Lay of the Land
Campania is on the southwestern coast of Italy, where the front of the ankle would be within “the boot.” Nearly 6 million people live here, making Campania the most densely populated region in the country. That's nothing new; people have been flocking to the fertile country lands and sweeping seaside hills since the end of the fourth century B.C., when the area gave birth to much of what is associated today with ancient Greco-Roman culture.
Naples is by far the region's biggest city, with about 1 million residents, and it is the region's transportation gateway. You can arrive by train or airplane, and it is from Naples where you can most easily step aboard hydrofoils and ferries that will take you to the nearby islands — including Capri — as well as various ports along the Amalfi Coast.
Is pizza the most famous food to originate in Campania?
Possibly, but you also have to give Neapolitan residents credit for the highly popular spaghetti with tomato sauce. They were among the first people in all of Europe to use tomatoes not just as decorative plants, but also as ingredients in sauces and garnishes.
Travel by Air
Naples International Airport is less than five miles from the heart of the city center. About 140 flights come in and out of the airport daily, with more than 4 million people being served each year. There are no direct flights here from the United States, but you can pick up connecting flights in England, France, Spain, Greece, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, Switzerland, and, of course, Rome. Better-known airlines with routes into Naples International Airport include Alitalia, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Express, and EasyJet. The airport's website offers a wealth of helpful information about traveling in the region.
Travel by Train
Napoli Centrale, sometimes noted on maps as Stazione Centrale, is the hub. As many as 30 trains arrive from and depart to Rome daily. You can also pick up trains from here to other locations, including many within the Campania region, such as Pompeii.
Essential
If you plan to travel by train within Campania or throughout greater Italy, then consider purchasing a Eurail Italy Pass from Rail Europe. Passes at different price points will allow you unlimited travel on the national rail network for as many as 10 days within two months' time, whether you use those days consecutively or not.
There is a tourism office in the train station, in the main hall on the ground floor. You can go there from 7
Travel by Boat
Ferries depart from two ports in Naples: Molo Beverello and Mergellina. There is train service into Mergellina, but to reach Molo Beverello, you'll have to transfer from the Naples airport or train Stazione Centrale via bus or taxi. Expect a 15- to 30-minute ride depending on traffic.
Four companies provide the bulk of fast- and slow-ferry service from Naples, with their boats typically operating in both ports, depending on the final destination. Each company's website offers route maps, timetables, and prices, along with descriptions of services, including car transport should you have a rental vehicle:
