Sorrento Coast, Campania.
Introduction
Campania is the most densely populated Italian region with 5.8 million people living on just 13,595 km², an area slightly smaller than Northern Ireland or the US state of Connecticut. It is also the poorest regions of Italy, with only half the GDP per capita of Lombardy (the richest region). The only major city is the capital, Naples, where nearly 1 million people live. The second largest city is Salerno, which has a population of 140,000.
Like the rest of Southern Italy, Campania was colonised by the Greeks from around the 9th century BCE, and became part of Magna Graecia until the Romans annexed the south of the peninsula in the 3rd century BCE. The temples of Hera and Poseidon at Paestum date from this period (5th century BCE).
Few places in the world have such beautiful scenery has the region of Naples, and in particular the Amalfi coast, and the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia in the Bay of Naples. The area has attracted well-to-do tourists since ancient times, when Emperors Augustus and Tiberius had their villas on Capri. Nowadays the upper classes and the jet set from all over the Western world still relish its ideal climate and sensational natural beauty. It is little wonder that the Amalfi coast has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe outside Paris and London.
But in the backdrop of this enchanting vista looms Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, still at risk of erupting once again. Immediately south of the Vesuvius stretches the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, Italy's largest national park. It is now protected by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the ancient Greek towns of Paestum, Velia and the Padula that surround it.
Famous people from Campania include (chronologically): the fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo, the film producer Dino De Laurentiis, and the actress Sophia Loren.
Cuisine
Campania played a essential role in the history of Italian, and even European cooking. Naples alone contributed to the invention of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese (made from buffalo milk), and pizza. Tomatoes were brought from the Americas to Spain and Italy by the Spaniards in the 16th century, but were used for a long time solely as ornamental plants. The earliest known cookbook including tomato recipes was published in Naples in 1692. The San Marzano tomato, grown in the rich volcanic soil around Mount Vesuvius, is considered by many chefs to be the best plum tomatoes in the world thanks to its low acidity. Neapolitan sauce (often mistakenly called marinara sauce in the US), made with tomatoes, garlic, onions and herbs, is probably the world's most widely recognised tomato sauce.
Modern pizza, though inspired by ancient Greek and Roman flatbreads, originated in Campania, where it first acquired it present-day appearance in the 19th century. Legend has it that in June 1889 the Neapolitan pizza-maker Raffaele Esposito created the "Pizza Margherita" in honour to the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. He garnished it with tomato, mozzarella and basil, to represent the colours of the new Italian flag.
Campania is renowned for the exceptional quality of its vegetables and fruits. Most famous among them are the Sorrento lemons, used to make limoncello, an after-dinner lemon liqueur with an alcohol content of 32%.
Typical Campanian dishes include gattò (potato casserole with ham, Parmesan and pecorino), insalata caprese (salad of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil), maccheroni alla napoletana (macaroni with a sauce of braised beef, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, white wine, tomato paste and fresh basil), mozzarella in carrozza (fried mozzarella with slices of toasted bread and olive oil), polipo alla Luciana (octopus with tomatoes sauce, chopped tomatoes, olives and garlic), sartù di riso (rice with mushrooms, peas, onions, tomato paste, meatballs, chicken liver, cheese, and olive oil), spaghetti alle vongole (with clams in a white sauce with garlic, olive oil and pepper).
Wine has been made in Campania for three millennia, making it one of Europe's oldest viticultural region. The greatest part of the 2 million hectolitres of wine produced annually are cheap table wines. Quality has been increasing since the 1970's, and Campania now has 20 DOC and 4 DOCG wines. The most famous DOC is Lacryma Christi, originally produced by monks on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. The Taurasi, made from the Aglianico grape brought by the ancient Greek settlers, has been the local rising star among red wines, gaining DOC status in 1970, then promoted to DOCG in 1993. Aglianico del Taburno became the second DOCG for reds in 2011. The native Fiano and Greco grape varieties are used to make Campania's two DOCG white wines: Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo.
Attractions
Attractions are listed geographically, from west to east (left to right) and north to south (top to bottom).
