Best hotels in Campania

Positano and Amalfi might draw the crowds, but the hilltop town of Ravello is the coast's quieter, more cultured little sister — a place that seduced Richard Wagner, Gore Vidal and Virginia Woolf into staying for a lot longer than planned. And right at its highest point sits Hotel Caruso, an 11th-century palazzo originally built by a noble family shipwrecked on their way to Constantinople. Opened as a hotel in 1893 by a local vintner named Pantaleone Caruso, it was lovingly restored by Belmond and reopened in 2005, complete with stunning (and original) 18th-century frescoes, centuries-old terraced gardens and an infinity pool so photogenic it has its own fan base.

Built into the hillside of Anacapri, this is the kind of place that makes you want to don your biggest sunglasses and order an Aperol spritz, pronto. Think white-washed walls that could tell a thousand tales of Hollywood starlets, contemporary artwork that wouldn't look out of place in a gallery, and views stretching across the glittering Med to Ischia and Procida that will stop you in your tracks. The whole place positively oozes Italian elegance, from the gold chandeliers and antique wooden furniture to the mosaicked pool that winks at you through peekaboo windows as you float through reception.

Liberty-style splendour awaits the moment you cross the threshold into this delightful time capsule of Neapolitan Belle Epoque. While the façade still proudly displays its 19th-century decorative elements, step inside and you'll be transported to a world of refined elegance that has attracted the glitterati for over a century. Originally designed as a residential building, this masterpiece by acclaimed architect Giovan Battista Comencini was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1906 and has been playing host to writers, musicians, actors and other luminaries ever since. The recently renovated rooms and suites offer a contemporary take on classic style, many boasting views that sweep across the Bay of Naples with mighty Vesuvius looming in the distance and the majestic Castel Dell'Ovo standing guard in the foreground.

One of Sorrento's most elegant hotels (and it's only Relais & Châteaux property), the Hotel Bellevue Syrene inhabits a timeless, 2nd-century Roman villa, its ancient nymphaea still visible beneath the building. Opened in 1820, every corner is as stylish as the owner (who genuinely adores the property). Think Neapolitan antiques sharing wall space with contemporary Italian art, calming sherbet-coloured interiors, freshly-cut flowers in beautiful vases and pretty balconies overlooking the Gulf of Naples. The staff have been here for decades and treat every guest like family. Oh and, it also happens to boast one of the most spectacular breakfast settings on the coast...

Atop Ischia's Monte Vico, just above the village of Lacco Ameno, sits the elegant San Montano Resort & Spa, revived by the De Siano family in 2008 and polished anew in 2025 alongside its induction into Relais & Châteaux — the first on the island. Seven acres of lemon groves, lavender and bay scatter down to a private cove, with eleven thermal pools dotted between them and sweeping views over the marina to Mount Vesuvius. Combined with inimitable hospitality and a location away from the crowds, it really does feel like its own little slice of heaven.

Perched on a dramatic promontory just south of Positano, this family-owned Relais & Châteaux landmark has been seducing guests since 1970. The brainchild of local visionary Carlino Cinque, the entire hotel was, incredibly, carved into the cliff face by hand and every terrace, pathway and tumbling garden feels as though it grew naturally from the rock itself. With a Michelin-starred restaurant stocked with produce from the terraced gardens, a private beach reached by an elevator drilled through 88 metres of solid cliff, and views that stretch from Praiano to Capri, this is the Amalfi Coast at its most glamorous.

Positioned above the Marina Grand, this boutique gem designed by Michele Bonan delivers sophisticated coastal living with a refreshingly homely touch. The crisp white walls provide the perfect canvas for bold blues, sleek monochrome tiles, and tasteful modern artwork. Design-conscious travelers will appreciate the wealth of coffee table books scattered throughout, while those seeking relaxation can revel in the large swimming pool or book a Sisley treatment at the spa. With a select number of rooms and staff who pride themselves on attentive yet unobtrusive service, you'll find yourself slipping into island time with remarkable ease. This is five-star luxury that feels like coming home – if your home happened to have breath-taking Mediterranean views from every angle.

Standing proudly on Naples' seafront since 1882, this iconic establishment has been welcoming illustrious guests through its stately doors for generations. Positioned in the heart of the city with unrivalled views of Castle dell'Ovo and the glittering Bay of Naples, you'll be immersed in both history and luxury from the moment you arrive. Belgian financier Oscar du Mesnil was so captivated by Naples' beauty that he built this waterfront gem during the city's grand urban transformation. Today, the hotel maintains its heritage charm while discreetly incorporating modern comforts. Whether you're sipping prosecco at the panoramic Sky Lounge as the sun sets over Mount Vesuvius or enjoying a morning espresso on your private balcony, you'll understand why celebrities and travellers alike have made this their Neapolitan pied-à-terre for over a century.

