Must-see shopping in Campania

  • Ceramica Artistica Solimene

    Vietri sul Mare

    This vast factory outlet, which looks like something Gaudí might have built, is the most famous ceramics shop in town. It sells everything from egg cups…

  • Ars Neapolitana

    Naples

    Guglielmo Muoio sold his first pastore (nativity-scene figurine) at age 13. More than a decade on, the talented artisan has even exhibited at the European…

  • L’Arco Antico D'Artuono

    Amalfi

    Amalfi’s connection with papermaking dates back to the 12th century, when the first mills were set up to supply the republic’s small army of bureaucrats…

  • Mercatino dell'Umberto

    Naples

    Hit the stalls on Via Imbriani for well-priced fashionable frocks, jumpers and cardigans, tasteful bijou jewellery, shoes, high-end fakes and the odd…

  • Bowinkel

    Naples

    The city's finest vintage prints, photographs, paintings and frames. If you can't find what you're looking for here, check out its sister branch at Via…

  • Antica Macelleria di Francesco Esposito

    Ischia

    This century-old deli is gourmet foodie heaven. Drop in from 8am for fresh mozzarella and wood-fired casareccio bread, plus a lip-smacking choice of…

  • Talarico

    Naples

    Mario Talarico and his nephew have turned the humble umbrella into a work of art. Sought after by heads of state, each piece is a one-off, with mother-of…

  • La Botteguccia de Giovanni

    Positano

    Come here for leather sandals handmade by craftsman Giovanni in his small workroom at the back of the shop. Choose a colour and any decorative flourishes…

  • Mariano Rubinacci

    Naples

    Beautiful, lightweight and precisely fitting suits from the granddaddy of Neapolitan tailoring. Former clients include Neapolitan film director Vittorio…

  • De Paola Cameos

    Naples

    Head to this corner workshop for a beautiful range of finely carved cameos, including pieces made on-site. Small pendants start from around €50. Other…

  • Anna Matuozzo

    Naples

    The softly spoken Signora Matuozzo was once the apprentice of Mariano Rubinacci. Now the signora and her daughters are famed for their bespoke shirts,…

  • Judith Major

    Ischia

    Despite the headmistressy name, this boutique is the exclusive stockist of Italian label Brunello Cucinelli. The look is Polo Ralph Lauren with a sexy…

  • La Feltrinelli

    Naples

    Pick up anything from Italian DVDs and music CDs to novels and coffee-table tomes at this buzzing three-level book-and-music megastore, complete with cafe…

  • Il Ninfeo

    Amalfi

    Unabashedly tourist-geared, Il Ninfeo has a vast showroom displaying an excellent selection of ceramics, ranging from giant urns to fridge magnets. If…

  • La Rapida

    Sorrento

    There are numerous shops selling leather sandals in the centro storico, but head to the far end of Via Fuoro and you’ll find this tiny, old-fashioned…

  • Enoteca Borgo Antico

    Procida

    This slick little bottle shop stocks the best of Campanian vino and a smattering of other Italian drops. The friendly owner will advise you (in Italian)…

  • Ceramiche Maria Grazia

    Positano

    Browse a sumptuous display of locally produced ceramics with the potential to cause you stress at check-in time; a better bet is to go for the shipping…

  • Cetarii

    Cetara

    Duck into this artistically presented local shop on the port-side to acquire some of the typical fish products that have made Cetara famous, namely jars…

  • Tramontano

    Naples

    Tramontano has a solid rep for its exquisitely crafted, handmade Neapolitan leather goods. Fawn over elegant women's handbags, clutches and totes, as well…

  • La Feltrinelli

    Naples

    One of several city branches of this nationwide bookstore chain. You'll find a modest selection of English-language books and no shortage of Naples…

  • Libreria Dante & Descartes

    Naples

    Overlooking the spectacular Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo is this erudite little bookshop, popular with writers and intellectuals. There's a small foreign…

  • Old Star

    Bay of Naples

    One of the best shops at the Mercato di Pugliano. Ask politely to check out the rare stock upstairs, often borrowed by international designers for study…

  • Atelier delle Dolcezze

    Ischia

    A fabulous modern chocolatier, combining ranks of sweet chocolate treats with sumptuous artisanal ice cream. The prettily wrapped boxes make good gifts.

  • Libreria Imagaenaria

    Ischia

    A beautiful old-school bookshop in Ischia Ponte with armchairs, plies of multilingual tomes and some fine local prints on sale too.

  • Anastasio Nicola SAS

    Amalfi

    Unless you’re flying long haul, gourmet goodies can make excellent gifts. In this upscale supermarket, among the hanging hams, you’ll find a full…

  • Oggetti & Stampe d'Epoca

    Naples

    Alfonso Sorrentino is convinced that the objects he chooses to sell from his dusty cavern of bricolage find their way to him, rather than him finding them…

  • Filippo Cianciarelli

    Ischia

    Filippo is a highly original artist who creates vividly patterned pieces, including striking, tall, pyramid-shaped vases, tiled pictures with abstract…

  • Capri Watch

    Capri

    The flashy selection of watches here is made by local watchmaker Silvio Staiano. The prices start surprisingly low, around €70 for a relatively…

  • Mercatino di Posillipo

    Naples

    Located outside the main gates of Parco Virgiliano, this isn't the cheapest market, but it's generally the best for quality goods. Top buys include women…

  • Mediterraneo

    Procida

    The fashions here are made from wispy fine cotton, perfect for those sizzling summer days. Floaty dresses patterned with wild flowers, long light-as-a…

  • Da Costanzo

    Capri

    In 1959 Clark Gable stopped off at this tiny, unpretentious shoe shop to get a pair of handmade leather sandals, and the shop still sells a range of…

  • Maricella

    Procida

    A sweet little boutique selling brightly coloured accessories, including jewellery that looks good enough to eat: necklaces strung with what resemble M&Ms…

  • Ferrigno

    Naples

    King of the Christmas nativity scenes, Ferrigno's terracotta figurines are sought by collectors worldwide. Part studio, part shop, its shelves are lined…

  • Filo d'Autore

    Ravello

    Although you may associate cashmere with more northern climes, this tiny shop in the Ravello backstreets is worth a visit to view the exceptional quality…

  • Elegantia

    Capri

    Always fancied yourself flouncing around in one of those sherbet-yellow, baby-pink or powder-blue floppy hats? Then this is the place to pick one up (€15)…

  • Charcuterie Esposito

    Naples

    Even the doors heave with gourmet grub at this jam-packed little deli. Fill your bags with everything from pasta, macaroons and grappa (Italian pomace…

  • Ceramiche Sara

    Vietri sul Mare

    Located at the entrance to town, and with a convenient car park, the showroom here has a great choice of ceramics, including some reasonably priced and…

  • Stella di Mare

    Ischia

    Pricey and gorgeous womenswear: silk and linen skirts and kaftans to keep you cool in every sense, plus sandals, brogues, and tassled and beaded bags.

  • Libreria Lanovecento

    Bay of Naples

    Stocks great books and information on the area and has internet access.

  • Scaglione Renato

    Ischia

    This little shop has a small but sparkling range of exquisite jewellery, incorporating turquoise, amethyst, amber and coral. Prices are slightly lower…