Life Beyond the Room Custom Travel
Campania
Population: 5.8 million
Best time to visit: September/October
Suggested length of stay: 10 days
Must experiences:
- Hike the iconic Path of the Gods
- Visit a buffalo mozzarella farm
- Make and taste limoncello
- Hike to Monte Solaro in Capri
- Take boat around the caves of Capri
- Bathe in the thermal waters of Ischia
- Take a street food tour in Naples
- Make pizza!
- Visit the Reggia di Caserta
- Visit Pompei and Ercolano
- Visit Cetara and Vietri sul Mare
Campania is an enchanting region that perfectly embodies the magical essence of Italy. From breathtaking cliffs to ancient ruins, from exquisite cuisine to charismatic people, Campania encompasses everything you’ve ever imagined Italy to be!
The region of Campania is located in the south of Italy and it is world-famous for its beautiful coastline, stunning beaches, and ancient ruins.
Nestled in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius and beside the Tyrrhenian Sea, Naples is the third largest city in Italy, bursting with incredible historical sites and unique views.
Even if you’ve been to many Italian cities, nothing prepares you for this exuberant, colorful, and sometimes chaotic city. Colors here seem brighter, and aromas of pizza waft through the air, along with laughter, and maybe the echo of people arguing. Neapolitan street food is possibly Italy’s best so make sure you schedule a street food tour to enjoy the wonders of the city while indulging your palate in a harmonious orchestra of flavors.
Between Naples and the Amalfi Coast, at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius, lies the vast archeological site of Pompeii, showing what remains of a once bustling town.
Heading south, the stretch of coastline known as the Amalfi Coast is as dramatic as it is breathtaking. It connects Naples to Salerno, with windy roads that only the boldest dare to drive. The coastline is home to gorgeous and colorful cliff-towns that hug the mountains on one side and plunge into the sea on the other. While undeniably stunning, it is very easy to fall into the many tourist traps on the Amalfi Coast. Sure, visit Positano and Amalfi but choose to stay in one of the smaller, lesser-known seaside villages or perhaps in the UNESCO town of Nocelle, 1,000 steps above busy Positano with direct access to the region’s most stunning hike, Il Sentiero degli Dei (the Path of the Gods). Towns like Praiano or Cetara make a perfect base from which to explore the rest of the coastline. And while your eyesight will be busy soaking it all in, don’t forget to engage your sense of smell. The aromas of lemon and oranges are in the air and if you’ve heard of limoncello, you’re in its home so make sure to stop by a local farm that produces its own, organic liquor.
If you can spend more than just three or four days, head south towards Salerno, stopping in the town of Vietri sul Mare and perhaps Tenuta di Vannullo, for a full immersion experience into buffalo mozzarella making. This is the only region in the world where the DOP buffalo mozzarella is made!
Capri
If you choose to visit Capri, you should consider spending a night or two here as after 5pm the last ferry leaves the island, leaving breathing room for the locals to come out and enjoy their home. Unfortunately over travelled, Capri’s iconic caves have been stripped of their magic and
should be explored during the off peak months in the company of a local expert skipper. If you spend some time on the island, make sure you hike up to Monte Solaro for a stunning view of the Faraglioni.
Ischia: The Island of Regeneration
Ischia, also known as L’Isola Verde – the Green Island – is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples and much less busy than Capri. With the largest concentration of natural hot springs in Europe, most visitors come to the island to rejuvenate in the countless thermal pools and natural hot springs. But be aware that Ischia is not a place for a day trip! The island has 5 charming comuni – districts – Ischia Porto, Casamicciole Terme, Sant’Angelo, Forio and Lacco Ameno, each with something unique to offer. Make sure you take at least four/five days to savor the island slowly. And don’t forget to taste the island’s unique arugula liquor, rucolino!