This is the Campania chapter from Lonely Planet's Hiking in Italy guidebook.

Away from the gelato-toting tourists, Campania hides a parallel universe of ancient footpaths and deserted trails glimmering like a Botticelli masterpiece across a not-too-distant horizon. With the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento Peninsula and Mt Vesuvius all on offer, it is a region to savour.

• climb to the top of volatile Vesuvius and look down into its dangerously silent crater
• maps
• watch the evening sun slant through the cypress trees in the wonderfully peaceful Valle del Ferriere
• transport
• gaze at the exotic shores of the island of Capri from the grass-coasted tip of the Sorrento peninsula
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Climate, Planning, Vesuvius, Vesuvius' Crater, Amalfi Coast, Positano Circuit, Sentiero degli Dei, Capo Muro, Valle delle Ferriere, Sorrento Paninsula, Punta Penna, Punta Campanella, More Walks, Towns & Facilities.