About Campania

Campania is Italy's soul-stirring southern region where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant street life converge. Its crown jewel is Naples, a chaotic, passionate city of Baroque churches, underground catacombs, and the birthplace of pizza. Just offshore, the fabled island of Capri enchants with its Blue Grotto and glamorous piazzetta, while the Amalfi Coast delivers one of the world's most breathtaking drives, with pastel villages like Positano and Ravello clinging to cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea. History is palpable at the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius, which still looms over the Bay of Naples. Inland, the lush hills of the Cilento coast offer quieter beauty and the ancient temples of Paestum. Campania's essence is its intensity—from the rich flavors of its mozzarella di bufala and limoncello to the passionate chaos of its cities and the profound silence of its ruins.

Travel Tips for Campania

Getting Around

Trains: Trenitalia and Circumvesuviana trains connect Naples to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Salerno. The high-speed Frecciarossa links Naples to Rome and beyond. Buses: SITA buses are essential for the Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello). EAV buses serve the Naples metropolitan area. Metro: Naples has an extensive metro and funicular system. Ferries: Regular hydrofoils and ferries from Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno to Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Taxis: Use only official white taxis with meters; agree on a price for longer trips in advance. Rideshare: Uber operates only as Uber Black (expensive). Car Rental: Useful for exploring Cilento or inland areas, but stressful in Naples and impractical on the narrow, traffic-clogged Amalfi Coast. Popular Apps: Moovit (public transport), Free Now (taxis), Trenitalia, Ferryhopper.

Best Time To Visit

April to June and September to October are ideal. These months offer pleasant, warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer. Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing. Autumn offers warm sea temperatures and harvest festivals. July and August are very hot, crowded, and expensive, especially on the coast and islands. Many businesses close in August for Ferragosto. Winter (November-March) is mild but wetter; some coastal hotels and restaurants close, but cities and archaeological sites remain accessible with fewer tourists.

Local Customs

Neapolitans are famously expressive and warm. A friendly greeting ("Buongiorno" / "Buonasera") is appreciated when entering shops. Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Meal times are late: lunch around 1:30-3 PM, dinner after 8 PM, often later in summer. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated: round up the bill at cafes, leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Do not ask for cheese on seafood pasta—it's a culinary faux pas. The afternoon siesta (riposo) is observed, with many shops closing from 1 PM to 4-5 PM. Embrace the lively chaos of Naples; patience is a virtue.

Safety Information

Exercise normal precautions. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common in crowded tourist areas of Naples (Central Station, Piazza Garibaldi, Spanish Quarter), on public transport, and at major archaeological sites. Be vigilant with belongings, avoid displaying valuables, and use hotel safes. Scams include overcharging taxis (use official ranks or apps), 'friendship bracelets' forced onto wrists for payment, and fake petitions. Driving in Naples is notoriously chaotic; consider public transport. Some outskirts of Naples have higher crime rates, but tourist centers are generally safe. The Amalfi Coast and islands have very low crime rates.

Health Information

EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement, the GHIC. Non-EU travelers must have comprehensive travel insurance. Public hospitals (Azienda Sanitaria Locale - ASL) are adequate in cities; private clinics offer faster service. Pharmacies (farmacia) are widely available for minor issues. No specific vaccinations are required, but routine vaccines should be up to date. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is preferred. Be cautious of heat exhaustion in summer and ensure food hygiene at street stalls.

Languages Spoken

ItalianNeapolitan

Quick Facts

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Timezone

Europe/Rome +01:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+39

Electricity

Type F (C, L also fit); 230V, 50Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

5.7 million

Area

13590 km²

Government

Regional government with a President and Regional Council

ISO Code

IT-72

Frequently Asked Questions