15 Best Places to Visit in Campania Italy

The summer season is on, so we continue our exploration of the best places to visit around Italy. You can do it during short travel or long travel itinerary, starting with one of the regions of Southern Italy. We will be talking about a fascinating territory. It has the best summer climate, beautiful coasts, rich art and history, and of course, the region’s special food types. Let’s find out which are the 15 best places to visit in Campania, Italy! Where is Campania, Italy?

Once you begin your journey around Southern Italy, the first thing you will be the region’s main beauty, the sea. The intense color of the water, surrounded by the long coastline, the hidden beaches, caves, bays, and vegetation all create a unique scenery for every visitor’s eyes.

Moreover, you will be surrounded by cultivations of citrus, olives, and vines. You will find mysterious places, intense passions joyful activities, and a high level of history and culture, but most of all, everything will take you far away from your ordinary settings.

15 best places to visit in Campania, Italy

Here we are with our new region, Campania in Southern Italy. It is a charming area that will impress every traveler that starts his exploration. Campania has five provinces: Salerno, Caserta, Benevento, Avelino, and Naples.

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We have decided to make a selection of the 15 best places to visit as having those provinces as a start, in Campania, Italy. Also, you can organize the best day trips from Naples to each. Beyond that, you can also plan an itinerary to the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy!

1. Ruins of Pompeii – The first of the 15 best places to visit in Campania, Italy

Let’s start with a little bit of history. Our first selection is the Roman city of Pompeii. Pompei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and indeed a unique experience. It is the city that faced the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, crystalizing almost everything it had. Importantly, it is recommended to ask for a guided tour during your trip. Then, you can understand everything and be able to visit all the accessible parts of the ancient city.

You can see it as total past immersion, as during your trip you will be able to see exactly the ancient Roman homes, monumental structures, the Sanctuary of the Public Lares, Pompei’s most interesting building, and Casa dei Vetti.

2. Campi Flegrei

For those interested in archeology, Campi Flegrei is the answer. It was formed following two eruptions, The Campanian ignimbrite, and the Neapolitan Tuff. Campi Flegrei Regional Park is made of craters, lakes, water springs, and thermal vapors, while the volcanic activity is still intense.

By far the most looked-for archeological sites in Campi Flegrei are the Flavian Neronian Amphiteatre, the temple of Serapis, the castle of Baia, and the Antro della Sibilla Cumana. Meanwhile, this place is not all about archeology passions, it is a definition of beautiful nature and sea.

3. Vesuvius National Park

A must for every searcher for unicity, The whole Vesuvius National park is one of the most visited places. Tourists from all around the world are climbing Mount Vesuvius every year to get to the crater and be amazed by its depths. It gives a very interesting insight into Italy, as the Park is very productive, having farms and wineries all around.

The volcano is exactly in the middle of the natural park, while on the top of it you can see the oldest volcanological observatory in the world, the Vesuvian observatory.

4. Royal Palace of Caserta

Very accessible from Naples, you can have the best one-day trip to the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, in Caserta. You will be welcomed by beautiful and clean lawns and fountains. Also, the most interesting thing you should know is that with this palace, neoclassical architecture was born, and it is the largest palace in the world.

It is a real architecture and precious art, sculptures, reliefs, inlaid floors holder, and another UNESCO SITE. It has four courtyards, more than 30 staircases, and an incredible number of 1200 rooms, Following the famous Grand Staircase with 116 steps framed by one of the huge parks. It’s a place that definitely has something for those romantics who want to enjoy the gardens while having a ride on a bicycle.

5. Sorrento

Here we are with our next destination, Sorrento, one of the most popular summer vacation spots in the past for the Ancient Greeks and Romans and even today. If you are in look for a rustic ambiance, a nice climate, friendly vibes, and charming streets. Sorrento, one of our best places to visit in Campania is seen as a good start to exploring the area. It is full of action, having a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants as well as some historical ruins such as the Temple of Venus.

This is also one of the most affordable town in the area, so if you’re looking for Sorrento hotels, make sure you check our list! Moreover, for food lovers, Sorento seems to be the paradise of Italian specialties. Travelers can try a diversity of fish specialties, sorts of Italian pasta, pizza, and desserts. You will have everything in one place, the Mediterranean sea, the sun, the diversity of activities, and awesome spots to explore.

6. Capua – One of the best places to visit in Campania, Italy for the amazing Ancient Roman history

Here we are with Capua, once the main city of the Campania region. Capua is a small town, having the Volturno river and the best place for those interested in buildings and monuments, museums and churches. It is quite a quiet city, situated about 30 km from Naples which makes it very accessible for one day of Ancient Roman ruins exploration.

The main interesting point that everyone should visit is the bridge called Ponte Romano, rebuilt after the Second World War while maintaining its historical characteristics. Also, some points you should miss are definitely the Piazza of Judges, the Amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere which is the second size after the Colosseum, the location of the first gladiators’ school, and the Church of Saint Eligi. With all those seen, you’ll have a full package of new important Italian Historical sights.

7. Ravello

Often being called the hidden treasure of the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is definitely one of the 15 best places to visit in Campania, Italy. It has thousands of years of history, a most alluring coastline, and an incredible mountaintop. Nowadays, it is seen as the City of Music thanks to the fact that it captivated so many travelers, inspired plenty of passionate artists, and has been the starting point of so many stories.

