Welcome to another episode of the Immersion Travel Italy Podcast! I’m Katerina Ferrara, travel author and host, and today I’m joined by Kasia Chojecki, creator of the Amongst Romans Podcast. Together we dive into the heart of Campania, one of Italy’s most fascinating regions, home to iconic sites like Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, the Amalfi Coast, and the Reggia di Caserta, as well as hidden gems that most visitors miss.
Campania is a region of contrasts: dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, vibrant cities, mountain villages, and unforgettable festivals. In this conversation, Kasia and I explore what makes Campania so unique, drawing on her personal experience of living there for three years.
We begin with Naples (Napoli) a city layered with history from the Greeks, Romans, medieval rulers, Renaissance princes, and Bourbon kings. Kasia shares why Naples is misunderstood, and why its treasures deserve more than just a quick stop. From underground cisterns and the Bourbon tunnels to elegant palaces, world-class museums, and the bustling energy of everyday life, Naples is a destination that rewards curious travelers. We also talk about boat trips from Naples to Ischia, Procida, and Capri, where thermal waters, colorful harbors, and sea grottos make for magical escapes.
Of course, no discussion of Campania is complete without the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that define it. We talk about Pompeii, the Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and why its scale can feel overwhelming. Kasia shares why she prefers Herculaneum, a smaller but more immersive site with mosaics, courtyards, and preserved homes that bring ancient life vividly to light. We also touch on Oplontis, Capua, and Paestum, with its magnificent Greek temples and sandy beaches.
Another highlight is the Reggia di Caserta, often called the “Versailles of Italy.” This royal palace with sprawling gardens, fountains, and Baroque architecture is a must for anyone interested in Italy’s aristocratic past. Nearby Caserta town and aqueducts also reveal layers of Bourbon history.
Then, of course, there’s the legendary Amalfi Coast. While most tourists rush to Positano and Sorrento, Kasia and I discuss why it’s worth venturing to towns like Maiori, Ravello, and Amalfi itself. Ravello, perched high on the cliffs, hosts world-renowned music festivals and offers breathtaking views. Beyond the Amalfi Coast, we spotlight Palinuro, a hidden coastal treasure with sea caves, quiet beaches, and fewer crowds.
But Campania isn’t just about famous landmarks. It’s about living traditions. We dive into the region’s festivals and sagre, from the Ravello Music Festival to chestnut and mushroom festivals in the fall, and the presepi (nativity scenes) in Naples at Christmas. Campania’s festivals bring whole towns together, blending food, music, processions, and history into immersive cultural experiences.
Kasia also shares insights on daily life in Campania, navigating transport in smaller towns, the challenges and joys of learning Italian, and what it feels like to truly settle into local rhythms. We discuss how the mountains of Campania offer just as many breathtaking views as the coastline, with towns like Rocca San Felice and Gesualdo providing perfect sunset spots over rolling hills and medieval castles.
Resources & Links:
Kasia's Podcast link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patricia-heaton-claps-back-at-don-lemons-comments-about/id1492124590?i=1000600829937
Learn more at www.katerinaferrara.com
Discover my Travel Italy Book Series, including Ultimate Festival & Travel Guides to Sicily, Puglia, Rome & Beyond, Venice & the Veneto, and Milan & Lombardy.
If you love Italy travel, Campania, Naples, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, Caserta, Ischia, Procida, Capri, festivals, and authentic cultural experiences, this episode is for you.