The region of Campania is near and dear to me. It borders Lazio to the northwest, Puglia to the northeast and Basilicata to the southeast. Its 220 miles of curvy coastline views are breathtaking. Home to the city of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Cilento, Positano and the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia. I am forever grateful to the land that gave me my maternal grandparents and the love of my life, Francesco.
Beyond my personal affinity for the region of Campania, perhaps one of the best-known exports is her cibo e vino (food and wine). Often credited as the birthplace of Pizza Margherita, buffalo milk mozzarella di bufala, and sfogliatella pastries, these are just the tip of the iceberg to be devoured and if you’re a coffee lover like me, Neapolitan baristas pull some of the best caffè you’ll ever knock back.
Beyond food, attractions are vast and varied and all too often passed over by visitors escaping to Positano, the Amalfi Coast and Capri with a quick visit to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. A few not to miss sites are the Royal Palace of Caserta, the Phlegrean Fields, and the Greek temples of Paestum. The list is seemingly endless.
I’ve only scratched the surface of all that this region has to offer. Last but not least, I’d be remiss not to mention the welcoming, warm and helpful locals.
Now for a few facts: did you know…?
Naples is a mere 1 hour high-speed train ride from Rome: the perfect day trip!
Campania houses 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Naples is the capital of Campania and the third-largest city in Italy.
Mount Vesuvius is one of the few remaining active volcanoes in Italy.
There are a multitude of films and TV series that have been shot in Campania. A recent favorite is “My Brilliant Friend“.
There are around 30 indigenous grape varieties in Campania and not surprisingly gorgeous vineyards and wines to be discovered.
The weather in Campania in September is divine with maximum daytime temps of 27°C (81°F) and nighttime temps around 16°C (61°F).
For street art fans, Banksy’s mural “Madonna with a pistol” is located in Naples.
Italian sculptor, urban planner, architect, painter, set designer and playwright Gian Lorenzo Bernini was born in Naples.
Naples is one of the best Italian cities for contemporary art. Madre is the museum to visit.
There are endless facts and travel tips to share about Campania but the most fun way to get to know it is to visit! While we provide many tours in Naples and to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Capri, I wanted to share with you my three picks for first time visitors.
1. Naples Historical Center, Market & Food Exploration
The perfect experience for first time visitors to Naples. This 3 hour introduction to the city features culture, history, and food. Churches, cloisters, narrow cobbled alleys, underground ruins, an open air market bustling with activity and an artist’s atelier are all on the itinerary.
2. Positano Hike & Picnic in the Sky
Above notorious Positano is a magical trail aptly named the “Path of the Gods.” Meet your expert local mountain guide, for a hike along one of the world’s most beautiful panoramic trails with time to stop and take in the scenery while enjoying a picnic of local specialities. It wouldn’t be a Casa Mia experience without food.
3. Cooking at Casa Mia in Sorrento
“An open door is a welcome that makes a stranger into a friend.” There’s nothing quite like cooking in someone’s home. Guests are welcomed by our charming cook into her hidden garden and home in the center of Sorrento. Seafood, meat and vegetarian based menus are inspired by family recipes, traditional Southern Italian cuisine, and local Sorrento specialties. This will be the best meal of your trip with memories that will last a lifetime.
So, what next?
The 2022 travel season has been wonderful so far. September and October are my favorite months to visit Campania, when it’s a bit cooler and less crowded. Casa Mia has been very fortunate to send clients on these three experiences as well as the many other tours listed on our site. It would be an honor to assist in planning an experience for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions to ciao@casamiatours.com We look forward to hearing from you – a presto!