Of course, there is an annual summer festival that showcases a wide range of music and art genres. The beautiful villas have become some of the main attractions while visiting Ravello. Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone built around the 13th century will simply amaze you with the legends around them, and of course, with the breathtaking views, they offer.

8. Vietri Sul Mare

The last city of the Amalfi coast, near Salerno, is Vietri sul Mare. It is a town well known for its ceramics of all shapes and sizes, for every establishment, pottery production during Roman times. The main attraction of this town is the St. John the Baptist Church, a Neapolitan Renaissance-style creation.

Every year, Vietri Sul Mare is looked after by tourists all around the world for the crafting history courses and, of course, for the beautiful beaches that it has. One thing that everyone’s trying to discover is the history of ceramics, the vineyards, the unknown tracks, and the best spot to enjoy the sunsets. In Vietri Sul Mare, all of these are possible.

9. Positano

A place you definitely should miss in the Campania region is Positano. If you are an explorer, a ride along the Amalfi Coast is the first thing that you should do after you get to Positano. Our recommendation is to use a bicycle or a scooter, so you would be able to feel the breeze and admire the view while having the most freedom-alike trip of your life.

The variety of hotels in Positano offers you also the best services, but mostly all come with a rooftop terrace and pool so that you could enjoy your sunsets and nights chilling and relaxing. If you are a night person, you should know that Positano is the number one option for all those who love music, and little club vibes and want to experience another side of it. Music on the Rocks is basically a club in a cave, a totally unique place. If you’re visiting Positano, make sure you check out the best restaurants as well!

10. Salerno

The city of Salerno is one of the most alive cities in Campania, Italy at night, full of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs open until morning, and locals enjoy the multiculturalism brought by tourists. It has affordable accommodation and it’s very accessible from Naples. The distance is only 50 km which makes it the best trip destination.

Its most looked-for attractions are the Promenada, Arechi Citadel, the Dome, The Archeological Museum, and numerous old medieval churches, buildings, and parks. Salermo is indeed one of the 15 best places to visit in Campania, thanks to the animated port that it has as well.

11. The temples of Paestum

The beauty of three interesting temples is the first reason to start your trip. The magnificent archaeological area brings together an amazing conservation state. The oldest is the Temple of Hera, followed by the Temple of Athena and the temple of Neptune or Poseidon.

All those are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. This area stares a beautiful museum, which shows all the interesting remains of Greek temples. Therefore, to visit Paestum, it would take something like three hours if you want to see all the diversity of objects found in the surrounding necropolises.

12. Capri

There are many reasons why the Island of Capri should be one of the best places to visit in Campina. First, we start with the natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and colorful views that will definitely amaze you. Capri is well known as one of the best shopping areas. Lots of celebrities and figures spend their time on a yacht, anchored in Marina Grande. It is a very suitable destination from Naples, as it takes only 45 mins with the hydrofoil to get there.

There are plenty of ways to explore the surroundings, from boat tours around the Island and walks in the famous and romantic streets. You can also spend your time at the best Italian beaches, and have your lunch at the local restaurants. If you are into visiting, we recommend the garden of Villa San Michelle and the floor of the San Michele Church. Also, if you want to stay for the night, make sure you check the best hotels in Capri!

13. Ischia – An amazing Island, one of the best places to visit in Campania, Italy

Another Island, famous for its thermal springs and archeological sites, as well as the monuments, is the island of Ischia. One of the main attractions is the Poseidon and Negombo thermal springs, with a diversity of thermal pools, waterfalls, and saunas. It is situated in the Gulf of Naples and it’s a volcanic island.

You can observe that is full of beaches and locals who are always in the mood to chat. Also, there are mini-trips that you can book directly with the locals to visit caves or walk to Aragonese Castle. Furthermore, the local life looks amazing, as there is a lot of colorful architecture, little shops, bars, and restaurants. It is easily accessible by a ferry ride from Naples.

14. Procida

Known as the tiny island between Ischia and Capri, Procida is the island that succeeded to be named Italy’s capital of culture for 2022. Beating the other nine candidates, Procida succeeded in being the first island to ever have this title. It is a colorful city, as you may see once you arrive at the Marina Grande port.

The colorful side of the city stays as a tradition for the fishermen. It has also some of the most famous beaches. Pozzo Vecchio is constantly a tourist attraction for the black sand it has. Also, if there is one thing that you shouldn’t miss Isola di Vivara, a nature reservation that is linked to Procida by a long bridge and welcomes visitors to see its rich natural beauty.

15. Pisciotta – Definitely one of the best places to visit in Campania, Italy

The village called Pisciotta is one of the most beautiful villages near the Mediterranean. It is built on a hill, in front of the sea. It is a province of Salerno and is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Campania region of Italy. We are ending our selection with Pisciotta. It’s all because of its virgin beauty, undeveloped in tourism as much as the other destinations.

It is a place for those who want to blend in with the locals. Also, for those who want to admire the ancient history, the medieval vibe, the streets, and houses. Of course, you will be able to enjoy the hospitality of a small village nearby the sea. If you have plans to visit Italy and you think about adding Pisciotta to the list, you will not regret it. Take a break and relax at the beach, breathe the air, and explore this raw-alike hidden destination.

The conclusion – Your next trip should definitely be to Campania, Italy

As you might have discovered from all those 15 best places to visit around the Campania region, there is full of diversity, new and a different story for each place. Moreover, you can expect everything and experience a long list of things. All those, only by choosing Campania in Southern Italy as the next destination! We hope you liked our selection and, have fun exploring!