Italian News Headlines 15-11-2024: Matilde Lorenzi, 19 year old Italian junior ski champion, has died following a crash while training in northern Italy --- Italian doctors in Turin have saved the sight of a baby in a surgical procedure that used 3D technology in a world first --- Italian yacht, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, loses to Ineos Brittania in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Series in Barcelona --- Salvatore (Totò) Schillaci, FIFA World Cup winner in 1990, has died at the age of 59. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 --- Charles Leclerc wins at Monza for Ferrari in Italian F1 Grand Prix --- 7 dead as luxury, Italian-built superyacht sinks off the north coast of Sicily --- Controversy as tennis no.1, Jannik Sinner, is cleared of doping charges --- 160 earthquakes have hit the Campi Flegrei area of Naples in the last few days, including one measuring 4.4, the strongest to be measured in over 40 years --- The owner of a restaurant in Sorrento, tired of looking for suitable waiters, has bought two robots to serve his customers

Region of Campania

Campania

Campania is Italy's most densely populated region. It has an area of 13,595 square kilometres and a population of 5.8 million people. It borders Lazio to the northwest, Molise to the north, Puglia to the northeast and Basilicata to the southeast. It has 350 kilometres of coastline that includes the gulfs of Naples, Salerno and Policastro. The Flegrean Islands of Ischia, Procida, Vivara and Nisida as well as Capri are also a part of Campania. They are also sometimes known as the Napolitan Islands.

The name Campania is derived from the latin 'Campania Felix' meaning 'Fertile Countryside' and it certainly is! Campania provides some of the most beautiful countryside to be found in Italy. The region is home to the beautiful Cilento National Park and the Island of Capri, the Sorrento Peninsular and the Amalfi Coast are celebrated all over the world. Tourists flock from all over the world to sample its ancient sites, architecture, music, food and the rich natural beauty of its land.

Campania is divided into five provinces: Naples, Benevento, Avellino, Caserta and Salerno. The capital city of Campania is Naples, the third-largest city in Italy.

Ancient ruins account for a large amount of tourism, from the famous ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum to the Greek temples of Paestum. Italians holiday in the resorts of Amalfi and Sorrento, while the wealthy visit Ravello and Positano.

History of Campania

The area has been inhabited since the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. Ancient italic people lived peacefully in the area until it was colonised by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. Ancient Campania was a lot smaller than the present area. Back then, the region was dominated by the leading city of Capua (the modern-day town of Santa Maria Capua Vetere), with Napoli mainly a Greek-speaking city. Campania became a fully Roman Republic a couple of years later.

Like many other regions of southern Italy, when the Romans fell the Goths ruled, quickly followed by the Byzantines and Lombards. The Normans then conquered in the 11th century. A century later, Campania was formed into the kingdom of Sicily. In the 13th century, it became part of the Kingdom of Naples. Finally, in 1860, it was incorporated into Italy.

Natural Beauty of Campania

Campania has a very hilly and mountainous landscape. The Neapolitan Apennines lie in the east, which then gave way to the Matese and Picentini mountains. In the west, the Cilento mountain area and National Park run to the coast in the south.

Amongst the most well-known areas are the volcanic regions around the Bay of Naples. These are comprised of the Campi Flegrei and Mount Vesuvius volcanoes. Vesuvius is one of the few remaining active volcanoes in Italy. In this area, you will also find the Lattari Mountains, connected to the Sorrento peninsula.

The fertile land around Vesuvius is incredibly enriching. The main crops produced here in the volcanic soils are apples, figs, grapes, tomatoes, citrus fruits and nuts). Vegetables and flowers are in abundance here too, as well as industrial crops such as hemp and tobacco.

Like many regions in Italy, Campania is awash with olive trees for the production of olive oil, one of its main exports. Vineyards are aplenty too, producing DOC and DOCG wines enjoyed throughout the country. Fishing is also very important. Fishermen head to the local ports or the Bay of Naples, where you can spot grouper, redfish, snook and snapper. As there are not many rivers in Campania, residents head to the coast frequently to relax. The only well-sized rivers are the Volturno and the Sele.

Agriculture here is intensive. As a result, fishing and cattle farming levels are declining. Therefore, Campania has become more reliant than ever on tourism.

