Discover Campania: Ancient Sites, Coastal Scenery and Hiking Trails

The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD left behind distinct archaeological evidence in Pompeii and Herculaneum. The landscapes, gardens and hiking trails also shape the character of Campania. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, it can help to decide in advance what you want to focus on: ancient sites, nature and scenery, or outdoor activities.

Ancient Sites and Their Stories

Vesuvius buried Pompeii under volcanic ash and lapilli; Herculaneum disappeared beneath pyroclastic surges and flows. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Villa of the Mysteries and the Villa of the Papyri, as well as Villa A and Villa B in Torre Annunziata. The archaeological sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata were excavated in stages and have been open to the public since the mid-18th century.

The MANN’s mosaic collection offers another glimpse into life in the ancient cities. It displays examples from private homes in Pompeii, Herculaneum and other sites in Campania. The collection spans the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The mosaics therefore bring together finds from different locations and cover several centuries.

Cultural Landscapes and Designed Gardens

The Amalfi Coast stretches along the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the province of Salerno. A landscape of outstanding cultural value, it has been shaped by both nature and human activity. The UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 11,231 hectares and includes 15 municipalities, agricultural land and three nature reserves. Its landscape features include rocky areas, woodland and maquis, as well as citrus groves and vineyards.

The gardens take centre stage at the Royal Palace of Caserta complex: the Royal Park covers 123 hectares, the Waterway is three kilometres long, and more than 200 botanical species grow in the English Garden. At the Parco Archeologico di Cuma, navigating the landscape goes hand in hand with exploring its archaeological remains. From the Belvedere Terrace, the view extends to the islands of Ischia and Procida. The ancient Via Sacra climbs the hill to the Acropolis and the Tempio Maggiore.

Hiking Trails and Specific Routes

The Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano has a network of ancient hiking trails and promotes hiking. The Sentiero della Primula is a 14-kilometre nature trail that crosses a promontory. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the sea, forests, rivers and archaeological areas. Its length provides a practical reference for planning a hike; conditions on individual trails may change.

The Gran Cono Trail in Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio is listed as 4,010 metres for the round trip. It reaches a maximum elevation of 1,175 metres, takes about two and a half hours and is rated easy. The start and finish are in San Vito, Ercolano. The trail crosses young volcanic ash and lapilli, as well as small lava flows formed during the 1944 eruption. Unlike the 14-kilometre Sentiero della Primula, this route has both an approximate duration and a difficulty rating. Check trail conditions and access rules before your trip.

Monastery Complex and Archaeological Planning

The Certosa di San Lorenzo is the largest monastic complex in southern Italy and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998. The visitor route includes the church, refectory and kitchen, the Great Cloister, the monumental staircase and the Procurators’ Cloister. The tour shows how many different rooms and architectural features make up a monastic complex; access to individual rooms may change.

There are also practical options for exploring archaeological sites: the combined ticket for the Parchi archeologici di Paestum e Velia includes admission to the archaeological areas of Paestum and Velia, as well as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Paestum. Ticket conditions may change, so check them before your visit. A free shuttle connects the Voza car park near Paestum with the Museo dell’Heraion sul Sele. As the service may change, it’s a good idea to check that it is operating before relying on it in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Ischia, Salerno, Avellino, Benevento, Caserta, Naples, Apulia, Marche.

See the main travel overview: Italy.