Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy: A 15-Day Itinerary
- Lili
- Mar 23
- 9 min read
Imagine yourself exploring the narrow streets of Naples, smelling the aroma of pizza being baked in a wood-fired oven, or walking through the ancient paths of Matera, where the rock-hewn houses tell stories of centuries past. Embark on a 15-day journey through Southern Italy, a destination full of irresistible history, culture, and gastronomy! From Naples to Sicily, passing through the Amalfi Coast, Matera, Puglia, and Calabria, this itinerary offers a complete experience, blending the beauty of natural landscapes with historical richness and culinary traditions.
Day 1-3: Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast
Day 1 - Arrival in Naples: Historic Center and Gastronomy
Arrive in Naples, the vibrant city that is the heart of Campania. Dive into local history with a walk through the historic center, exploring traditional streets like Spaccanapoli, and visit the impressive Piazza del Plebiscito. The Sansevero Chapel, famous for its Veiled Christ, is one of the city's top highlights, with its impressive sculpture that attracts art admirers from around the world.
Delight in the local gastronomy by savoring Neapolitan pizza at one of the most traditional pizzerias, like Sorbillo or Da Michele, where the authentic taste of the world-famous pizza is unmatched. Also, don't miss trying the traditional sfogliatella, a local pastry, at one of the most famous bakeries.
Day 2 - Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Take a trip to Pompeii, the famous archaeological site that reveals the remnants of ancient Rome. Be sure to explore the Grand Theater, the House of the Vettii, and other monuments preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Visiting Pompeii is like a journey back in time, where you can glimpse the daily life of a prosperous civilization that was tragically buried.
At the end of the day, climb Mount Vesuvius and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding towns. One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Vesuvius offers a unique experience and one of the best panoramic views of the region.
Day 3 - Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
Spend the day exploring the charming towns of the Amalfi Coast. Positano is famous for its colorful houses that spill down the mountainside to the sea. The beach in Positano is perfect for a refreshing swim, and the town is full of boutiques and delicious seafood restaurants.
In Amalfi, visit the impressive Cathedral of Sant'Andrea and stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, filled with cozy cafés and artisanal souvenir shops. In Ravello, climb up to Villa Cimbrone and admire the panoramic view of the entire Amalfi Coast.
Enhance Your Travel Experience: Accommodation Tips for a Comfortable and Convenient Stay
Now that you know the first destinations on your travel itinerary, it's natural to wonder: how can I optimize my accommodation and make the most of each place, without having to change hotels all the time?
The answer is here! We've created a super-practical guide with the best locations for you, organized by each part of your itinerary. That way, you'll save time, enjoy each destination even more, and, of course, have much more comfort during your trip.
👉 📍 Find out where to stay to make the most of your trip! Check out our selection of the best accommodations to ensure convenience, comfort, and an amazing experience.
Day 4-6: Matera and Puglia
Day 4 - Matera: The City of Stones and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Travel to Matera, one of the most stunning cities in southern Italy, famous for its Sassi, houses carved into the rock. This historic city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's a place where you can literally feel history under your feet. Explore the labyrinthine alleys and admire the ancient stone-carved buildings.
Don't miss out on savoring local dishes, like the Cozza alla Materana, a unique seafood delicacy with a special touch from Matera's cuisine. For an authentic experience, opt for staying in a cave hotel and experience life as the ancient inhabitants of Matera did.
Day 5 - Alberobello and Locorotondo: Wonders of Puglia
Drive to Alberobello (approximately 1.5 hours from Matera), famous for its trulli, stone houses with conical roofs that are an iconic part of Puglia's architecture. See more about Alberobello and find out everything you need to know in this article about Alberobello. Then, explore Locorotondo, one of the most charming villages in the region, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed facades that exude charm.
For a typical lunch, don't miss out on trying the famous orecchiette, a local pasta that pairs perfectly with vegetable or seafood sauces from the region.
There is much more to explore in the Puglia region. Discover the best cities and must-visit destinations in Puglia, like Brindisi and other cities that are ideal for those wanting to make the most of the wonders of this unique region!
Day 6 - Polignano a Mare and Ostuni: The Best of the Puglia Coast
Wake up early and explore Polignano a Mare, a breathtaking coastal town with steep cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy Lama Monachile beach and discover the famous Cave of Love while taking the chance to swim in the Adriatic Sea. In the afternoon, head to Ostuni, the famous "White City," and be enchanted by its labyrinthine streets and the imposing Cathedral of Ostuni, an example of medieval architecture.
Day 7-9: Salento Region
Day 7 - Lecce: The Florence of the South
Known for its exuberant Baroque architecture, Lecce is one of the most impressive cities in southern Italy. Visit the Piazza del Duomo, Santa Croce Basilica, and the Roman Amphitheater. Try local dishes like pasticciotto, a typical dessert from the region, and puccia, a type of bread stuffed with fresh ingredients.
Day 8 - Otranto and Baia dei Turchi: Natural Beauty
Explore Otranto, a medieval town with unmatched charm, and don't miss the Cathedral of Otranto, with its fascinating mosaic. Relax at Baia dei Turchi, one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia, with crystal-clear waters and a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
Day 9 - Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca: The Southernmost Point of Puglia
Spend the day exploring the beaches of Gallipoli, a coastal town with beautiful blue waters, and the charm of its historic center. In the late afternoon, visit Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Puglia, where the lighthouse offers a magnificent view of the sea.
