Where to Stay in Southern Italy: Best Accommodation Tips
- Lili
- Mar 23
- 8 min read
Now that you've seen our itinerary for the best places to visit in Southern Italy in 15 days, we'll help you plan your stay efficiently, minimizing time spent on long transfers. We've selected strategic locations as perfect bases for exploring this wonderful region. Each base ensures you're close to key attractions while enjoying a comfortable and practical stay.
If you haven't read our 15-day itinerary yet, you can find it here for a complete guide to your upcoming adventure.
With these tips, you'll make the most of every region without stressing over long journeys, allowing you to explore the beauty of Southern Italy in a relaxed, efficient way. Check out our recommendations to find the ideal best places to stay in Southern Italy during your trip!
Base 1: Naples (Days 1-3)
Naples: A Vibrant Gateway to Stay in Southern Italy
Naples is the closest city to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, making it the perfect base for the first few days of your journey in Southern Italy. The city offers excellent accommodation infrastructure, with options for every taste and budget.
Why Stay in Naples?
Naples offers easy access to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, and it's a great gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The city has a vibrant atmosphere, with many cultural and gastronomic options, including restaurants and cafes. In addition to the tourist attractions, Naples is a great place to start your journey.
Accommodation Options
Grand Hotel Vesuvio: A luxury hotel with stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Great location to explore the city.
Hotel Piazza Bellini: A more affordable option located in the historic center, close to the main tourist attractions.
U259B&B Napoli: A simpler, It is located 1.1 km from Naples Central Train Station, which is about a 10 to 15-minute walk. In addition, the B&B is well connected to the metro and the airport bus, making it easy to reach other areas.
Explorations from Naples
Day 2: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
Day 3: Boat trip and visit to the Amalfi Coast towns (Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello).
Explore other accommodation options in Naples to find the one that best suits your travel style |
Base 2: Matera (Days 4-6)
Matera: Unique Cave Dwellings and Rich History
After visiting Naples, the second base will be Matera, offering a unique experience with its cave dwellings and fascinating history. From Matera, you can explore Puglia (Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Ostuni), all relatively close and accessible.
Unique Accommodation in Matera
Matera has exclusive hotel options, many of which offer cave accommodations. Staying in one of these unique hotels will provide a memorable experience.
Why Stay in Matera?
Matera is a compact city, which makes it easy to explore the Sassi and other tourist attractions on foot. Additionally, the city is well-connected by road to other cities in the Puglia region, such as Alberobello and Locorotondo, allowing easy access to local attractions.
Where to Stay in Matera: Accommodation Options:
Le Grotte della Civita: An authentic cave hotel located within the Sassi di Matera, offering a unique and immersive experience.
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA: A luxurious five-star hotel with panoramic views of the city and sophisticated facilities.
Locanda di San Martino Hotel & Termae Romanae: A charming cave hotel in the heart of the Sassi, featuring a Roman-style spa and stunning historic architecture.
Alberobello and the famous trulli houses in Puglia, Italy
Explorations from Matera:
Day 4: Explore Matera, including the Sassi di Matera.
Day 5: Alberobello (famous for the trulli) and Locorotondo.
Day 6: Polignano a Mare and Ostuni (the White City).
Base 3: Lecce or Otranto (Days 7-9)
Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Culture
Lecce is the largest city in the Salento region and offers more accommodation options, with many boutique hotels in the historic center. Otranto is also an excellent option, especially if you prefer a quieter environment near the beaches.
Why Stay in Lecce?
Lecce is the cultural center of the region, famous for its Baroque architecture and rich historical heritage. Otranto, with its beautiful beaches and historical charm, offers a more coastal and relaxing experience.
Where to Stay in Lecce: Accommodation Options in Lecce
Patria Palace Hotel Lecce: A luxury boutique hotel located in the historic center of Lecce, perfect for those wanting to explore the city and its Baroque architecture.
Hotel 8piuhotel: A modern and affordable option with a convenient location, ideal for exploring the cultural and historical attractions of Lecce.
B&B Palazzo Bernardini: A charming and affordable option located in a historic building, offering comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Otranto: Accommodation Options in Otranto
Hotel Vittoria: A seafront hotel with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, perfect for those wanting to be close to the beaches while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Tenuta Paifer: A quieter and more authentic option set in a rural setting, offering a relaxing experience in the midst of nature.
B&B La Castellana: An affordable and charming option located near the beaches and the center of Otranto, with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent service.
There are various accommodation options in Lecce or options in Otranto that may better suit your needs and preferences |
Base 4: Tropea or Reggio Calabria (Days 10-12)
Tropea: Seaside Beauty and Relaxation
Tropea, in Calabria, is famous for its stunning views and spectacular beaches. There are many beachfront hotel options offering a relaxing experience. If you prefer more urban surroundings, Reggio Calabria is an excellent choice.
