Explore the Campania, Italy: Amalfi, Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento

The Campania is a region in South Italy that is incredibly diverse and offers a wide range of activities. But where should you start?

Having lived in Naples for a year, I consider myself a pro when it comes to exploring this beautiful area of Campania, Italy. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your time in this stunning part of Italy.

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Where should I stay?

Sorrento

If you’re planning to explore the region around Naples, I highly recommend booking an Airbnb in Sorrento. From here, you can easily access many activities and also relax by the beach.

Sorrento is famous for its lemon trees and Limoncello, and the town is beautifully charming, filled with delicious restaurants and small boutiques where you can find typical lemon-themed souvenirs. On TikTok, you’ll often see young people taking pasta-making classes in Sorrento, which might be something that interests you. Sorrento is the perfect place to unwind and experience the authentic Italian lifestyle, and it also offers numerous swimming spots that make the city even more attractive:

Bagni Salvatore
Bagni Regina Giovanna

What can i do in Sorrento ?

It all depends on how many days you spend in Sorrento. If you are planning a day trip, I recommend starting by walking along Corso Italia (street name) until you reach Piazza Tasso. Then, treat yourself to some gelato from I Giardini di Cataldo and perhaps pick up some Limoncello as a souvenir. Next, relax at the city beach. Bagno Salvatore is a great spot—clean and beautiful (note that sunbeds do come with a cost).

In the afternoon, after sunbathing, take a stroll through the old town. For lunch or dinner, you could dine at O’Parrucchiano La Favorita or Porta Marina. If you’d like to enjoy a cocktail in the evening with a stunning view, I suggest heading to Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria or Hotel Bellevue Syrene.

If you are staying overnight in Sorrento, I highly recommend a visit to Bagni Regina Giovanna, a beach located just outside of Sorrento. Since there isn’t much space for lying down, consider bringing a float ring for swimming.

When and how long should I visit Italy?

September is a great time to visit as temperatures start to cool down, and the summer crowds, especially tourists on school holidays, begin to thin out. For the Naples region, I recommend spending at least a week to fully relax and enjoy all it has to offer.

Getting There:

If you're flying, the main airports to consider are Naples or Rome. Naples is closer, but flying into Rome allows for a quick stop in this incredible city. I’ve frequently flown with Ryanair from Germany to Rome, sometimes for as little as 25 euros per ticket. Rome is a must-see and always worth a visit—I’ve been there five times and still find new things to discover every time. (P.S.: I’ve written a great blog about Rome!). Traveling from Rome to Sorrento is very straightforward. You can easily book train tickets via the ITALO app. Surprisingly, trains in Italy are very clean and punctual. If you book early, they can also be quite affordable. The journey takes about three hours and costs around 40 euros per person, depending on when you book.

Day trips around Sorento:

Pompeii

Pompeii is world-famous due to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii should definitely be on your Naples itinerary. As a European citizen, you can get a significant discount on tickets at the entrance, but I highly recommend hiring a tour guide. Pompeii is vast and can be overwhelming without guidance. The city’s narrow streets hide fascinating stories around every corner, and a guide will help you navigate efficiently while sharing intriguing facts about Pompeii’s history.

Some small facts you might miss without a guide include: white stones on the streets that reflected moonlight to help residents navigate at night, or phallic symbols carved into the pavement pointing towards the prostitution district. Pompeii charms visitors with its rich historical details, showing that the lives of ancient people were not so different from our own today. The tour takes almost the entire day, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast has gained worldwide fame, featured in Hollywood movies like "A Good Woman" and "Under the Tuscan Sun." Amalfi is one of Italy’s most famous spots, attracting a huge number of tourists every year. A day trip to the Amalfi Coast is highly recommended, but I wouldn’t suggest booking a hotel there. It remains a major tourist hotspot, which means hotel and restaurant prices are often inflated. Instead, rent a Vespa and explore the cliffside landscapes on your own—but drive carefully! Stop by a small village in Amalfi and enjoy the stunning views.

Naples

Naples is a city in Southern Italy, best known for its amazing food—after all, there’s a reason why it’s called Neapolitan pizza.

From Sorrento, there is a tram that takes you directly to Naples. From the main train station, take Metro Line 1 to Toledo, which will bring you straight into the heart of Naples. There are countless things to do in Naples, and it’s impossible to see everything in one day. However, if you’re short on time, there are a few essentials. First and foremost:

Pizza

If you visit Naples and don’t try authentic Neapolitan pizza, you’re missing out. My favorite pizzeria is ´´Pizza Veraci`. For more food recommendations, check out my blog post on Naples food spots.

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After indulging in some delicious food, stretch your legs by exploring the Centro Storico, Naples' historic city center. This district is especially known for its numerous small souvenir shops and street food spots.

For true art lovers, the museum near Toledo station is incredible and not to much big, it takes around 90 minutes.

One thing I highly recommend for anyone visiting Naples is attending an opera. Many people don’t realize that the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples is one of the oldest continuously operating opera houses in the world. It boasts some of the finest vocal performances and captivates visitors with its stunning interior architecture.

Secret Advise: If regular tickets seem too pricey, try visiting the box office at 6:00 PM, where you might find cheaper last-minute tickets, and students often get significant discounts.