Discover the best things to do in Southern Italy with this curated list of 65 unforgettable experiences.
From the stunning Amalfi Coast to Sicily’s ancient ruins, explore iconic destinations, hidden gems, and authentic local experiences across Italy’s mesmerizing south.
65 Bucket List Things to do in Southern Italy
Find the complete list of 65 best things to do in Southern Italy below, carefully organized by regions including the Amalfi Coast, Capri & Islands, Naples, Puglia, Matera & Basilicata, Calabria, and Sicily.
Amalfi Coast and Sorrentine Peninsula Experiences
1. Drive the Amalfi Coast road from Sorrento to Salerno – Wind along Italy’s most dramatic coastline with stunning cliffside views
2. Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello – Stand at the ‘Terrace of Infinity’ overlooking the Mediterranean’s most beautiful panorama
Further Reading: Best Things to do in the Amalfi Coast
3. Explore the colorful beach town of Positano and its famous Spiaggia Grande
4. Take a limoncello-making class in Sorrento
5. Follow the stairs on Path of Lemons on a guided walking tour from Maiori
6. Tour the historic paper mills of Amalfi
Further Reading: Which Town to Stay in the Amalfi Coast
7. Hike the Path of the Gods along the Amalfi Coast with an experienced guide
8. Discover Cilento National Park – Explore pristine beaches and ancient Greek temples in Italy’s second-largest national park
Capri and Other Island Experiences
9. Take a boat tour through the Blue Grotto in Capri and cruise past the iconic Capri Island Faraglioni rocks.
10. Explore Capri and Anacapri – Wander charming lanes and take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for the island’s most spectacular views
11. Visit the thermal baths of Ischia – Pamper yourself to some luxury
12. Visit the Aragonese Castle of Ischia – Cross an ancient stone bridge to a medieval castle rising from its own island
Further Reading: Best Islands Near Naples to Visit
13. Explore the colorful island of Procida with its pastel-colored houses (here is a great day tour)
Naples and Surrounding Area Experiences
14. Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a licensed guide
15. Hike to Mount Vesuvius’s observation point with an authorized guide
16. Sample authentic pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – Taste the world’s best pizza where it was invented
Further Reading: Bucket List Destinations to Visit in South Italy
17. Take a food tour through Naples’ Spanish Quarter
18. Discover Naples underground on a guided tour, exploring both the ancient Napoli Sotterranea tunnels and the Bourbon Tunnel
19. Tour the Royal Palace of Caserta – Marvel at Italy’s largest palace, rivaling Versailles in grandeur
20. Visit the Cappella Sansevero to see the magnificent Veiled Christ statue (ticket and guided tour here)
21. Visit the Abbey of Montecassino
22. Explore the underwater ruins of Baiae – Snorkel through an ancient Roman resort town claimed by the sea
23. Visit the Greek ruins of Paestum – Stand before one of Europe’s best-preserved ancient Greek temples
Puglia Experiences
24. Swim from Polignano a Mare’s beach – Take a dip between dramatic limestone cliffs in a natural amphitheater
25. Take a cooking class to learn traditional Pugliese pasta-making
Further Reading: Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in South Italy
26. Walk through baroque Lecce – Marvel at one of Europe’s most beautiful baroque cities, known as the ‘Florence of the South’
27. Explore the medieval town of Otranto – Wander Italy’s easternmost town with its stunning cathedral mosaic and clifftop castle views
28. Tour the ancient olive groves of Ostuni
29. Explore the white city of Ostuni – Get lost in a maze of whitewashed streets overlooking endless olive groves
30. Explore the medieval castle of Gallipoli
Further Reading: Most Beautiful Places in Puglia
31. Visit the Roman amphitheater in Lecce
32. Explore the trulli houses of Alberobello – Wander through a fairytale landscape of 1,500 unique cone-shaped homes
33. Explore the medieval town of Vieste
34. Visit the beautiful town of Monopoli
35. Explore the historic center of Martina Franca
36. Visit Gargano National Park – Discover hidden coves and sea caves along Italy’s most pristine coastline
37. Swim at the Cave of Poetry – Dive into what’s often called the world’s most beautiful natural pool
38. Visit the mysterious Castel del Monte (Grab your skip-the-line ticket here) – Explore Emperor Frederick II’s perfect octagonal castle perched on a lonely hill
Matera and Basilicata Experiences
39. Stay in a cave hotel in Matera – Sleep in a 9,000-year-old cave dwelling in the world’s third-oldest city
40. Explore Matera’s rock churches – Discover ancient frescoes in churches carved directly into limestone cliffs
Further Reading: Most Unusual Places to Visit in Italy
41. Discover the twin villages of Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano – Explore ancient towns dramatically carved into mountain peaks
42. Visit the ghost town of Craco – Walk through an abandoned medieval town perched dramatically on a cliff
Calabria Experiences
43. Explore clifftop Tropea – Discover Calabria’s most beautiful town perched above a perfect beach
44. Visit the fortress of Le Castella – Explore a medieval castle rising from crystal-clear waters
45. Visit ancient Scilla – Experience a timeless fishing village beneath a mythological fortress
Sicily Experiences
46. Take a guided summit tour of Mount Etna – Climb Europe’s largest active volcano for otherworldly views
Further Reading: Best Things to do in Sicily, Italy
47. Visit Valley of the Temples – Walk among the world’s best-preserved Greek temples
48. Explore Syracuse and Ortygia – Discover 2,700 years of history on Sicily’s most beautiful island
49. Hike Stromboli at sunset – Watch nature’s fireworks from an active volcano rising from the sea
Further Reading: Bucket List Destinations to See in Sicily
50. Island-hop the Aeolian Islands – Explore seven volcanic islands with black beaches and thermal waters
51. Visit the stunning Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, including Noto, Ragusa, and Modica
52. Tour Villa Romana del Casale – Marvel at the world’s finest Roman mosaics in a luxury ancient villa
53. Sample traditional Sicilian street food in Palermo’s bustling markets like Ballarò and Vucciria
54. Explore the ancient Greek theater in Taormina, with views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean
55. Visit the charming fishing village of Marzamemi with its historic tonnara
56. Visit Monreale Cathedral – Witness the world’s largest expanse of Byzantine golden mosaics
57. Explore Scala dei Turchi – Walk along brilliant white cliffs rising from turquoise waters
58. Sail the Egadi Islands – Discover pristine beaches and crystal waters in Sicily’s western archipelago
Further Reading: Best Islands Near the Coast of Sicily
59. Explore the ancient salt pans and windmills of Trapani and Marsala
60. Spend a day beach-hopping along the San Vito Lo Capo peninsula
61. Explore the medieval hilltop town of Erice with its Norman castle and breathtaking views
62. Explore the ancient Greek ruins of Selinunte overlooking the Mediterranean
63. Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Rossa in Favignana
64. Spend a morning sun-baking and swimming at the gorgeous ancient tuna fishing station at Scopello
65. Explore the medieval town of Cefalù with its Norman cathedral and stunning beach
Final Thoughts on What to Do in Southern Italy
From the dramatic Amalfi Coast to Sicily’s volcanic landscapes, these 64 bucket-list experiences showcase the very best of Southern Italy’s rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and historic treasures.
Want to explore more of Italy? Check out our Italy travel blog for detailed guides, local tips, and hidden gems to help plan your perfect Italian adventure.
