Free Campania Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Campania with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Campania
Campania photo 2
Campania photo 3
All photos

Explore Campania for Naples street life, Pompeii and Paestum, volcanic landscapes, island harbours, coastal walks and distinctive southern Italian cuisine.

Campania occupies Italy’s south-western edge, curving around the Bay of Naples from the densely inhabited Campi Flegrei and Mount Vesuvius to the limestone mountains, long beaches and archaeological landscapes of the Cilento. Naples, the regional capital, is its energetic centre: a historic city of narrow lanes, baroque churches, crowded markets, grand waterfront views and one of Europe’s most compelling street-food cultures. Beyond the city, Campania shifts rapidly between volcanic terrain, fertile plains, fishing ports, mountain villages and islands reached by boat.
Read more about Campania
The region’s ancient past is unusually visible. Pompeii and Herculaneum preserve Roman streets, houses, workshops and painted interiors beneath the ash and mud of the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, while Paestum presents some of the best-preserved Greek temples in Italy. At Caserta, the immense Bourbon royal palace and its formal gardens express a very different chapter of history, when the Kingdom of Naples sought a court residence to rival those of Europe’s great monarchies. Medieval and early modern Campania survives in hilltop castles, Norman settlements, monastic complexes and historic town centres across the inland provinces.
The coastline provides another distinct identity. The Amalfi Coast combines steep cliffs, terraced lemon groves and towns strung along a narrow road above the Tyrrhenian Sea; the Sorrentine Peninsula looks towards the Bay of Naples; and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida each have their own scale and character. Capri is known for dramatic rock formations and cultivated gardens, Ischia for thermal waters and wooded slopes, and Procida for its compact harbour communities and colourful waterfronts. These coastal areas can be crowded in summer, while spring and autumn often offer more comfortable conditions for walking and sightseeing.
Campanian cuisine reflects volcanic soils, fishing waters, pastoral traditions and centuries of cultural exchange. Naples is associated with pizza, but the regional table extends to buffalo mozzarella from the plains around Caserta and Salerno, tomatoes grown in the volcanic hinterland, pasta from Gragnano, coastal seafood, lemons from the Sorrentine and Amalfi areas, and wines from volcanic and inland vineyards. Visitors can combine major archaeological sites with hikes on Vesuvius, boat journeys, rural food experiences, museum visits and slower explorations of the Cilento, where sandy beaches, archaeological remains and the protected landscapes of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park create a quieter contrast to the Bay of Naples.

When is the best time to visit Campania?

Best: May–June, September · 24–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1390
February1480
March1780
April2070
May (best)2460
June (best)2950
July3340
August3350
September (best)2870
October2290
November17110
December14100

Getting to and around Campania

How to get there

Naples International Airport is Campania’s principal air gateway, with onward connections into Naples and the wider region. High-speed trains from cities such as Rome, Florence, Bologna and Milan arrive at Napoli Centrale, making rail practical for visitors travelling from elsewhere in Italy. Caserta, Pompeii and other major destinations have rail access, although the most convenient route varies by site. Ferries and hydrofoils connect Naples and other Campanian ports with Capri, Ischia, Procida and coastal destinations; services are seasonal and weather-dependent. Rome’s airports are outside Campania but can be useful gateways for international itineraries, with onward high-speed rail to Naples.

Transportation

Naples has an extensive urban public-transport network, while regional trains connect the capital with places including Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento and Caserta. Buses serve the Amalfi and Sorrentine coasts, but roads are narrow, busy and slow in the main summer season. Ferries are useful between the mainland and the islands, though schedules can change with weather. A car offers greater flexibility in Cilento, inland Irpinia and rural parts of Benevento and Caserta, but parking is limited in historic centres and driving on the Amalfi Coast requires confidence. Walking is rewarding in Naples, at archaeological sites and on marked coastal or mountain paths.

Top city travel guides in Campania

The cities of Campania, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Campania

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Campania

Campania’s attractions range from world-famous archaeology to volcanic landscapes and island scenery. Pompeii and Herculaneum reveal different aspects of Roman life beneath the eruption of Vesuvius, while the National Archaeological Museum in Naples provides essential context through sculptures, mosaics and artefacts from ancient Campania. The volcanic terrain can be explored around Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei, where crater landscapes and thermal activity have shaped settlement for centuries. Along the coast, boat excursions and walking routes connect the dramatic shores of the Amalfi and Sorrento areas with smaller ports and viewpoints. Capri, Ischia and Procida offer gardens, beaches, historic communities and maritime landscapes, each with a distinct character. Inland, the Royal Palace of Caserta combines monumental architecture with extensive gardens, while Paestum’s Greek temples stand within an open archaeological landscape near the southern coast. The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park adds mountain paths, wooded valleys, beaches and rural villages, with opportunities for walking, cycling and nature observation. Museums, churches, contemporary cultural venues and food-producing estates broaden the experience beyond headline sites, although distances and transport connections make a regional itinerary best approached in sections.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Campania

