Top 10 Best Things to Do in Campania, Italy [Campania Travel Guide 2024]

A region in the south of Italy, edged by the Mediterranean Sea, Campania is made up of five provinces Salerno, Caserta, Benevento, Avellino, and Naples. It's an area of Italy that's incredibly beautiful, not just for its nature complete with dramatic coastline and marvelous mountains, but for its impressive history too. Here is the place to come for ancient archaeological sites that tell the story of this region, from the ancient Greeks to the Romans, from crumbling ruins to masterpieces of the classical world. Today we share the top 10 best things to do in Campania so you can plan a trip and experience all the exciting attractions and activities this beautiful city has to offer. Starting with number 10, Amalfi Coast. This jewel of the Mediterranean sees a jumble of picturesque buildings clinging to the sides of cliffs for a slice of the quintessential dolce vita. This area lures many visitors to the hillside towns of Vervelo, Passatano, and Amalfi itself. The gem-like waters splash against the pastel houses and mix with the green hills for a brilliantly intense color palette. This summer destination is also popular with hikers who travel the towns by foot. These retain a rustic way of life, with fishing being one of the primary industries. At number 9 is the Pompeii. Pompeii is a world-famous archaeological site. It's well-known for being destroyed by Mount Vesuvius erupting back in 79 AD, and for good reason. Before the eruption, it was a holiday destination for wealthy ancient Romans, who built villas, wineries, and even hotels and swimming pools here. Around Pompeii, a new town has sprung up, providing many hotels, shops, and restaurants, making it convenient for people to visit the ancient city. Pompeii is a time capsule. Picture ancient streets with grooves from carts that trundled through them thousands of years ago, intricate mosaics, ancient graffiti, and food stalls. At number 8, Capri. Capri is a picture-perfect island known for its glitz and glamour, where high cliffs drop off into the depths of the sparkling blue sea. There's a mild climate here, and some beautiful, rocky nature to enjoy. The Romans liked Capri too. Emperor Tiberius built a palace and numerous villas here. Similarly, in modern times, it became a spot for the rich and famous to holiday. The Blue Grotto is a spectacular cave with azure waters which draws travelers from far and wide. At number 8, the Marina Grande features a fun, seaside resort atmosphere around its beachfront. At number 7, Sorrento. Sorrento is a rustic resort town set high above the Mediterranean, with breathtaking vistas out across the Gulf of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. This seaside town was a popular summer vacation spot for ancient Greeks and Romans. Today, its mild climate, attractive streets, and friendly locals keep Sorrento popular. There's a lot to do. Piazza Tasso is always full of hustle and bustle, Corso Italia is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, and Piazza Vittoria is home to the ruins of the Temple of Venus. Elsewhere there's the Romanesque Duomo, cathedral dating back to the 1400s. At number 6 in our list, Pistum. A remarkably well-preserved ancient Greek city, Pistum remained wholly forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1740. Much of this incredible town remains unexcavated, but visitors can still see a lot, including the Temple of Hera, the oldest known example of Doric architecture. There are also amazing sculptures and the Tomb of the Diver. Pistum has been popular with visitors for centuries, being part of the grand tour that many aristocratic Europeans embarked on of classical sites around the continent. At number 5, Naples. The city of Naples is a mix of energy, history, gritty streets, and some amazing food. One of the oldest ancient cities in Europe, Naples can trace its history back to the 9th As such, there are archaeological museums that showcase items from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as other sites, like Roman villas and aqueducts around the city. A trip to Naples wouldn't be complete with food, and that means pizza. This is where the world-famous dish was born. At number 4, Ischia. Situated in the Gulf of Naples, Ischia is a volcanic island and is famous for its thermal spas. It was a colony of ancient Greece in the 8th century BC, and today there are many archaeological sites and still-standing monuments that can be seen. That's alongside many manicured gardens and a grand Aragonese castle. It's an unfussy island without too much glitz and glamour, with affordable lodgings, too, meaning you can easily get to grips with local life in the bars and restaurants. At number 3 in our list, Perchita. Perchita is one of the flagrant islands strung out off the coast of Naples. The smallest of the three islands, it's a fantastic place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Neapolitan life. There's a slow pace of life here, with pretty, pastel-coloured buildings jostled around the harbour. The island is so small that it can be comfortably walked around in two days, making it the perfect place to explore on foot. At number 2, Salento. This beautiful area of Campania sits between the Gulf of Palo Castro and Pistum and is a glorious place to experience the rugged nature of the Campania coast. With an abundance of nature and Salento National Park, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back living, it's a popular destination. Visiting Salento means staying in one of the many charming villages and small towns that are dotted around the area. It's ideally visited by car, which gives you the freedom to explore on your own time. Check out the number one place in our list, Pesciata. Further south from the much larger Salerno, Pesciata is a coastal town situated on a hill looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town itself dates back to medieval times and is filled with architecture from the era. Without much overdevelopment happening, the town retains much of its old-world charm, with pastel houses, narrow lanes, and old churches hidden in small, cobbled piazza. Here, the 17th-century Palazzo Ciaccio with its archways is particularly stunning. From there, walk down an ancient path called the La Ciusa through olive groves to the shoreline and the beautiful beach of Pesciata. Now it's time to hear from you what's your favorite things to do in Campania. Is there something we missed? Let us know in the comments section below and don't forget to give this video a like and subscribe to Greenable if you haven't already clicked the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.