You almost certainly didn’t see it here first. Isola di Procida was named ‘Italian Captial of Culture’ in 2022 – bravo! Even with this title, Procida is usually swapped for glitzy Capri or larger Ischia. Those that do choose to visit ‘the underdog’ of Campania, usually only visit on a day trip.
The island has been on my list for so long, ever since I saw a photo of Marina di Corricella in 2018 in all its pastel glory. It’s usually an add-on day trip from Naples or Ischia but I wanted to get to know Procida overnight and beyond so I spent 4 days on the island. It easily could have been 7.
Visiting Procida as part of a bigger southern Italy trip?
Procida, along with Ischia is part of the Phlegraean Islands of Naples, and part of the bigger Campanian archipelago which includes Capri
How to get to Procida
From Naples airport to the port
Take an Alibus direct to the port €5 per journey
By Ferry
There are several ferry companies you can use to reach the Campanian archipelago. You can choose from a ferry (1 hour from Naples, car-friendly, cheaper) or a fast-boat (40 minutes from Naples, slightly more expensive).
How long to spend in Procida
Most people visit as a day trip from Naples or Ischia. Very few people use it as a base but whatever time you’re visiting I can recommend spending a few days. Procida is a working island, not only in tourism , so there are things to do year round. I spent 4 days and 4 nights on Procida and I easily could have stayed longer. Having said this, if your itinerary only allows for a day trip, go for a day trip. You can still see the best bits of the island in a day. Don’t skip a late lunch at the marina.
Visiting Procida in the off-season – what to expect
Even more encouraging is that I visited in November, the off season, and although some restaurants were closed, there was plenty of atmosphere on the island. I can’t quite believe I’m saying it but the (albeit single track) roads were actually busy. Proof that local life exists outside of tourism.
Some restaurants and shops close and some have limited hours but by no means does the island shut down. The restaurants and cafes that are open are the ones the locals are eating at. Some of the marina restaurants were closed because this is mostly for tourists. The bonus is that the ones that are open are blissfully quiet so you can pull up a front row seat to the ocean and watch the fisherman fix nets while you sip on your aperol in the sun.
The island does start cooling down quickly in the winter so sea swimming is not accessible for most but if you have the appropriate clothing you can still head out for sunset beach walks. My biggest advice for the off season is to stay closer to the port because the west of the island can feel quite remote.
How to get around Procida
The island is tiny (4km2)but it is very helpful to have a vehicle since the areas to visit are spread quite far apart. The roads are very narrow and can get quite busy at certain times of day so I don’t advise a car unless you have to transport kids. Most people get around with electric bikes and scooters which work perfectly well for the island.
Important: Non-residents are not allowed to bring cars to the island.
Where to stay in Procida
If you are coming in season and you want something a little calmer then renting an apartment closer to Ciraccio beach is a good idea, or if you’d prefer to be walking distance to the main area of restaurants and bars then stay on the port side.
If you’re coming in the off-season I recommend staying closer to the port where the main street is so that you don’t feel too isolated.
ALMALO Floating House – Yes it’s a boat house, and it would be a really unique stay and memorable on Procida
Casa Sul Mare – Double rooms, some with gorgeous sea views
Ciraccio Apartments – spacious apartments in the western side of the island, with all the amenities you ened. These would be great to give you peace during the busier months but I stayed here during November and it felt too remote
Where to eat in Procida
A Puteca – this was my favourite find. Small market and restaurant offering huge plates of roasted veggies, meats and other freshly made goodies. They also have delicious coffee. Super friendly service too.
La Lampara – one of the “famous” restaurants mostly because of the view of the marina but receives plenty of positive reviews for food too.
Cala Cala – upscale foodie experience. Not open during winter.
Caracalè – Right next to the water within touching distance of the colourful fishing boats . They do a daily special which is targeted at tourists but the food quality is high.
Ristorante Sottosopra – family-run restaurant close to the port
Hook – the place to feast on crispy fried seafood and freshly made burgers
Best Aperitivo in Procida
Ciraccio all but shuts down during winter so check in advance if aperitivo is still available on this side of the island.
Hotel La Vigna (East of Corricella)
Hotel Solcalante (Ciraccio) – sunset view
Vivara (Ciraccio) – sunset view
Bar Capriccio (port)
Maresia (Ciraccio) – sunset view
Best coffee, gelato and pastries in Procida
Saint Rock (Corricella) – Gelato bar of dreams
Paname forno Indipendente (port) – sadly this was closed during my visit so I didn’t get to try but it seems to be the only place on Procida that offers specialty coffee.
