Where to travel to in Southern Italy
When visiting Europe, there is no greater place to see than the sunny south of Italy. With so many historic cities and charming towns to explore, we’re here to help you decided where to go!
Southern Italy forms the lower part of the Italian “boot”, containing the ankles, the two, the arch and the heel. Being quite a large landmass with islands dotted off the coastline as well, this article is here to tell you a bit about some of the best spots of the south. By learning more about each place, you can choose the ones that are right for you. But, to be honest, you can’t really go wrong as all these places are amazing gems that do the South of Italy justice. Read on to find out more and find your next holiday destination!
The best spots to Visit in Southern Italy
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Naples
One of the biggest cities along the coast in Southern Italy’s Naples. Bursting with delicious food, ancient history, and rich culture, Naples has something for everyone. Home to the National Archaeological Museum with a large array of local artefacts, including Pompeii’s famous body, casts. The city will let you step back into time to see how the ancient Romans once lived. If you are looking more for a relaxing unwind why not sit back and try the city’s world-famous wood-fired pizza? Naples is known as the very first place to invent this dish in Italy and offers you the traditional recipe conceived centuries ago. Looking to shop ‘til you drop? The city is sprinkled with boutique shops and stalls for all kinds of interests.
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Sorrento
Overlooking the Bay of Naples is the small town of Sorrento. Home to five-star resorts, pristine views, and friendly locals, Sorrento is perfect for a relaxing break amongst the stunning scenery. Book a room for the night and settle on your balcony to enjoy the picturesque view overlooking the Bay of Naples. Embrace the culture and visit the numerous local restaurants, antique shops, and historic sites. The Piazza Tasso couldn’t be more typically Italian with its boutique shops, and cafe-lined streets, serving the best lunchtime cuisine. Get your creative fix by visiting the Museum Correale, once an 18th-century villa, the building now houses beautiful historical artworks.
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Pompeii & Herculaneum
A visit to southern Italy is not complete without a visit to the ancient site of Pompeii or Herculaneum. The largest archaeologist site in the entire world. This once lost city is one of the most preserved areas of ancient Rome. Buried in metres of ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, these towns stand as a real-life representation of antiquity. Walk the streets and view the crumbling buildings and historic artefacts, learning about the life of these people before their tragic demise. Get a bus or train from Naples or Rome and pretend you’re an archaeologist of historian for the day as you look over these fascinating ruins.
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Amalfi Coast
This long stretch of coastline is huddled along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. A fantastic region bursting with jagged cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and pastel-coloured buildings. With numerous villages and towns to spot in, you can spend a whole week driving through this spectacular coastal area. The towns of Positano, Ravello and Minori are popular among tourists, each having their own charm. Whether it be the luxury lifestyle of Positano, the high-views of Ravello or the charming beaches of Minori, the Amalfi Coast has an endless sea of coastal towns, all ready to give you the holiday break of your life.
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Lecce
Known as the Florence of the South, Lecce is a city’s in Italy’s Apulia region, known for its baroque buildings. In the central Piazza del Duomo, the Cattedrale di Lecce has a double facade and a bell tower. Less of a ‘doing’ destination and more of a ‘see’ destination, Lecce is a city beautiful for its museums, churches and other impressive architecture. To make the most of these, make sure you visit the Basilica di Santa Croce (which has recently undergone restoration works), one of the many wine bars in the city, and take a church tour so you can explore the Lecce’s many churches properly. To experience the local lifestyle, also join in on the evening passaeggiata, where locals of all ages take a pre-dinner stroll. A unique and heartwarming experience.
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Alberobello
You’ll know when you’ve reached Alberobellow when you spot its white-washed stone huts and conical roofs. This is what the small town is famous for! A commune of the city of Bari, Alberobello’s trulli’s (the term given to describe the traditional Apulian dry huts) are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. They have a fascinating history, being originally temporary field shelters or storehouses and also permanent dwellings for the agricultural labourers of society. Having to use only stones, the peasants found the round form with a self-supporting domed roof, the simplest configuration. Some locals still live in these houses, either because they cannot afford to move out, or, because they provide bed and breakfast for tourists in their trullo. Worth a look for the old-fashioned, simple, yet clever, design of these houses.
Related article: The Beaches of Southern Italy