7 Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy

With a rugged coastline and breathtaking views on either side of winding roads, the Amalfi Coast is an inspiring place to visit in Southern Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage destination transforms every curve into a postcard moment, where dramatic cliffs plunge into azure waters and picturesque villages cascade down mountainsides.

The coast's unique geography creates microclimates that support lemon groves, olive trees, and Mediterranean vegetation, while its strategic position has attracted civilizations for over 2,000 years, leaving behind an abundance of cultural treasures to uncover on a Romantic Getaway to the Islands and Villages of the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast's appeal was built through its role as a powerful maritime republic, where merchant families created a sophisticated trading network that connected the Mediterranean world, leaving architectural and cultural legacies that continue to enchant visitors.

• Founded as a Byzantine duchy in the 6th century, Amalfi became one of Italy's four great maritime republics, rivaling Venice, Pisa, and Genoa in wealth and influence
• The famous Amalfi Code, maritime laws developed here in the 11th century, governed Mediterranean trade for centuries and established legal principles still used today
• Terraced agriculture, perfected over a millennium, created the iconic landscape where families still tend lemon groves and vineyards using traditional methods passed down through generations
• The Amalfi Drive, carved into cliffsides in the 1850s, transformed isolated fishing villages into accessible destinations, while preserving their authentic character and traditional way of life

Immerse yourself in the Amalfi Coast's sensory beauty, where every village offers unique perspectives on the timeless relationship between sea, sky, and stone.

• Feel the Mediterranean breeze carrying scents of lemon blossoms and wild herbs as you navigate winding coastal roads that reveal new panoramic vistas around every curve
• Taste authentic limoncello made from sfusato lemons grown on ancient terraces, while family-run restaurants serve fresh seafood caught by local fishermen using methods unchanged for centuries
• The sound of church bells echoing across coastal valleys mingles with waves lapping against pebble beaches and the distant calls of seabirds soaring above dramatic clifftops
• Evening brings golden hour lighting that transforms whitewashed buildings into glowing jewels, while sunset aperitivos on terraced gardens provide front-row seats to nature's daily spectacle

Experience the Amalfi Coast's most captivating destinations through village-by-village exploration that reveals each community's distinct personality and breathtaking setting.

• Positano: Explore this vertical village where pastel houses tumble toward the sea, boutique shops line narrow staircases, and the iconic dome of Santa Maria Assunta watches over a crescent beach
• Ravello: Discover this hilltop sanctuary perched above the sea, where Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens offer panoramic terraces and classical concerts in settings that inspired Wagner
• Cetara: Visit this authentic fishing village famous for anchovies and tuna, where traditional tonnara fishing techniques continue and family restaurants serve the coast's most authentic seafood
• Minori and Maiori: Experience these twin towns with the coast's longest beaches, Roman villa ruins, and local life that continues at a pace removed from tourist crowds
• Praiano: Find tranquility in this quiet village stretched along the coast, offering stunning sunset views and access to hidden beaches reached by ancient mule paths

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Explore our Amalfi Coast travel guide or connect with our specialists to design your perfect escape.

Naples offers you the chance to discover museums and archaeological wonders that share the intriguing history of the city and its surrounding areas. This vibrant metropolis serves as Southern Italy's cultural heart, where Greek foundations, Roman grandeur, and Spanish Baroque architecture create layers of civilization that tell humanity's greatest stories.

The city's energy and proximity to legendary archaeological sites make it an essential destination for understanding Mediterranean culture, while its role as the birthplace of pizza and espresso ensures unforgettable culinary experiences that capture the essence of Italian passion and creativity.

Naples' appeal stems from its 2,800-year history as one of the Mediterranean's most important cities. Each civilization left architectural treasures and cultural traditions that continue to shape contemporary life.

• Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BCE as Neapolis, or New City, Naples became one of the ancient world's greatest centers of learning, where philosophy, mathematics, and arts flourished
• Roman emperors built lavish villas and resorts around the Bay of Naples, creating a luxury destination that modern visitors can still experience through preserved archaeological sites
• Spanish rule from the 16th to 18th centuries transformed Naples into Europe's largest city, commissioning Baroque churches and palaces that create the historic center's dramatic architectural character
• Mount Vesuvius's 79 CE eruption preserved Pompeii and Herculaneum in volcanic ash, creating the world's most important archaeological sites, where daily Roman life remains frozen in time

Experience Naples' sensory intensity, where ancient history meets modern life, creating an authentic Italian urban adventure that engages all your senses.

