Campania in southern Italy famous for its ancient ruins dramatic coastline and Italian homes for sale with sea views

Provinces of Campania

Guide to Property for Sale in Campania

Campania in southern Italy has a buoyant property market and continues to provide excellent opportunities for second home owners looking to earn rental income from short term lets.  The Salerno coast offers Italian sea view properties at value for money prices. Real estate on the Amalfi coast starts at € 2,000 per sq meter, while inland, prices fall dramatically to as little as € 600 per sq meter. Properties on the islands in the archipelago of Capri, Ischia and Procida are expensive, and few available.

In stark contrast to the immaculately painted villas and palazzi in the wealthier resort areas, there are numerous villages in the interior which offer exciting investment opportunities.

Campania is home to one of the best fractional ownership properties in Italy - Il Rifugio, a beautiful, renovated 4 en-suite bedroom villa featuring a cool lounge, hall, state of the art kitchen and decadent dining room. Step outside to over 150m2 of immaculate private terracing and the infinity pool. Or head down to the marina and enjoy a whole day on board a stunning Rizzardi 50 top line motor yacht, included in the purchase.
Read more about Il Rifugio and the Pinelli Estate.

Campania is in many ways Italy's most memorable and beautiful region. It forms a fertile crescent around the bays of Naples and Sorrento. With the exciting city of Naples as its capital, the region is also home to the world-renowned Amalfi Coast, the ancient city of Pompeii and the romantic Islands of Capri and Ischia. It is also the birthplace of Pizza, Spaghetti, and Mozzarella.

Campania is known for its wonderful climate, the fertility of the land and the astonishingly beautiful landscapes. The region is mostly gentle hills, apart from the Matese Mountains bordering Molise and the Irpinia which is part of the Apennines.

The mild climate, the beauty of the coasts, the richness of its art and history, and the love for great food make Campania the fascinating territory that it is. 

Overview of Campania

Vesuvius Naples

Mount Vesuvius on the Gulf of Naples is one of the few active volcanoes in Europe.

The Amalfi coast has picturesque villages that miraculously remain clinging to the mountain. The blues and greens of the Mediterranean and the colours and lines of the small houses, blend perfectly creating one of the most beautiful routes on the Italian coast.  Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare and Positano are some of the picturesque series of small villages (12 in all) along the coast.

The islands in the Gulf of Naples, Capri and Ischia- true natural masterpieces.  This region is made even more charming by the flourishing Mediterranean vegetation that alternates with its small, charming towns that tell  the history and traditions of Campania and make any stay here unforgettable.

The sea is undoubtedly the main attraction of Campania, but the hinterland deserves some attention, too. Ancient pathways, some of them dating back 2000 years, giving access to the National and Regional Parks that contain several finds from the past, in an exceptional natural environment. 

Art and Culture of Campania

Pompeii Fresco

Campania offers five UNESCO World Heritage sites are the destinations not to be missed.

UNESCO has placed under its protection the Archaeological Area of ​​Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata, which in 79 AD, were completely destroyed by Vesuvius. The volcanic lava marked their destruction but, at the same time, it allowed their exceptional conservation until today.

Naples strikes the visitor for its liveliness, for the beautiful colours of the sea but also for its history that can be seen in every corner of the old quarter, the largest in Europe, an authentic open-air museum.

Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum of Naples) has a collection that includes Greek and Roman sculptures, a famous mosaic of Alexander the Great, arms and gladiator's helmets, silverware from homes in Pompeii, plus the Medici collection of cameos and engraved gems.

The Royal Palace of Caserta, another UNESCO site, is a true masterpiece of art and architecture and houses several masterpieces. Visiting its interior is a continuous succession of works of art, stuccos, bas-reliefs, frescoes, sculptures and inlaid floors. The palace is of colossal proportions: four courtyards, 1200 rooms, more than 30 impressive stairways including the famous Honour staircase with 116 steps, and an immense park as a setting

Archaeology, nature and traditions, the three distinctive elements of the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano, with the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia and Certosa di Padula, one of the largest monasteries in the world.

Paestum has marvellous Greek temples: the Temple of Hera, the oldest, the Temple of Neptune, the largest, and the Temple of Ceres, actually dedicated to the goddess Athena.

The Catacombs of San Gennaro – Naples is famous for the festival of San Gennaro (St. Januarius) where the blood of the saint miraculously liquefies. San Gennaro was originally buried in these catacombs, which are usually light and airy. The walls decorated with frescoes of the saint. (The entrance to the catacombs is to the left of the church of the Madre del Buon Consiglio.)

Towns in Campania

Amalfi

Naples, a city in southern Italy, sits on the Bay of Naples. Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture. The city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is filled with frescoes. Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle.

Sorrento is a coastal town facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Perched on cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, it’s known for sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. The historic center is a warren of narrow alleys that's home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister.

Amalfi is a town in a dramatic natural setting below steep cliffs. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. The Arab-Norman Sant'Andrea cathedral at the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era. The Museo Arsenale Amalfi is a medieval shipyard-turned-exhibition space.

Positano is a cliff top village. It's a well-known holiday destination with a pebble beachfront and steep, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes. Its Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta features a majolica-tiled dome and a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. The Sentiero degli Dei hiking trail links Positano to other coastal towns.

Salerno is a port city.  Located on top of Monte Bonadies, the centuries-old Arechi Castle has sea views, plus Museo Medievale del Castello, exhibiting medieval ceramics and coins. Salerno Cathedral was built on the ruins of a Roman temple; it has Byzantine bronze doors, a baroque crypt and a marble altar. The terraced Minerva’s Garden has been growing medicinal plants since the 14th century.

