennaro Catacombs.

Caserta is another unmissable city if you are in Campania. The magnificent Reggia di Caserta was once the palace of the royal family. This baroque building with its gardens decorated with lawns and fountains is worth a visit. 

Remarkable is the Ancient Greek city of Paestum. Although much of this town remains unexcavated, there are amazing sculptures and archeological sites, including the Temple of Hera and the Tomb of the Diver.

If you are a history lover, visiting Pompeii is an absolute must. The world-famous archaeological site houses the ruins of the ancient Roman city, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii is the perfect place to explore intricate mosaics, ancient graffiti, and Roman houses.

Campania is popular for the beauties of the Amalfi Coast. The picturesque houses and the deep blue waters are the quintessence of the Italian dolce vita lifestyle. The Amalfi Coast is the perfect place to relax.

The seaside town of Sorrento is popular summer vacation. There’s a lot to do and see in Sorrento: Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia – with its cafes, restaurants, and shops – the ruins of the Temple of Venus, and the Romanesque Duomo.

If there is a popular spot to hang out in Campania, that is the island of Capri. Capri is a true natural wonder, renowned for its glamorous lifestyle, with its high cliffs dropping off into the depths of the sparkling blue sea. Don’t skip a trip to the spectacular Blue Grotto – this cave won’t disappoint you.

Situated in the Gulf of Naples is the volcanic island of Ischia. Besides the many archaeological sites and the majestic Aragonese Castle, Ischia is a popular holiday destination for its thermal spas.

Campania also has breathtaking nature. One of Campania’s must-sees is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed Pompeii. You can hike the many trails and enjoy views of the Gulf of Naples, and with a guided tour, you can also reach the volcano’s crater.

If you love nature, visit the Cilento National Park, where you can do both land activities, such as hiking, and water activities, like diving.

Secret Gems of Campania

Campania offers some gorgeous views, and one of the most suggestive is from the Terrazza dell’Infinito (“Terrace of Infinity”), inside Villa Cimbrone, in the town of Ravello. The stunning Villa is today a five-star hotel, but its gardens and famous terrace can be visited.

The Terrazza is lined by a series of marble busts that render the view of the Mediterranean Sea below even more spectacular. The Terrazza dell’Infinito is a fantastic spot to visit during your holiday in Campania!

Food & Drink of Campania

Campania cuisine is famous all over the world. A unique and ancient culinary heritage, the highlight of this gastronomic tradition is a dish renowned everywhere in the world, pizza. From the classic Margherita, to rustic pizzas, fried pizzas, and calzones, Campania’s street food is an absolute must-eat during your vacation.

A specialty is casatiello, from the tradition of rustic Campania. Usually eaten during Easter, casatiello is a savory pie filled with cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, flour, yeast, pepper, and lard. Delicious and fragrant, you can taste casatiello only in Campania!

Pasta is Italy’s staple dish, and the pasta tradition in Campania is ancient. The city of Gragnano is even nicknamed “the City of Macaroni”! Try the Spaghetti alla Nerano, with fried zucchini and Provolone del Monaco cheese. Another must-try is the Frittata di pasta, an omelet made traditionally with leftover pasta – best if macaroni – and then served cold. This is the perfect takeaway food for a beach day.

A typical main dish is Salsiccia e friarielli, a simple but flavorful sausage cooked alongside friarielli (a vegetable from the broccoli family) with garlic, olive oil, and chili.

If you have a sweet tooth, Campania is the place to be! Pastiera (a typical Easter dish), made with ricotta and candied fruit, and Babà, a baked dough dessert soaked in liquor (like rum) are truly delicious.

And remember to finish your meals with a glass of Limoncello.