Things to do & places to visit in Campania, Italy

The region of Campania curves around the bays of Naples and Sorrento, with towering Vesuvius and mountain ranges and massifs looming above. Ancient classical ruins are scattered throughout the region, from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum to the Greek temples in Paestum. Popular resort towns include charming Sorrento and Amalfi, upscale Positano and haven for the elite, Ravello. For even more memorable sights, catch a ferry from Sorrento or Naples to the isle of Capri, home of the magical Blue Grotto.

Campania #6 destination in Italy 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 245.2k traveler reviews, of 153 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Rome, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 13:05.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Galleria Borbonica (9.949 reviews) from $12.06
- Very interesting tour with great guide!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Enchanting scenery that unfolds to the eyes of visitors, a secret place full of history and magic atmosphere.An emotional journey that conducts visitors in the new section of the underground of Naples. It is situated in Vico del Grottone 4, from to 150 mt. to Plebiscito Square. Until a few years ago it wasa veterinary laboratory, now is the entrance of the Bourbon Tunnel. A staircase with 8 ramps, 33 yards deep descending into the belly of Chiaia. The second entry is in Via Domenico Morelli,40, through the crosswalk of “Quick parking”.The Tunnel was built in 1853 by Ferdinand II of Bourbon, who, concerned about the outbreak of rebellion, he asked for an escape from the Royal Palace to the barrack in Via della Pace, now Via Morelli. The work was uncompleted and, during the second World War, was used by residents of the area as a military hospital, later becoming the Hall Judicial Deposit.The war left its mark even in the subsoil. That’s way there are handwrite, folding beds, messages of wish and desolation of those who lived it and still maintains its memory. Along the tunnel thereare also the evidences, 530 meters, where visitors can discover the history of real life. Through the spacious streets, it’s easy reachable the network of tunnels and cisterns of seventeenth-century,large buildings, where worked the "pozzari", the only connoisseur of Naples underground.The show is stunning, but that's not finished. On Via Morelli appear statues dating back to fascist period and many cars and motorcycles, abandoned for years, freed from piles of rubbish, arranged and illuminated ad hoc for the route.Nothing is left to chance, even lighting, perfectly integrated with the path of the visitors.Since today everything is possible to visit. Five years ago the scenery was completely different.Rubbish, degradation, wastes of all kinds covered the reliquaries. See more..
5.0 Catacombe di San Gennaro (5.493 reviews)
- Highly recommend this visit and it’s a local social initiative too
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Cemeteries

Around the origin of our Catacombs much has been discussed, they were simpleburial and never were quarries or underground ways; the first note of the monumentis repeated since the death of St. Agrippino our bishop in the II century, when hisbody was buried there in a noble tomb. Many miracles the saint operated by thetomb, so it became a place of reverence and neapolitan wished to be buried in thatplace. See more..
5.0 Il Sentiero Degli Dei (2.943 reviews)
- A walk in the clouds!
Lookouts

This is a very scenic cliff-side trek with sweeping views of the coast. Unfortunately, the weather played spoilsport on the day, so it was cloudy and misty, and rained as well - which impacted clarity of the views, but made it all quite dramatic. We took the bus from Amalfi to Bomerano (check bus schedules, we'd have liked to start earlier but service is limited on Sundays and holidays) and followed the signs to the trailhead. The path itself is not very well signposted, but its hard to stray off course. It's not very hard or dangerous as such, but there are parts that are steep with minor scrambling and sections with loose rock so need to be sure footed and careful. Take enough water and snacks to fuel up en route. We took about 2 hours from Bomerano to Nocelle, keeping a brisk pace. From Nocelle,it is possible to walk but we were tired and took the bus to Positano. After exploring gorgeous Positano, we took a late evening bus back to our B&B in Amalfi. See more..
5.0 Monte Solaro (2.692 reviews)
- Must-do experience from Anacapri
Mountains • Lookouts