• Walk through narrow streets where artisan workshops continue medieval traditions, the aroma of authentic pizza wafts from family-run pizzerias, and Baroque churches hide artistic treasures behind humble facades
• Feel the excitement of archaeological discovery at Pompeii and Herculaneum, where you can walk ancient Roman streets, enter preserved houses, and witness daily life from 2,000 years ago
• Taste the birthplace of pizza at historic pizzerias, where traditional techniques create authentic Neapolitan flavors that changed world cuisine forever
• Evening brings the passeggiata tradition to historic squares, where locals gather for animated conversations while street performers and outdoor cafés create a festive atmosphere

Discover Naples' most engaging experiences through activities that combine archaeological wonders with authentic local culture and vibrant street life.

• Pompeii Archaeological Site: Explore the world's most famous preserved Roman city, where guided tours reveal ancient daily life through intact buildings, mosaics, and even preserved food
• Mount Vesuvius National Park: Hike to the crater of Europe's most famous volcano, where geological tours explain volcanic activity while offering panoramic views over the Bay of Naples
• National Archaeological Museum: Navigate one of the world's greatest ancient art collections, housing treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum through interactive exhibits and guided tours
• Historic Center Walking Tours: Discover UNESCO World Heritage streets, where Greek, Roman, and Spanish architecture coexist, revealing 2,800 years of continuous urban development
• Herculaneum Experience: Visit this smaller but better-preserved Roman city, where wooden structures and everyday objects provide intimate glimpses into ancient luxury and daily life

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

To discover the ancient wonders and authentic flavors that make Naples unforgettable, see our Culture of Southern Italy Tour: Naples, Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, before speaking with our travel experts about creating your ideal Southern Italy adventure.

Discover a part of Southern Italy that offers a unique and beautiful setting as you explore rugged gorges and medieval lanes, with fewer crowds when embarking on a Unique Exploration of Italy: Rome, Matera, Monopoli Tour.

This extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage city represents one of humanity's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, where ancient cave dwellings tell stories of human adaptation and creativity spanning over 9,000 years.

Matera's dramatic setting above the Gravina ravine creates an otherworldly landscape that feels like stepping into biblical times, while its recent designation as a European Capital of Culture ensures modern amenities and cultural programs that make this unique destination accessible to contemporary visitors.

Matera's appeal stems from its unique evolution as a cave city, where families carved homes from living rock and created communities that survived conquests, plagues, and social changes through pure human ingenuity.

• Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, Matera's Sassi districts represent one of the world's most ingenious urban solutions, where cave houses provided natural insulation and protection for countless generations
• Medieval Byzantine monks transformed natural caves into rock churches decorated with frescoes, creating underground art galleries that preserve religious artwork from the 8th to 13th centuries
• The city's abandonment in the 1950s and recent restoration provide powerful lessons about urban renewal, social progress, and cultural preservation that resonate with contemporary visitors
• Modern Matera's renaissance as a film location and tourist destination demonstrates how ancient architecture can be adapted for contemporary use, while preserving authentic character

Experience Matera's otherworldly beauty, where ancient cave dwellings create natural museums and spectacular ravine views provide endless exploration opportunities.

• Walk through stone neighborhoods where cave houses reveal ingenious architectural solutions, cistern systems, and family living spaces carved entirely from tufa rock over millennia
• Feel the coolness of rock churches, where Byzantine frescoes tell biblical stories through colorful images that survived centuries of weathering and human abandonment
• Taste traditional bread baked in ancient ovens using recipes and techniques that sustained cave communities for thousands of years, while local restaurants serve regional specialties
• Evening brings golden lighting that transforms the cave city into a natural amphitheater, where terraced restaurants offer front-row seats to sunset illuminating ancient dwellings

Discover Matera's most fascinating experiences through activities that make cave civilization accessible, while providing educational insights into human adaptation and creativity.

• Sassi District: Explore authentic cave neighborhoods with expert guides who explain architectural innovations, social organization, and daily life in rock-carved communities
• Rock Churches: Visit medieval churches carved into cliffsides, where Byzantine frescoes reveal religious art and architectural techniques developed specifically for cave environments
• Casa Grotta: Enter furnished cave houses that recreate traditional family life, showing how multiple generations lived, worked, and thrived in rock-carved homes
• Palombaro Lungo Underground: Descend into the ancient water collection system, exploring cisterns and tunnels that supplied the cave city with fresh water through ingenious engineering
• Gravina Ravine: Walk scenic trails through the natural park, discovering wild orchids, archaeological sites, and panoramic viewpoints of the cave city
• Sculpture Park: Explore contemporary art installations, where modern sculptures interact with ancient landscapes, creating treasure hunts through the ravine's natural beauty

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

For immersive experiences in this extraordinary cave city, get in touch with our destination specialists to craft a journey through one of the world's most unique UNESCO sites.

