Southern Italy has been inhabited by different civilizations since antiquity due to its accessibility by sea, causing it to have a rich history of diverse influences.
In terms of tourism, this region of Italy has magnificent offerings including beautiful stretches of coastline, picture perfect beaches, charming coastal islands and historic cities and towns. With so much to offer, a trip to Southern Italy can be a true adventure! With this guide you can discover which region is best for you to stay according to your preferences.
Ease off in Sicily’s sands and bathe in its turquoise waters
Sicily is the representation of Mediterranean culture, being home to Norman churches and Baroque palazzos. It also has various natural wonders, from the smoking craters of Mount Etna to the still relatively undiscovered beaches of the southern coast. Moreover, with parts of the island on the same latitude as the North African coast, Sicily has a mild climate that makes it an attractive destination for most of the year. Spring and autumn are sheer delight and through high summer temperatures are really high.
When it comes to things to see and do, Sicily has a wide choice!
Explore the quaint towns of Puglia
With Puglia's ancient sites and charms, this is where to go in Italy for a secluded coastal alternative to the tourist-crowded north. Marvel at its olive trees, whitewashed, hilltop towns, scorched earth and unforgiving heat.
The draw of this region is unexpected, as the Trulli country is like nowhere else in Italy – clusters of hobbit-like, whitewashed, dome-roofed houses, whose origins are anyone’s guess.
Then there are many caves, which provide welcome relief from the heat such as The Castellana Grotte, glistening with vast canopies of stalactites, it is a notably spectacular sight.
Amalfi coast: winding coastline and lemon terraces
The legendary Amalfi Coast has been seducing visitors since ancient times with its magnificent scenery and sophisticated yet laid-back lifestyle that was ‘discovered’ in the 1960s, the “Dolce far niente”.
Until the Strada Statale 163 was blasted out of the base of the Lattari mountains in 1852, there was no road linking the small communities along the coast. Maybe it is for this reason that a simple rural lifestyle still exists; up in the hills, farmers cultivate plots of steeply terraced land while down on the coast, fishermen make a modest living from the sea.
With its pretty towns and villages and endless glorious views, a visit to the costiera needs to be taken slowly, even if you want to fit in some culture, schedule visits to churches, museums and gardens around lazy lunches, dips in the turquoise sea, sunset aperitivi or simply hanging out and enjoying the extraordinary view.
Campania, for lovers of history and archaeology
Campania is a fascinating land of glittering gulfs, islands, and legendary places, being Naples the capital city of the region itself. Despite its high population density, there are still some wild and unknown areas, with mountains and small towns to enjoy.
If you are fond of archaeology, architecture, or simply want to see history come to life, then Campania is a must. The archaeological heritage here is huge: the buried towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, museums, churches, piazzas, and palaces- you'll be amazed by the variety and beauty of the architecture here.
But if you prefer the beauties of nature, Campania won't disappoint you either. There is something for everyone: the sandy beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Cilento National Park, the underground depths of the caves of Pertosa and the heights of Mount Vesuvius.
Campania also maintains some of Italy's most treasured culinary highlights as many of the world-known Italian dishes have their roots here: pizza, spaghetti, mozzarella, limoncello, cannelloni…
In a nutshell, the south of Italy is a great region to spend your holidays no matter what you fancy: exploring cultural heritage, sunbathing at a paradisiacal cove, savouring traditional foods, visiting quaint villages... There are plenty of options for you and your loved ones to have a unique experience!
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