Ischia is often overshadowed by its flashier neighbour Capri across the bay - but that's exactly how regulars prefer it! It's the Bay of Naples' volcanic sibling, laced with thermal springs and chestnut forests, and moving at a noticeably slower pace. The quietest corner is the tiny fishing village of Sant'Angelo and, set right on the edge in a mountain of volcanic stone, is the Miramare Sea Resort & Spa. The work of Neapolitan architect Giuliano dell'Uva, it's a rare piece of contemporary design on an island more often done up in terracotta and tile and a private beach, sea-view rooms and access to a proper thermal park are the perfect finishing touches.

While the rest of the Amalfi Coast leans into terracotta, bougainvillea and old-world romance, Casa Angelina does something refreshingly different. Sitting on the cliffs of Praiano, the hotel's white-on-white minimalism feels more gallery than grand palazzo... And that's totally the point. Clean lines, contemporary art and a pared-back palette let the real star of the show take centre stage: the staggering Tyrrhenian Sea views that stretch from Positano to Capri. Add a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, a holistic spa and the hotel's own private boats, and you've got one of the most distinctive stays on this magnificent coastline.

Just a stone's throw from the legendary Piazzetta and the chic boutiques of Via Camerelle lies this eclectic gem that oozes effortless style. The moment you step inside, you're transported into a world where La Dolce Vita meets contemporary design with a wink to the past. Multi-hued rooms (no two the same) showcase dusty Mediterranean blues, saffron yellows and coral splashes that echo the island's natural palette. Globetrotting bon vivants flock here for the intimate yet privileged position, savoring the perfect blend of Caprese tradition and worldly sophistication.

High above the Bay of Naples, this grand dame has been turning heads since 1834. The scene is set the moment you step through the wrought iron gates - five acres of citrus gardens, three historic buildings, and a magnificent stone terrace that serves up show-stopping views of Mount Vesuvius brooding across the water. Duck into the music room where Wagner once composed, peek into the winter garden, or take the private elevator down to the port below. The whole place feels rather like stepping into a Fellini film, albeit one where the impeccable service and Michelin-starred cuisine remind you that you're very much in the here and now.

Right at the heart of dreamy, pastel-coloured Positano is Le Sirenuse, a Pompeii-red palazzo that the Sersale family opened to guests back in 1951. What started as a summer abode has become one of Italy's finest and most recognised hotels, though it still feels wonderfully like someone's home, albeit one filled with Neapolitan antiques, contemporary art and the family's own fragrance line. With a Michelin-starred restaurant lit by four hundred candles and complimentary boat trips along the coast, this really is la dolce vita done properly.

Artemisia Domus Giardino is a superb period residence in the heart of Naples. The centre of this enchanting city is home to a haven of pure tranquillity where you can relax and enjoy wellness facilities and first-class services.

Step inside where the hotel's unparalleled luxury rooms and outstanding suites with whirlpool baths await you. You’ll find all this inside an historical residence set in a lush garden where spa facilities rejuvenate and revive, restoring balance to body and mind. You’ll certainly make the most of your stay in Naples thanks to the exclusive location just a stone’s throw from the Lungomare (seafront).

Situated dramatically on a cliff overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this five-star hideaway offers a delightful escape from the buzzing energy of town life. The property sits within a verdant cocoon of mature, luxuriant gardens while still being just a 15-minute saunter from the bustling centre. Inside, the décor whisks you back to a more elegant era – think finely inlaid furniture, magnificent hand-painted floors, and antique paintings that wouldn't look out of place in a museum. The warm, friendly atmosphere and attentive service create that rare alchemy where five-star luxury feels genuinely welcoming rather than stuffy. Whether you're lounging by the pool with Vesuvius on the horizon or riding the lift down to your private patch of beach, the views here are the sort that stay with you long after your tan has faded.

Right in the beating heart of historic Italy sits this Mediterranean marvel, nestled between ancient walls and the glistening sea. The 5-star establishment exudes an air of refined elegance with its majolica-inspired design and artistic treasures scattered throughout. Step into a world where high, frescoed ceilings and traditional painted tiles transport you to a bygone era, yet all the modern luxuries you could wish for are at your fingertips. The piece de résistance? A rooftop terrace complete with a mosaicked swimming pool where aperitivos are served under swaying palm trees as the sun sets over one of the world's most iconic bays. This historic building may have one foot firmly planted in tradition, but it's also dancing gracefully to the tune of contemporary comfort.

