When people think of Campania they think of the sea. Yet much of the region is made of mountains, woods, hills and farmland. There are two national parks, several regional parks, nature reserves and a long farming tradition. In this guide we take you into green Campania, the one you discover in hiking boots or slowly between the vines.
The national parks
- Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park: one of the largest parks in Italy, from the sea to the mountains. It includes the caves of Pertosa, the Alburni peaks and coastlines such as Palinuro.
- Vesuvius National Park: a panoramic path leads up to the crater, with views over the whole Gulf of Naples.
Regional parks and reserves
Regional parks include the Picentini Mountains, with beech forests and springs, the Matese, with high-altitude lakes on the border with Molise, the Partenio and the Taburno-Camposauro. There are also many nature reserves: see our page on protected areas in Campania.
Countryside and rural tourism
In Irpinia, Sannio and upper Caserta the countryside is still alive: vineyards, olive groves, hazelnut and chestnut groves. Staying at a farm stay or a country house lets you join farm life: harvesting, grape picking, making cheese and preserves. Villages such as Bagnoli Irpino, Montella and Cerreto Sannita are excellent bases.
Things to do
- Trekking on the trails of the Lattari Mountains, Cilento and the Matese.
- Caves: Pertosa, in the Vallo di Diano, and the sea caves of Palinuro and the Amalfi Coast.
- Foraging and festivals: chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles in autumn, with festivals in many villages.
- Birdwatching in the reserves and along the rivers.
- Horse riding and cycling in the inland areas, on quiet roads and dirt tracks.
Practical tips
In the mountains the weather changes quickly: always carry water, layers and an offline map. For the most demanding trails, go with a hiking guide. Respect wildlife, private property and park rules.
You'll find farm stays and country houses in our Where to stay section.