La Panetteria – Homely bakery with all the typical baked goods
What to do in Procida
Viewpoint / Marina di Corricella
Let’s start here because let’s be honest – this is why you’re here. While you’re at the view point, also wander through the fortified village of Terra Murta. The marina developed as a natural harbour and remains a working fishing village. There are various stories about the coloured buildings but one of the most popular is that they helped fisherman find their way back home.
When you leave the viewpoint follow the steps down to the marina from the same side. Walk along the marina and back up one of 3 other staircases. Weaving around the stacked houses and under arches is one of the best experiences.
If you are here for a few days it’s worth coming at different times of day so you can appreciate the colours in different lights. In peak summer months this is the busiest place to come for lunch and dinner so it’s advisable to book a table in advance if there is a restaurant you are set on visiting.
Lunch with the fishing boats
Marina di Corricella is the best place for a leisurely lunch on the island. While the restaurants on the marina do cater mostly to tourists, Corricella is a working fishing village and at any point in time you are likely to see fishing boats coming and going, fixing nets, offloading the catch of the day. Grabbing a front row table at the marina restaurants is a surefire way to enjoy a moment of harmony with the island.
Buy art from local legend & artist Luigi Nappa
This was a completely accidental find and a place I probably wouldn’t have found during the summer as I would have been on the beaches more. This cavern of colour is home to local artist and legend Luigi Nappa. Luigi grew up on the tiny island but went out to explore the big wide world, became a captain, and settled in Australia. One can only imagine the stories he has, but he never forgot his home island and continues to return for periods of time with renewed inspiration from the world. If his story wasn’t enough to make you want to take a peek, Luigi’s art will be. Just like Corricella the walls are stacked with mood-boosting palettes.
I can’t guarantee he’ll be there when you visit because when I spoke with him he said he was thinking about heading back to Australia, which makes the discovery feel even more special. You can learn more about Luigi and his colourful life here.
Sunset at Ciraccio beach
The long swathe of sand on the west of the island is known as Spiggia di Ciraccio. It feels mostly wild, especially at the east end but to the west end of the beach you’ll find some small bars and restaurants. The beach is a magical place to watch the sunset as the sun dips behind Ischia.
If you’re one of those people who can’t resist a remote island adventure welcome to the club. If you haven’t visited Sicily yet, add it to your plans immediately and check out this guide.
As small as she is, Procida has her own natural reserve island. Vivara natural park is an asset the island is very proud of, and so she should be. Vivara is the remains of a volcano which can be seen from the crescent shape and with 3km in length and 109m of elevation it creates interesting topography. The island hosts migratory birds and is home to an array of marine biodiversity and wildlife. If you want to visit, you can only go during certain times of the week, and only with a guide. A visit costs €10. For more information and to book, go to the official site here.
Eat a Lingua di Procida
If you know any Italian you’ll know Lingua is the word for tongue. The local treat also goes by the name of lingue di bue (ox tongues) so I immediately wrote it off as something I would try (spleen and lung sandwich in Palermo was enough offal for a lifetime thanks). That was until I read a little further and was pleasantly surprised. The procida made lingua is a crispy pastry filled with cream and lemons! Now we’re talking. You can find them in various pasticcerias all over the island but Bar Roma is said to be one of the longest running institutions.
Take a day trip to Ischia
Yes it’s usually the other way around but if you are using Procida as a base you can easily hop on a ferry to Ischia for the day. Caremar runs frequent ferries (40 mins) and fastboats (15 mins) from port to port. Once in Ischia you can either rent a scooter (the island is much bigger than Procida so if you want to cover distance and electric bike won’t cut it) or stay in the immediate vicinity. Around the port you have a historical centre with shops and restaurants. Follow the road next to the beach all the way to the Aragonese bridge and castle. It’s a wonderful area to spend an afternoon. I highly recommend picking up a Rum ‘Baba’ from Raffaele.
That’s all I have to share for now but hopefully it can help get your trip planning off the ground. If you’re looking for some extra help planning your Italy itinerary, I’m just your gal to build it.
Procida island was a real treat at the end of a 2 week southern Italy road trip for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect visiting at the time I did but the island was much more than I was hoping for. It’s the type of place I could happily spend a few weeks so I’ll definitely be back. Happy Planning!
This guide has been a long time coming but only now, after 5 years worth of trips around the Mezzogiorno do I feel equipped to help you build a complete (and totally epic) south Italy trip itinerary. In this guide you will find the best places to visit in South Italy and how exactly to string them all together to make the trip of a lifetime.
