The city of Naples, with fabulous views on the bay and the Vesuve, the famous vulcano, the lovely climate, museums, churches, palaces and historical city quarters has always been described in superlatives (to give but one example: by the German author Goethe), and nothing has been changed to come to another conclusion, even in "modern times".
In our contemporary times, Naples is a very special example of a combination of renewal and tradition, thanks to many enterprising spirits in tourism and organisational qualities.
But not only the city of Naples has been touched, as it were, by these new ideas. The complete region of Campania is striving to acquaintance tourists with its particular beauty, sights to visit and attractions. And there is a lot to see, visit and admire. They try to expose everything connected with the "ancient inheritance". If you are mild in your judgement as far as organisation is concerned, then you will absolutely not be disappointed.
Buffaloes and silent witnesses
One of the most beautiful coastal areas of Campania (and some say, of Europe) is the one of Amalfi, in the province of Salerno. There is a nature park, Cilento, of 180.000 ha, where you can enjoy nature at its purest, far from city-noises but close enough for visits to the hub-hub of city-life. The coastal area of Amalfi counts many spectacular caves, rocks and little bays, and inland you find a wildlife where some of the last remaining wild wolves of Italy find their abode, terraces with age-old olive trees and a gastronomic tradition to be experienced. The real “buffalo mozzarella”, cheese made from buffalo milk, is produced in this region. The inhabitants of the small island of Procida, close to the Naples coast, claim they make the best mozzarella, and the taste of this cheese, we in all honesty have to say, is incomparably better than what supermarkets sell under the same name...
And there is simply too much, so grandiose are the silent witnesses of the past; for instance the archeological sites of Peastum and Velia and of course the world-famous Pompei and Herculaneum. Need one say more?
Campania has so much to offer, so if you rent a car upon arrival, you have time and leisure on your side for travelling around and enjoying the already mentioned "ancient inheritance". Please realise this: On the first day of your holiday, your enjoyment should start. The travel to your accommodation can be as adventurous and worth while as the experience of the holiday itself!
The colour blue
The most important islands belonging to Campania are Capri, Ischia and Procida. The Roman emperors were quick to appreciate the loveliness of these islands and established many of their holiday-villa’s there. In our modern times, the rich and famous copied the emperors and bought their own pied-a-terre’s. The islands are, of course because otherwise they would not be islands, surrounded by water. In these cases, water in so many variations of the colour blue that you cannot begin to describe them all. Imposing cliffs, pastel-coloured houses, quiet bays, the Faragloni rocks, the Blue Grotto, absolutely beautiful little village squares, Roman villas, the taste of limoncello (a lemon liquor which you should drink ice-cold), and the scent of delicious fish dinners. And in springtime you must go to Capri for again it is the color blue that is dominating, this time with the blossoming wisteria, climbing up to the walls of the houses and pergolas.
Great, greater, greatest
In the North of this region lies Caserta, with the royal (Bourbon) palace, the most important tourist attraction of the region, but you might disagree. Caserta has more to offer, such as many beautiful 17th century buildings, a town centre dating from the Middle Ages, the 11th century church of Sant’ Angelo in Formis, and the amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, second in size and beauty only to the Colosseum in Rome. Also to be mentioned is the long beautiful coastline of Flegreo Domitio and the magnificent hills.
The Barolo of the South, and ancient craftsmen
Driving inland, you reach the province of Avellino with lots of small cities and villages where time stood still, and Benevento, with ancient reminders from the Longobard times. The wines of this region is sensational; you should try the Greco di Tufo, the Fiano di Avellino and the Tausari! The last one is the best, and is considered the "Barolo of the South". The region is very proud of this excellent wine and the taste is well balanced with the local kitchen, existing of red meat and exceptionel cheeses.
Campania has succeeded in keeping a good balance between the local character and the traditions of the region; this reflects on all aspects of modern life, such as gastronomy, music, theater and the local industry. In this industry all kinds of art-objects are being created: For example, you can find in Capodimonte China porcelain, in Vietri ceramics, in Amalfi paper-making and in San Leucio (silk).
