Southern Italy is a paradise for travelers. Its ancient cities, crystal clear waters, and stunning landscapes offer something for everyone.
However, even this stunning region has a few highlights that shine even brighter, standing out as the best places in Southern Italy.
During our three months traveling around Italy with our three daughters, we experienced some of the best that Southern Italy has to offer.
Here is our list of the most beautiful places in southern Italy that you should see at least once in your lifetime.
15 Best Places To Visit In Southern Italy
Are you wondering where to go in Southern Italy? If you are planning a trip, make sure to add the following destinations to your itinerary.
We love every region of Italy, but there is something so unique and different about these cities and towns in South Italy.
We’ve picked them as the best places to visit in Southern Italy.
1. Matera
Make sure to visit Matera, one of the most unique cities in Europe, known for its remarkable cave dwellings in southern Italy and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
At Matera, you’ll discover the magnificent Murgia Timone, a gigantic plateau made of rock.
The plateau is dotted with many caves carved into the stone by the people who lived here many, many years ago.
There are plenty of things to do in Sassi di Matera.
While the caves are truly fascinating to see and explore, just as remarkable is the views this site gives you of the nearby ravine and old town.
Watch our video of our time in Matera with our three daughters here:
Book a Day Trip to Matera from any of the Following Places:
- Click to book your day trip from Rome to Matera (If you are short on time, here is a great day trip to book from Rome. The day trip takes 12-14 hours so it is definitely a big day, but a worthwhile one too book).
- Click to book your day trip from Bari to Matera (For those based in Puglia, this day trip is an easy 6 hour tour – and even includes wine tasting and lunch).
2. Alberobello
Alberobello might be super touristy but it is also one of the most beautiful towns in southern Italy and one of the best places in Puglia.
Architecture doesn’t get quirkier than the buildings in Alberobello’s city center.
The small town is packed with ‘trulli’ (whitewashed huts constructed of dry stone and topped with cone-shaped roofs).
Also take time to sample some of the scrumptious bread this region is famous for – and to taste some delicious local wines, of course!
One of the best things about this gorgeous town is that you can easily explore this town in just a few hours.
The drive from your base town to Alberobello will take you through some picturesque olive groves, so it truly makes for a great day trip from towns such as Bari or Ostuni.
See our video of Alberobello here:
Tours We Recommend:
- Take a guided day tour from Bari to Alberobello and Matera (Enjoy a 6 hour day trip to both Alberobello and Matera – such a great way to see two of my favorite destinations in Southern Italy)
- Enjoy a 2-hour walking tour from one of the locals (Learn about the history, visit both Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, taste some Olive Oil, and see the inside of a traditional Trullo)
3. Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is quite literally a clifftop town (but regardless it is still a fabulous destination for those visiting Puglia with kids); the northeastern outskirts drop away very suddenly into the waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Naturally, this placement makes it the ideal location from which to witness stunning views, making the spot a southern Italy must-see.
The town is also well-regarded as having some of Italy’s best-tasting gelato, which is the perfect snack to treat yourself to while taking in the gorgeous sights on offer.
Book yourself a romantic meal at the waterfront cave restaurant: Grotta Palazzese. What an unforgettable and unique experience that will be!
It is one of the best places to visit in South Italy if you want to sneak in some beach time as well.
Tours We Recommend:
- Enjoy a local tour guide on a wonderful walking tour of Polignano a Mare
4. Erice
For one of the best small towns in southern Italy, head to Erice.
Sitting atop the intimidating Mount Erice near Sicily’s north-western shore, this destination presents visitors with amazing views in all directions.
When you’ve finished admiring the sights of the Aegadian Islands, the port of Trapani, and San Vito Lo Capo, explore the wonders Erice itself has to show.
Two castles left over from centuries past still stand here, along with fortifications from ancient Phoenician times making it one of the best historic south Italy towns.
Erice is accessible via cable car from the outskirts of Trapani. As you ascend to town, you’ll experience sensational sweeping views.
Alternatively, if the weather is subpar, you can opt for a bus to ferry you between Erice and Trapani.
This is a very worthwhile day trip from Trapani. We based ourselves in Trapani and whilst I don’t care much for Trapani itself, it does make a great base for some of my favorite day trips in Sicily.
5. Taormina
If you’ve heard of Sicily’s Taormina before, chances are you already know the main attraction of this south Italy town: shops and restaurants.
Delicious food fills the streets with tempting aromas while boutiques and stalls of handcrafts will happily supply you with perfect souvenirs – perhaps even a few more than you really need!
Taormina is also home to a striking Greek amphitheater, lovely gardens, and cute cafes.
There are also some gorgeous beaches that you will enjoy at Taormina.
This town is one of our favorite destinations on the island of Sicily. You can read more about what to do in Taormina in our blog post here.
Tours We Recommend:
- Book a full-day Mount Etna, Wine & Alcantara Canyons Tour here (Experience a full-day excursion exploring craters, deserts, and a lava cave 2,000m above sea level.)