Tourism in Campania

The main tourist attractions, which are well-varied, are stunning. The Royal Palace of Caserta is the former main residence of the 18th-century kings of Naples, the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Inspired by Versailles, this is one of the last great European gardens. In 1997, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Another popular site, the colosseum of Santa Maria Capua Vetere is also the second biggest amphitheatre in Italy. Solfatara di Pozzuoli is amongst the most fascinating sights. Just north of Naples, in the Phlegrean Fields, the dormant volcano sits surrounded by forty other volcanoes.

Another must-visit is the Archaeological Park of Paestum, home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in Italy. These majestic temples, dedicated to Hera and Athena, are a testament to the region's ancient Greek influence.

Northwest of the Gulf of Naples there hides one of the most truly jaw-dropping seascapes in the world. In the Gaiola Underwater Park, a Marine Protected Area, fauna and flora live amongst the ruins of ancient archaeological ruins. Grab a snorkelling mask and behold this secret underwater world.

Campania is full of many incredible places often ignored by tourists. Avellino is a wine-growing region known for its hazelnuts. The Salerno Province is home to some incredible limestone gorges, as well as an ancient Charterhouse. Or if you’re looking for a beautiful coastal break, the hills and seas of Cilento National Park are pure paradise.

One of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations in Campania is the Amalfi Coast. This stretch of coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, colorful seaside villages, and crystal-clear waters. The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for nature enthusiasts and romantic travelers alike.

Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are among the charming towns that dot the coastline. Each offers its own unique charm, from the stunning views in Ravello to the picturesque beaches of Positano. Visitors can also explore the hiking trails that wind through the rugged terrain, providing breathtaking vistas of the sea and lush landscapes.

Vesuvius

In 79 AD, Campania’s Mount Vesuvius erupted, leaving Pompeii, Herculaneum and many surrounding areas buried under up to 20 feet of molten hot ash. The city was largely preserved under the ash and today offers a unique experience of Roman life. The excavated city and its ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

City of Naples

Naples, the capital of Campania, was at one time the capital city of the Kingdom of Naples, effectively ruling the whole of southern Italy. Later it was the centre of Bourbon rule until unification came in 1860.

Nowadays, the city of Naples is colourful, vibrant and uniquely individual. You will find more royal palaces in Naples than you will in Paris. You can visit more world-class museums than you can in Florence. You can pray in almost as many churches as you can in Rome and there are more eastern-style bazaars than anywhere else this side of Istanbul. It also boasts the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years. Vesuvius stands menacingly behind the city of Naples, it is dormant now, but who knows when that might change...

Campania Cuisine

One of the best-known exports of Campania is the region’s food. Pizza from Naples (Neopolitan) is generally regarded as the world’s best pizza. The simple Margherita, with tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil and basil as toppings, really cannot be beaten.

Caprese Salad, hailing from Capri, perfectly captures the simple but outstanding flavours of the region. Polpette (meatballs) can be found in restaurants all over the world. You can make a simple marinara sauce to top the meatballs, alongside some al dente spaghetti.

The Borgo Marinaro area of Naples is a vibrant place to spend an evening, listening to the waves and dining in one of the many seafood restaurants. You can find more famous Campanese dishes here, such as a classic spaghetti alle vongole. You can enjoy al dente pasta with a white wine and parsley sauce, perfectly decorated with clams from the waters surrounding you.

Also very popular are the restaurants along the Amalfi coast. Here, you can sample Orata all'acqua pazza, which is poached white fish (often sea bass) in crazy water. Crazy water is a sauce traditionally made of pomodorini (cherry tomatoes), water, salt and olive oil. This is another dish from Capri island and an absolute must-try on any visit.

