Southern Italy is renowned for its rich historical heritage, scenic coastline, and impossibly beautiful cities and towns. Everywhere you go there’s a heady mix of ancient civilisations and modern culture. Not to mention colourful traditions, pristine beaches and islands.
It’s an area that really does offer something for every traveller. The best places to visit in Southern Italy include the bustling centres of Naples and Palermo, and the iconic views of Positano and the Amalfi coast. You can visit ancient temples in Sicily, drop into the jewel-like town of Matera, and soak up the delights of Lecce, Otranto or Maratea. While you’re at it don’t forget to savour the cuisine. For this is an area where tables spill over everything from pizza, to seafood dishes, tomato-based sauces and buffalo mozzarella.
Also called the ‘Mezzogiorno’, the ‘land of the Midday Sun‘, its peculiar history and geography – situated right in the middle of the Mediterranean sea – gives it a unique flavour, that feels a world away from the rest of Italy.
Best Places to see in Southern Italy
1. Amalfi Coast – Scenic views
The most scenic, and legendary route in Southern Italy is the Costiera Amalfitana (Amalfi Coast). From Sorrento the road winds down to Positano, a village set on a vertiginous slope, picturesque to a fault. Amalfi is the largest town of the area, and has a magnificent Medieval Cathedral. Ravello offers the best view on this stretch of coast, and the small resort of Minori attracts holidaymakers with its relaxed atmosphere and old fishermen’s houses.
Things to do in the Amalfi Coast, apart from sunbathing and swimming in the blue water of the Mediterranean sea, include boat trips along the coast, dining out on the catch of the day, sipping the local white wine Lacryma Christi, and admire the fabulous sunsets on the sea.
And of course, from here you can take a Day Trip to the charming island of Capri: wander around Capri and cruise the Mediterranean waters, taking in views of the area’s highlights including the famous grottos.
2. Naples – Art, traditions and pizza
Naples is a spectacular and chaotic metropolis spread along the Gulf of Naples, with the cone of the Mount Vesuvius looming over it. It’s loud, lively, ebullient, rich in history and traditions, confusing and intense. Its historic centre is filled with palaces, churches and monasteries, the architectural styles varying from Gothic to Renaissance.
With its noisy markets, grimy, narrow streets of the Spanish Quarters (Quartieri Spagnoli), the grand Castle Maschio Angioino and the impressive fortress Castel Dell’Ovo set right on the water – it’s a city that conquers the heart, and overwhelms the senses.
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to the National Archeological Museum, that has one of the world’s most important archeological collections.
Check out the Top 10 Attractions in Naples.
A few curiosities about Naples? It’s here that the pizza was born. A unique place to visit -> San Gregorio Armeno is the street in the heart of Naples famous for the artisans that make presepi, nativity scenes that are one of Naples’ most enduring traditions.
Insider’s tip => Head to the Certosa di San Martino for the best view over the city.
3. Pompei and Herculaneum Archeological Parks
The story of Pompei and Herculaneum is linked to that of Mount Vesuvius, a volcano which is still active today. Once flourishing Roman towns, Pompei and Herculaneum were engulfed in lava when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Excavation began in the 18th century, and uncovered buildings, paintings and statues that are still in tact. You can explore Pompei’s market place, the temple that housed the guardian deities, and the remains of the inns still lining the roads of the city. This is a very impressive and moving trip back to ancient times!
Explore Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius on a day trip from Sorrento, and relax knowing that everything has been arranged in advance. Tour the ruins of ancient Pompeii, then travel up the mighty Vesuvius itself!
3. Sicily – The island where ancient history meets timeless beauty
The island of Sicily is among the best places to visit in Southern Italy. What will you find in Sicily? Outstanding architecture in its cities, notably Palermo, Noto, Ragusa and Siracusa. Top archeological sites, like the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento or the Segesta Temple make it a top destination for history lovers. Travellers also enjoy great beaches and beautiful sites on the coast like the towns of Taormina and Cefalù, where the views are simply spectacular.
A crossroads in the Mediterranean, Sicily has been conquered by many different civilisations, from Greek and Byzantine, to Arab and Norman. They left behind influences and elements that you can find today in the language, food, and the amazing art and architecture.