- Enjoy a 2.5-hour boat cruise along the coastline from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella (Explore the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea” on a 2.5-hour boat cruise from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella.)
6. Procida Island
When planning what to see in southern Italy, make sure that you add this quaint, charming, and romantic small island to your list. It is an island close to Naples.
We spent 5 incredible nights on Procida Island. We loved visiting during the shoulder season when there were barely any other tourists and we could just immerse ourselves in the normal everyday life of the locals.
Most people visit Procida for a day trip as it is a really small little Island and easy to explore in one day.
Marina Corricella is the oldest village on Procida Island and it is basically where you will find the gorgeous photos that you have seen all over the internet of all the colorful buildings.
Corricella is renowned for its unique architecture, so take the time to appreciate the arches, domes, terraces, and colorful facades.
You can watch our video of our trip to Procida here:
Day Trip From Naples:
- Procida Island Day Trip with Lunch (Visit Procida on a day trip from Naples. Explore Procida on your own page, and enjoy an included yummy lunch at a restaurant.)
7. Amalfi Coast Towns
A must-see in southern Italy, the charming coastal towns on the Amalfi Coast are unforgettable! Mountains and cliffs frame the sea, creating a wonderful sense of security within the towns.
From the pastel-colored homes in Positano to the views from Ravello, the towns along the Amalfi Coast are sure to steal your heart.
If you enjoy breaking a sweat while on holiday, be sure to go hiking in the area as it’s known to have some of the most picturesque trails (give the Path of the Gods a try)!
The Amalfi Coast is a very popular tourist destination and chances are, you’ve seen the spectacular views of the area across the internet. Now it’s your turn to get your own pictures.
Amalfi Coast Resources:
- How to get from either Rome or Naples to Amalfi Coast
- Which town to stay in Amalfi Coast
- Find the best beach on Amalfi Coast
8. Sorrento
Known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento has a long-standing reputation for being a must-see spot for southern Italy vacations.
The town is cloaked in literary romance, having been visited by the likes of Dickens and Tolstoy.
Due to its popularity over the years, the town has built an impressive repertoire of high-pedigree hotels and first-class restaurants, all shaped by charming Italian tradition.
Take your time shopping at Piazza Torquato Tasso, visit the multiple museums, and soak in the view of the Bay of Naples.
Wondering Where to Stay?
Tours We Recommend:
- Book your full-day boat cruise to the Island of Capri (Explore the beauty of Capri. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, discover the Green and White Grottoes, and other island highlights.)
- Book your full-day tour to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius (Take a scenic ride from Sorrento to the stunning ruins of ancient Pompeii.)
- Book a full-day Amalfi Coast tour (Take in breathtaking views of Positano and Amalfi, and explore the heart of this fascinating town.)
9. Castelmezzano & Pietrapertosa
Although two separate towns, Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are so small, and so close together, that many travelers visit both on a single-day trip.
Castelmezzano has a reputation as being one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
High up on the hills, above the Basento River, the town is magical both day and night.
A stone’s throw away, Pietrapertosa is a charming hamlet filled with history and culture.
The village is built entirely on bare rock and is full of single-family houses arranged in rows.
If you’re looking for some of the best Italian hidden gems, these two towns are a must-see.
Tours We Recommend:
The best way to visit these towns is by driving. So if you have a rental car, you can easily visit them from Matera as your base town.
10. Pompeii
When the famous volcanic eruption took place in 79 A.D., the ancient Roman city of Pompeii was buried under a thick blanket of volcanic ash.
Today, these ancient ruins are a massive attraction for travelers worldwide.
Whether or not you are a history lover, a trip to Pompeii is incredibly enriching. A visit to Pompeii’s archaeological ruins highlights the most fascinating and best of southern Italy’s rich history.
Get whisked away to a time long gone as you explore the beauty of Italy’s lost city. You can read about our time visiting Pompeii here.
If you have extra time, you can also easily visit Herculaneum from Pompeii. Car or taxi rides will take you anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes.
Book a Day Trip to Pompeii:
- Book a day trip to see both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Naples. (This tour takes 7 hours and is incredibly popular so make sure to book ahead of time!).
Tours We Recommend:
- Don’t line up at Pompeii! Grab this fabulous Skip-the-Line and 2-Hour walking tour ticket here. (You can get lost in the Pompeii ruins so easily, so I recommend you book a guided tour of the sight).
- Visit both Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast on this great-value tour. (Departing Naples by bus, relish an excursion brimming with archaeological ruins & scenic vistas!)
11. Cefalu
One of the best cities that southern Italy has to offer, Cefalu offers an incredible combination of experiences for holiday-goers.
On the shores of Sicily, Cefalu is home to one of the best beaches in the area, architectural masterpieces, and quaint cobble-stoned beautiful beaches.
Make sure that you take the time to visit the little port and watch the local fishermen going about their daily business.