The Best Italian Handmade Gifts
Direct From Italy

La Miss Latitudine (black+blue) - Two-tone, spacious Lycra Handbag

More Details

Flag of Campania
Campania flag
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 13,595 km²
      Population: 5.8m
      Density: 426/km²
      Capital: Naples

      National Parks:
      The Cilento National Park
      The Vesuvio National Park
Location of Campania
Location of Campania
Provinces of Campania
Provinces of Campania
  • Comunes of Campania
    • Avelino

      • Aiello del Sabato
        Altavilla Irpina
        Andretta
        Aquilonia
        Ariano Irpino
        Atripalda
        Avella
        Avellino
        Bagnoli Irpino
        Baiano
        Bisaccia
        Bonito
        Cairano
        Calabritto
        Calitri
        Candida
        Caposele
        Capriglia Irpina
        Carife
        Casalbore
        Cassano Irpino
        Castel Baronia
        Castelfranci
        Castelvetere sul Calore
        Cervinara
        Cesinali
        Chianche
        Chiusano di San Domenico
        Contrada
        Conza della Campania
        Domicella
        Flumeri
        Fontanarosa
        Forino
        Frigento
        Gesualdo
        Greci
        Grottaminarda
        Grottolella
        Guardia Lombardi
        Lacedonia
        Lapio
        Lauro
        Lioni
        Luogosano
        Manocalzati
        Marzano di Nola
        Melito Irpino
        Mercogliano
        Mirabella Eclano
        Montaguto
        Montecalvo Irpino
        Montefalcione
        Monteforte Irpino
        Montefredane
        Montefusco
        Montella
        Montemarano
        Montemiletto
        Monteverde
        Montoro Inferiore
        Montoro Superiore
        Morra De Sanctis
        Moschiano
        Mugnano del Cardinale
        Nusco
        Ospedaletto d’Alpinolo
        Pago del Vallo di Lauro
        Parolise
        Paternopoli
        Petruro Irpino
        Pietradefusi
        Pietrastornina
        Prata di Principato Ultra
        Pratola Serra
        Quadrelle
        Quindici
        Rocca San Felice
        Roccabascerana
        Rotondi
        Salza Irpina
        San Mango sul Calore
        San Martino Valle Caudina
        San Michele di Serino
        San Nicola Baronia
        San Potito Ultra
        San Sossio Baronia
        Santa Lucia di Serino
        Santa Paolina
        Sant’Andrea di Conza
        Sant’Angelo a Scala
        Sant’Angelo all’Esca
        Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi
        Santo Stefano del Sole
        Savignano Irpino
        Scampitella
        Senerchia
        Serino
        Sirignano
        Solofra
        Sorbo Serpico
        Sperone
        Sturno
        Summonte
        Taurano
        Taurasi
        Teora
        Torella dei Lombardi
        Torre Le Nocelle
        Torrioni
        Trevico
        Tufo
        Vallata
        Vallesaccarda
        Venticano
        Villamaina
        Villanova del Battista
        Volturara Irpina
        Zungoli
    • Benevento

      • Airola
        Amorosi
        Apice
        Apollosa
        Arpaia
        Arpaise
        Baselice
        Benevento
        Bonea
        Bucciano
        Buonalbergo
        Calvi
        Campolattaro
        Campoli del Monte Taburno
        Casalduni
        Castelfranco in Miscano
        Castelpagano
        Castelpoto
        Castelvenere
        Castelvetere in Val Fortore
        Cautano
        Ceppaloni
        Cerreto Sannita
        Circello
        Colle Sannita
        Cusano Mutri
        Dugenta
        Durazzano
        Faicchio
        Foglianise
        Foiano di Val Fortore
        Forchia
        Fragneto L’Abate
        Fragneto Monforte
        Frasso Telesino
        Ginestra degli Schiavoni
        Guardia Sanframondi
        Limatola
        Melizzano
        Moiano
        Molinara
        Montefalcone di Val Fortore
        Montesarchio
        Morcone
        Paduli
        Pago Veiano
        Pannarano
        Paolisi
        Paupisi
        Pesco Sannita
        Pietraroja
        Pietrelcina
        Ponte
        Pontelandolfo
        Puglianello
        Reino
        San Bartolomeo in Galdo
        San Giorgio del Sannio
        San Giorgio La Molara
        San Leucio del Sannio
        San Lorenzello
        San Lorenzo Maggiore
        San Lupo
        San Marco dei Cavoti
        San Martino Sannita
        San Nazzaro
        San Nicola Manfredi
        San Salvatore Telesino
        Santa Croce del Sannio
        Sant’Agata De’ Goti
        Sant’Angelo a Cupolo
        Sant’Arcangelo Trimonte
        Sassinoro
        Solopaca
        Telese Terme
        Tocco Caudio
        Torrecuso
        Vitulano
    • Caserta