From Piazza della Vittoria you can take a breathtaking chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro, the highest point on Capri at 1,932 feet. See more..
5.0 Catacombe di San Gaudioso (1.545 reviews)
- Fascinating slice of Neapolitan
Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Under the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità, the neuralgic centres of the district, we find the second most important early Christian cemetery in the city. The Catacombs were extended following the burial of the North African bishop, deposited here between 451 and 453 AD. The Catacombs of San Gaudioso are the second largest in Naples, and includes both early Christian and 17th century elements. On one side there is the intensity of the early Christian elements, such as the tomb of St. Gaudiosusand frescoes and mosaics of the 5th and 6th centuries, and on the other, the special graves reserved for nobles, dating back to the 17th century, when the catacombs resumed the function of a burial site. The Catacombs of San Gaudioso conserve valuable frescoes and mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries that feature many symbols that were widely used in the early Christian era, such as the fish, the lamb, and grapes with branches. See more..
4.5 Pompeii Archaeological Park (23.3k reviews) from $26.77
- Perfect for a day trip from Naples
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Walk down the roads of history at Pompeii Archaeological Park, the actual site where Mt. Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, claiming thousands of lives and burying Pompeii in several feet of ash. Wander among the ruins with an audio guide or, for greater historical insight, join a guided tour. Come prepared with a hat and sunblock as there isn’t much shade throughout the ruins. There is, however, a café and bar if you need a rest. The ruins are connected by ancient roads, which can be rocky and uneven. travelers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Museo Cappella Sansevero (22.1k reviews)
- Fabulous piece of sculpture!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Art Museums

Built in the late 1500s, this gem of Italian artistic heritage was greatly influenced by the famous Raimondo de Sangro VII, Prince of Sansevero, a genius of science and invention. See more..
4.5 Underground Naples (11.0k reviews) from $10.71
- Loved the guided tour !!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas

Check out a different side of Naples—think: an extensive labyrinth of tunnels that snake underneath the entire old town. Underground Naples offers a fascinating combination of caves, galleries, and passages 131 feet below the ground. Follow the official Napoli Sottrerranea route, which will bring you to the Roman Theater and the Greek-Roman aqueduct, or join a separate tour to visit the Galleria Borbonica which used to be a tunnel intended for the then King of Naples to flee if intended. It's highly recommended to pre-book skip-the-line tickets online to avoid long lines at the entrance. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (9.204 reviews) from $33.78
- Fabulous for a free visit the first Sunday of the month
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This museum has all of the interesting finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, both doomed cities after the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. See more..
4.5 Via San Gregorio Armeno (9.202 reviews)
- Bumper to Bumper
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The tradition of representing the Holy Family as true art lives on in this narrow street, which is crowded on both sides with hundreds of artisan workshops with colorful displays of Nativity scenes. See more..
4.5 Parco Acheologico di Ercolano (8.075 reviews)
- Don't forget to visit
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Life as it existed in this ancient Greek settlement (5th century B.C.) was frozen in time when rivers of hot mud flowed down its streets from an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. See more..
4.5 Lungomare Caracciolo (6.747 reviews)
- Napoli
Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas

Naples is a beautiful city that I suggest to visit. There are a lot of attractions and monuments. Walking in the seafront Caracciolo is suggestive. See more..
4.5 Castello Aragonese (5.752 reviews)
- History and views abound
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

We had a great day at the castle- so many amazing views and photo ops. The history was very interesting to read about, and it wasn't very crowded. The price was approximatly $12USD per adult, which was very reasonable. We had a glass of wine at the cafe and took some time to just sit and enjoy the peaceful environment. We walked a LOT, so be ready for that. See more..
4.5 Archaeological Park of Paestum (5.170 reviews)
- The three Doric Order, Greek Temples are amazing, as is the story of this now ruined Greco / Roman town.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins • Historic Walking Areas

Founded by Greek colonists, the ancient city of Poseidonia dates from 600 B.C. It was abandoned for centuries, but the remarkably well-preserved Greek temples were excavated in the mid-18th century. See more..
4.5 Teatro di San Carlo (4.518 reviews)
- Excellent 60 minute guided tour of the opera house
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Operas • Theaters

