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Safety Guide

Campania Safety Guide 2025

Stay safe during your Campania trip with essential safety information.

Safety Overview

Overall Safety Level: MODERATE

Campania is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the Amalfi Coast, islands, and archaeological sites. Naples requires the same urban awareness as any major European city - petty theft and pickpocketing exist but violent crime against tourists is rare.

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.

Current Advisory

Standard European travel advisories apply. Exercise normal precautions. Naples requires more vigilance than rural Campania but is not dangerous for aware tourists. The Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia, and archaeological sites are among Italy's safest tourist destinations.

Last updated: 2025-01

Travel Advisories

Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.

Level 1

US State Department

Exercise normal precautions in Italy. Be alert in crowded tourist areas.

Normal

UK FCDO

Italy is generally safe. Take normal precautions against petty crime.

Official Advisory Sources

  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US: travel.state.gov
  • πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
  • πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada: travel.gc.ca
  • πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
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Safety Checklist & Emergency Card

Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.

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Common Scams to Avoid

Be aware of these common tourist scams.

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Taxi overcharging

Unlicensed taxis or dishonest drivers charge inflated rates to tourists, especially from Naples airport

How to avoid: Only use official white metered taxis from official ranks or the itTaxi app. Ask for the taximeter to be running.
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Restaurant overcharging

Some tourist-area restaurants add unexplained charges or use misleading menu pricing

How to avoid: Check the menu carefully before ordering. Ask for an itemized receipt and query any unexplained charges.
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Fake police officers

Con artists posing as plain-clothes police demand to check your wallet for 'counterfeit notes'

How to avoid: Real police do not ask to handle your money. Ask for ID and offer to go to a police station instead.
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Circumvesuviana pickpockets

Teams of pickpockets work the Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento train targeting tourists with luggage

How to avoid: Keep bags in front, use a money belt, avoid crowded doors where thieves can snatch and exit
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Street vendors pestering

Aggressive vendors selling trinkets near major sights can be persistent

How to avoid: Firm but polite refusal - 'No grazie' is sufficient. Walking away without engaging is most effective.

Essential Safety Tips

Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.

INFO

Keep bags zipped and held in front of you in Naples city center, on the Circumvesuviana train, and in crowded tourist areas

INFO

Use only official white licensed taxis from official ranks or the itTaxi app - avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you

INFO

Avoid the Scampia and Secondigliano neighborhoods of Naples - these areas have high crime unrelated to tourism

INFO

Be vigilant on the Circumvesuviana train between Naples and Pompeii/Sorrento - pickpocketing is common

INFO

Do not leave valuables visible in rental cars - break-ins target cars with bags visible on seats

INFO

Walk confidently and with purpose in Naples historic center - displaying uncertainty attracts scammers

INFO

On the Amalfi Coast road, drive extremely cautiously - the single-lane road has many blind corners

INFO

Watch out for mopeds driving on pavements and through narrow streets in Naples

INFO

Keep photocopies or phone photos of your passport and important documents separately from originals

INFO

Do not accept help with luggage or directions from strangers near Naples Centrale station without verifying credentials

INFO

Swim only at supervised beaches - Amalfi Coast has strong currents and rocky entries at some spots

INFO

In summer heat, stay hydrated when hiking Vesuvius - altitude and sun exposure are significant

INFO

Book accommodation through official channels - avoid cash deals with strangers offering rooms

INFO

The Camorra (Neapolitan mafia) operates in parts of Naples but their activities rarely affect tourists who stay in tourist areas

INFO

Use the free WIFI only on secure connections - avoid banking on public networks

Safety by Traveler Type

Solo

Solo Travelers

Campania is generally good for solo travelers. Naples has a lot of solo visitors and is manageable with normal precautions. The Amalfi Coast and islands are very safe for solo travel. Stick to tourist areas at night in Naples, use official transport, and keep belongings secure. The locals are generally friendly and helpful to tourists.

Women

Female Travelers

Campania is safe for female solo travelers with normal precautions. Unwanted attention can occur in Naples city center, particularly around Piazza Garibaldi. Dressing modestly (not necessarily conservatively) and projecting confidence helps. The coastal towns and islands are very safe for women traveling alone. Avoid isolated areas late at night.

Family

Families

Campania is an excellent family destination. The major archaeological sites, islands, and coastal towns are very family-friendly. Naples can be overwhelming for young children due to traffic and crowds - hold hands on narrow streets. Amalfi Coast towns have many steps requiring careful supervision of young children. Beaches are generally safe.

LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Italy and gay couples are generally treated with respect in tourist areas. Naples has an active LGBTQ+ community and several gay-friendly venues in the Chiaia neighborhood. Public displays of affection are generally accepted in urban areas. Rural Campania is more conservative. Italy legally recognizes civil unions for same-sex couples.

Health & Medical

Stay healthy during your trip.

Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required for Campania. Standard European health precautions apply. EHIC/GHIC health card useful for EU/UK visitors.

Water Safety

Tap water is generally safe throughout Campania. Many locals prefer bottled mineral water. In rural areas, check signage on water sources.

Food Safety

Food safety standards are high in licensed restaurants. Be cautious of raw shellfish in unlicensed establishments. The Neapolitan street food scene is generally very safe.

Medical Facilities

Excellent medical facilities in Naples including Ospedale del Pellegrino and Policlinico Federico II. Smaller towns have pharmacies and clinics. English-speaking doctors in tourist areas.

Medication Tips

  • Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
  • Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
  • Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
  • Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
  • Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines

Emergency Contacts

Important numbers to have on hand.

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Emergency Services

113 (state police) or 112 (European emergency)

Police, Fire, Ambulance

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Medical Emergency

118 (ambulance) or 112

Hospitals and clinics

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Your Embassy

US: +39 06 46741 (Rome); UK: +39 06 4220 0001 (Rome); Australian: +39 06 852721 (Rome)

Consular assistance

πŸ“±

Tourist Police

Naples Tourist Police: +39 081 794 1111

Tourist assistance

Before You Go

  • Register with your embassy's travel notification program
  • Save emergency numbers in your phone
  • Note your hotel's address in local language
  • Share your itinerary with family/friends
  • Know your travel insurance emergency hotline

Travel Confidently in Campania

Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.

Download Safety Guide