      • Ailano
        Alife
        Alvignano
        Arienzo
        Aversa
        Baia e Latina
        Bellona
        Caianello
        Caiazzo
        Calvi Risorta
        Camigliano
        Cancello ed Arnone
        Capodrise
        Capriati a Volturno
        Capua
        Carinaro
        Carinola
        Casagiove
        Casal di Principe
        Casaluce
        Casapesenna
        Casapulla
        Caserta
        Castel Campagnano
        Castel di Sasso
        Castel Morrone
        Castel Volturno
        Castello del Matese
        Cellole
        Cervino
        Cesa
        Ciorlano
        Conca della Campania
        Curti
        Dragoni
        Falciano del Massico
        Fontegreca
        Formicola
        Francolise
        Frignano
        Gallo Matese
        Galluccio
        Giano Vetusto
        Gioia Sannitica
        Grazzanise
        Gricignano di Aversa
        Letino
        Liberi
        Lusciano
        Macerata Campania
        Maddaloni
        Marcianise
        Marzano Appio
        Mignano Monte Lungo
        Mondragone
        Orta di Atella
        Parete
        Pastorano
        Piana di Monte Verna
        Piedimonte Matese
        Pietramelara
        Pietravairano
        Pignataro Maggiore
        Pontelatone
        Portico di Caserta
        Prata Sannita
        Pratella
        Presenzano
        Raviscanina
        Recale
        Riardo
        Rocca D’Evandro
        Roccamonfina
        Roccaromana
        Rocchetta e Croce
        Ruviano
        San Cipriano d’Aversa
        San Felice a Cancello
        San Gregorio Matese
        San Marcellino
        San Marco Evangelista
        San Nicola la Strada
        San Pietro Infine
        San Potito Sannitico
        San Prisco
        San Tammaro
        Santa Maria a Vico
        Santa Maria Capua Vetere
        Santa Maria La Fossa
        Sant’Angelo d’Alife
        Sant’Arpino
        Sessa Aurunca
        Sparanise
        Succivo
        Teano
        Teverola
        Tora e Piccilli
        Trentola-Ducenta
        Vairano Patenora
        Valle Agricola
        Valle di Maddaloni
        Villa di Briano
        Villa Literno
        Vitulazio
    • Napoli

      • Acerra
        Afragola
        Agerola
        Anacapri
        Arzano
        Bacoli
        Barano d’Ischia
        Boscoreale
        Boscotrecase
        Brusciano
        Caivano
        Calvizzano
        Camposano
        Capri
        Carbonara di Nola
        Cardito
        Casalnuovo di Napoli
        Casamarciano
        Casamicciola Terme
        Casandrino
        Casavatore
        Casola di Napoli
        Casoria
        Castellammare di Stabia
        Castello di Cisterna
        Cercola
        Cicciano
        Cimitile
        Comiziano
        Crispano
        Ercolano
        Forio
        Frattamaggiore
        Frattaminore
        Giugliano in Campania
        Gragnano
        Grumo Nevano
        Ischia
        Lacco Ameno
        Lettere
        Liveri
        Marano di Napoli
        Mariglianella
        Marigliano
        Massa di Somma
        Massa Lubrense
        Melito di Napoli
        Meta
        Monte di Procida
        Mugnano di Napoli
        Napoli
        Nola
        Ottaviano
        Palma Campania
        Piano di Sorrento
        Pimonte
        Poggiomarino
        Pollena Trocchia
        Pomigliano d’Arco
        Pompei
        Portici
        Pozzuoli
        Procida
        Qualiano
        Quarto
        Roccarainola
        San Gennaro Vesuviano
        San Giorgio a Cremano
        San Giuseppe Vesuviano
        San Paolo Bel Sito
        San Sebastiano al Vesuvio
        San Vitaliano
        Santa Maria la Carità
        Sant’Agnello
        Sant’Anastasia
        Sant’Antimo
        Sant’Antonio Abate
        Saviano
        Scisciano
        Serrara Fontana
        Somma Vesuviana
        Sorrento
        Striano
        Terzigno
        Torre Annunziata
        Torre del Greco
        Trecase
        Tufino
        Vico Equense
        Villaricca
        Visciano
        Volla
    • Salerno

