Camping Molise

Although Molise is a small Italian region, it has plenty of hidden gems that everyone should see at least once in a lifetime. Thus, it is a great place for camping enthusiasts as it has well-arranged campsites in amazing natural surroundings. Plan your camping holiday now and explore the amazing Molise!

Molise is bordered by Abruzzo to the north, Apulia to the east, Lazio to the west, and Campania to the south. It has some 35 kilometres of sandy coastline to the northeast, lying on the Adriatic sea looking out towards the Tremiti islands. 

Depopulated by emigration, Molise suffered serious damage in WW1, while WW2 brought nothing but further destruction to the region. Isernia and Termoli are probably the municipalities that suffered the most. In 1963, after a long and troubled history, Molise was detached from Abruzzo and became the twentieth region of the country. Struggling to grow its economy during the twentieth century, Molise had little benefit from industrialization and almost none from pastoral and agricultural activities. Fortunately, the local authorities turned their focus toward the service and tourism sectors, and the region has entered an era of economic and social development.

Campobasso

It is the capital of Molise. In the historic centre, you can see Castello Monforte, the symbol of the city and a national monument, the bell tower of the S. Bartolomeo Church, and the San Giorgio church. The city has many picturesque corners, which you can admire when exploring. 

Isernia

It is among the most important cities in the small and precious region. Here you can admire the Fraternal Fountain, erected in honour of Celestino V, and the beautiful cathedral, remodelled several times, where the Byzantine icon of the Madonna of the Light dominates.

Termoli

It offers enchanting beaches and old fortifications. Once it was known only as a fishing port, but now it is one of the favourite holiday resorts.

Larino

The main sights in Larino are the Roman amphitheatre, the Cathedral and Fontana Nuova, the Chiesa di San Francesco, and the Ducal Palace. 

Bojano

The best sights here are the Chiesa di Sant’Erasmo, Castello Pandone, Il Borgo Antico di Civita Superiore di Bojano, Belvedere di Civita Superiore, Cattedrale di San Bartolomeo, and Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo.

1. Termoli

The seaside resort, several times rewarded with the prestigious recognition of the Blue Flag, offers high-quality tourist and hotel facilities. Termoli also offers the beauty of a historical and artistic nature. There you can admire the majestic Swabian Castle, a true icon of the city.

2. Campitello Matese

It is a small town, majestically lying on the slopes of Monte Miletto, in the Molisano Apennines. Campitello is renowned for its numerous and prestigious ski resorts, which make it particularly sought after during the winter. 

3. Campomarino

The town is very well-known for the beauty of its well-equipped beaches and for its splendid tree-lined avenue, dominated by centuries-old pine trees.

4. The Sanctuary of Castelpetroso

There is the neo-Gothic sanctuary in all its imposing beauty. This is now a place of worship, visited by devotees and pilgrims from all over the world.

5. Castel San Vincenzo

It offers visitors the picturesque beauty of its mediaeval village and the ruins of the ancient Benedictine abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno. Thus, it offers the splendid natural spectacle of his lake, where you can feel the "breath of the Gods" deeply.

1. Explore The Guardialfiera lake. 

The lake is a popular destination for many fishermen or practising fishermen with regular licenses. The species of the fish present are chub, tench, and pike. It is also possible to find endangered fish species: the Apennine bleak and the Tyrrhenian rudd. To build the lake and the dam, an ancient bridge was submerged by the water, the Ponte di S. Antonio or Ponte di Annibale, visible in dry summer periods near Monte Peloso.

2. Discover Roccamandolfi.

It is a town of about 1000 inhabitants in the province of Isernia, located at an altitude of 850 m. In the upper part, a few kilometres from the town, on the top of the hill, stand the ruins of the ancient Norman Castle, built on the pre-existing Lombard fortress and which has also been the subject of studies in recent times. 

3. Explore Tremiti Islands.

The largest of the Tremiti islands is San Domino. It is to be discovered by boat, visiting famous coves and caves such as those of the Bue Marino, the Rondinelle, the Viole, the Crocodile and the Murene. San Nicola is the only other inhabited Tremiti island, and it is also the most interesting, as regards the monumental remains. Do not miss the Grotta di San Michele, which looks like a skull, and the Segati Rocks.

4. Go to Capracotta ski resort.

The ski resort of Capracotta invites you to go skiing and snowboarding. There is 1.6 km of slopes available. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations.

5. Discover Molise waterfalls.

Molise has wonderful waterfalls. One of them is the Carpinone waterfalls, in the province of Isernia, which has become one of the major natural attractions in Molise. They rise at the base of Carpinone, a suggestive mediaeval village about 600 m above the sea. 

Do not leave Molise, without trying its local foods like composta molisana, pampanella, pezzata, torcinelli, scarpelle, and many others. 

Go to the Regional Nature Reserve of Guardiaregia-Campochiaro.

It is a protected natural area that borders the Matese Regional Park. It is an oasis where you can spend unforgettable days discovering the reserve between excursions and guided tours.

Explore the Montedimezzo Reserve.

The whole reserve is wooded, there are turkey oaks, beeches, and numerous other native species. The reserve is home to numerous species of mammals, including wild boars, hares, badgers, roe deer, martens, weasels, stone martens, foxes, and squirrels, but also birds.

Street markets can be found in most of the Molise city centres. Just keep in mind that they open early in the morning and usually work till midday. 

In February, there is the Carnival of Larino. This local parade is filled with intricately made paper mache floats that are typically modelled after famous people of Molise or famous Italians in general. Each float is a unique work of art that is usually about twenty feet tall. Jugglers, brightly dressed dancers, and children wearing masks walk alongside the creations as they wind through the streets lined with excited crowds.

In late spring, Corsa dei Ceri takes over the streets of San Martino in Molise. The event is actually a race between two or more carts that are pulled by a pair of oxen. The carts are distinguished only by their colours. The first one to the finish line wins. Crowds often line the streets and wait in anticipation for the carts to pass them in a heated race to the finish line.

A religious festival called the Festival of Mysteries is held in June. This religious procession, with deep historical roots, takes place in Campobasso. This festival is a novelty and a definite favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.

Ndocciata is an ancient Christmas festival that is held each December in Agnone. The procession of ndocce is called the "River of Fire." During the procession, people sing and bagpipes are played. The procession ends with what is referred to as the "Bonfire of Brotherhood", where a traditional nativity scene is displayed.

The campsites in Molise are well-equipped and usually have everything you need for your stay. Most of the campsites are pet-friendly. So, if you are planning to go camping here, do not leave your faithful friends at home, bring them along!

RV campsites are well-equipped and usually come with electricity connections and water drainage.