The Teatro di San Carlo was designed by the architects Giovanni Antonio Medrano and Angelo Carasale for the monarch since Charles wanted a new and larger theatre for Naples to replace the old and dilapidated Teatro San Bartolomeo of 1621. On 12 February 1816 the San Carlo was destroyed by fire. The Theatre was re-designed by the architect Antonio Niccolini and rebuilt within ten months on order of King Ferdinand IV. In 1845 there was additional refurbishment and, by 1854, the theatre's interior appearance changed to the now-traditional red and gold.Now carefully restored to its former splendour, the San Carlo is the oldest working theatre in Europe. See more..
4.5 Spaccanapoli (4.457 reviews)
- Not to be missed!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This part of Naples is full of crowded, colorful alleys full of shops, plastic rosaries, fresh seafood and famous artisan workshops specializing in the city's famous nativity scenes. The street officially starts at Piazza Gesù Nuovo See more..
4.5 Duomo di Sant'Andrea (4.301 reviews)
- There's more to it than you think
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The price of admission is very reasonable (3 euro if I recall correctly). We enjoyed the different parts of the tour ... a courtyard, a very old portion of the church, a 'museum-like' area with religious artifacts, the crypt where the relics of St. Andrew are located, and the main basilica, which is gorgeous! Two different nights while we were eating dinner in the square, a bride and groom came out to take photos on the steps and the whole town cheered for them. It was quite fun! See more..
4.5 Castel dell'Ovo (4.276 reviews)
- The oldest standing fortification in Naples
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

The castle (castel in Italian) is super ancient and is more like the fortress rather than castle. You will just go up and stroll outside looking over the walls to admire beautiful views of Mount Vesuvius, the gulf of Naples and city line. Honestly, there is not much to do and see there other than that, BUT it’s free and makes a lovely stop after a walk on promenade of Naples. We visited it like five years ago and it was super crowded, but this month we came back to bring my aunt who was visiting us and thanks to the required reservation needed online, there were only a few people and the visit was better this way. It felt like a relaxing time and we took some nice photos there. Highly recommend as a free cultural thing but don’t build high expectations. See more..
4.5 Villa Cimbrone Gardens (4.052 reviews)
- AFTERNOON VISIT TO THE GARDENS
Historic Sites • Gardens

After lunch we walked up through the narrow streets to Villa Cimbrone. It was a majestical place with views on the top to die for. The well known row of statues fwith their backs to the sea. The history of the place is really interesting in how it redeveloped over the years. You can spend all day wandering around the gardens with various roman type statues and temples. On the day we visited there were preparations for a wedding. They were all american and in for a treat. The tables were laid out ready for the celebration meal after the ceremony. What a place for a wedding. See more..
4.5 Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara (3.673 reviews)
- Must see
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Churches & Cathedrals

The Monumental Complex of St. Chiara, including the Church, the Monastery and the Convent, had been raised since 1310 to 1328 by the will of the King Roberto d’Angio and his wife Sancia of Majorca. The sovereigns, both devoted to St. Francis of Assisi and St. Chiara, wanted to build a Franciscan citadel that housed in the Convent the Clarisses and in the contiguous Monastery the Friars Minor. The Church, central nucleus of the whole complex, rose with the title of Saint Host or Sacred Body of Christ, dedication suggested by the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, happened in 1264; the denomination changed immediately in Santa Chiara, probably for the extraordinary number of Clarisses introduces in the Convent. See more..
4.5 I Faraglioni (3.646 reviews)
- Fabulous
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

The extraordinary and rugged beauty of Capri is signified by these timeless rock formations jutting from the sea. See more..
4.5 Piazza Tasso (3.515 reviews)
- Central square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lovely square with loads of drinks and food places around it. In any direction you go from here, you’ll find small, winding streets full of souvenirs, snacks, clothes, wine and art, as well as routes to the harbour side. Easily accessible from both the main bus and train station. See more..
4.5 Toledo (Stazione della Metropolitana dell'Arte) (3.497 reviews)
- The most beautiful metro in Europe.
Monday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Public Transportation Systems • Art Museums