Want to know how to explore Southern Italy in a practical and comfortable way?
In this guide, we will explore the most convenient and efficient options – such as train, car, and ferry – so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style.
Day 10-12: Calabria and the Ionian Coast
Day 10 - Tropea: Paradise on the Tyrrhenian Sea
Travel to Tropea, located on the Coast of the Gods, one of the most breathtaking regions of Calabria, with its crystal-clear beaches and the famous Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola, which sits on a rock. Enjoy relaxing on the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea and savor fresh seafood in one of the seaside restaurants.
Day 11 - Scilla and Reggio Calabria: Legends and Art
Visit Scilla, the legendary city from Greek mythology, and enjoy its beautiful landscapes. In Reggio Calabria, explore the famous National Museum of Magna Graecia and admire the famous Riace Bronzes, two of the most important archaeological discoveries in Italy.
Day 12 - Relaxation on the Beaches of Costa Viola
Dedicate the day to relaxing on the untouched beaches of Costa Viola or explore the quieter beaches of the Coast of the Gods. In the evening, try the local cuisine of Calabria, with dishes like 'nduja and soppressata, which are a true explosion of flavors.
Day 13-15: Sicily: Taormina and Catania
Day 13 - Taormina: The Jewel of Sicily
Taormina is one of the most charming cities in Sicily, with its Greek Theatre and stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea. Stroll through the charming streets of Corso Umberto and admire the local artisan shops. Don't forget to try the typical Sicilian dishes, such as pasta alla Norma and cannoli.
Day 14 - Etna and Giardini Naxos: Volcano and Beaches
Climb Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, and take a walk up to the crater or explore the area by cable car. Relax at Giardini Naxos Beach, one of the best beaches in Sicily for swimming and relaxing.
Day 15 - Catania: History and Culture
Explore Catania, a city full of history and culture. Visit Piazza del Duomo, Catania Cathedral, and the Catania Market, where you can buy local products like the famous Caltagirone ceramics and Sicilian wines.
Final Tips
This 15-day itinerary through Southern Italy is perfect for those who want to explore the country's history, culture, and gastronomy. From the magnificent ruins of Pompeii to the charming beaches of the Amalfi Coast and the sophistication of Taormina, this itinerary offers a full immersion in the charm and authenticity of Southern Italy. If you have more time, feel free to extend your trip and discover even more wonders this incredible region has to offer.
Practical Tips for a Perfect Trip
🌟 Best Time to Visit Southern Italy
Italy can be visited year-round, but for those who want to avoid the large crowds and enjoy milder temperatures, the best time is during spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October). Avoid the peak summer months (June to August), when the heat is intense and the cities get crowded. Personally, I love traveling in September. The weather was perfect for exploring both the beaches and the cities without the overwhelming heat.
🚗 How to Get Around
To explore Southern Italy with more freedom and make the most of destinations like Matera and the charming towns of Puglia, renting a car is the best option. The breathtaking coastal roads of the Amalfi Coast are also best explored by car. However, it's important to be prepared for the "organized chaos" of Italian traffic, especially in old towns, where the streets can be narrow and the roads winding, like on the Amalfi Coast.
If you don't feel comfortable driving, public transport alternatives, such as trains and buses in Puglia and the ferry on the Amalfi Coast, work well, although they take longer. If you opt for renting a car, consider doing it in Naples and follow your journey at your own pace to enjoy every moment.
Want to Know More About How to Organize Your Trip?
Before embarking on this incredible journey, check out our transportation tips and where to stay in travel bases to ensure your experience is even more enjoyable and organized. With this extra information, you'll be able to plan every part of your trip more easily and make the most of the Southern Italy wonders!
⏳ Travel Time Duration
Southern Italy is vast and diverse, and some of the distances between destinations can be considerable. For example, traveling from Naples to Matera or from Lecce to Tropea, travel times can vary greatly depending on the chosen route. Additionally, traffic in major tourist areas, like the Amalfi Coast, can be intense, especially during peak months.
🌍 Flexible Itinerary
This 15-day itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore the most of Southern Italy, but it's also super flexible. If you have more time, add more days exploring the interior of Sicily or the less-known corners of Puglia. If you're short on time, you can focus on the regions that interest you the most. Personally, I loved dedicating more time to the Amalfi Coast and the Lecce region.
Now It's Time to Plan Your Adventure!
Now that you've unlocked the secrets and charms of Southern Italy, there's no more reason to delay your own adventure. The breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and gastronomy that will make anyone fall in love are waiting for you. It's time to pack your bags, chart your path through the historic streets, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of each destination. Get ready to create unforgettable memories, experience unique moments, and get lost in the beauty that only Southern Italy can offer. Your dream trip is within reach – and it will undoubtedly be an experience that will stay in your memory forever! 🌍💫
Have you been to Southern Italy? Share your experience in the comments and help other readers discover even more about this amazing destination! Let's build a community of travelers passionate about this unique part of the world.
Best Links For Organizing Your Trip 😊✈️
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