Campania is a stunning region in southern Italy renowned for its dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, and world-famous cuisine. Home to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the islands of Capri and Ischia, it offers an unrivaled mix of history, natural beauty, and gastronomy. The birthplace of pizza and mozzarella di bufala, Campania captivates visitors with its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Campania.
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1
Pompeii Archaeological Park
One of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites, Pompeii was a thriving Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Visitors can walk through remarkably preserved streets, homes, baths, and temples, seeing plaster casts of victims frozen in their final moments.
Tip: Book tickets online to avoid queues · Wear comfortable walking shoes · Hire an audio guide or guided tour · Visit early to beat the heat and crowds
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2
Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 50km along the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most spectacular stretches of coastline. Dramatic cliffs plunge into the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea, dotted with pastel-colored villages, lemon groves, and historic churches.
Tip: Drive the coast road early morning to avoid traffic · Take the SITA bus or boat between towns · Visit in May/June or September for fewer crowds
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3
Naples Historic Center
The historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its labyrinthine streets are packed with magnificent baroque churches, underground Greek and Roman ruins, and some of the world's best street food.
Tip: Start at Via dei Tribunali for street food · Visit Spaccanapoli for authentic Naples atmosphere · Explore the underground Naples (Napoli Sotterranea)
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4
Herculaneum (Ercolano)
Often overshadowed by nearby Pompeii, Herculaneum is in many ways better preserved due to its burial in volcanic mud rather than ash. The site offers remarkably intact wooden structures, mosaics, and frescoes, giving a vivid picture of Roman daily life.
Tip: Combine with Pompeii for a full day of ruins · Smaller and less crowded than Pompeii · Reachable by Circumvesuviana train from Naples
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5
Mount Vesuvius
The only active volcano on mainland Europe, Vesuvius looms over the Bay of Naples and offers a dramatic hiking experience to its crater rim. From the summit at 1,280m, visitors enjoy panoramic views over Naples, the bay, and surrounding islands.
Tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes · Bring water and sunscreen · The summit trail is 860m from the car park
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6
Capri
The glamorous island of Capri has enchanted visitors for centuries with its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and jet-set atmosphere. Top attractions include the famous Blue Grotto sea cave, the Gardens of Augustus, and the ruins of Tiberius's Villa Jovis.
Tip: Take the early morning ferry to avoid day-trippers · Visit Blue Grotto early before afternoon swells · Chairlift to Monte Solaro for best views
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7
Ischia
The largest island in the Gulf of Naples, Ischia is celebrated for its volcanic thermal springs, sandy beaches, and lush green hillsides. The Aragonese Castle on a rocky promontory is the island's most iconic landmark, while thermal spa resorts offer therapeutic mineral-rich waters.
Tip: Stay overnight to fully enjoy the thermal spas · Aragonese Castle is worth the €10 admission · Beaches are more accessible than Capri
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8
Positano
Positano is the postcard-perfect village of the Amalfi Coast, with pastel-colored houses cascading down steep cliffs to a dark-sand beach. The village is traffic-free at its core, requiring visitors to navigate hundreds of steps, but the reward is one of Italy's most photogenic settings.
Tip: Arrive by ferry from Amalfi or Sorrento for the best first impression · Visit in September for summer weather minus peak crowds · Explore the back streets for better prices
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9
Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)
The largest royal palace in the world by volume, the Reggia di Caserta was built for the Bourbon kings of Naples in the 18th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 1,200 rooms, grand staircase, and spectacular 3km gardens inspired by Versailles are awe-inspiring.
Tip: The gardens extend 3km so wear comfortable shoes · A bicycle or electric cart helps cover the gardens · Combine with a visit to Caserta town
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10
Paestum Archaeological Park
Paestum contains three of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world, dating from 600 to 450 BC. The temples of Hera, Neptune, and Ceres stand in remarkable condition in a meadow of wildflowers, predating Rome's Colosseum by centuries.
Tip: The on-site museum is excellent and included in admission · Spring is beautiful with wildflowers around the temples · Combine with a visit to Cilento coast
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Royal Palace of Caserta
World's largest royal palace by volume with spectacular Baroque gardens
Castel dell'Ovo
Naples' oldest castle on a rocky promontory in the bay
Castel Nuovo
Medieval castle with Renaissance triumphal arch on Naples waterfront
Amalfi Cathedral
Stunning Arab-Norman cathedral dominating Amalfi's main piazza
Aragonese Castle, Ischia
Dramatic medieval fortress on a rocky island off Ischia Ponte
Museums
National Archaeological Museum (MANN)
World's finest collection of Greco-Roman antiquities including Pompeii finds
Capodimonte Museum
Italy's great art collection in a Bourbon palace with works by Caravaggio and Titian
Paestum Museum
Archaeological museum adjacent to Greek temples with unique finds
Herculaneum Archaeological Museum
On-site museum for Herculaneum with daily life artifacts
Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro
Naples' extraordinary collection of religious jewels and artifacts
Nature
Mount Vesuvius
Active volcano with hikeable crater trail and panoramic views
Path of the Gods
Spectacular coastal hiking trail above the Amalfi Coast
Blue Grotto, Capri
Magical sea cave with electric-blue light effect
Phlegrean Fields
Active volcanic caldera west of Naples with fumaroles and ruins
Cilento National Park
UNESCO-listed park in southern Campania with mountains and coast
Cultural
Naples Historic Center
UNESCO World Heritage district with baroque churches and street food
Spaccanapoli
Ancient street cutting through old Naples with artisans and cafes
Napoli Sotterranea
Underground tunnels and cisterns dating 2,400 years beneath Naples
Via San Gregorio Armeno
Famous street of nativity scene artisans in Naples historic center
Vietri sul Mare
World-famous ceramics town at the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most archaeological sites open 9:00 AM with last entry 1-2 hours before closing. Museums typically close one day per week (often Tuesday or Wednesday).
- Fees
- Archaeological sites €10-18, museums €8-15, island ferries €16-32 return. Combination tickets available.
- Best Times
- Early morning at popular sites to beat crowds and heat. Book Pompeii in advance online.
- Booking
- Book Pompeii, Caserta Palace, and Capri ferries online in advance, especially June-September.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
The Campania ArteCard offers discounted or free admission to many museums and transport - worth it for 3+ days
Avoid visiting the Amalfi Coast by private car in July-August due to severe traffic congestion on the coastal road
Most UNESCO sites require modest dress - carry a scarf
Combination tickets for Pompeii and Herculaneum save money
Many Naples churches are free to enter and contain masterpieces
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Campania?
April-June and September-October offer pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Summer is hot and very busy, especially July-August.
Are guided tours available for Campania's attractions?
Available at all major sites, typically €15-25 per person for group tours, €80-150 for private guides. Highly recommended for Pompeii.
Can I take photos at attractions in Campania?
Photography permitted at most outdoor sites. No flash in museums. Commercial photography requires a permit at Pompeii.
How much time do I need for Campania's main attractions?
Allow at least 5-7 days to see the major highlights of Campania. Naples alone merits 2 days.