Start with the essentials
Plan Campania at a glance
- Best for
- Archaeology, food, islands and dramatic coast
- Suggested time
- 7 to 12 days
- Main connection
- Naples and Salerno rail hubs
About Campania
Why explore Campania
Campania contains several famous places close together on a map but not always simple to combine. Naples has rail and ferry links, Pompeii needs a focused site day, and the coast depends on buses, boats and road conditions.
Use at least two bases for a broad trip. Naples plus Sorrento or Salerno is more practical than crossing the region every morning. Capri works best with current ferry schedules and an overnight stay when time allows.
Plan the region
Campania contains several famous places close together on a map but not always simple to combine. Naples has rail and ferry links, Pompeii needs a focused site day, and the coast depends on buses, boats and road conditions.
Choose where to spend your time
Places to explore
5 guides
Naples
Naples is a dense southern city of historic streets, archaeology, food and bay views that also serves as Campania’s main transport hub.
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Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast links steep towns, small beaches and mountain paths along a narrow road where transport choices shape the whole trip.
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Sorrento
Sorrento is a cliff-top town with a compact centre and useful links to Pompeii, Capri and the western Amalfi Coast.
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Capri
Capri is a steep, compact island with two main towns, small beaches, cliff paths and transport that becomes crowded around day-trip hours.
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Pompeii
Pompeii is a large archaeological city with ancient streets, houses, public buildings and uneven ground that requires a focused visit plan.
Open guideBuild a coherent route
Plan by area
Naples
Naples is a dense southern city of historic streets, archaeology, food and bay views that also serves as Campania’s main transport hub.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast links steep towns, small beaches and mountain paths along a narrow road where transport choices shape the whole trip.
Sorrento
Sorrento is a cliff-top town with a compact centre and useful links to Pompeii, Capri and the western Amalfi Coast.
Capri
Capri is a steep, compact island with two main towns, small beaches, cliff paths and transport that becomes crowded around day-trip hours.
Pompeii
Pompeii is a large archaeological city with ancient streets, houses, public buildings and uneven ground that requires a focused visit plan.
See the main travel bases
See the main places in Campania
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Use the map to compare the main bases before planning local transport.
Match the route to your time
What fits into your trip
A practical first visit
Campania contains several famous places close together on a map but not always simple to combine. Naples has rail and ferry links, Pompeii needs a focused site day, and the coast depends on buses, boats and road conditions.
Link the stops sensibly
Routes and day trips
The city is the main transport hub and deserves its own stay for historic streets, museums and food.
Suggested regional routes
Naples
Naples is best understood through a few connected areas. Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali cross the historic centre, the Archaeological Museum sits to the north, and Toledo, the Spanish Quarters, Chiaia and the waterfront extend the route west.
Open destination guideAmalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a chain of distinct towns rather than one resort. Positano is steep and visually dramatic, Amalfi is a central transport point, Ravello sits above the sea, and Maiori offers a flatter waterfront.
Open destination guideSorrento
Sorrento works best as a base rather than a checklist of monuments. Piazza Tasso, the old lanes, Marina Grande and cliff-top viewpoints fill a relaxed day, while the station and port connect with wider Campania.
Open destination guideCapri
Capri town and Anacapri are separate bases linked by buses and taxis. Marina Grande is the arrival port, while viewpoints, villas, paths and beaches sit at different levels across the island.
Open destination guideRegional day trips
Pompeii from Naples by Circumvesuviana
A full day at Pompeii with the correct rail stop, an official ticket, a selective site route and enough time for difficult ancient surfaces.
Choose transport by destination
Getting around Campania
Summer traffic, sea conditions and crowded services make tight coast-to-airport connections risky.
Suggested time
7 to 12 days
Main connection
Naples and Salerno rail hubs
Choose dates that suit the route
When to visit
Narrow roads, traffic and scarce parking make public transport or arranged transfers preferable for many coast journeys.
Read the seasonal guide for ItalyAvoid common route problems
Planning checks
How long should I spend in Campania?
Seven days cover Naples, Pompeii and one coast base. Ten to twelve days allow Capri and a slower Amalfi Coast route.
Can I explore Campania without a car?
Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and major coast towns can be reached without a car. Driving adds flexibility in some inland areas but creates pressure on the coast.
What should I check before travelling through Campania?
Confirm the dated transport, opening information and conditions for the exact places in the route.
Quick answers
Questions about Campania
How long should I spend in Campania?
Seven days cover Naples, Pompeii and one coast base. Ten to twelve days allow Capri and a slower Amalfi Coast route.
Can I explore Campania without a car?
Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and major coast towns can be reached without a car. Driving adds flexibility in some inland areas but creates pressure on the coast.
What should I check before travelling through Campania?
Confirm the dated transport, opening information and conditions for the exact places in the route.
How this guide is checked
Sources and review
Reviewed 3 September 2026, next review due 3 March 2027. Services, access rules and opening arrangements can change, so check the official source before travel.
- Official Italian tourism information, Italian Ministry of Tourism
- Trenitalia passenger information, Trenitalia
- Official Campania travel information, Italian Ministry of Tourism
- Official Amalfi visitor and transport information, Municipality of Amalfi
- Official Pompeii visiting information, Archaeological Park of Pompeii
- Italian cultural heritage information, Italian Ministry of Culture
Continue through Italy
Regions that connect naturally
Capri
Capri is a steep, compact island with two main towns, small beaches, cliff paths and transport that becomes crowded around day-trip hours.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast links steep towns, small beaches and mountain paths along a narrow road where transport choices shape the whole trip.
Continue planning
See more of Italy
Use the country guide to compare Campania with other regions and destinations in Italy.