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 The
region faces the Tyrrhenian Sea and includes one of the finest coastlines in
Italy. The hinterland is essentially mountainous, with irregular massifs
broken here and there by valleys and plains. In front of the Gulfs of Naples
and Salerno, we can admire marvelous and enchanting islands:
Capri,
Ischia,
Procida.
Cities:
Naples is the regional capital. Other important cities are
Caserta, Benevento,
Salerno and Avellino.
Art: Campania is extraordinarily rich in remains of the classic
antiquity, which can be found in Herculaneum, Pompeii, Paestum and Cuma.
Amphitheaters, triumphal arches, villas, bridges and tombs of the Roman
Imperial Age are numerous and remarkable. The Paleolithic art is present in
Naples and Nocera, while architectural specimens of the Longobard Age can be
found in Capua and Benevento. Cathedrals in the Byzantine and Arab-Norman
styles are numerous and outstanding. The Royal Palace of Caserta is the most
striking expression of Baroque.
Museums: In Naples: the
National Museum, which houses one of the
most important archaeologic collections in the world (statues by the great
Greek masters Policleto, Lisippo and Prassitele); mosaics and wall paintings
from Pompeii; the collection of jewels, small bronzes, household goods and
utensils. In the Museum and Galleries of Capodimonte, tourists can admire
all-time pictorial masterpieces by Titian, Michelangelo, Raphael, and
Caravaggio; sculptures, tapestries and ceramics. The National Museum of San
Martino has historic, artistic and monumental sections. In Benevento, the
Museum of the Sannio holds an important archaeologic room with Samnitic,
Italic, Italiot relics and an interesting collection of coins, with very
rare gold coins of the Longobard Princes. Precious works of art can be
admired in the Cathedral Museum and the Provincial Museum in Salerno.
To be visited: The splendid Amalfi coast; the marvelous islands;
the Imperial Villa in Capri; the Royal Palace of Caserta with its splendid
Italian gardens; Herculaneum and
Pompeii.
Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, no self-respecting Northern European
aristocrat would dream
 of leaving Italy without spending a month or so in
Naples. But then, after the Unification in 1870, the city fell into ill
repute and, all during the 20th century, it was considered dangerous and
depressing. This wonderful harbor, once the third largest city on the
continent, still has some less-than-picturesque neighborhoods, but the
entire historic center was extensively restored in the '90s, and today we
think it is one of the most interesting locations Italy has to offer. After
all, what we foreigners usually remember best about our Italian vacations is
the people, the lifestyle, the local color and the food - and nowhere on the
peninsula are these ingredients present in such undiluted quantities as in
Naples.
From dawn to midnight, the cobblestone streets are alive with the
vibrant, larger-than-life type of characters we all first encountered in the
films of a local girl called Sophia Loren. The city offers ornate Baroque
churches, a world-class Royal Palace, two massive fortresses and a pair of
superb museums - all of which we highly recommend you see - but truly, the
#1 Tourist Attraction in Naples is its streets, its shops, its little
restaurants, its breathtaking bay, and the wonderful people who call them
home.
When you have finished your own Grand Tour of the city, set out along the
coast to discover Europe's scariest road, which will take you to
Sorrento,
Positano,
Amalfi,
Ravello and
Vietri (the ceramic lover's mecca). Or you can
take the easy way out and travel there by ferry or hydrofoil, from the same
docks that take you to
Capri, the spa island of
Ischia, and Procida, where
the locals go for their holidays. Just east of Naples, surrounded by the
huge ranches that produce unparalleled mozzarella, is the Royal Palace of
Caserta. If you like old-time regal domiciles, most of the experts think
this 1200-room treasure trove equals or betters Versailles.
Few foreigners make it south of
Salerno, but those who do can treat
themselves to a classic Italian beach vacation: along the cape called Palinuro the water is cleaner and the beaches far nicer than anything on the
Amalfi Coast. You can even take in some world-class culture by visiting
Paestum to see the oldest, best-preserved and most beautiful Doric temple in
existence today. And if it's really the authentic Italy you're after, just
head inland to the provinces of Avellino and Benevento, abandoned a century
ago by so many who would go on to become Americans. Park your car in any
village at all and you will receive a warm welcome. No matter what kind of
blood runs in your veins, you are likely to be invited in for a sip of
homemade wine and a look at the family album, including shots of faraway
relatives in Buffalo or Melbourne.
SORRENTO
Sorrento is located on a tuff coast and is reflected in the Gulf of
Naples, fascinating tourists and visitors, attracted by breathtaking views
and landscapes. The town gives its name to the Sorrento Peninsula, a great
area extended from Vico Equense to Massa Lubrense. This area, thanks to its
geographical shape, suspended between the green hills and the blue of the
seas, is from the time immemorial a great attraction of the southern Italy.
