Where to Visit in Southern Italy

Visit the wonderland of Italy’s Southside, a sunny paradise bursting with Italian charm, history, and magnificent coastline views. Southern Italy is home to an array of different locations, but where to start? We are listing the top southern destinations essential on your trip to Italy!

Being such a diverse and beautiful country, it would be too difficult to design a manageable list of places to visit across Italy, you’d be reading forever! That’s why we’ve decided to focus on the sunny, soulful south of Italia. Full of beautiful coastlines, beaches, islands, ruins and charming towns, southern Italy is a popular destination with lots to do and see. To help you narrow down your list or pick your top 3 places, we’ve configured this list of places to visit in Southern Italy. With a bit of everything, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Explore Southern Italy

• Naples

  Naples is a must stop on your Italy travels. There’s something for everyone; food, history, architecture, natural sights. It is the birthplace of the world famous wood fire pizza, so save room for a traditional slice! Gorgeous narrow streets spotted with ancient churches, houses, and palaces along the way. For a slice of history, the National Archaeological Museum is home to an array of ancient artefacts local to the area. That being said, Naples isn’t for everyone. It is the largest city in Southern Italy, so there is some danger. Which big city in the world doesn’t have it? As long as you add an extra level of awareness in your journey, you will travel with ease, falling in love with this edgy and exciting city.

• Sorrento

  Despite its small size, Sorrento has a big reputation. This stunning town is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the big city of Rome. Overlooking the stunning views of the Bay of Naples, sitting alongside the majestic cliffs of the Amalfi coast. It is jam-packed with history, with incredible attractions such as Old Sorrento. Here you can discover an array of antique shops as you embrace the culture of this charming town. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a relaxing break amongst the stunning scenery, a shopping spree, or historic sightseeing, Sorrento has you covered.

• Pompeii

  Be transported back in time to the archaeological city of Pompeii, with a taste of history with every step you take. This once-thriving ancient Roman city was destroyed by the volcano Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. After centuries of being buried by volcanic ash, you can now discover the ancient roman’s life as you stroll through the preserved streets of this ancient city. See the preserved houses, artefacts, and shops as you learn about each structure’s historic importance. Come across some of the most unique finds, such as the “The Two Maidens”, a nickname applied to two bodies found locked in an eternal embrace, clutching each other in their final moments. Other plaster casts include children, a guard dog and slaves still chained to walls. Make sure to wear your walking shoes as there are a lot of steps to climb!

• Lecce

  Experience a world full of narrow streets, golden sandstone buildings, historic churches, and an array of wine varieties. Step back in time as you visit historic structures such as the Roman amphitheatre in the city’s main square, Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Learn about the city’s culture as you visit Lecce’s famous Cathedral – you can see why it is often nicknamed the Florence of the South. Or perhaps enjoy a lazy lunch at one of the wine bars scattered around the city. Being a stone’s throw away from some beautiful coastal destinations, such as Gallipoli, Lecce is also a great place for beach lovers, who can enjoy the best of both worlds during their stay. Whether you choose to visit Lecce for its history, its wine, sightseeing or simply to marvel at the city’s beauty, you will not be disappointed.

• Maratea

  Known as the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the commune of Maratea is more a collection of coastal villages than a single place. Avoid the crowds and tourists squeezed into Amalfi and enjoy the simple life at Maratea. With lush greenery, rock-walled coves, and bright blue waters, Maratea has everything that a little Italian town should have without the tourists. Feel like a local as you stroll the sloped cobbled streets hunting for the perfect coffee spot to awaken you for a hike up to one of the villages 44 medieval churches. Enjoy views over the Gulf of Policastro below and cloud-shrouded ridges above before making your way back down to the harbour for a refreshing sea breeze and the sounds of the waves gently hitting the rocks. Luckily with the size of the town, the best way to explore it is to throw caution to the wind and start walking! However, if you do want a little more guidance, there are travel shops and an agency set in the heart of Maratea which sell maps of the area and photographic guides.

• Tropea

  Apparently home to one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, Tropea is a small town on the east coast of Calabria, the “toe” of the country’s boot-shaped peninsula. Tropea’s pristine beaches with beautifully fine, white sand and turquoise translucent waters offer endless photo opportunities as you try to pry your eyes away from the view so you can enjoy a dip in the water or get back to reading your book. Said to have been founded by Hercules himself, Tropea is a maze of narrow streets, sheer cliff faces, medieval squares and picture-perfect views. Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola to really appreciate the town’s best bits as well as incredible views of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands. Dating back to the 6th century this sanctuary perches atop its own rocky cliff, reached by the 300 steps built into the rock in around 1810.