Campi Flegrei: My Favorite Things

We have lived just west of Naples, Italy for almost three years. Our area specifically is called Campi Flegrei—or the Phlegraean Fields—and is a sprawling volcanic area rich in history, natural beauty, and geothermal waters. At our finger tips, we have ancient Roman ruins, hot springs (which means incredible thermal spas), incredible coastal views, easy access to the lesser known islands in the Gulf of Naples (Ischia and Procida), and of course, the amazing Southern Italian food. We have absolutely fallen in love with this area and exploring as much of it as we can. Below. I’m sharing some of my favorite spots and experiences. Check back often as I will keep this list up to date as we explore more places!

View from the Faro di Capo Miseno hike at sunset looking towards Procida and Ischia

• Coffee

  Whether grabbing a quick caffè or settling in for a cappuccino and cornetto, these spots have become part of our morning rhythm:

  • Bar Pina: A classic Italian bar where you’ll find amazing lingua pastries.

  • Poppy’s: A sweet, cozy cafe perfect for working or chatting with friends. You can also walk along the Torregaveta pier or along the free beach by the beach clubs just past here.

  • Cyca’s: One of our go-to spots for both coffee and aperitivo right along Lago Miseno.

  • Albachiara: Ideal for sunset views over Ischia and Procida.

• Aperitivo

  Sunset, sea breeze, and a mocktail (for me) in hand. Here’s where we go to unwind:

  • The View: Aptly named for its stunning outlook over Lago Fusaro. I recommend getting a table outside!

  • Cyca’s: Always lively and perfectly located.

  • Roof & Sky: Great cocktails at a floating restaurant on Lago Miseno.

  • Verd e Acqua: Enjoy drinks with a view on Lago Miseno in this garden aperitivo spot (seasonal).

  • Baiae: Classy, romantic, and atmospheric.

• Nature & Views

  The magic of Campi Flegrei lies in its wild beauty and myth-laden geography:

  • Baia Sommersa (with Centro Sub Campi Flegrei): Snorkel above ancient Roman villas under the sea.

  • Monte Nuovo Hike: A crater hike with Gulf views and accessible trails.

  • Faro di Capo Miseno: A dramatic cliffside lighthouse walk.

  • Kayak or SUP near the Spiaggetta di San Sossio: Rent a paddle board or kayak for an afternoon on the water.

  • Cuma Ruins: Ancient Greek ruins and the fabled Sibyl’s cave.

  • Baia Ruins: Open-air museum of Roman villas, spas, and temples.

  • Path of the Gods Hike: Farther afield but a must for sweeping Amalfi views.

  • Path of the Lemons: A fragrant hike from Minori to Maiori through lemon groves.

  • Free Beaches - Miseno & Miliscola: Clean and great for families.

  • Beach Brothers: A laid-back beach club.

  • Castello di Baia Lido: Beach day with castle views.

  • Turistico Beach Club: Popular beach spot with umbrellas, sun beds, a bar, and snacks by the water.

• Restaurants

  There are too many to say something specific about each one, but you can’t go wrong with most restaurants in this area!
  

  Monte di Procida

  • I Fortezza

  • La Fontanina al Mare

  • Il Furgone

  • Mazzella Gastropub

  • Mariella’s Taverna dei Sapori
    

  Bacoli

  • Tuna

  • Osteria delle Donne

  • Aguglia

  • Origini

  • Il Cetrangolo

  • L’Angolo del Silenzio

  • Girrarosto da Gennaro

  • Osteria da Caliendo

  • Fucìna Flegrea

  • Boteco
    

  Miseno

  • La Dragonara

  • Caracol

  • Cala Moresca
    

  Cappella

  • Don Salvatore
    

  Pozzuoli

  • Fattoria del Campiglione

  • Abraxas Osteria

  • UMAMI Japanese Fusion

  • Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria

  • Mammà
    

  Baia

  • Il Testardo

  • Bajos

  Special mention for our favorite pastry shop, and our go to for birthday cakes, Christmas pannettone, Easter colombe, and Sunday lunch pastries: Guantierra Pasticceria in Bacoli.

• With Kids

  Here are some of our most-loved places to spend time with our son:

  • Arcobalu: A colorful soft play center for younger children.

  • Parco Cerillo: A forest park with trails, a bar, public library, and family activities.

  • Acquamorta Playground: Shaded and sea-adjacent, perfect for kids.

  • Villa Comunale in Bacoli: A well-kept park for gelato, a playground, and a walk around the lake.

  • Parco dei Laghi: A great outdoor playground and restaurant near Lago d’Averno.