Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy (2025 Guide)
Southern Italy isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. It’s the scent of freshly baked focaccia wafting through Puglian streets, the echo of laughter spilling from Naples’ lively piazzas, and the sight of sun-drenched coastlines that make you question whether your eyes are playing tricks on you. If you’re wondering where to go in Southern Italy, this guide will steer you toward both bucket-list destinations and hidden gems that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Why Southern Italy Should Be on Your Travel List
The south of Italy is different. It’s slower, richer in traditions, and unapologetically itself. If the north is all about style and efficiency, the south is about soul and storytelling. Here’s why a trip to Southern Italy belongs on your radar:
Jaw-dropping landscapes. Picture rugged coastal roads, rolling vineyards, and beaches so pristine they look stolen from a postcard.
Ancient history at every turn. You don’t just visit ruins here—you walk where gladiators once stood, where emperors plotted, and where entire civilizations vanished in volcanic fury.
Food you’ll think about for years. If you’ve never had pizza in Naples, seafood pasta in Calabria, or gelato in Sicily, have you even lived?
Fewer tourists, more magic. Skip the overwhelming crowds of the north and soak up the authentic charm of towns where locals still hang their laundry across cobbled alleyways.
Must-Visit Destinations in Southern Italy
Naples – The Chaos and Charm Capital
Naples isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s loud, gritty, and absolutely mesmerizing. One minute you’re dodging Vespas in a labyrinth of alleyways, and the next, you’re biting into the best pizza of your life.
What to do in Naples:
Get lost in Spaccanapoli, the heartbeat of the old town.
Marvel at ancient relics in Naples National Archaeological Museum.
Take a day trip to Pompeii—because who doesn’t want to see an entire city frozen in time?
Amalfi Coast – The Showstopper
If you think the Amalfi Coast is overhyped, wait until you see it in person. Cliffs plunge into impossibly blue waters, lemon groves scent the air, and every bend in the road reveals a new jaw-dropping vista.
Best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast:
Positano: The famous one. Colorful, vertical, and so picturesque it hurts.
Ravello: The quiet, elegant one, with gardens that feel plucked from a fairytale.
Amalfi: The namesake town, home to a stunning cathedral and a history of maritime power.
Insider Tip: Visit in May or September for the same beauty with half the crowds.
Matera – The Cave City That Time Forgot
Matera is like stepping into another era. Its Sassi cave dwellings, carved into the rock, whisper stories of over 9,000 years of history.
Things to see in Matera:
Walk through the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO-listed maze of stone houses.
Sleep in a cave hotel, because how often do you get that chance?
Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario for a glimpse into ancient daily life.
Puglia – Italy’s Best-Kept Secret
Puglia doesn’t try to impress—it just is. It’s all whitewashed villages, golden beaches, and endless olive groves.
Must-see places in Puglia:
Alberobello: A village of fairytale-like trulli houses.
Lecce: The "Florence of the South," with Baroque architecture that’s pure eye candy.
Polignano a Mare: A clifftop town that looks like something from a dream.
Sicily – The Island of Legends
Sicily is a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and Arab influences, and you can taste it in every bite of street food and see it in every ruin.
Things to do in Sicily:
Climb Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
Explore the Valley of the Temples—ancient Greek history at its finest.
Eat your way through Palermo, from arancini to cannoli.
Calabria – Where the Locals Vacation
Calabria is all turquoise waters, rugged coastlines, and medieval villages—minus the tourist swarms.
Best places in Calabria:
Tropea: A coastal gem with beaches that redefine "crystal-clear".
Scilla: A fishing village with mythological ties to Homer’s Odyssey.
Reggio Calabria: Home to the Bronzes of Riace, two mysterious ancient warrior statues.
Irpinia – The Best For Last
Irpinia is Italy’s best-kept secret—a land of rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and rich history untouched by mass tourism. Nestled in Campania, this region offers world-class wine, authentic farm-to-table cuisine, and a glimpse into Italy’s soul without the crowds. Explore ancient castles, wander through picturesque towns, and sip award-winning Taurasi wines straight from the source. If you crave authentic Italian charm, breathtaking landscapes, and a slower pace of life, Irpinia is the perfect escape. Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or nature enthusiast, this off-the-beaten-path gem delivers an unforgettable taste of real Italy.
Hidden Gems You Need to Know About
For those who love going where the guidebooks don’t push you, these spots are pure gold:
Maratea: Dubbed the "Rio of Italy" for its towering Christ statue.
Procida: A colorful, sleepy island that feels like Capri before the crowds.
Gargano National Park: A wilderness escape of forests, beaches, and sea caves.
When to Go & Travel Tips
Best time to visit Southern Italy:
Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) for perfect weather without the masses.
Summer (July-August) if you love the heat (and don’t mind a few thousand extra tourists).
Winter (November-March) for budget-friendly quietness, but expect some closures.
How to get around:
Renting a car is your best bet if you want to explore the countryside.
Trains and buses connect major towns, but expect some delays.
Planning Your Trip to Southern Italy
One-Week Itinerary:
Days 1-2: Naples & Pompeii
Days 3-4: Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello)
Days 5-6: Matera
Day 7: Visit Irpinia or Puglia (Alberobello & Polignano a Mare)
Two-Week Itinerary:
Follow the one-week plan, then add:
Sicily (Palermo, Taormina, Mount Etna)
Calabria (Tropea & Scilla)
Hidden gems like Maratea & Procida
Final Tips for an Epic Southern Italy Adventure
Book accommodations early, especially in peak season.
Eat everything. You will not regret it.
Don’t rush. Southern Italy rewards those who take their time.
A trip to Southern Italy is part history lesson, part food coma, and entirely unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a deep dive into the region, you’ll come away sun-kissed, well-fed, and already planning your return.