Amazing Campania: The Region of Naples, Capri, Pompeii and The Amalfi Coast

A rich an fertile land just south of Rome, the Campania Region is as remarkable for its historic sites, ten of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as for its stunning natural scenery and wonderful wine and food. The Ancient Romans had selected the “Campania Felix” as their favored holiday resort, building countless incredible villas along the coast and on the islands, Emperor Tiberius had twelve amazing villas on the high hills of Capri and the island became for years his pastoral retreat and personal hideout from Rome’s political arena Italian culture and way of life intensifies as you move south and when you reach Naples, the capital of the region, you plunge into its thriving and vibrant historic city center, where people seem to have an impressive knack for living, eating, enjoying themselves. Naples is southern Italy’s leading city and boasts an impressive collection of world renowned museums, churches and castles. It is fascinating to discover how here religion and superstition coexist so closely, one of the most characteristic street of Naples is San Gregorio Armeno which is the heart and soul of the Neapolitan Christmas, a picturesque place where you can feel the real culture of the people by looking at the innumerable figurines created by skilled artisans for the famous Presepe, the Nativity scene. Naples is a city so full of contrast that amid the chaos of the crowded narrow alleys, it is still possible to discover jewels of beauty, peace and serenity, simply entering the baroque cloister of Santa Chiara The city food scene holds a few surprises, apart from the iconic pizza which was invented in Naples, visitors should try its incredible street food, spaghetti with seafood and its delicious pastry, like sfogliatelle and babà. Naples was built in the shadows of the Vesuvio, mainland Europe’s largest active vulcano and now a National Park, where tourists can hike up to the Gran Cone and get an unique experience by walking along its crater. The vulcano and its eruptions have always influenced how Neapolitans live their lives in an exuberant and deeply authentic way. In year 79 A.D. a devastating eruption destroyed the entire area, covering the ancient roman towns of Pompeii and Herculanus with tons of ashes, pumice and volcanic rocks. Life was cancelled, people fled or died, but buildings, statues, frescoes and even bodies were preserved, hidden underneath a thick layer of debris. After centuries Pompeii and Herculanus where rediscovered, excavated and studied. Most of the statues and frescoes where transferred and are now visible in Naples’ magnificent Archeological Museum. Nowadays both ancient cities offer the best look anywhere of ancient Roman life, its urban structure, houses, temples and civic buildings. An hour south from Naples, visitors meet the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, its cliffs fall dramatically into the distant blu sea, vineyards, olive trees and lemon groves thrive on the terraced gardens. Homer called this part of the coast the ” land of the sirens” and for centuries its incredible beauty has attracted travelers, mainly aristocrats during their Grand Tour or intellectuals and artists looking for a place where they could rest and create. In time some of them built romantic villas, like Villa Cimbrone with its magnificent gardens, one of the finest example of Romantic English Garden in Europe. The coast is filled with small cliffside towns, Amalfi with its impressive medieval cathedral, Positano which hangs on the most spectacular stretch of the coast, secluded Ravello and serene Sorrento, a peaceful resort town well located both as a fine relaxing place and as a springboard for regional sightseeing, for example visiting the archeological area of Paestum, site of the best preserved Ancient Greek temples outside Greece. Around here lemons are everywhere and limoncello is the region’s favorite liqueur.The Amalfi Coast, its amazing and dramatic beauty, is Italy at its best, with one of the world most iconic road, its cantilevered hotels and villas and beautiful sandy and rocky beaches. Capri was first made famous as the secluded hideaway of Roman Emperors, later it became a secret retreat for Romantic travelers, an oasis of stunning beauty in the Gulf of Naples, with mediterranean gardens, protected by tall umbrella pines and cypress trees. While the island is small, there is plenty to see for everyone, it is possible to visit the ruins of Tiberius’ villas, to hike on the hilltops and enjoy the amazing view of both the Italian mainland in the distance and the other islands of the Gulf, Ischia and Procida, to enter the fabled blu grotto, to cruise around the gorgeous island contemplating the dramatic limestone cliffs and the famous Faraglioni rocks and to swim into the most deep blu sea. But Capri is also well known for its jet setting, celebrity crowds and luxurious and trendy shops. 

So do not hesitate, be like an Emperor and join us in this spectacular region, Campania is waiting for you!