Perched dramatically above the glittering Mediterranean, this 13th-century Capuchin convent has been transformed into something rather special indeed. What was once a place of quiet reflection for monks now offers a different kind of transcendental experience - though we'd argue that gazing out over the azure waters from the infinity pool is its own form of meditation. Just a ten-minute amble from the bustling Piazza del Duomo, former monastic quarters have been reimagined with sophisticated flair, while the original cloister and chapel remain as atmospheric reminders of the building's storied past.

Perched dramatically on the edge of sun-drenched cliffs, this historic gem captures the essence of coastal Italian luxury with an aristocratic flourish. Step into the Hall of the Four Seasons, where frescoed female figures dance across walls that have witnessed centuries of distinguished visitors. The large, elegant halls sparkle with reflections from the sea beyond, adorned with soft oriental carpets, period statues and exquisite inlaid furniture crafted by ancient local masters. The meticulous attention to detail is apparent at every turn—from the intricate woodwork to the flowering gardens cascading toward the private beach below. Just a short stroll from bustling piazzas yet blissfully removed from the crowds, this is where the melody of "Torna à Surriento" was famously composed—a fact that feels perfectly fitting when you're sipping prosecco on that legendary terrace as the setting sun paints Mount Vesuvius in hues of amber and rose.

Let's be honest - this one's a showstopper. Clinging to the cliffs above Positano's bustling Spiaggia Grande, this 19th-century marvel serves up the kind of views that Italian dreams are made of. The Li Galli islands float like mirages on the horizon, while the scent of lemon trees and salt air drifts up from the gardens below. The Savino family has perfected their craft here, creating an elegant retreat where the simple things - like sinking into a lounger by the infinity pool or demolishing a perfectly crafted pizza - become extraordinary moments.

High on a clifftop where 17th-century Dominican nuns once contemplated life's greater meanings, this reimagined monastery now offers rather more earthly pleasures. The views alone are worthy of divine praise – sweeping vistas of the glittering Gulf of Salerno that stretch from a tiny fishing village below all the way to the horizon. Inside, vaulted ceilings and ancient stone walls whisper tales of the past.

Perched dramatically on the entrance to a former Maritime Republic, this 1956-born dream of Francesco Mansi has evolved into something utterly captivating. After his Mexican sojourn, Francesco returned to establish what his descendants have now transformed into a design hotel with serious personality. Mid-century magnificence reigns throughout the common areas, channeling those halcyon days of Italian design brilliance. The position is nothing short of extraordinary – hovering above the port, beach, and town, with that famous Cathedral and its colonnade commanding attention below. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a world where contemporary elegance meets Mediterranean charm, and every window frame captures that impossible blue of the Tyrrhenian.

In the pedestrianised heart of one of Italy's most photogenic coastal towns sits this hidden gem, lovingly maintained by generations of the same family. The ancient splendour of this once-private villa has been meticulously preserved through careful renovations, resulting in a residence that feels both authentic and luxurious. The property's two distinct buildings house an array of rooms – some nestled in the historic original structure, others in the more contemporary addition.

Perched high above the azure waters with unparalleled panoramic views, this elegant hideaway manages to be both wonderfully secluded and enviably central. Just a short amble from the town center and within easy striking distance of two pristine beaches, you'll discover an impeccably designed retreat where contemporary luxury meets local heritage. The brilliant white interiors provide the perfect blank canvas for carefully curated artwork and bespoke furniture, while generous windows flood each space with that legendary coastal light. From lazy afternoons by the rooftop pool to star-lit evenings on your private terrace, every moment feels utterly sublime – made all the more special by a team of staff who anticipate your every whim with genuine warmth.

Palazzo Avino is an elegant hotel located in Ravello, in the heart of the scenic Amalfi Coast. Housed within Palazzo Sasso, a former noble residence dating back to the 12th century, the property was meticulously restored and reopened in 1997 after a complete renovation. Its forty-three rooms, including ten suites, are furnished with refined antiques and exquisite details that embody authentic Italian charm.

Hotel Villa Cimbrone is one of the most prestigious Hotels de Charme in the entire Mediterranean. The splendour and ambience of yesteryear permeate this 12th-century residence. The Vuilleumier family, with its generations of experience in the hotel industry, preserves and protects the original architectural and decorative features.