Whether you choose it for its naturalistic treasures such as the Amalfi Coast or the Cilento Peninsula, or instead insert it in a historical and archaeological itinerary that includes the impressive Roman sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum, Campania offers an experience of unique and unforgettable journey and combines its many souls with a tourist offer suitable for all needs. But there is more: this splendid southern region, in fact, preserves in its territory a dense network of villages much appreciated by fans of medieval buildings, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and sacred art.
The most beautiful villages in Campania
If you are planning your trip and want to build a car route in this beautiful land, you just have to discover with us the 10 villages to visit in Campania.
Albori
Suspended between the sea of the Amalfi Coast and the woods of Monte Falerio, Albori is the smallest hamlet of Vietri sul Mare. This town draws its origin from the seafaring tradition, to which it also owes the striking chromatic glance of the houses painted in bright colors, a custom that allowed fishermen to recognize their home when returning from a sea voyage. Linked, according to a fascinating mythological suggestion, to Jason and the Argonauts, Albori enjoys a privileged position at an altitude of 300 meters and is characterized by the alternation of narrow alleys and stone houses surmounted by a small dome that culminate in the central square. Unmissable stop during a walk in the village is the Church of Santa Margherita which houses precious frescoes of the Neapolitan School.
Atrani
Located a few steps from Amalfi, Atrani is a town of medieval origin. Noble residence at the time of the maritime republics, it was the coronation and burial place of the Doges who received the doge’s “birecto” in the Church of San Salvatore de Birecto. The church, recognizable for its Neoclassical style layout, actually dates back to 940, as evidenced by the Byzantine-style high-reliefs that decorate the 11th-century marble pluteo.
This town is one of the most beautiful villages in Campania also for its sacred art: an example is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, built in the thirteenth century and today a symbolic image of the village thanks to the dome decorated with majolica and the bell tower. square. Framing the violets, arches and squares of Atrani is a small intimate beach from which at night it is possible to admire the spectacle of the thousand lights of fishing lamps.
Castellabate
Immersed in the splendid Cilento National Park, the village of Castellabate has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The town enjoys a suggestive view of the sea and has won important awards such as the Four Sails and the Blue Flag thanks to its breathtaking coast and the splendid seascapes that characterize it. Those who arrive for the first time in what is considered one of the most fascinating villages in Campania are struck by the alternation of long beaches, cliffs and sea caves. For lovers of nature trails, a visit to the Ogliastro Bay and the Island of Licosa is a must, two milestones in Italian environmental history.
Conca dei Marini
Conca dei Marini is the fourth smallest municipality in Italy and owes its name to the particular geographic conformation. A Roman colony and an important protagonist of the Second Punic War, this town played a fundamental role in supporting the Maritime Republic of Amalfi and started profitable commercial relations with numerous cities in the Mediterranean. The white houses that dot the approximately three kilometers of coast frame some places of historical and artistic interest such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built on the ruins of a pagan temple, and the Convent of Santa Rosa perched on a promontory overlooking the sea. . Among the points of naturalistic interest there is the Emerald Grotto, a 30-meter deep cavity that fascinates visitors with white stalactites and spectacular green reflections.
Furore
Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1997, the municipality of Furore also saw Roberto Rossellini among its inhabitants, who in 1948 chose to shoot the film Love here. In addition to the suggestive agglomeration distributed on the hill, Furore is famous for its Fiord: a crack in the rock crossed by the Schiato stream that flows from the Agerola plateau. This conformation, which evokes the Nordic landscapes, over the centuries has kept the village safe from enemy attacks, while today it is a destination for tourists and lovers of nature trails.
Gesualdo
Located on a hill overlooking the Fredane Valley to the south and the Ufita Valley to the north, the village of Gesualdo is known for its medieval castle which was then remodeled in the late Renaissance period by Count Gesualdo. From here the small historic center winds its way through alleys and mule tracks. Among the points of historical and artistic interest are the Pisapia and Mattioli Palaces, the Putti, Alabaster and Canal fountains, while those who love sacred art will appreciate the various religious buildings that dot the village. Among these, the Church of San Nicola, the Church of the Rosary, to which the Dominican convent is annexed, and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Maiori
Founded by the Romans on a previous Etruscan settlement, Maiori, like other villages in Campania, is much loved for its historical and artistic heritage framed by traditional terraces planted with citrus fruits. Those who arrive in the city for a visit during a tour of the Amalfi Coast will have the opportunity to discover great little treasures such as the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare and the Sanctuary of the Avvocata that dominates the coast from a height. Its beach of volcanic origin is the longest of the entire Amalfi Coast and together with the beach of Erchie, the minor coves and the Pandora’s Grotto, it represents one of the most precious treasures of the area.
Monteverde
Perched on a hill in the high Ofanto Valley, in Irpinia, the historic center of Monteverde is concentrated around the castle and is characterized by the typical layout of Irpinia high-altitude towns: alleys, arches and stairways follow the course of the hill . During a visit to this suggestive village it is worth taking a walk up to Palazzo Pelosi and Palazzo Spirito, imposing with their artistic portals, paying particular attention to the former cathedral consecrated to Santa Maria di Nazareth, which houses inside paintings of the Neapolitan School of the seventeenth century, wooden statues and altars made between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries.
Praiano
Located between Positano and Conca dei Marini, this village had been elected as a summer residence already at the time of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, when the doges stayed there during the summer. Due to its position between Monte Tre Pizzi and Marina di Praia, the town of Praiano is spread over several levels marked by the inevitable stairways. The picturesque village is also dominated by a tower which in medieval times was used to protect the village from attacks by the Saracens. Those who visit the town can enjoy a few hours at the sea reaching Cala della Gavitella, a sunny beach from sunrise to sunset from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Capri and Positano.
Ravello
From its privileged position at the top of the Lattari Mountains, this charming town in the province of Salerno dominates the Amalfi coast and is known throughout the world for its spectacular views. Founded in Roman times, Ravello was part of the Duchy of Amalfi, subsequently falling under the jurisdiction of the Maritime Republic. We owe to the Bourbons the construction of the coastal road that sanctioned its rebirth after the decline that the city experienced from the 12th century to the 19th century, when it became a favorite destination for personalities of the caliber of Richard Wagner, Winston Churchill and Virginia Woolf. Among the stops not to be missed during a visit to the city are the Gothic-style Cathedral, the Gardens of Villa Cimbrone and the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium which hosts the Ravello Festival, the famous classical music festival. Trekking lovers will appreciate the spectacular Path of the Gods.
By car to discover the most beautiful villages in Campania
With its charming villages, its beaches and its breathtaking views, Campania is truly a region to be discovered a little at a time, savoring it without haste, perhaps planning an itinerary by car, to be followed by indulging in a few relaxing stops by the sea. If you like the idea of going on a road trip to discover the most beautiful villages in Campania, but you are looking for a car rental company that is right for you, you can rely on Positano Scooter. In addition to a complete range of scooters, in fact, the agency offers many solutions designed for lovers of four wheels. Choosing between the different models available in the fleet you can leave for a tour of the towns of Campania or to the Amalfi Coast: whether it is a Smart, a Fiat 500, a Beetle or a Porsche 718 Boxter, all strictly convertible, you will find certainly the model that best suits your needs.
To live your special experience around the villages of Campania, all you have to do is select your car in the dedicated section of the site or ask for information from the Positano Scooter staff who will be ready to answer all your questions and offer you the right advice. to plan your car trip.