Mount Vesuvius is Campania’s defining natural landmark, rising above the Bay of Naples and the settlements that developed on its fertile volcanic slopes. The ancient streets and temples of Pompeii and Herculaneum are landmarks of global archaeological importance, preserving Roman urban environments transformed by the AD 79 eruption. In Naples, Castel dell’Ovo occupies a small seafront promontory, while Castel Nuovo represents the city’s Angevin and Aragonese royal history; the city’s historic centre is marked by dense churches, palaces and narrow streets shaped over many centuries. The Royal Palace of Caserta is an immense Bourbon monument whose formal gardens and long watercourse extend the architecture into the surrounding landscape. Farther south, the temples of Paestum are among the clearest surviving expressions of Greek monumental architecture in Italy. The Amalfi Coast’s steep limestone cliffs, terraced slopes and cliffside settlements form a cultural landscape as recognisable as any constructed monument, while the harbour of Marina Corricella on Procida provides a more intimate image of Campania’s maritime communities.

Show more landmarks

Explore Campania on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Campania

Campanian cuisine is built around the produce of volcanic plains, mountain pastures and the Tyrrhenian coast. Naples is the natural place to explore pizza in its local tradition, alongside fried street foods such as arancini-style rice balls, pasta dishes and pastries including sfogliatella. Buffalo mozzarella from the plains around Caserta and Salerno is a major regional product, while Gragnano is associated with dried pasta production. Coastal towns specialise in fish, shellfish and simple dishes based on tomatoes, herbs and olive oil; inland kitchens draw on cheeses, legumes, pork and seasonal vegetables. Lemons from the Sorrentine Peninsula and Amalfi area appear in desserts and drinks, and wines from volcanic districts around Vesuvius, Ischia and the northern Bay of Naples sit alongside inland Campanian varieties such as Fiano and Aglianico. Look to bakeries, neighbourhood trattorie, family-run restaurants, rural inns and food markets for regional cooking, while contemporary dining in Naples and on the coast reworks local ingredients without abandoning their strong provenance.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Campania

Campania’s evening life is varied rather than concentrated in one uniform nightlife scene. Naples has the region’s broadest choice, from traditional bars and historic cafés to aperitivo spots, wine bars, live-music rooms and late venues in and around the historic centre, Chiaia and the seafront. In cities such as Salerno and Caserta, students and residents support a more compact selection of bars, restaurants and cultural venues. Coastal resorts on the Amalfi and Sorrento areas and the islands offer piazza cafés, hotel bars, beach venues and seasonal music, with activity often slowing outside summer. Smaller towns generally favour relaxed evenings in local bars, pizzerias and restaurants rather than large nightclubs. Craft beer, regional wines and digestifs appear alongside familiar Italian drinks, but evening culture is not limited to alcohol: theatre, concerts, waterfront walks and late dining are important parts of the social rhythm.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Campania

Campania’s evening life is varied rather than concentrated in one uniform nightlife scene. Naples has the region’s broadest choice, from traditional bars and historic cafés to aperitivo spots, wine bars, live-music rooms and late venues in and around the historic centre, Chiaia and the seafront. In cities such as Salerno and Caserta, students and residents support a more compact selection of bars, restaurants and cultural venues. Coastal resorts on the Amalfi and Sorrento areas and the islands offer piazza cafés, hotel bars, beach venues and seasonal music, with activity often slowing outside summer. Smaller towns generally favour relaxed evenings in local bars, pizzerias and restaurants rather than large nightclubs. Craft beer, regional wines and digestifs appear alongside familiar Italian drinks, but evening culture is not limited to alcohol: theatre, concerts, waterfront walks and late dining are important parts of the social rhythm.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Campania

Shopping in Campania is strongly local in character, with Naples offering the widest range of independent retailers, food shops, bookshops, antiques dealers and artisan workshops. The historic centre is useful for browsing small businesses alongside everyday markets, while Chiaia provides more polished fashion and design shopping. In towns and villages across the region, weekly markets and permanent food shops are good places to look for cheeses, cured products, pasta from Gragnano, olive oil, wines, preserved vegetables and sweets. Coastal destinations stock lemon products, ceramics, linen, jewellery and holiday clothing, though prices and quality vary, so provenance matters. Capri and parts of the Amalfi Coast have a more luxury-oriented retail profile, while Procida, Ischia and the Cilento tend towards smaller shops and regional goods. Traditional ceramics are particularly associated with parts of the Campanian coast, and local craft galleries can provide more distinctive souvenirs than mass-produced items. Check customs and transport considerations before buying food, liquids or fragile ceramics for an international journey.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Campania, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Campania essentials

