Best Things to Do in Campania

Naples has a history that dates all the way back to the 5 th century BC when it was founded as the city of Neapolis by Greek settlers. With such a storied past, don’t miss the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its heart in the area around Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali. From the Middle Ages through the 18th century, Naples was a center of architecture and art, something that you’ll still see today in everything from churches and palaces to ancient forts. Stroll the streets and alleyways where treasures can be discovered around nearly every corner. That includes Piazza del Plebiscito with its iconic colonnade home to the Royal Papal Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, one of Italy’s finest examples of Neoclassical architecture. The Royal Palace lies opposite and includes lush gardens and the 1737 San Carlo Theatre, the world’s oldest still operative opera house.

One of the most important and complete of its kind in Italy, and the world, the Naples National Archaeological Museum displays many finds that survived the destructive force of Vesuvius, including from Pompeii and Herculaneum. That includes many statues, frescoes, and mosaics, as well as the famous “Secret Room.” These items were deemed so sexually explicit that they were locked in a secret cabinet, available only to scholars. Today, anyone that has a museum ticket can see what’s inside. The most famous and most shocking example of the erotic art is the statue of Pan copulating with a goat which was discovered at Herculaneum. Sexually explicit frescoes, Bronze-winged phallus, and small phallic figures believed to have been party favors are just a few of the other interesting finds. The Farnes collection, from the family of the same name, is impressive with sculptures and paintings that once decorated their palace in Rome.

The UNESCO-listed site of Pompeii is one of Campania’s most popular attractions. The ancientcity was destroyed in the massive 79 AD volcanic eruption, buried beneath the ash for nearly 1,700 years before being rediscovered. Just 16 miles from Naples, you can join a tour to visit (many include Mount Vesuvius too) or head there on your own. You’ll be able to stroll the centuries-old streets with the tracks of ancient chariots used as a popular mode of transport, are still visible. It’s like taking a trip back in time, with remarkably well-preserved ruins of thermal baths, a meat and fish market, amphitheater, bakery, homes, and even brothels all visible. You’ll learn all about the trades, customs, art, and daily life from almost 2,000 years ago with the city reemerging from the darkness of centuries, just as it would have been when Vesuvius blew its lava and ash.

Day trips are available to Capri Island from many places in Campania, including Naples and several Amalfi Coast towns. One of the three major islands in the Gulf of Naples, it’s renowned for its natural beauty and glamour, with A-list celebrities and all sorts of international jet setters frequently visiting. In fact, it’s attracted wealthy VIPs for centuries, earning the nickname the “Island of the Emperors” after Emperor Caesar Augustus chose it as his favorite vacation spot. Most boat tours to the island include a visit to the Blue Grotto, a sea cave along its coast that’s illuminated in brilliant blue when sunlight passes through. After viewing, enjoy strolling the maze of narrow streets with artisan shops selling handmade leather sandals and upscale boutiques offering popular designer brands. There are also Roman ruins that can be explored, including the well-preserved 1st century BC residence of Roman Emperor Tiberius, Villa Jovis.

There are many options for boat tours, including excursions that will bring you to the islands of Procida and Ischia for a full day of fun from Naples. Less than two square miles in size, tiny Procida was named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022, the first island to ever be granted the title. You might have glimpsed it on-screen as it served as the setting for the 1999 film “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” complete with narrow streets, pastel homes, historic sites, café-lined marinas, and nearly empty beaches. Ischia is known for its naturally warm, mineral-rich thermal waters with hot springs bubbling up at Maronto Beach. There are Roman ruins that lie beneath the sea at Cartaromana Beach which boasts views of Aragonese Castle, connected to the island by a bridge. Visitors can learn more about the island’s fishing tradition at the Sea Museum nearby, housed in an 18th -century Palazzo. Tours typically include independent time to explore both islands.

The Campania region is world-famous for its handmade leather sandals which can be purchased on Capri Island and the towns along the Amalfi Coast. They’re usually more expensive in Capri, but if you visit Positano you’ll find some excellent high-value shops called sandali artigianali where they will make you custom sandals from genuine Italian leather, which is comfortable and flexible. Many of the shops are family-run, with those making them following the ancient tradition handed down through generations. While most offer ready-to-wear options, if you get them custom-made, you’ll ensure the best fit, with a pattern made of your feet. You’ll choose the heel height you prefer, the color of your straps, and the design from the dozens of different colors and styles. They’ll make them for you while you explore the town, and when you come back, you’ll have the perfect, fashionable pair.

Sorrento is not only famous for its lemons, but limoncello, a liqueur made using lemon zest and peels, rectified spirit, and simple syrup. With Sorrento lemons among the world’s best, named for the town itself, you’ll want to sample it here. While you’ll often be served a complimentary thimble of limoncello after a meal here, and throughout the Amalfi Coast, it’s worth taking a tour to find out how it’s made and enjoy a tasting. You’ll typically begin the tour at a Sorrento lemon grove to explore the grounds and learn about the different kinds of lemons, how they’re harvested, and the various production methods used, often from the owners themselves. At the end, you’ll get to taste freshly made Limoncello made from the lemons grown there. You might want to buy a bottle or two to bring home as a perfect souvenir of your time on the Amalfi Coast.

Those who like to hike should consider the Path of the Gods, a spectacular route in the Amalfi Coast region, best accomplished in mid to late spring or early fall when the weather is at its most pleasant. Summer hikers will want to head out early to avoid the midday heat, starting by 8 a.m. if not earlier. The classic walk was named for its use by the gods who were said to use it for their journey from the heavens to the sea when the alluring Sirens called. It’s a fairly easy trek with various starting points, with one of the most popular starting from Bomerano, winding to Nocelle which is just outside picturesque Positano, covering 3.5 miles. By walking toward Positano from Bomerano, the dazzling views will be in front of you the entire hike. At the end, call or taxi or use public transportation to return.