Campania is an Italian region with an extraordinary variety of landscapes: here, traces of ancient volcanism blend with lake landscapes, pristine forests, and ancient historical sites. This article explores some of the region's major bodies of water, from the legendary Campi Flegrei area near Naples to the inland lakes of Avellino and Benevento. We'll discuss Campania's volcanic lakes, as well as other natural and man-made basins worth visiting for their nature, biodiversity, and touristic value.
Volcanic lakes in the Phlegraean Fields (Naples): Averno and its surroundings
The Campi Flegrei area, west of Naples, is a vast volcanic caldera that holds some of the most fascinating evidence of Campania's geological activity. Here, several lakes formed in the craters of extinct volcanoes are found, nestled in a landscape rich in myth, history, and nature.
Lake of Averno
Lake Avernus is undoubtedly the most famous example of a volcanic lake in Campania: a body of water located inside an ancient crater, it attracted attention in ancient times for its gas emissions and for the legend according to which it was the gateway to the afterlife described by Virgil in the Aeneid.
Its almost circular shape and shores surrounded by lush nature make it a perfect place for walks, light hikes, and discovering archaeological remains, including the ancient Temple of Apollo and the Cocceio Cave, a tunnel dug by the Romans.
Other basins in the Phlegraean Fields
Besides Averno, the Phlegraean Fields also contain other lakes, such as Lucrino, Fusaro, and Miseno. While not always strictly volcanic in origin, these bodies of water are an integral part of the Phlegraean lake system and can easily be combined into a unique itinerary near Naples.
The inland lakes: Avellino and Benevento
As you leave the coast and head inland, Campania's lakes change in origin: here, we find natural and artificial basins nestled in hilly landscapes, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Province of Avellino
In the Avellino area, several lakes stand out. While not of volcanic origin (or linked to karst or artificial phenomena), they offer picturesque scenery and numerous opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Among these are:
- Lake Conza: a large artificial lake located in a protected nature reserve, known for its rich birdlife and hiking along its shores.
- Laceno Lake: a body of water located in the mountain town of the same name, a destination for outdoor activities, trekking, and both summer and winter sports.
Province of Benevento
In the province of Benevento there are smaller lakes, often little-known but perfect for a relaxing trip among hills and green areas:
- Lake Telese: a small, tranquil lake, ideal for walks and picnics in a natural setting.
- Campolattaro Lake: a WWF oasis nestled in the Tammaro plain, an important habitat for numerous bird species.
Ecotourism and visiting tips
Visiting Campania's volcanic lakes and other inland basins means exploring a region where ancient volcanoes and modern natural areas coexist harmoniously. Whether strolling along the shores of Lake Averno, admiring the wildlife of Lake Conza, or enjoying the tranquility of Lake Telese, these places offer diverse experiences for all types of travelers.
Practical advice:
- Best time: Spring and autumn for mild temperatures and intense colours;
- Activities: hiking, birdwatching and nature photography;
- Culture and history: Combine a visit to the volcanic lakes with archaeological sites in the Phlegraean Fields, such as the ancient city of Cumae.
Naples – In Campania, the lack of access to healthcare continues to be a silent emergency. Over the course of 2025, approximately 1,5 million patients forwent seeking treatment, held back by financial constraints or excessively long waiting times in the public healthcare system. This is according to a survey commissioned by Facile.it from the mUp research institute…
The Campania Regional Council resumes its session, and the institutional structure of the 5th Legislature is taking shape. After a roughly two-hour recess, the assembly elected its two vice presidents, marking a key step towards the start of its work. Luca Trapanese, representing the majority and the Five Star Movement, was chosen with 24 votes. He will also serve as deputy vice president. Giuseppe Fabbricatore of the Brothers of Italy party was elected for the center-right, receiving 19 votes.
This is Trapanese's first stint in the Regional Council, after serving as Councilor for Social Policies for the City of Naples in the government led by Gaetano Manfredi. This is also the first time in the Campania assembly for Fabbricatore, a former city councilor and group leader in Nocera Superiore and provincial councilor in Salerno.
A widespread network involving drug trafficking, kidnappings for ransom, prostitution, and counterfeit currency was busted this morning by the Carabinieri of Agropoli, acting on orders from the Salerno District Anti-Mafia Directorate. Eighteen men were placed under precautionary measures, eleven of whom were transferred to prison, while the other seven were placed under house arrest. The investigation has reconstructed a criminal network capable of creating a veritable drug market between Capaccio-Paestum and the rest of the Salerno area, fueled by suppliers from Naples and protected by the systematic use of violence.
At the heart of the investigation is the kidnapping of one of the suspects, abducted at gunpoint for running up a debt of between twenty and forty-four thousand euros related to previous drug supplies. The group punished those who didn't pay and stored the "goods" inside a tourist facility that also served as a logistical base for the prostitution ring. It was there, according to the magistrates, that several women were employed, forced to hand over their earnings and threatened when they attempted to evade their duties. One of them, after refusing to continue, was forced to pay three hundred euros for a bed and deprived of her phone, which was returned only after she handed over the money.
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Comments (2)
I find volcanic lakes fascinating, especially Lake Averno. But I'd be curious to know what the best activities are around these places year-round.
Interesting article, but I don't quite understand the differences between volcanic and artificial lakes. I'd love to know more about the natural lakes in Campania, perhaps even about the events they hold.