In the Phlegrean Fields, among craters, fumaroles and underwater antiquities

A highly evocative, moon-like landscape of craters immersed in the blue sea and the green vegetation that grows luxuriantly in the fertile lava soil. These are the Phlegrean Fields (from the Greek phlegreios, meaning ‘burning’, a land of volcanos, where history and myth are closely intertwined in a unique natural environment.

The Park stretches over an area of about 8,000 hectares and comprises the Solfatara, the archaeological sites of Pozzuoli, Cuma and Baia, the natural oases of the Cratere degli Astroni and Monte Nuovo, and the lakes of Averno, Lucrino and Fusaro, all of volcanic origin.

The Park is of great environmental and archaeological value. The area offers a wide range of hotel facilities: hotels, guest houses, campsites, holiday farms, bed & breakfasts, as well as restaurants and trattorias where you can taste the excellent regional and sea food.

The Cratere degli Astroni Nature Reserve, a hunting estate during the Aragonese and Bourbon periods, is a WWF protected Oasis located inside one of the Phlegrean craters. The Reserve offers nature trails, educational facilities and a Rescue Centre for wild animals.

The first of the two trails lasts about 5 hours, is of medium difficulty and shows you the crater and the surrounding areas; the Campi Flegrei Regional Nature Park second (6 hours), which unwinds inland, is easy and takes you through the wood and among marsh flora and fauna.

Due to the length (time and distance), environmental and natural importance of the trails, it is advisable to keep the itineraries separate. The zone encourages nest-building (especially migratory birds) and is a paradise for bird-watching enthusiasts.

The Solfatara is the most active part of the volcano system of the Phlegrean Fields, with fumaroles that exhale sulphurous gases, carbon dioxide springs, naturally hot waters and jets of hot mud that alternate with woody areas and Mediterranean marquis in pleasant contrast to the bareness of the surrounding landscape. The crater, which dates back 4,000 years, was called by the Romans Forum Vulcani (“home of the god Volcano”).

Among the main attraction is the Fangaia, where there is a constant gurgling of yellowish mud; the Bocca Grande (Big Mouth), the main fumarole and one of the inspection points for seismic activity, temperature measurement and chemical composition of gas emissions; the mineral water Well; and the old Stoves, natural saunas.

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The underwater treasures of Baia

A protected marine nature reserve and first Underwater Archaeological Park in Italy, the Baia Underwater Archaeological-Environmental Park stretches along the coast from Punta Castello to Punta Epitaffio.

The area, which subsided due to bradyseism, corresponds to the ancient imperial city of Baia. The remains of roads, villas, mosaics and spas have become some of the most interesting underwater archaeological areas in Italy.

The seabed can be admired on board a boat equipped with a camera and monitor or from a glass-bottom boat.

Download the Guide of the Phlegrean Fields

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