With its almost twelve thousands accommodations in over 150 accommodations
facilities and over ten extra accommodations – among camping, bed &
breakfast, residences, hostels, holiday villages and thirty farm holidays –
the Sorrento coast is one of the most popular destinations of the entire
Campania region. It is also the ideal destination for Italian visitors and
foreign tourists, that want to plan excursions to Capri, Ischia, Pompei,
Amalfi, Positano, Ercolano, Paestum and Vesuvius, places located at a
distance of 50 Kilometres. Sorrento was first a Phoenician colony , after
that it became a port frequented by Greeks for the commercial activity with
Naples and with others southern cities. It was named by Greeks “Syrenusion”
or “Syreon” that means Siren’s land, the Sirens were the mythological
creatures half woman and half fish, that Homer told in his famous work
“Odyssey”. These creatures with their song could fascinate the sailors.
After the rule of Oscans and Sannites it was submitted by Romans. The
Romans appreciated so much the beauties of this place that during the
imperial period it was elected an holiday destination of patricians, as the
numerous villas witness. It was the native country of Torquato Tasso. From
time immemorial Sorrento has exercised a particular charm which has
attracted poets and literary men like Goethe, Lamartine, Stendhal, De
Bouchard, Byron to D’Annunzio, Ibsen, Douglas, musicians like Rossini,
Liszt, Mendelssohn, Wagner, painters like Pinelli, Fernet, Lindstrom,
photographers like De Luca and the brothers Alinari, directors like De Sica,
Gallone and Mastronardo. Among the famous visitors of Sorrento we can
remember also Enrico Caruso, Giacomo Casanova, Scipione Breislak, Marion
Crawford, Charles Dickens, Helman Melvill, Friedtich Nietzche ed Axel Munthe.
This coasting town was included in the eighteenth- century among the main
destinations of the Ground Tour, a journey among the most significant
Italian cities, that was made by the foreign intellectuals who wanted to
study in depth the Italian history, art and culture.
Capri
5km from the edge of the Sorrentine peninsula, the island of Capri is one
of the loveliest resorts in Italy. It is overrun by tourists during spring
and summer and is popular with local and international travelers, drawn here
by the sun, sea and romance. This friendly island is easy to get around.
You’re ferry/hydrofoil will dock at the Marina Grande. All major hotels,
cafes and restaurants are on the steep hill facing the harbour. There are
funiculars that will take you to and from the cliff top. A short distance
from Capri is Anacapri. Take a bus to get to this little settlement near
Monte Solaro. Apart from this, an other place you should visit on the island
is the southern settlement of Marina Piccola. It has a big beach that is
very popular. There are other beaches on the island and these are Punta
Carnea and Bagni di Tiberio.
Piazza Umberto I is the Capri’s nerve center with the most popular bars,
restaurants and cafes lining the street. Strolling around the center of the
town is a nice way to spend some time. The most popular route goes thorugh
Via Vittorio Emanuele, past the deluxe Quisisana hotel and finally to
Giardini di Augusto where you can get the best views of the water and a
perfect place to relax.
There are quite a few clubbing opportunities on the island. You don’t
have to pay a cover to enter. Most clubs function only between April and
September. The most popular club is Number Two on Via Camerelle. If clubbing
isn’t you thing then you can spend you evenings at the numerous cafes, bars
and taverns in the historic center.
Ischia
is known as the Green Island because of its lush green vegetation.
It is also the only place in the area with real sandy beaches. It is a
volcanic island dominated by Mount Epomeo.
Island of Ischia the thermal wellness capital of Europe. A wild oasis
created by nature, history, and heart. Visitors from all lands now bask in
pure minerals of the thermal springs, its therapeutic properties founded by
the Romans. The tails of Typheus's rage fuming the hot springs, are
whispered about, passing on the legend for eternity. Dolphins and jellyfish
attracted by the crystal clear ocean are easily seen by passing boats.
Flocks of birds from Africa in the spring time flaunt their majestic colors
as Sheppard's guard their sheep and fish are cooked in steam of the hot
springs on the seashore.
Walking through history with the stories of extinct cultures dating back to
800 B.C.. with the lime light of a major hub of famous artists, poets, and
natural psychophysical beauty and heath treatments. So primitive and modern
Ischia's diabolical seductive flavors make for a magical island paradise.
 Grazia Terme Hotel Ischia Island 
Surrounded by luxuriant vegetation and by the beauty of its park, Grazia
Terme Hotel is situated at Lacco Ameno. The hotel has an enchanting view of the
Epomeo Mountain and the cobalt blue sea. Furnished in elegant style, all the 70
guest rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as private bathroom, air
conditioning, satellite television, in-room safe and mini bar.
La Terrazza, the wonderful open-air restaurant offers sea views and serves
refined dishes. The hotel also organises folk evenings with theme menus and
music. Swimming pool, spa, sauna and tennis court are the leisure facilities
available onsite.
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