      • Acerno
        Agropoli
        Albanella
        Alfano
        Altavilla Silentina
        Amalfi
        Angri
        Aquara
        Ascea
        Atena Lucana
        Atrani
        Auletta
        Baronissi
        Battipaglia
        Bellizzi
        Bellosguardo
        Bracigliano
        Buccino
        Buonabitacolo
        Caggiano
        Calvanico
        Camerota
        Campagna
        Campora
        Cannalonga
        Capaccio
        Casal Velino
        Casalbuono
        Casaletto Spartano
        Caselle in Pittari
        Castel San Giorgio
        Castel San Lorenzo
        Castelcivita
        Castellabate
        Castelnuovo Cilento
        Castelnuovo di Conza
        Castiglione del Genovesi
        Cava de’ Tirreni
        Celle di Bulgheria
        Centola
        Ceraso
        Cetara
        Cicerale
        Colliano
        Conca dei Marini
        Controne
        Contursi Terme
        Corbara
        Corleto Monforte
        Cuccaro Vetere
        Eboli
        Felitto
        Fisciano
        Furore
        Futani
        Giffoni Sei Casali
        Giffoni Valle Piana
        Gioi
        Giungano
        Ispani
        Laureana Cilento
        Laurino
        Laurito
        Laviano
        Lustra
        Magliano Vetere
        Maiori
        Mercato San Severino
        Minori
        Moio della Civitella
        Montano Antilia
        Monte San Giacomo
        Montecorice
        Montecorvino Pugliano
        Montecorvino Rovella
        Monteforte Cilento
        Montesano sulla Marcellana
        Morigerati
        Nocera Inferiore
        Nocera Superiore
        Novi Velia
        Ogliastro Cilento
        Olevano sul Tusciano
        Oliveto Citra
        Omignano
        Orria
        Ottati
        Padula
        Pagani
        Palomonte
        Pellezzano
        Perdifumo
        Perito
        Pertosa
        Petina
        Piaggine
        Pisciotta
        Polla
        Pollica
        Pontecagnano Faiano
        Positano
        Postiglione
        Praiano
        Prignano Cilento
        Ravello
        Ricigliano
        Roccadaspide
        Roccagloriosa
        Roccapiemonte
        Rofrano
        Romagnano al Monte
        Roscigno
        Rutino
        Sacco
        Sala Consilina
        Salento
        Salerno
        Salvitelle
        San Cipriano Picentino
        San Giovanni a Piro
        San Gregorio Magno
        San Mango Piemonte
        San Marzano sul Sarno
        San Mauro Cilento
        San Mauro La Bruca
        San Pietro al Tanagro
        San Rufo
        San Valentino Torio
        Santa Marina
        Sant’Angelo a Fasanella
        Sant’Arsenio
        Sant’Egidio del Monte Albino
        Santomenna
        Sanza
        Sapri
        Sarno
        Sassano
        Scafati
        Scala
        Serramezzana
        Serre
        Sessa Cilento
        Siano
        Sicignano degli Alburni
        Stella Cilento
        Stio
        Teggiano
        Torchiara
        Torraca
        Torre Orsaia
        Tortorella
        Tramonti
        Trentinara
        Valle dell’Angelo
        Vallo della Lucania
        Valva
        Vibonati
        Vietri sul Mare
Hotels in Campania
Campania hotels
CampaniaWEATHER
Campania Climate (Naples)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 15 8 4 63
Feb 15 8 4 52
Mar 17 9 5 43
Apr 19 11 6 31
May 24 15 7 17
Jun 28 18 9 9
Jul 31 22 10 6
Aug 31 22 9 9
Sep 28 19 7 29
Oct 24 16 6 53
Nov 20 12 4 63
Dec 17 10 4 59
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
Other pages you might like
Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our free newsletter, 'I Love Italy'. It provides a captivating glimpse into the allure of 'The Bel Paese', containing extracts from our most recent articles, a window on Italian news, fashion, music and culture, useful information for visiting and living in Italy as well as our latest, delicious Italian recipes.

Subscribers are also entitled to a 10% discount on purchases from our sister-site, Italy Gifts Direct.

We will not use your email address for any other purpose or pass it on to any other organisation and you can unsubscribe from this service at any time.