10 Must-See Villages in Campania

Sannio (Samnium), which also includes the present-day province of Benevento, is known for the noble beauty of its untouched natural landscapes and the historic and artistic wonders of the villages scattered throughout it. The best known of these is without a doubt Sant'Agata de’ Goti, aka the Perla del Sannio (Pearl of Samnium).

With its panoramic location on a tuff ledge, hemmed in by two rivers, this small, fortified medieval town impresses with its historic centre of little windows overlooking a maze of alleyways. The varied local history, which has seen Samnites, Romans and Goths (as in the town's name) pass through, is reflected in the rich local food and wine tradition.

Conca dei Marini (‘Seafarers Basin’) takes its name from the peculiar shape of the land that cradles it: a little bay hemmed in by rocks and waves, where the houses rest in the cliff’s embrace. You can explore every nook and cranny of this village by walking the undulating staircases, including six churches serving just a few hundred inhabitants.

The main attraction, however, is the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto), a cavern with glistening waters that resembles a natural sanctuary, with stalactites for pillars. In this enchanting place, ancient legends about janare (local witches) seem anything but fictional.

Nusco lies between the valleys of the rivers Calore and Ofanto, in the province of Avellino. Also known as the balcone dell'Irpinia (balcony of Irpinia) due to the breathtaking view from its numerous terraces, Nusco's history is closely intertwined with that of Saint Amatus, the town’s patron and pious bishop who played a crucial role in developing the residential heart of Nusco.

We have him to thank for the main buildings you encounter along the streets, including the imposing Cattedrale di Santo Stefano (Cathedral of Saint Stephen) and the Seminario (Seminary). It's also worth visiting the medieval Castello (Castle), where inhabitants would keep watch over the Apennine passes. Nowadays it's a great spot for panoramic photos.

Atrani is the smallest comune in Italy in terms of surface area, but when it comes to beauty there's no comparison. From afar, it looks like a tiny citadel in the blue Campania sea, joined to the mainland by the Dragone river valley. The centre is clustered around the Chiesa di San Salvatore (Church of San Salvatore) and the main square.

From there you'll find a chain of alleys, narrow houses stacked against each other and levels connected by scalinatelle, stairways typical of the region. The homes standing just a few metres from the waves give you an idea about its history as a fishing village. In the evenings, when the lights come on, you'll feel as though every stroll transports you back in time.

Taggiano is a tiny town in Salerno that is truly striking. Less known than other spots in the Cilento region (being further from the classic beaches and cliffs), Taggiano quietly welcomes you before catapulting you into a timeless setting.

The historic centre consists of rows of stone houses and delightful hidden gardens, where you can lose yourself in one surprise after another. The wonders never end here, with countless churches, little local museums and the majestic Norman fortress offering a view of the Vallo di Diano.

Montesarchio, once home to the important Samnite city of Caudium, boasts an unusual Campanian landscape. Greenery blends with stone on the slopes of a hill overlooking the Benevento countryside. To discover its age-old history, visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale del Sannio Caudino (National Archaeological Museum of Sannio Caudino).

Numerous archaeological remains, like the thermal baths and the Roman aqueduct, still show clear signs of the past. Over the centuries, other layers have been added. The most striking is the medieval structure with its imposing tower and Lombard fortalice.

Monteverde stands proudly above the rich surrounding woodland and forests below. This is no surprise, given its name means ‘green mountain’. The long history of this built up, residential town in Irpinia, in the Campania Apennines, is immediately evident from the castle and as you walk through the Norman-style historic centre.

There's also a strong museum scene, with the town being home to MiGra: a unique multimedia museum that's all about women's role in rural life. The several-kilometre long, tactile walkway for the visually impaired and those with hearing and motor difficulties has also earned Monterverde the title of the most accessible town in Italy.

Zungoli, with its almost rugged beauty, is a typical Irpinia town on the top of a hill near Avellino. The centre is a little treasure trove of tradition, distinguished by steep cobbled streets, forming distinctive, broad steps, all the way up the hill to the Norman citadel.

The whole town is picturesque, but what makes it truly unique are the tuff caves that lie under the winding architecture of the old part of the town. Dug out by man and dating back to the Byzantine era, these caves are now used to produce the local Caciocavallo Podolico cheese which, along with the DOP olive oil, is a local must-try speciality.

Savignano Irpino is another splendid gem worth visiting in the Province of Avellino. Perched on a saddle-shaped area of land, the village spreads like a wave of houses washing over the hillside.

Like many other places in Campania, it has ancient origins and has been inhabited by countless peoples and cultures, including the Opici, Samnites, Ostrogoths, Byzantines and Lombards. This melting pot of cultures has left in its wake the partly restored Longbard Castello dei Guevara (Guevara Castle) and the Chiesa di San Nicola (San Nicola Church).

Àlbori, a few kilometres from Vietri sul Mare, is a lesser-known village that has preserved the authentic charm of times gone by. Time seems to stand still in this cluster of fishermen's houses tucked inside a little bay.

Boats rock peacefully on the waves, all is quiet between the narrow buildings, and after descending a fairy-tale staircase you'll be greeted by a sunset that lights up the beach with romantic colours.