Campania is a land rich in inspiration and history, where you can admire some of the most important monuments not only in our country but in the entire world. And it’s not just the romantic Royal Palace of Caserta or the extraordinary ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, but also Mount Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the splendid islands of the Gulf of Naples. Discover in this article the most beautiful places to visit in Campania to truly reach the heart of this region and experience a dream journey!
Naples
Naples certainly needs no introduction. We are talking about a city with centuries of history behind it, during which numerous peoples and cultures have alternated, giving us today a city rich in traditions and contradictions, but undeniably charming.
Visiting Naples is truly an experience unlike any other. It starts from its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then ventures into the Spanish Quarters and reaches Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace and the Maschio Angioino. A walk that turns into a whirlwind of arts and styles completely different from each other, yet living in perfect harmony.
It’s impossible not to explore the Vomerodistrict, the elegant neighborhood famous for its Art Nouveau villas. In the evening, treat yourself to a romantic stroll between Posillipo and the seafront of Mergellina, without missing out on a culinary tour of the delights that have conquered the world!
Finally, if you are passionate about trekking, don’t miss the chance to visit the Vesuvius National Park. 54 km divided into 11 trails that will take you through the naturalistic and geological curiosities and peculiarities of the area.
The Royal Palace of Caserta
The Royal Palace of Caserta is one of those monuments that must absolutely be visited at least once in a lifetime, for the spectacular interiors and gardens. Strongly desired by Charles of Bourbon, construction began in 1752, based on a design by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, but was only completed in 1845.
Inside there are as many as 1200 rooms, alternating Baroque, Rococo, and Imperial styles. Seeing it all, especially in one day, is unfortunately very difficult. However, let yourself be led by the Grand Staircase of Honor towards the royal apartments and the Palatine Chapel, between the Throne Room and the private apartments, up to the Court Theater and the library.
Finally, dedicate enough time to stroll through the splendid gardens and admire the fountains and water features. From Aeolus to Ceres, from Diana and Actaeon to Venus and Adonis, many mythological figures come to life in this vast park and will truly leave you breathless.
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Pompeii and Herculaneum
Among the places to visit in Campania, the archaeological area of Pompeii and Herculaneumcannot be missed. The two cities, buried in 79 AD by the eruption of Vesuvius, are among the most extraordinary testimonies of how life and daily routines were in Roman times..
The artifacts found at the two sites are preserved at the Naples Archaeological Museum. In the Pompeii and Herculaneum park, it is possible to visit the areas that have been brought to light during excavations. Pompeii in particular, as a holiday resort, boasts numerous villas where frescoes, decorations, and mosaics remain intact.Among these villas stand out the House of Menander, the House of the Faun, the Villa of the Mysteries, and the House of the Vettii.
In Herculaneum, in the Fornici area, you can observe over 300 skeletons of local inhabitantscaught by the eruption while fleeing. In the park, you can also admire many houses with beautiful architecture, practically intact, including the House of the Deer inside which a sculpture of a deer being attacked by dogs was found.
The Islands of the Gulf of Naples
The Gulf of Naples opens onto the three islands of Procida, Capri, and Ischia, true earthly paradises where you can spend a relaxing weekend of sun, sea, and, why not, a bit of nightlife.Procida
is the smallest of the three islands, but has been chosen by cinema as the set for many films such as Il Postino. Its many bays and coves hide incredible beaches with crystal-clear emerald green water. Among these are the It is the smallest of the three islands, but has been chosen by filmmakers as the set for many movies such as Il Postino. Its many bays and coves hide incredible beaches with crystal-clear emerald green water. Among these is the and the more famous Chiaia Beach, reachable on foot by climbing 182 steps!, reachable on foot by climbing as many as 182 steps!
Ischia is the largest island and the most crowded by tourists, especially in summer. Beyond the beaches, Ischia is also known for its natural thermal complexes. In some of these, like the Fumarole Thermal Baths, the water can even reach a temperature of 100 degrees, steaming and boiling! While bathing is not possible in these cases, sand treatments are available, ideal for those suffering from joint problems.
Finally, we arrive at Capri, muse and inspiration for poets, writers, and artists. The first sights to see can only be the Faraglioni Rocks and the wonderful Blue Grotto, also visitable by a romantic boat trip. Beyond natural wonders, Capri also offers many architectural beauties, such as Villa Jovis, built by order of Emperor Tiberius as a tribute to Jupiter. From here you enjoy an unparalleled view embracing Procida and Ischia, stretching to Cilento and the Gulf of Salerno.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, the strip of land from Positano to Vietri sul Mare, was recognized in 1997 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its landscape and cultural beauties. Indeed, it’s impossible to visit this area without being amazed.
Blessed by the sun 365 days a year, the Amalfi Coast is the ideal destination for a trip in any season. Even in winter, you can visit it enjoying beautiful warm days.
A must-see stop on the trip is Amalfi. The former Maritime Republic preserves almost intact traces of its glorious past, which can be relived during a visit to theArsenal, where the ships of the Amalfi fleet were built.
Positano is a more elegant location, where you can lose yourself among colorful and characteristic alleys and indulge in the incredible Campanian cuisine! But don’t miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Emerald Grotto in the bay of Conca dei Marini. While in Vietri sul Mare, discover the secrets of ceramics at the dedicated museum.
Our tour of places to visit in Campania ends here, on the splendid Amalfi coast. For ideas on other tours in Italy and around the world, visit our website and don’t hesitate to join our events to experience travel in a whole new way!