Currency and Payment
Campania uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Italy. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, transport ticket offices, restaurants and larger shops, although smaller cafés, market stalls, rural businesses and some short ferry or bus journeys may be easier with cash. Keep modest euro notes and coins available for small purchases and public conveniences. Payment practices can vary between busy cities and smaller coastal or inland communities, so do not rely exclusively on a single card or on uninterrupted mobile connectivity.
Safety
Normal urban precautions are sensible in Naples and other busy visitor areas: keep valuables secure, be alert in crowded transport hubs and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Road conditions require care, particularly on the Amalfi Coast, island roads and narrow historic streets. At Vesuvius, on coastal paths and in the Cilento, follow marked routes and heed weather or access notices; heat, loose ground and limited shade can make walks strenuous. Swimming conditions, boat trips and steep shorelines also warrant attention. Campania is not defined by visitor danger, but good situational awareness is important in dense urban and outdoor environments.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 can be used throughout Campania for police, fire and ambulance assistance. Italy also maintains specialist arrangements, including 115 for the fire service, 118 for medical emergencies in areas where it remains operational, and 1530 for the coastguard. In a serious incident, give the exact location, nearby landmark and a mobile number, and ask hotel, ferry or park staff for help communicating if necessary. For mountain or remote-area incidents, use 112 and provide route details; do not leave marked paths without suitable equipment.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches and religious sites, where shoulders and knees may need to be covered. Queue patiently at transport points and archaeological entrances, and never climb, touch or sit on protected ancient structures unless expressly permitted. At beaches, islands and national-park landscapes, take rubbish away and observe local access signs. In restaurants, service charges and tipping customs vary, so check the bill rather than assuming a fixed gratuity. In Naples and smaller towns, greet staff when entering a shop or café, and remember that public transport etiquette and pedestrian awareness are broadly Italian rather than uniquely Campanian.
Local Tips
Allow extra time for journeys along the Amalfi Coast and between ferry ports, since traffic, queues and weather can alter plans. Naples works well as a base for several rail-accessible sites, but the islands and Cilento deserve overnight stays if you want more than a brief visit. Visit major archaeological sites early or late in the day during hot months, and carry water on exposed routes. Local markets and bakeries are often better places to understand everyday Campanian food than formal dining alone. In rural areas, confirm the final transport connection before setting out, particularly outside the main season.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloCiao[chow]
GoodbyeAddio[ah-dee-oh]
YesSì[see]
NoNo[no]
Please/You're welcomePer favore[per fah-voh-reh]
Thank youGrazie[grah-tsee-eh]
Excuse me/SorryScusami[skoo-zah-mee]
How are you?Come stai?[koh-meh stigh]
Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?[beh-neh. eh too]
Do you speak English?Parli inglese?[par-lee een-gleh-zeh]
I don't understandNon capisco[non kah-pees-koh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore[vor-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, per fah-voh-reh]
I don't eat meatNon mangio carne[non mahn-joh kar-neh]
Cheers!Salute![sah-loo-teh]
I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore[vor-ray pah-gah-reh, per fah-voh-reh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aiuto![ah-yoo-toh]
Go away!Vai via![vie vee-ah]
Call the Police!Chiama la polizia![kee-ah-mah lah poh-leet-see-ah]
Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore![kee-ah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
I'm lostSono perso[soh-noh pehr-soh]
I'm illSono malato[soh-noh mah-lah-toh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...[vor-ray kom-prah-reh]
I'm just lookingSto solo guardando[stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
How much is it?Quanto costa?[kwan-toh koh-stah]
That's too expensiveÈ troppo costoso[eh troh-poh koh-stoh-soh]
Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?[pwoy ah-bah-sah-reh eel pret-soh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Che ore sono?[keh oh-reh soh-noh]
It's one o'clockÈ l'una[eh loo-nah]
Half past (10)Dieci e mezza[dee-eh-chee eh meh-zah]
MorningMattina[maht-tee-nah]
AfternoonPomeriggio[poh-meh-ree-joh]
EveningSera[seh-rah]
YesterdayIeri[yeh-ree]
TodayOggi[oh-jee]
TomorrowDomani[doh-mah-nee]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Due[doo-eh]
3Tre[treh]
4Quattro[kwah-troh]
5Cinque[cheen-kweh]
6Sei[say]
7Sette[seht-teh]
8Otto[oht-toh]
9Nove[noh-veh]
10Dieci[dee-eh-chee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Dove si trova...?[doh-veh see troh-vah]
What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?[kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?[pwoy mohs-trar-mee (soo-lah mahp-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?[kwan-doh pahs-sah eel proh-ssee-mo (au-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)[oon bee-lyet-toh (per ....)]