Agropoli – the main gateway to the old cultural area

Pozzuoli – home town of famous actress Sophia Loren.

Sports and Leisure in Campania

The entire coastline is a popular holiday destination, with sheer cliffs and a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and brightly coloured fishing villages. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and cliff top Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and lemon groves.  The whole of the coast line of Campania and the islands offer myriad opportunities to dive windsurf and sail.

Island of Ischia – Take a scenic boat trip to Ischia, the largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples. Spend the day relaxing on the long sandy beaches (Maronti is the longest), or in the thermal springs. Visit the dramatic Castello d'Ischia, a 14th century castle in the Spanish style, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea.

Capri – It's a close hop from Naples over to the island of Capri. Ride the hydrofoil or take the ferry. From the Marina Grande, you can take a boat to Blue Grotto, or ride the funicular (tramway) up to the town of Capri. Walk out of town for great views or take the local bus between Marina Grande, Capri and Anacapri.

Golf 

Golf Club Volturnogolf
Golf Club Salerno
 

Cycling

Exploring its landscape, visitors can discover the ancient lost cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the remains of Paestum and Velia, the enchanting islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida, and the delights of the Amalfi coast. The most "classic" routes through its islands and coasts are extremely well known, but they can be seen in a fresh light just by moving slightly inland from the sea to discover areas full of wonderful surprises. There are plenty of interesting routes for cyclists, although, with the exception of the Sele plains, all the other paths follow extremely challenging routes.

Festivals

Ancient traditions are on show in the many festivals and events organized in Campania, which also hosts cultural events of international scope. In the enchanted setting of the Amalfi Coast, the Ravello Festival takes place for those who want to be captivated by the charm of great music and an outstanding location.

Food and Wines of Campania

The best pizza in the world comes from Naples Italy

Thanks to the sun, this land can boast the most juicy and tasty tomatoes in the world that season many local dishes including the famous Neapolitan pizza and calzone. It is now passed to legend that the pizzaiolo who invented the tricolor pizza, in honor of Margherita di Savoia and topped it with tomato, mozzarella and basil still survives with the traditional name of "pizza Margherita".

Naples is also the home of spaghetti.

Another highlight of this region is cheese production, with the famous Campania buffalo mozzarella produced in the areas of Mondragone, Battipaglia, Capua and Eboli.

The most representative desserts are certainly the Neapolitan pastiera, the fragrant ricotta sfogliatelle, the liquor-flavored babà and the refreshing Lemon Delight.

The limoncello of Sorrento and the wines from Campania, from Taurasi to Aglianico passing through Greco di Tufo, Asprino d'Aversa, Lacrima Christi, Fiano and Solopaca, wonderfully accompany a dinner with Neapolitan cuisine, to be tasted on a terrace overlooking the sea, by candlelight, with a beautiful Neapolitan song in the background.

History of Campania

Herculaneum Campania

In the 8th century BC the region was colonized by the Greeks who founded the city of Cuma. In the 6th century BC the Etruscans established around Capua a federation of twelve towns, which fought and defeated the Greeks in 524 and 474 BC. Then in the 5th century BC both Capua and Cuma were conquered by the warlike Samnites.

Between 343 and 290 BC three wars were fought between Samnites and Romans, who finally occupied the region. Rich Roman families built villas and gardens in the beautiful Neapolitan Gulf, until the ominous Vesuvius eruption in 89 AD covered in lava the Roman cities of Pompeii and Ercolanus.

After the fall of the Roman Empire Campania was alternatively under the Goths and the Byzantines, then it was conquered by the Lombards in 570 AD who established here the Dukedom of Benevento, while Amalfi became a rich independent sea trade center.

In 1139 the region was conquered by the Normans, then became part of the Kingdom of Sicily under the Anjou (13th century) and Aragonese (15th century). The Spaniards (1503-1707) were followed by the Austrians (1707 to 1734) until Charles VII Bourbon (1734) became King of Naples.

After unification of Italy in 1860 the region had serious economic problems, which started a massive exodus of the population to the North of Italy and abroad.

During WW2 the Allied Anglo-American forces landed at on 9 September 1943 and the bombings that followed, as well as the destruction caused by the retreating Germans caused innumerable victims among the population.

Geography of Campania

Surface of 13,590 square kilometers

Coastline extending over 800 Km

Population of over 586,900 million

Bordered by Lazio to the north, Moilise to the north east, Puglia to the west, Basilicata tothe south west

Provinces of Campania

Naples (regional capital)

Caserta

Benevento

Avellino

Salerno

Getting To Campania

Airports

Naples Capodichino Airport, 8kms to the north of the city, handles domestic and international flights.

Rome

Train

National train lines go from Naples to Salerno and further east and southwards. The Circumvesuviana is a local private train link serving the area around the Mount Vesuvius from Naples to Sorrento. This train service is particularly interesting because it is the only reasonable public transport link to Pompeii, Herculaneum and the Vesuvius.

Sea

From Naples there are regular ferries and hydrofoils to Capri, Ischia, Procida and Sorrento, and in high-season to Positano and Amalfi. Car ferries to Procida and Ischia leave from Pozzuoli, 12 kms north-west of Naples.

Road

A1 - A3 Motorway

Climate

The Campania climate along the coasts and on the islands is extremely mild: average annual temperatures are 11 °C in winter and 26 °C in summer. Inland, the weather conditions vary from area to area: the rainy areas are Matese and Partenio; Irpinia is the driest area with the highest temperature differences (20 °C). The tallest peaks are snow-capped from December to late April