Naples is one of Europe's oldest cities. Founded as Parthenope in the 9th century BCE and later re-established as Neapolis ("New City") in 470 BCE, it played a crucial role in transmitting Greek culture to Roman society. The city flourished under Roman rule, becoming a favoured holiday destination for wealthy Romans, including emperors Claudius and Tiberius. Naples boasts remarkable archaeological sites, such as sections of Greek town walls and remains of a Roman theatre. The imposing Castel dell'Ovo, though remodelled over time, stands as a testament to the Norman period. Today, visitors can explore the city's fascinating layers of history, from its Greek origins to its time as the largest city in Europe during the Spanish Empire, whilst enjoying its world-renowned cuisine and stunning views of Mount Vesuvius. Additionally, Naples is home to the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world's finest collections of Roman artefacts, including mosaics, sculptures, and frescoes from Pompeii. Naples is also considered the birthplace of pizza, a legacy of its culinary creativity.
Procida, a small island in the Bay of Naples, is a gem known for its colourful houses and maritime charm. First settled in th 16th century BCE by Mycenaean Greeks, it later became a favoured retreat for the ancient Romans, who built luxurious villas here as early as the 2nd century BCE. The island’s volcanic origins, shared with neighbouring Ischia, have shaped its rugged coastline and fertile soil, ideal for vineyards and citrus groves. Procida's landscape is dominated by the Terra Murata, a fortified citadel that provided refuge from invasions throughout the centuries. The island’s vibrant scenery inspired Elsa Morante’s novel Arturo’s Island and featured prominently in the film The Talented Mr. Ripley. In 2022, Procida gained international attention as Italy’s Capital of Culture, celebrating its heritage of art, literature, and sustainability.
Capri, an island in the Bay of Naples, Italy, has long enchanted visitors with its stunning landscapes and fascinating history. Known as a retreat for Roman emperors, it was particularly favoured by Emperor Tiberius, who ruled the Roman Empire from his villa on the island, Villa Jovis, from 27 to 37 CE. The island's Blue Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by an ethereal blue light, was likely used as a nymphaeum (a sanctuary dedicated to water nymphs) in ancient times. Capri is also geologically remarkable, formed by limestone and shaped by tectonic activity, offering breathtaking cliffs and caves. Today, it is a haven for naturalists and history enthusiasts alike, blending natural beauty with layers of antiquity..
Pozzuoli, a coastal city near Naples, Italy, boasts a rich history dating back to 531 BCE when Greek refugees founded it as Dicaearchia. The Romans later renamed it Puteoli, making it their primary port for Mediterranean trade. The city's volcanic sand, pozzolana, revolutionised ancient construction, enabling the creation of underwater concrete. Visitors can explore the impressive Flavian Amphitheatre, Italy's third-largest Roman arena, which could hold up to 50,000 spectators and features well-preserved underground mechanisms. The submerged ruins of the ripa Puteolana, a 2-kilometre stretch of Roman port districts, offer a glimpse into the city's bustling past. In 2023, archaeologists discovered a unique Nabataean temple beneath the Gulf of Pozzuoli, the first of its kind found outside the Near East. The nearby Solfatara, a shallow volcanic crater emitting sulfurous fumes, showcases the area's ongoing geological activity. The ancient Macellum, or "Temple of Serapis," features columns marked by marine life, evidence of the region's unique volcanic phenomenon, bradyseism. This slow rise and fall of the land, caused by underground magma movements, highlights Pozzuoli's location within the Campi Flegrei, a supervolcano still under scientific study today. 
Vesuvius National Park in Italy is home to Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on mainland Europe, famous for its catastrophic eruption in 79 CE that buried the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash and pumice. This event has given its name to the 'Vesuvian' type of volcanic eruption. The area has been settled since at least 1800 BCE, with ancient Romans praising its fertile volcanic soil for agriculture. The volcano’s fertile slopes, enriched by its volcanic soil, have supported vineyards and orchards for centuries, producing renowned wines like Lacryma Christi. Today, visitors can hike along 54 km of trails, observing 612 plant and 227 animal species. The park's main attraction is the 'Gran Cono' trail, which leads to the crater rim, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples.
Cilento & Vallo di Diano National Park, established in 1991, spans over 180,000 hectares, boasting diverse landscapes from rugged mountains and rolling hills to pristine beaches along the Tyrrhenian Sea. The park is home to ancient Roman ruins, such as the well-preserved archaeological site of Paestum. Nature lovers can explore the park's unique biodiversity, home to endangered species like the European otter, the Apennine wolf, and the Corsican hare, while hiking enthusiasts can traverse the numerous trails that wind through its varied terrain.
Avellino
Castellammare di Stabia
: Local interest
: Moderately interesting
: Outstanding place
: Must-see in the country
: Top cities in Europe