We mostly spent our days simply strolling around the gorgeous walking streets in the old town, as well as enjoying some lazy days on the beautiful beach.
Easy-going and accommodating, Cefalu is the epitome of true Italian culture.
Book a Day Trip to Cefalu:
- Book your half-day tour from Palermo to Monreale and Cefalù (Discover Monreale’s Norman Cathedral and Cefalù’s Greek origins on a 6-hour tour from Palermo.)
12. Ostuni
Known as the ‘White City”, Ostuni in Puglia, announces itself to travelers before even arriving.
The city rises high above the ocean and boldly claims its territory by boasting a labyrinth of houses, arches, and chapels. It really is quite a sight to behold.
If you are a lover of history, then Ostuni is an essential addition to your itinerary.
Take your time getting lost in the alleyways, climbing all of the staircases, and discovering all of the nooks!
We actually based ourselves for 2 weeks here in Ostuni, so by the time we left we almost felt like locals.
Our favorite restaurants included Porta Nova (fantastic seafood), Pizzeria Notti Bianche (for Neapolitan-style pizza), and La Pastasciutta (for pasta).
Tours We Recommend:
- Book your walking tour with a gelato tasting here (Take a walking tour of Ostuni’s historic center with a local guide.)
- Book your olive oil tasting tour here (Explore Ostuni’s hidden olive groves and rich history, while you taste three types of extra virgin olive oil.)
r your stay here.
13. Tropea
The secret beach town of Tropea is a hidden gem. The rugged, yet picturesque, piece of paradise is one of the best towns in southern Italy to both explore and relax in.
Although it can get crowded during July and August, a trip to the haven during May, September, and October will provide a surreal experience.
If you do manage to pull yourself away from the tranquility of the beaches, then make sure that you visit the Santa Maria dell’Isola, Centro Storico, and the Norman Cathedral for an all-around Italian experience.
Tours We Recommend:
- Book the popular Coast of Gods snorkeling tour here (Join a small-group boat tour to explore beaches, bays, and grottoes.)
- Rent a Marinello Boat and explore the coast (Our favorite way to explore is to rent our own boat so we can do our own thing.)
14. Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands in the Mediterranean Sea offer some of the most unique natural beauty in Italy.
Located on Sicily’s northeastern coast, the Aeolian Islands include the likes of Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, and Stromboli.
The largest, and arguably the most popular, of these islands is Lipari. However, each of the islands boasts uniquely beautiful features.
The seven islands offer travelers stunning waters, opportunities to dive, volcanoes to trek, and decadent wine to sip.
Regardless of which of the UNESCO-protected islands you visit, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
The Aeolian Islands offer the ultimate trip for those venturing off the beaten path.
You can easily take a boat to get to these islands or you could choose one of the organized tours listed below.
Book a Day Trip to the Aeolian Islands from:
- Click here to book your day trip from Tropea (Experience the beauty of Stromboli, Lipari, and Vulcano on an 11.5-hour guided tour.)
- Visit Lipari and Vulcano on your day trip from Milazzo & Taormina (Witness incredible rock formations at Lipari and Vulcano, bask in the stunning black sand beaches, and discover the enchanting Gelso.)
15. Capri Island
Capri is a must when you visit southern Italy. Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Capri is made up of three island outposts.
Capri is probably the most famous Italian island you could visit. The beauty of the area is breathtaking, with steep cliffs descending into the turquoise water.
Be advised that the exclusivity and magnificence of Capri mean that the price of visiting is significantly higher. However, one glance at the sublime space, and every penny becomes worth it!
The best time to visit this island is definitely outside of the peak summer months (June-August).
So we highly recommend you book your day trip in May or September if you can – it’s the only way to avoid the crowds.
Or treat yourself to a few days in a villa on Capri Island.
You can read about our day trip to Capri Island from Positano here.
Book a Day Trip to Capri from:
- Visit Capri and the Blue Grotto from Sorrento (Enjoy a spectacular 8-hour boat tour of the stunning coastline and breathtaking Blue Grotto.)
- Sea and City sightseeing by boat from Naples (Discover the breathtaking sights of the Gulf of Naples, Mt Vesuvius, grottos, and caves on a magnificent Capri tour.)
How to Explore Southern Italy
Southern Italy is best explored with a rental car. I can’t imagine visiting these destinations by public transport! We love renting our cars through Discover Cars.
BEST SOUTHERN ITALY CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS
I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search through all rental companies to find and offer only the best deals.
Final Thoughts On Must-See Southern Italy Cities, Towns & Islands
There’s no question that any trip to Italy will provide you with plenty of wonderful memories (and even photographs!) to cherish for years to come.
While these 15 spots could be considered as the best South Italy cities, towns, and islands by many travelers, you should also consider your own interests and preferences.
Doing some independent research into the beautiful cities and countryside of southern Italy will help you truly get the most out of your time here.
We love Italy and we can’t wait to see more and more of what this country has to offer!