History of Campania

Greek Colonies and Magna Graecia

Greek settlers established important communities along the Campanian and southern Italian coast from the eighth century BC. Cumae, near the modern Bay of Naples, became one of the earliest Greek colonies in Italy and influenced the surrounding region through trade, religion and writing. Farther south, Paestum, founded as Poseidonia, preserves three exceptionally important Doric temples. Greek cultural foundations remained influential even after political control passed to other powers, helping shape Campania’s languages, religious traditions and urban development.

Samnite and Roman Campania

Before Roman expansion, inland Campania was strongly associated with the Samnites, while cities such as Capua and Neapolis occupied important positions in regional politics and commerce. Rome gradually took control during the fourth and third centuries BC, incorporating the area into its wider Mediterranean system. Campania became one of Italy’s most prosperous regions, producing grain, wine and luxury goods and attracting villas, roads, theatres and amphitheatres. Traces of this period remain especially vivid at Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capua and the archaeological areas around Naples.

The Eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 buried Pompeii beneath pumice and ash and Herculaneum beneath volcanic material and mud. The disaster killed inhabitants and transformed the surrounding landscape, but the rapid burial also preserved streets, homes, shops, gardens, public buildings, mosaics and painted walls. Excavations, begun systematically in the eighteenth century, have made these sites central to the study of Roman urban life. The volcano remains an active presence in Campania, both as a geological feature and as a continuing consideration for residents and visitors.

Late Antiquity and Byzantine Influence

After the decline of the Western Roman Empire, Campania experienced political fragmentation, changing trade routes and repeated military pressure. Naples retained strong links with the Eastern Roman, or Byzantine, world, while coastal and inland communities adapted to Lombard, Byzantine and later Norman power. Monastic institutions preserved learning and controlled land, and religious foundations became important centres of art and local administration. The region’s later medieval architecture, including castles, churches and fortified settlements, reflects the interaction of these political and cultural traditions.

Norman, Angevin and Aragonese Rule

Norman rulers consolidated control over southern Italy in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, after which Campania formed part of the Kingdom of Sicily and then the Kingdom of Naples. The Angevins made Naples a major royal and ecclesiastical centre, commissioning churches, fortifications and palaces. Aragonese rule followed in the fifteenth century and strengthened Mediterranean connections. The historic centre of Naples contains architectural evidence from these successive dynasties, while inland castles and monasteries show how authority was projected across the region.

The Bourbon Kingdom and Caserta

From the eighteenth century, Campania was the political core of the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, with Naples as its capital. King Charles of Bourbon commissioned the enormous Royal Palace of Caserta, designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, as a court residence and administrative symbol north of Naples. Its palace, gardens and planned water system demonstrate the ambition of the period. Bourbon rule also supported artistic production and archaeological excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum, although the kingdom remained marked by pronounced social and economic inequalities.

Unification, Industry and Contemporary Campania

Campania became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, but unification brought difficult economic adjustments and did not remove regional inequalities. Naples remained a major port and industrial city, while surrounding plains supported agriculture, food processing and later manufacturing. Railways and improved roads connected the region more closely with the rest of Italy, and tourism grew around its archaeology, islands and coast. Contemporary Campania combines dense urban life, internationally important heritage, agricultural traditions and ongoing challenges involving congestion, environmental protection and uneven development.

Campania in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Campania

The closest regions to Campania, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Italy
More of the region

Explore more of Italy

Discover Italy: A land of ancient history, artistic marvels, and culinary delights; where every corner reveals a new story and every meal is a celebration.

Explore Italy
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Campania, Italy

Discover Campania with Evendo - a 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Campania like never before with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Find attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and book your activities—all in one place.

  • History of Campania and travel essentials
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and city
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions and restaurants
  • Curated local tips for a true local experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Global coverage with information on 7,000+ destinations worldwide

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the beautiful region of Campania, Italy. Whether you're marveling at the ruins of Pompeii, savoring a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza, or strolling along the stunning Amalfi Coast, Evendo provides everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

With detailed information on top attractions like the ancient city of Pompeii, the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, and the historic Naples, Evendo ensures you never miss a must-see landmark. Dive into the local culture with curated tips and discover hidden gems, from charming shops and vibrant nightclubs to cozy bars and world-renowned restaurants.

Evendo goes beyond just providing information—it's your all-in-one tool for booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences. Say goodbye to the hassle of planning and navigating; with Evendo, you can effortlessly organize your entire trip. Our 'Near Me' feature lets you explore nearby attractions and eateries, making spontaneous adventures a breeze.

Enjoy local favorites like the iconic pizzerias of Naples, seafood restaurants in Sorrento, and the luxurious hotels along the coast. Each listing comes with rich descriptions, images, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have all the information at your fingertips.

Download Evendo today and unlock the full potential of your journey through Campania. Discover, plan, and experience the best that this enchanting region has to offer, all through one free app.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.