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Southern Italy

Southern Italy is where it all slows down, the sun shines a little longer, and life feels richer, warmer, and more deeply rooted in tradition. Here, dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, pastel cliffside towns, and turquoise waters meet vibrant culture and unforgettable food. It’s a region that invites you to wander, linger, and savor some of the most iconic and soul-stirring landscapes in the country. Our recommended locations and experiences below are organized by region (most, but not all) to help you easily explore what each area uniquely provides.

Campania

Campania is where ancient history and vibrant city life all meet at the coastlines of the sea. From Naples’ energy to Capri’s elegance and the Amalfi Coast’s world-famous beauty, the region offers some of Italy’s most unforgettable experiences. It’s lively, romantic, and rich with culture at every turn.

  • The Amalfi Coast is an iconic stretch of dramatic cliffs, bright villages, and luminous blue waters that feels straight out of a postcard. It’s glamorous yet approachable, ideal for coastal lovers who want Italy’s most cinematic scenery.

    Must-Dos:

    • Explore Positano’s cliffside streets and Spiaggia Grande

    • Visit Amalfi’s cathedral and historic center

    • Take a boat to hidden coves or Nerano for lunch

    • Hike the Path of the Gods

    • Day trip to Ravello for gardens and epic cliffside views

  • Sorrento blends seaside charm with easy accessibility, offering lemon groves, cliffside terraces, and sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii.

    Must-Dos:

    • Wander Old Sorrento and Marina Grande

    • Try limoncello from local producers

    • Take a ferry to Capri

    • Enjoy sunset aperitivo overlooking Mount Vesuvius

  • Vibrant, historic, and wonderfully chaotic, Naples is the beating heart of southern Italy. It’s beloved for its world-class food, ancient streets, and lively culture.

    Must-Dos:

    • Eat authentic Neapolitan pizza

    • Visit the National Archaeological Museum

    • Explore Spaccanapoli & Spanish Quarter

    • Stroll the Lungomare seafront

  • These ancient cities frozen by the eruption of Vesuvius offer a haunting and fascinating time capsule of Roman life. Pompeii is vast and iconic, while Herculaneum is more intimate and better preserved.

    Must-Dos:

    • Guided archaeological tour

    • Walk the ancient streets and villas

    • Visit the amphitheater and baths

    • Optional hike up Mount Vesuvius

  • Capri is a jewel of dramatic cliffs, chic piazzas, and turquoise grottos—where natural beauty pairs seamlessly with relaxed luxury. It’s a short trip away from many of the locations detailed above.

    For more on Capri, how to get there, and things to do, please navigate to “The Islands” page.

Best for: Romantics, honeymooners, island hoppers, ancient history enthusiasts, foodies (especially pizza lovers), and those wanting iconic coastal scenery and cliffside towns. 

Puglia

Best for: Slow travelers, regional cooking and seafood lovers, beach goers, and those wanting boutique masseria stays and coastal escapes.

Puglia feels sun-drenched, slow-paced, and effortlessly charming. The region is defined by whitewashed hill towns, endless olive groves, and crystalline Adriatic waters. Its landscapes are rustic yet refined, offering beauty without the crowds found in Italy’s more famous regions. It’s perfect for travelers seeking authenticity, great food, and coastal serenity.

  • Known as “the White City,” Ostuni is a glowing white hilltop city that looks magical at sunset, offering charming alleys, views of olive fields, and a breezy, relaxed vibe.

    Must-Dos:

    • Wander the historic center

    • Aperitivo at the city walls

    • Explore nearby olive groves and masserias

  • One of Puglia’s most photogenic spots, Polignano a Mare is built on limestone cliffs over turquoise water.

    Must-Dos:

    • Lama Monachile beach

    • Cliffside viewpoints

    • Boat cave tour

    • Gelato at Il Super Mago del Gelo

  • A UNESCO town filled with unique trulli houses, Alberobello feels whimsical and unlike anywhere else in Italy.

    Must-Dos:

    • Wander the Rione Monti trulli district

    • Visit Trullo Sovrano

    • Shop for local ceramics and linens

Best for: Budget travelers, swimmers, road-trippers, and those wanting an authentic and less-touristed Mediterranean experience.

Calabria is rugged, untamed, and wonderfully wild, with dazzling waters, dramatic cliffs, and some of Italy’s most pristine beaches. Its hilltop towns and fishing villages feel authentic and unpolished, offering a glimpse of southern Italy at its most genuine. Warm, soulful, and scenic, it’s a paradise for beach lovers and off-the-beaten-path explorers.

  • Often called the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” Tropea offers electric-blue water, grand cliffs, and picture-perfect beaches.

    Must-Dos:

    • Santa Maria dell’Isola

    • Tropea town center

    • Cliffside beach day

    • Try spicy ‘nduja

  • A charming fishing village with colorful houses lining the bay, Scilla feels peaceful and old-world.

    Must-Dos:

    • Chianalea fishing district

    • Castello Ruffo

    • Seafront dining

  • A striking coastline known for crystal-clear water and rocky headlands, Capo Vaticano is one of Calabria’s best beach spots.

    Must-Dos:

    • Snorkeling & swimming

    • Scenic drives

    • Coastline viewpoints

Calabria

Basilicata

Best for: Off-the-beaten path travelers, history and culture enthusiasts, adventure seekers, hikers, photographers, and those wanting unique stays.

Basilicata is quiet, mysterious, and deeply atmospheric. It’s home to ancient cave cities, dramatic mountain landscapes, and rural villages untouched by time. The region blends raw natural beauty with cinematic scenery, most famously in Matera’s stone-carved Sassi. It’s Italy’s hidden heart, ideal for travelers who love history and discovery.

  • One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Matera’s cave dwellings and stone-carved neighborhoods create a hauntingly beautiful landscape. It’s atmospheric, cinematic, and unforgettable.

    Must-Dos:

    • Stay in a cave hotel

    • Explore the Sassi districts

    • Visit rock churches

    • Sunset views from Piazza del Duomo

  • Two spectacular cliff-clinging villages set among jagged mountain peaks.

    Must-Do:

    • Hike the Seven Stone Trail

    • Take the Angel Flight Zipline between the villages

    • Explore stone alleys and panoramic viewpoints

Explore Italy’s Islands Next