Where to Stay in Campania

If you primarily want to visit Campania to see the sights, including centuries-old churches, monuments, important frescoes, and more, you might want to base yourself in Naples. It’s home to one of the largest historic centers in the world, a UNESCO-listed site that’s like an open air museum. Highlights include the city’s 13th -century cathedral, Western Europe’s oldest baptistery, and many baroque churches and medieval homes. If you book accommodation here, which ranges from budget-friendly B&Bs to luxury boutique hotels, you’ll be steps away from it all. The upscale, trendy neighborhood of Chiaia is another good option, especially for those who want to do lots of shopping and sightseeing, with everything from designer stores like Prada and Armani to antique shops. For an authentic Naples vibe and an affordable stay, consider the Toledo e Quartieri Spagnoli neighborhood, home to Naples’ renowned archaeological museum and near many other top attractions while offering a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations.

Positano is one of the most picturesque towns on the Amalfi Coast, providing a great base for exploring other coastal towns like Ravello and Amalfi as well as providing access to day trips to Capri. Public transport is easy here too, with ferries, the SITA buses, and trains. It’s also the best place for those who want to enjoy beach getaways on the Amalfi Coast as it offers two great beaches, Spiaggia Grande, the main beach known for its lively atmosphere with beach clubs, umbrellas, and loungers, bars, and restaurants. For more tranquility, Arienzo can be reached via a free boat shuttle departing from the pier or by descending a flight of about 300 steps, which of course, will require climbing on the return. It includes a small free area to toss down a beach towel as well as a private section available for a fee, with the Arienzo Beach Club serving food and drink.

The Quartieri Spagnoli neighborhood and the Toledo e Quartieri Spagnoli neighborhood that it surrounds are the most authentic areas of Naples, providing the opportunity to get a better glimpse at the daily life of the locals. As such, it tends to be a lot more budget-friendly than the historical center and Naples’ ritzy neighborhoods with 3-star hotels and basic but comfortable B&Bs and apartment rentals. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see street stalls for buying everything from fish to candles while kids play in between and laundry billows in the bridge. Men lower down baskets that haul up cigarettes while residents of all types enjoy chatting from their balconies. Plus, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the historic center and sits just north of Piazza del Plebiscito, the largest square in Naples, which often hosts concerts and other events as well as being home to Palazzo Reale, a royal palace.

Located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento is the official starting point of the Amalfi Coast, a gateway to its famously stunning villages like Ravello and Positano as well as being within easy reach of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri, and Mount Vesuvius. The Sorrento lemon, one of the best types of lemons, was named for the town and you’ll find many ways to enjoy the fruit here, including as limoncello liqueur, often served in a free thimble following a meal when dining out. The town also boasts an impressive historical center, shops selling lemon-related items, and spectacular views that stretch to Mount Vesuvius. Head to Teatro Tasso, Sorrento’s theater to learn about Italian culture in an entertaining way by catching the Sorrento Amarcord show which includes songs from Neapolitan folklore, brightly colored costumes, and handmade musical instruments. There are options for accommodation with everything from basic budget rooms and mid-range vacation rentals to 5-star luxury hotels.

Ravello may be a tiny village, but it packs a punch. Unlike many of the other towns along the Amalfi Coast, it’s primarily visited by day trippers, which means evenings here are tranquil. That’s just one of the reasons so many honeymooners and other romance-seekers choose to stay here, not to mention the breathtaking sea views from its clifftop vantage point. Of course, as it sits atop a cliff, it doesn’t offer direct access to the sea so it’s not the place to stay for a beach vacation. Instead, escape the crowds and enjoy the striking natural beauty. In the summer, you’ll have easy access to its nearly two-month-long annual festival of music and the arts, with art shows, jazz bands, large orchestras, dance, and more. While it’s not a hot nightlife spot, there’s plenty to do after dark and when it comes to accommodation, you’ll find everything from opulent villas to honeymoon-worthy luxury hotels.

Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples, often visited on day trips from Naples, just a 45-minute ride away via high-speed ferry. It’s worth spending more time here as it’s similar to Capri but more tranquil and more affordable. If you want to enjoy a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, that’s within easy reach too. The island itself offers lavish spas and natural hot springs, including springs that bubble up at Maronton Beach. There are scenic trails to hike and lush gardens to stroll, while history enthusiasts can learn more about Ischia’s long fishing tradition at the Sean Museum. Nearby are Roman ruins beneath the sea at Cartaromana Beach. From here, you’ll enjoy views of Aragonese Castle too. Despite being a more authentic island, there are plenty of facilities for tourists, including shops, restaurants, and hotel options, which range from budget-friendly to luxurious. Apartment and villa rentals are available too.