Why Stay in Tropea or Reggio Calabria?
Tropea is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the beaches, while Reggio Calabria offers more cultural options, such as the National Museum of Magna Graecia.
Where to Stay in Tropea
Hotel Rocca della Sena: A boutique hotel perched atop a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and direct access to the beach. Guests can enjoy elegantly furnished rooms, a panoramic terrace, and a serene environment perfect for relaxation and regional exploration.
Villa Paola: A charming boutique hotel with an excellent location in Tropea, offering panoramic sea views and a tranquil, refined atmosphere.
B&B L'Orizzonte: A more affordable and welcoming option, located on a hill with sea views, ideal for those seeking a more intimate and personal experience.
Where to Stay in Reggio Calabria
Grand Hotel Excelsior: A luxury hotel with a prime location near the center of Reggio Calabria and the National Museum of Magna Graecia. It offers excellent infrastructure and a breathtaking sea view.
Hotel Medinblu: A modern and comfortable hotel located in the heart of Reggio Calabria, ideal for exploring the city's historical attractions. Guests appreciate its stylish design and central location.
B&B Pellicano Guest House: A charming and affordable option with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent service, situated in a quiet location yet close to tourist attractions. Guests highlight the elegant rooms and convenient amenities
Consider checking other available stays in Calabria, including hotels, B&Bs, and apartments. |
Base 5: Taormina or Catania (Days 13-15)
Taormina: Historic Charm and Breathtaking Views
The final base will be Taormina or Catania, in Sicily, allowing you to explore the wonders of the region, such as Mount Etna, Giardini Naxos, and the city of Catania itself. Taormina is the perfect base, offering not only natural beauty but also rich history and tourist infrastructure.
Historic Charm and Breathtaking Views
Taormina is the perfect base for exploring the eastern Sicily region. There are several luxury hotels with views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The city has a unique charm, with sophisticated accommodation options.
Advantages of Staying in Taormina or Catania
Taormina is ideally located for exploring Mount Etna, Giardini Naxos, and Catania, making it the perfect base for the final days of your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Taormina
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo: A luxury hotel with breathtaking views of the Greek Theatre and Mount Etna. Prime location in Taormina.
Hotel Villa Belvedere: Another luxurious option in Taormina, with incredible views and easy access to the historic center.
Where to Stay in Catania
UNA Hotel Palace (Catania): Located in downtown Catania, close to the tourist attractions and with excellent access to transportation for exploring the region.
Hotel Villa Romeo: This 3-star hotel is located in the center of Catania and offers spacious, well-decorated rooms along with a charming inner courtyard. Its central location provides easy access to the city's main attractions, and guests appreciate the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.
Explorations from Taormina/Catania:
Day 13: Explore Taormina, including the Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto.
Day 14: Mount Etna ascent and visit to Giardini Naxos.
Day 15: Visit Catania, exploring the Mercato di Catania and the Cathedral of Sant'Agata.
Authentic Accommodation in Southern Italy
In Naples, the city has a vibrant historic center, perfect for those who want to wander through narrow streets and taste the famous Neapolitan pizza. For a more authentic experience, I recommend staying in the Historic Center or quieter neighborhoods like Spaccanapoli.
In Matera, stay in a cave hotel, one of the famous "caves" transformed into accommodations. For something more charming, I suggest Le Grotte della Civita, located within the Sassi, offering a unique experience.
On the Amalfi Coast, where options may be more expensive, Ravello is an excellent choice for those seeking spectacular views and fewer crowds. Despite being slightly more remote, it offers stunning views and less congestion. In Lecce, choose a hotel in the historic center to explore the fascinating Baroque architecture and delightful cafés.
Ready for Your Adventure in Southern Italy?
With these well-defined bases, you'll have the opportunity to explore each region of Southern Italy in a practical and complete way, making the most of the local beauty and attractions. Accommodation options vary in style and price, ensuring a comfortable stay tailored to your profile, so you can have an unforgettable experience while discovering the wonders of this fascinating Italian region.
Enhance Your Travel Experience: Best Way to Travel Around Southern Italy
Now that you know the best places to stay in Southern Italy, it's natural to wonder: how can I optimize my way of traveling between these bases and explore Southern Italy in a practical and comfortable way?
The answer is here! We've prepared a super-practical guide with the best ways to travel between the destinations in Southern Italy, so you can make the most of your journey, save time, and enjoy comfort during the trip. Discover the best modes of transport and tips to make each transfer more efficient.
👉 📍 Find out the best way to get around Southern Italy! Check out our tips on the best ways to travel between cities, ensuring a stress-free trip with much more comfort.
Feel free to explore more, and don't forget to share your travel experiences with us in the comments or on social media! We look forward to hearing how your trip went.
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