Campania

Stunning Scenery and Remarkable Ruins

Wonderful beach resorts, a wealth of history and winding, cliff-hugging roads – these are just a few reasons why Campania is so admired.

Spreading around a bay, the capital Naples is a mix of monumental architecture and narrow streets. Known for pizza and pulsating life night and day, it extends along the coast towards Pozzuoli, site of a Roman amphitheatre and the Phlegrean Fields volcanic area.

The most notorious volcano is of course Vesuvius, whose eruption in 79AD destroyed Pompei and Herculaneum. The ruins of both are an amazing insight into the sophistication of the Romans. Even older are the well-preserved Greek temples at Paestum.

Agropoli sits on a rocky promontory overlooking a beach and harbour, and beautiful Palinuro is at the tip of the Cilento National Park. Other fantastic Campania resorts are on the amazing Amalfi Coast. Ravello, high on a hill, offers stunning coastal views, while Amalfi and Positano cascade down to the sea. Around the peninsula is Sorrento, home to several 5-star Campania hotels, while offshore are the fabulous islands of Capri and Ischia.

Inland Caserta has an impressive Royal Palace with huge gardens, and Avellino nestles in a valley between the port of Salerno and Benevento, site of yet more Roman remains. See Booking.com for an excellent range of apartments, B&Bs and hotels in Campania.