Are you planning a visit to Southern Italy and looking for some awesome places to add to your itinerary? Well, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve made a list of the 12 best places to visit in the south of Italy!
Italy’s southern region has so much to offer, for any type of traveller; beautiful beaches with a Mediterranean climate, villages and cities with age-old traditions and vibrant culture are just some of what you can expect.
The best places to visit in the South of Italy
1. Naples
Nestled beautifully against The Bay, Naples is one of the busiest cities in the south of Italy and one of the best places to visit in the region. The city is home ot wealth of history, dating back to the 2nd century B.C.
You should definitely check out the 11th-century Naples Cathedral which is dedicated to the primary patron saint San Gennaro, as well as the Catacombs of San Gennaro, Royal Palace of Naples, Castel dell Ovo (Castle of the Egg), and Sansevero Chapel.
Naples is also conveniently located close to the ancient ruins of both Herculaneum and Pompeii. The latter of which sits in the shadow of the active volcano Mount Vesuvius. These make for great day trips from the city.
2. Lecce
Also known as Southern Florence, Lecce is famous for its Baroque style architecture which contrasts the Renaissance style prevalent in most other Italian cities.
The talent of Lecce architects is on full display all over the city, with numerous limestone carvings found on palaces, churches and angel depictions.
Don’t forget to check out the Basilica di Santa Croce – a 16th-century Baroque style church – Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Roman amphitheater, Museo Faggiano, and Castello.
3. Amalfi Coast
Stretching over 25 miles (40 kilometers), the Amalfi Coast is considered one of the best places to visit in the south of Italy and one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. You will be instantly captivated by scenic views, rugged cliffs, and turquoise blue waters.
The Amalfi Drive is heralded as one of the most picturesque drives in the world. One of region’s highlights is Positano – a small coastal town located in the western parts of the Amalfi Coast. Attractions include Santa Maria Assunta and Fornillo Beach.
Other places worth checking out are Grotta dello Smeraldo, Duomo di Sant’Andrea, Museo della Carta and Marina Grande.
4. Bari
Bari is a bustling port city, and the capital of the Puglia region on the Adriatic Sea. There is much more to Bari than its economic centre, which consists of old churches, beautiful beaches, art galleries, and museums.
One of the highlights of this city is its Old Town (Bari Vecchia) with the iconic Basilica of San Nicola; it was built in the 12th century B.C and displays the most impressive example of Romanesque architecture in Italy. Here you can also find the tombs of Saint Nicholas and Bona Sforza; she was the wife of King Sigismund II of Poland and the last duchess of Bari.
Other attractions that you can check out are The Bari Castle, Bari Provincial Art Gallery, San Sabino Cathedral, Lungomare Nazario Sauro, and Altamura Town.
5. Sorrento
Sorrento is a tiny coastal town, set along the Bay of Naples. It is home to some of the most beautiful seaside views in the country!
The highlight of Sorrento is undoubtedly the Piazza Tasso, which boasts lovely streets filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can enjoy an evening stroll, admire the yellow-hued buildings, and pose for a perfect selfie with the town in the background.
Some of the other attractions you can check out are Marina Grande, Basilica of Sant’Antonino, Correale di Terranova Museum and Museo Archeologico (Archeological Museum). You can also arrange a day trip to Capri or Pompeii from Sorrento.
6. Capri
Capri, is a small island located near the Amalfi Coast and Naples and is another one of the most popular places to visit in the south of Italy. The island is gorgeous and a great destination for a day trip from the mainland.
You are sure to be amazed the moment you set foot on the island due to its simple yet breathtaking beauty.
Attractions include The Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), Gardens of Augustus, Faraglioni Rock Formations, Monte Solaro, and Piazza Umberto I.
7. Paestum
Paestum, which is heaven for a history buff, is an ancient city located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Magna Graecia. Back in the day when the city was at its peak, it was known as Poseidonia – after the Greek God of the Sea.
The highlight of Paestum is its well-preserved temple ruins – three Greek temples in particular, date back to about 550 to 450 BC. These are the Temple of Hera, the Basilica and Temple of Ceres which is dedicated to the Goddess Athena.
Other attractions you can check out are the National Archeological Museum of Paestum, Town Walls, and Roman amphitheater.
8. Alberobello
Another one of the best places to visit in the south of Italy is Alberobello, which is located in the Puglia region of the country.
You will feel like you’ve taken a step back in time as you walk through Alberobello, which boasts ancient-looking rows of white houses with cone-shaped roofs. It is considered to have some of the best-preserved examples of Trulli architecture in all of Italy.
One of the region’s highlights is the Trullo Sovrano – the only two-stored Trullo in Alberobello, serving as a heritage museum to exhibit the amazing history of this city. Another attraction is Sant’Antonio Church; this is the only church in the world with Trulli architecture!
9. Ischia
Ischia is one of the most beautiful islands in the Campanian Archipelago, and another attraction in the Bay of Naples.
Apart from its breathtaking scenery, it is renowned for its natural thermal baths. You can easily get to Ischia with a 1-hour ferry from the Pozzuoli Port in Naples, and it makes for a great day trip.
Piazza Antica Reggia is a bustling port town filled with walkways, restaurants, cafes, and shops and is a good place to try some Italian food! You can also check out Castello Aragonese, Thermal Baths (ranging from luxurious to nature-inspired ones), Chiesa del Soccorso, and Chiaia Beach.
10. Castelmezzano
Castelmezzano, known as one of the most picturesque villages in the world, also makes our list of the best places to visit in the south of Italy – for obvious reasons!
There isn’t too much going on in terms of attractions, but the tranquillity combined with breathtaking surroundings makes a visit so worthwhile. Just about 1500 people live here, yet that does not stop tourists from all over the world from flocking here.
Attractions include Castelmezzano are Volo dell’Angelo, Gradinata Normanna, Mother Church of Santa Maria dell’Olmo and Lucanian Dolomites Hikes.
11. Pompeii
Pompeii, a once thriving city and European powerhouse, was destroyed during a volcanic explosion in 79 A.D. The disaster buried the entire city with ash and pumice stone. Today, the city’s remains sit in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius and is an exciting prospect for a history enthusiast.
The site was abandoned for centuries until excavations began in the 1700s. Early discoveries were all taken to the Naples Museum, but archaeologists have left objects in place since the 20th century, making the newly excavated areas the most intriguing to see.
One of the highlights of Pompeii is the Antiquarium – the museum which houses most of the discovered artifacts along with the solidified ash of people who were trapped when the volcano erupted.
You can also check out the Forum, Temple of Jupiter, Shrine of the Lares, Temple of Apollo, Teatro Grande and Teatro Piccolo, Temple of Isis, Stabian Baths, and House of the Vettii while in Pompeii.
12. Tropea
Now if you want to experience that ultimate beach holiday, look no further than Tropea. The hidden coastal gem with turquoise blue waters and rugged cliffs located in the Calabria region of Southern Italy.
It is renowned as one of the most picturesque destinations in the country, and if you want to have it all it’s best to visit during May, September, and October to avoid the heavy crowds.
You can also check out other attractions like Santa Maria dell’Isola, Centro Storico (Historical Center), and Norman Cathedral when you are here.
