Campania is one of Italy's most beautiful regions. Both mountainous and green, the area's history of volcanic activity has played a large part in shaping the environment. The climate is warm, and one of the most familiar images is of oranges and lemons growing in green groves above the deep blue sea.

Campania's coastline, particularly the Sorrento Peninsula, is dramatic and attractive. Out at sea lie even greater beauties, the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

Campania's cuisine relies upon local products: seafood, buffalo mozzarella, oranges and lemons. Among the food to sample are authentic Neapolitan pizza, ice cream, granita di limone (a refreshing crushed-ice lemon drink) and any (or all) of the region's gorgeous desserts. Limoncello is the alcoholic speciality, but Campania also has several good wines.

For those more interested in history and culture than in beaches, Naples offers the priceless collections in its archaeological museum, and opera performances at the prestigious Teatro San Carlo, while Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum are three of the world's greatest archaeological sites. The charm of Campania, however, is that you don't need to make such choices. Here you can combine superb cuisine, hours by the sea, giddying hikes, and even ballet on the beach in one sunny holiday.