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. 

Naples - The 12 Best Places to Visit in the South of Italy
Naples, Italy | @pacopixel94

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.

Gallipoli, Italy - The 12 Best Places to Visit in the South of Italy
Gallipoli, Italy | @nononveniteinpuglia

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.

Amalfi Coast - The 12 Best Places to Visit in the South of Italy
Amalfi Coast, Italy | @cacciatore_di_sogni

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. 

Bari, Italy
Bari, Italy | @world_walkerz
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