Campania region

Everything is more intense on the Amalfi coastline: the colours of the pink bougainvillaea which covers the houses, the flavour of the food - here you can find the best pizza in the world, fabulous fish and the wonderful tasting buffalo mozzarella - and the people, who are open, friendly and very hospitable. Not to be missed are the island of Capri, Villa Cimbrone at Ravello, with its spectacular view over the Amalfi coast, the excavations of Pompei and finally Positano, the jewel of the coastline.


Naples, the region's capital is one of the most unforgettable Italian cities, rich in history and culture. From here it is easy to reach the islands in the Gulf, Capri and Ischia. Capri, one of the best known and most stylish islands in the world, famed for its natural beauty and for the unmistakable style of its architecture, is a destination for discerning tourists in search of a relaxing yet at the same time sociable holiday. Ischia, the biggest island, offers the combined attractions of seaside, with beautiful beaches, and the shade and coolness of the pine forests.


It is also well known for the beneficial properties of its thermal waters and for the excellence of its cuisine, based on fresh fish and seafood accompanied by light local wines. Capri is unquestionably one of the most beautiful of Italy's islands, known throughout the world for its attractive climate and its stunning landscape.
This jewel of the Mediterranean was loved by the Emperor Tiberius and by the numerous poets who have described and extolled its beauty. The island is characterized by the fragrance of its flowers, its delicate combination of colours which bear witness to its ancient past, and by its natural allure.

Cities:
Naples is the regional capital. Other important cities are Positano, Sorrento, Ravello and Pompei.

exploring Amalfi Coast villas

to see

Certosa di San Giacomo. The Certosa di San Giacomo (Caerthusian monastery of Saint James) was constructed in the 14th century by Count Giacomo Arcucci (advisor of the Neapolitan queen Giovanna I d'Angiò) and is a splendid example of Caprese architecture. In the mid 1600s, the monastery was enlarged and restructured with Baroque elements. Inside the monastery, there are two exquisite cloisters - the larger one dating back to the enlargement in the 1600s and the smaller originating in the 1300s. Chiesa di San Costanzo (Church of Saint Constantine). This gracious church in Byzantine style was probably erected at the beginning of 100AD and is dedicated to the patron saint of Capri: Saint Constantine. The church, internally painted in white, is situated at the Marina Grande in an evocative position.

Villa Jovis. Villa Jovis is the most imposing of 12 villas constructed on the island by the Emperor Tiberius in around 30BC. It is located on above the sea on the peak of Mount Tiberius, an absolutely spectacular position which overlooks the entire Gulf of Naples. The villa stretches over about 7000sqm, distributed over several floors. Worthy of note are the enormous tanks positioned in the centre of the complex which were used to supply collected rainwater to the Emperor and his subjects for drinking and for thermal baths. Castello Barbarossa. This castle, of Byzantine origins, became famous around 1500 as the path of the Saracen pirate Barbarossa who was responsible for violent lootings. The castle is situated about 400 metres above sea level.
Scala Fenicia. The Fenicia staircase was, until 1874, the only link between Capri and Anacapri. Setting out from the Marina Grande (the main marina of Capri), the staircase climbs up the cliff and rises 200 metres before arriving at Rupe di Capodimonte in Anacapri.