Campania is a region in southern Italy, on the Tyrrhenian coast, where a long record of ancient settlement meets a coastline that draws visitors for its scenery alone. It suits travellers who want history, food and sea in a single trip.
Ancient sites and the volcano
The archaeological heritage here is among the most visited in Italy. Pompeii and Herculaneum preserve streets, houses and everyday life from the Roman world, and a visit to either gives a sense of how a town of the period was laid out. Above them rises Mount Vesuvius, which visitors can climb, with views over the Bay of Naples. Paestum, further south, is known for its Greek temples and is a quieter place to explore.
Coast, islands and food
The Amalfi Coast is made up of cliffside villages linked by winding roads and paths, where the houses stack above the water. From the coast, boats reach the islands of Capri and Ischia, each with its own character and shoreline. Naples, the regional capital, is the city where pizza is said to have its roots, and it remains a good place to eat it. Paestum is also a source of fresh buffalo mozzarella, which is worth tasting on its own.
Planning a visit
- Base yourself in Naples to reach Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius by train or car.
- Allow time for the Amalfi Coast, where travel between villages is slow on narrow roads.
- Take a ferry from the mainland to Capri or Ischia, and plan the day around the sailing times.
- Combine a visit to Paestum with local food, especially its mozzarella.