Step into nature to marvel at the views and nearby villages of L'Aquila as you find narrow valleys, open fields, and medieval walls that capture the spirit of the greater Abruzzo region. This mountainous province offers an extraordinary combination of alpine landscapes, medieval architecture, and authentic Italian culture that remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism.

The region's position between the Apennine Mountains and Adriatic coast creates diverse ecosystems that support everything from snow-capped peaks to rolling wine country, while ancient traditions continue in hill towns, where family recipes and artisanal crafts represent generations of cultural continuity.

L'Aquila's appeal was built through its strategic position connecting Rome with the Adriatic, creating a region where medieval trade routes fostered prosperity that funded magnificent architecture and cultural traditions.

• Founded in 1254 by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, L'Aquila became a powerful medieval city-state that controlled mountain passes and trade routes between central Italy and the Balkans
• The region's 99 villages, each contributing to L'Aquila's foundation, created a unique federal system that preserved local traditions, while fostering collective prosperity and cultural exchange
• Abruzzo's national parks protect some of Europe's last wilderness areas, where brown bears, wolves, and golden eagles thrive in ecosystems that disappeared elsewhere during industrialization
• Traditional pasta-making, wine production, and cheese-making techniques continue in family operations that represent centuries of agricultural knowledge adapted to mountain conditions

Experience L'Aquila's diverse beauty, where medieval architecture meets alpine wilderness, creating a perfect balance between cultural discovery and outdoor adventure.

• Feel mountain air scented with wild herbs and pine forests as you explore medieval villages, where stone houses cluster around ancient churches and market squares unchanged for centuries
• Taste some of Italy's most authentic cuisine, where traditional recipes use ingredients like saffron, mountain lamb, and local cheeses that reflect the region's agricultural heritage
• The sound of church bells echoing across mountain valleys mingles with conversations in local dialects, while traditional festivals bring communities together for celebrations rooted in medieval customs
• Evening brings spectacular alpine sunsets that illuminate snow-capped peaks, while cozy restaurants serve hearty regional specialties paired with robust local wines

Discover L'Aquila's most rewarding experiences through activities that combine medieval history, alpine adventures, and authentic cultural immersion during the best time to visit Southern Italy.

• Majella National Park: Explore pristine wilderness areas, where hiking trails lead through ancient forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic limestone peaks that shelter rare wildlife
• Lake Campotosto: Enjoy outdoor activities around this artificial lake, where fishing, hiking, and picnicking provide mountain recreation in settings that showcase Abruzzo's natural beauty
• Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio: Visit this magnificent medieval church, famous for its rose window and historical significance as the site of papal coronations
• Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts: Discover this unique medieval fountain that represents the 99 villages that founded L'Aquila, each spout symbolizing a different community's contribution
• Medieval Village Tours: Explore perfectly preserved hill towns, where narrow streets, ancient walls, and traditional crafts workshops reveal centuries of mountain life
• Wine Country Excursions: Visit family vineyards, where traditional winemaking techniques produce wines that express the unique terroir of Abruzzo's mountainous landscape

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

To experience the perfect blend of medieval heritage and alpine adventure, discover our Abruzzo mountain tours by connecting with our experts.

Zicasso’s Exploring the Coast of Southern Italy Tour will welcome you to the toe of Italy's boot. Reggio di Calabria is among the original historical areas referred to as Italy, with a rich history and lively culture that shines beneath the unfettered Mediterranean sun. This ancient city offers an authentic southern Italian experience where Greek foundations, Norman architecture, and modern urban life create layers of civilization that tell the story of Mediterranean culture.

The region's position at the crossroads of Africa, Sicily, and mainland Europe fostered cultural exchanges that created unique traditions, while its dramatic coastline and mountainous interior provide diverse landscapes perfect for beach relaxation and mountain adventures.

Reggio di Calabria's appeal stems from its 2,700-year history as a meeting point of civilizations, where Greek colonies, Roman cities, Byzantine outposts, and Norman kingdoms left architectural and cultural treasures.