The 11 Art Stations along Line 1 of the underground in Naples, managed by ANM, are the result of a project by the municipal administration in Naples. They are one of the most interesting examples of decentralized museum spread over the urban area: more than 150 site-specific works of art by 80 protagonists of contemporary art have been placed inside and outside the stations. Metro Art ANM’s educational service promotes this rich heritage of art and architecture: guided tours, school activities, workshops for children, private tours. See more..
4.5 Villa Rufolo (3.163 reviews)
- Beautiful views and worth a music festival visit in the summer
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

We got tickets to night 1 of the famed summer music festival and it was very worth the trek. We had some backpacks which were apparently not allowed so they made us hide them behind a booth. All were dressed pretty formally and they let you take a look around the gardens before the concert began. Interesting history, a cute kitty keeping watch in the gardens and a beautiful concert make for some great memories here. See more..
4.5 Gesu Nuovo Church (2.845 reviews)
- Don't miss this hidden gem--plain on the outside, but breathtaking inside!
Monday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

This incredible example of 16th-century Neopolitan baroque architecture is like a tiny pink jewel box on the inside—truly one of the most beautiful churches in the whole city. The outside façade seems very plain in comparison. Don’t let it fool you—go inside and be amazed! See more..
4.5 Napoli Sotterranea (2.789 reviews)
- Napoli
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Naples Underground - The tour in the ancient neapolitan aqueduct. A city below the city. See more..
4.5 Giardini di Augusto (2.760 reviews)
- Lush gardens
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Amazing views, lush greenery, beautiful flowers.. the garden has it all. Winding paths lead you between statues clad in flora to a stunning panoramic view of the Capri cliff sides and azure water. Rest on the beautifully tiled benches as the trees offer you shade from the midday heat. But try to arrive in the early morning - in the afternoon, the gardens get packed with tourists and it’ll not feel as relaxing as it should. See more..
4.5 Duomo di Napoli (2.750 reviews)
- You´ll need more than an hour
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The cathedral of Santa maria Assunta has an elegant facade; the rest of the exterior is covered with neighboring buildings, but not much is missed. The imposing interior deserves a close look to all the chapels. Two side chapels are specially spectacular, the one in the right nave devoted to San Gennaro and the one in the left nave, the old Santa Restituta byzantine Basillica. You can admire both free of charge ( San Gennaro will need some time, with all its baroque ornaments) but also both sell tickets to special exhibitions very worthy. San Gennaro holds the cathedral’s treasure (among them, a mitre that rivals a king’s crown) and Restituta has a Saint John protochristian baptistery, with remains of the original mosaics. See more..
4.5 Piazza del Plebiscito (2.682 reviews)
- Plenty of Piazza’s
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This square of the people (plebiscito) is the largest in Naples and the site of two admirable monuments of the city: the Naples Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. See more..
4.5 Castel Sant'Elmo (2.658 reviews) from $8.56
- Great panoramic view of Naples !!
Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Lookouts • Castles

Fab view! We got the funicular up the hill which was easy and then walked around to the Castle. It’s still an up hill walk for quite a bit and isn’t fully accessible. We got the European 18-25 tickets so only cost €2 each. Normal tickets are €5 but it’s also cheaper after 4pm. The Castle itself is rundown but really you are there to see the view. The view is stunning and you get to see all sides of Naples from the bay to residential region, to the CBD and mount Vesuvius. It was great to go just before sunset as you could see it in daylight, sunset and night. It wasn’t too crowded here and there were plenty of times you could take photos or just stand without being in other people’s way. There is not anywhere to sit and see the view comfortably. Nor is there any shade. There are toilets and a bar/cafe. Overall would definitely recommend a trip here, it’s worth the time & money. See more..