Highlights include: Palermo’s architecture, the Norman Monreale Cathedral, the temples at Segesta, Selinunte, Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, the Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina (a Unesco Heritage site), Noto, Taormina and Siracusa’s old town, the peninsula Ortigia with magnificent architecture.
4. Eolie Islands in Sicily – Best places to visit in Southern Italy
Surrounding Sicily are several island groups. The Eolie Island, off the coast of Milazzo, are volcanic islands protected by Unesco. The perfect destination for the curious traveller who wants to go a little off the beaten track and explore some unique nature and landscapes. Lipari is the largest one and the most popular, with its pretty port and a good range of restaurants, bars and tourist accommodations. Vulcano surprises travellers with a strong smell of sulphur and black beaches, while Salina is the location of the famous movie “Il Postino”. => Pick your favourite island on the Eolie tourist site.
5. Matera – The town of the “Sassi” is one of a kind
One of the latest additions to the tourist trail in Southern Italy, Matera is not like anything you’ve seen before. This town is more reminiscent of the landscapes in Turkey’s Cappadocia than any other place in Italy. Perched on the edge of a deep ravine, Matera consists of a modern part (upper district) and the old town, also knows as the Sassi. These ancient dwellings, excavated inside the rocky hills, have today been restored and many have become bars, restaurants and tourist accommodation. Join a guided tour of the Sassi to really understand the history and curiosities of this amazing town.
The view is just magical, and the atmosphere mellow and otherworldly. Matera has overcome its dramatic past – people lived in the Sassi in very poor conditions right up until the 1960’s – and it has reinvented itself as a vibrant, arty town, with cool hang-outs and fascinating museums.
=> Get a taste of ancient mysticism by visiting the rock-cut churches that dot the town. A truly unique experience.
6. Maratea – scenic coastal resort in Basilicata
In the same region as Matera, the tiny Basilicata, you find one of the best places to visit in Southern Italy for sea views and clear waters: Maratea. Its small fishing port is beneath the old town’s centre, set on the flank of a hill. If you climb to Mount Biagio you find a huge statue of Christ the Redeemer Cristo Redentore.
You can explore the sandy beaches in the area, such as Fiumicello and Acquafredda, or one of the many grottoes, most accessible only by boat.
=> Top 5 Summer destinations to visit in Italy
7. Puglia – Beaches and picturesque ‘white’ towns
The charm of Puglia (Apulia) lies in its picturesque white-stone towns, its long rugged coastline, the welcoming atmosphere and the amazing food. Puglia has a good tourist service infrastructure and despite becoming more and more popular, it still keeps its authenticity.
So where to go in Puglia? You’re spoiled for choice. The Gargano Peninsula has a rocky coastline dotted with coves, some beaches and popular resorts like Peschici and Vieste. The Salento region has long white beaches, and beautiful small towns like Otranto, Gallipoli, Ostuni, Galatina, Presicce. Lecce is the biggest town, known as the “Florence of the South” for its impressive Baroque architecture. It will conquer you with its honey-toned stone edifices and lively squares, that are filled with music in the Summer.
More highlights => picturesque towns like Alberobello (a Unesco Heritage site), Trani, the 13th century Castel del Monte near Ruvo di Puglia, Taranto’s old town.
8. Tropea – Calabria’s top destination is among the best places to visit in Southern Italy
The most picturesque town in Calabria, Tropea offers superb sea views and lovely beaches. The old town hangs on to a cliffside, overlooking the sea. Lively and colourful, it’s everything you’d expect in this part of the world. Facing it, there’s a large rock promontory emerging from the water, that used to be an island. It’s crowned by Santa Maria dell’Isola, a former Benedictine monastery rich in legends. If you’re looking to do a little sightseeing, Tropea has some beautiful palaces and churches to visit.
=> Top 12 Unesco sites to visit in Italy
One last thing => ultra popular destinations in Southern Italy – notably the Amalfi Coast, the islands Salento and Basilicata coasts, are better experienced outside the peak season (end of July and August), when many Italians travel to these destinations to spend their Summer holidays. If you can visit in Spring or early Autumn, you’ll get great weather and fewer crowds!
=> Where to go in Autumn in Italy? 6 Trip ideas
=> 7 Good Reasons to Learn Italian
=> Where to go in Italy in September? Find the Best Destinations!