• Founded by Greek colonists in 743 BCE as Rhegion, the city became one of Magna Graecia's most important centers, where philosophy, mathematics, and arts flourished in the ancient Mediterranean
• The world-famous Riace Bronzes, discovered off Calabria's coast, represent the finest examples of classical Greek sculpture and demonstrate the region's importance in ancient trade networks
• Byzantine and Norman rule created architectural fusion visible in churches that combine Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic elements, reflecting Calabria's position between different Christian traditions
• Modern Calabria's agricultural traditions produce some of Italy's finest olive oils, wines, and citrus fruits, continuing farming methods that connect contemporary life with ancient Mediterranean practices

Experience Reggio di Calabria's authentic beauty, where ancient Greek heritage meets vibrant Southern Italian culture, creating unforgettable Mediterranean experiences.

• Walk along the Falcomatà waterfront promenade, where panoramic views of Sicily and Mount Etna create one of Italy's most spectacular coastal settings for evening strolls
• Taste authentic Calabrian cuisine featuring 'nduja spicy spread, bergamot citrus, and fresh seafood that reflects the region's position between mountains and sea
• Feel the warmth of Southern Italian hospitality in family restaurants and local markets, where traditional recipes and artisanal products represent generations of cultural continuity
• Evening brings passionate local life to coastal squares, where outdoor dining, traditional music, and animated conversations create an authentic Southern Italian atmosphere

Discover Reggio di Calabria's most captivating experiences through activities that combine archaeological treasures with natural beauty and authentic cultural immersion.

• National Archaeological Museum: View the world-famous Riace Bronzes and extensive Magna Graecia collections that showcase Greek civilization's impact on southern Italy
• Aspromonte National Park: Explore rugged mountain wilderness, where hiking trails lead through ancient forests, traditional villages, and dramatic landscapes that shelter rare wildlife
• Falcomatà Promenade: Stroll the waterfront boulevard for spectacular views of the Strait of Messina and Sicily
• Chianalea di Scilla: Visit this picturesque fishing village, where colorful houses built on rocks create one of Calabria's most photographed coastal settings
• Valle dello Stilaro Villages: Explore mountain communities, where Byzantine traditions, artisanal crafts, and traditional architecture preserve medieval Calabrian culture
• Corigliano Castle: Discover this Norman fortress that overlooks the coastal plain, offering historical insights and panoramic views over the Ionian Sea

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

For authentic experiences at Italy's southern tip, speak with our travel specialists about discovering this hidden gem of Mediterranean culture.

Sometimes referred to as the "Florence of the South," Lecce’s gorgeous architecture is shown through churches, cathedrals, and winding village streets. This Baroque masterpiece represents one of Italy's most architecturally cohesive cities, where local limestone called pietra leccese allowed master craftsmen to create incredibly detailed facades that transform entire neighborhoods into outdoor sculpture galleries.

The city's position in the heart of Salento peninsula provides access to Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, while its rich cultural traditions include unique folk music, traditional crafts, and culinary specialties that reflect centuries of cultural exchange between Italy, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire.

Lecce's appeal was built during the 16th and 17th centuries when Spanish rule and Counter-Reformation fervor funded an extraordinary building boom that created the distinctive "Lecce Baroque" architectural style.

• The soft local limestone allowed master stonemasons to create incredibly intricate facades, where religious and mythological figures emerge from building walls in three-dimensional sculptures
• Spanish viceregal patronage funded magnificent churches and palaces that demonstrate how colonial wealth was invested in architectural projects that competed with Rome and Naples for splendor
• The Salento peninsula's position between seas created unique cultural traditions, where Greek, Turkish, and Italian influences blend in music, dance, and culinary customs still practiced today
• Traditional crafts, including papier-mâché sculpture, ceramic production, and textile weaving, continue in family workshops that preserve techniques perfected over centuries of artistic development

Experience Lecce's artistic atmosphere, where Baroque architecture meets authentic Salento culture, creating a perfect balance between cultural discovery and Mediterranean relaxation.

• Walk through historic streets where every building facade reveals intricate stone carvings, architectural details, and artistic innovations that transform sightseeing into treasure hunting
• Taste authentic Salento cuisine featuring orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and local wines that reflect the peninsula's agricultural abundance and culinary creativity
• Feel the warmth of Salento hospitality in family restaurants, artisan workshops, and local markets, where traditional products and passionate conversations create authentic cultural exchanges
• Evening brings lively piazza life, when outdoor dining, traditional pizzica music, and illuminated Baroque facades create beautiful settings for authentic Southern Italian experiences

Discover Lecce's most enchanting experiences through activities that combine architectural wonders with authentic Salento culture and coastal beauty.

• Basilica di Santa Croce: Marvel at Lecce's Baroque masterpiece, where incredibly detailed facade sculptures demonstrate the artistic possibilities of local limestone
• Cattedrale dell'Assunzione della Virgine: Explore the magnificent cathedral and campanile that dominate Piazza del Duomo, one of southern Italy's most beautiful enclosed squares
• Piazza Santo'Oronzo: Discover the city's main square, where Roman amphitheater ruins coexist with baroque churches and contemporary cafés in perfect architectural harmony
• Museo Faggiano: Visit this unique archaeological museum, created when a family's home renovation revealed 2,000 years of continuous habitation beneath their floors
• Salento Coastal Excursions: Explore nearby beaches on Adriatic and Ionian coasts, where crystal-clear waters and traditional fishing villages provide perfect Mediterranean escapes

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

To immerse yourself in Baroque splendor and Salento traditions, take a look at Zicasso’s Perfect 9-Day Puglia Exploration.

Forming part of what was affectionately called the newly-formed Kingdom of Italy, Sorrento is alive with commerce and classic beauty that radiates from the architecture and marinas, city squares, and coastal havens. This elegant town perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples offers the perfect introduction to Southern Italian coastal culture, where lemon groves, ancient fishing traditions, and sophisticated hospitality create unforgettable experiences.

The town's strategic position provides easy access to Capri, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast, while its own attractions include historic centers, artisanal traditions, and culinary specialties that capture the essence of Campanian culture.

Sorrento's appeal was built through its evolution from ancient Roman resort to modern international destination. Our Best of Rome and Sorrento Itinerary will have you immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural sophistication that attracted visitors seeking a Mediterranean paradise.

• Ancient Romans established luxury villas and resorts around Sorrento, recognizing the peninsula's perfect climate, dramatic coastal setting, and proximity to Vesuvius and Capri
• The town's famous limoncello liqueur originated from lemon groves that have flourished on coastal terraces for over 1,000 years, creating a signature product that represents Sorrento worldwide
• Traditional inlaid woodwork called intarsio developed here during the 18th century, when local artisans created decorative furniture and objects that became symbols of southern Italian craftsmanship
• Modern Sorrento's development as an international attraction preserved its authentic character, while providing sophisticated amenities that make it an ideal base for exploring the region

Experience Sorrento's sophisticated charm, where coastal beauty meets authentic Italian culture, creating a perfect balance between relaxation and cultural discovery.

• Stroll through the historic center, where narrow streets lined with lemon trees lead to panoramic terraces offering spectacular views over the Bay of Naples toward Vesuvius
• Taste authentic limoncello in family gardens, where traditional production methods create the world's finest examples of this signature southern Italian liqueur
• Feel the Mediterranean breeze carrying scents of citrus blossoms and sea salt as you explore cliff-top paths and hidden beaches accessible only by ancient staircases
• Evening brings sophisticated piazza life, where outdoor dining, classical music concerts, and illuminated coastal views create romantic settings for authentic Italian experiences

Discover Sorrento's most memorable experiences through activities that combine coastal beauty with authentic local culture and convenient access to regional attractions.

• Tasso Square: Explore the town's elegant main square, where historic buildings house sophisticated shops, traditional cafés, and restaurants serving authentic Sorrentine cuisine
• Bagni della Regina Giovanna: Visit these ancient Roman ruins accessible by coastal hiking paths, where natural swimming pools and archaeological remains create unique beach experiences
• Chiostro di San Francesco: Discover this peaceful 14th-century cloister, where medieval architecture and garden settings provide tranquil escapes from coastal excitement
• Sorrentine Peninsula Tours: Explore the broader peninsula's dramatic coastline, mountain villages, and agricultural terraces, where traditional farming continues ancient practices
• Day Trip Adventures: Use Sorrento as base for visiting Pompeii, Capri, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast through convenient transportation connections that make regional exploration effortless

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

For the ultimate Bay of Naples experience, combining coastal elegance with regional exploration, connect with our destination specialists to assist you in planning your trip.

Step into a world of beauty, color, and archaeological wonder when you venture into the diverse regions of Southern Italy. Cities, countryside, and coastal calm invite you to see, touch, and taste the overall wonder of the region.

Whether you want to enjoy the beauty of a luxury hotel hidden inside an ancient cave or embrace a private cooking experience on the Adriatic Coast, you can find inspiration for your trip with our Southern Italy tours and vacations or Southern Italy travel guide.