If you’re here, you’re probably starting or mid-way through your travel planning for one of Europe’s most travelled countries. You’re probably really excited about the prospect of diving into the warmth and charm of the southern regions of Italy? And I’ll take a wild guess, and say you are probably also completely overwhelmed? Don’t worry I’m about to make your planning a little bit easier.
Italy. It’s a biggie huh? Famous worldwide for so many reasons. The trouble is when you get past the initial ideas – Go to Rome, go to Florence, go to Naples, eat pizza, see old stuff, see a volcano; and start getting your teeth into the details, you realise just how big of a task it is to create an itinerary. The first hurdle is to accept that it is impossible to see and do it all.
Let. That. Idea. Go.
Well done. Now we begin.
Who am I and why am I telling you how to plan a trip to south Italy?
I’m a travel planner, by profession but mostly by passion. British born, but living in Portugal since 2016 and building & navigating trips around the world since a long time before then. If you spend some time snooping around this website, you’ll see that since making Portugal home I’ve fallen head over heels with southern Europe and spend all of my time bouncing around Portugal, Spain and Italy.
My travel guide collection is growing month by month and I’ve become rather good at planning other people’s adventures in this corner of the world. This guide will help you greatly with your upcoming trip to south Italy but if you need some extra help or don’t have the time to put together a complete itinerary – I can do it for you.
For planning purposes Southern, or more correctly South Italy is one of 5 statistical regions or macroregions of Italy. It comprises 8 regions – Abruzzo, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, and Molise and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
How to Use This Travel Guide
This guide has everything you need to plan a trip to Southern Italy, but you will need to put the pieces together to make an itinerary that works for your situation and time frame. I’ve broken down the planning sections and regions, it’s up to you to pull it back together to fit your needs.
Tips for planning a trip to Southern Italy
Less is more.
Slow travel when possible.
Learn to go with the flow.
Eat everything.
Travel & Photography by Candy : What you see is real. No images in any of my travel guides are AI. All photos in this travel guide are taken by me. I spend a huge amount of time photographing, editing and uploading all the photos on this website. Please do not reuse them without credit and a backlink to this page. Thank you.
How long to spend in Southern Italy
The correct answer is – whatever time you have. The longer you have the more you can cover and the deeper you can go. If you have unlimited time and money then 3+ months is a good time frame to cover all the regions in South Italy and get a real taste of what the mezzogiorno is about. Sadly, the majority of us don’t have that timeframe and if that’s you too, don’t worry. It is possible to touch on most of the southern regions in 3+ weeks but not both Sardinia AND Sicily. Less than 3 weeks and you need to start cutting out a few regions so as not to lose the quality of the trip. Remember, less is more.
Itinerary Ideas for South Italy
3 months in Southern Italy:
1 month in Sicily including outer islands, 2 weeks in Calabria and Basilicata, 10 days in Apulia, 10 days in Campania, 3 weeks in Sardinia.
3 weeks in Southern Italy
1 week Sicily including 1 Aeolian island, starting in Palermo for the north coast or Catania for the east OR north/south Sardinia , 6 days driving through Calabria including an overnight in Basilicata, 4 days in Puglia, 4 days in Campania for whistle stop Amalfi OR Capri/Ischia with an overnight in Naples before flying out.
2 weeks in Southern Italy
Pick 2 cities, Palermo and Naples for example, then decide if you want a beach and islands trip, mountain trip or small villages trip and make a route between the two. Avoid one night stays because the driving distance means you won’t get a lot of time to enjoy the stops.
Less than 2 weeks in Southern Italy?
Pick one or two regions, no more. For example Sicily and Calabria OR Puglia and Campania and then within those regions pick 1 or 2 places to visit, no more. For example Palermo & Trapani in Sicily, Reggio Calabria & Tropea in Calabria. You can also add a stop on the way between the two regions.
Outside of the bigger cities a car is going to give you the most freedom and ability to see more places in a shorter time frame. It is also possible to use trains between Sicily and Campania if you are open to a much slower experience and skipping some areas.
Getting to/from Southern Italy
International airports that make sense for a south Italy trip are Naples and Palermo or Catania which place you either at the top or bottom of the region. Rome is another workable option because it is well connected with Naples. If Sardinia is going to be on your itinerary , you could also start or end here, but which airport depends on how much of the island you plan to see.
Getting around Southern Italy
All the options are available (flights, car, bus, train, ferry, fishing boat, bicycle, scooter) and if you are crossing multiple regions in the south then you will likely use a mix of them. Which, depends on your preferences and route. I think it is good to realise early on that to see and experience the best of south Italy you need a car, and to give you the most freedom and flexibility to go with the flow it should be driven by you.
Driving and Road Trip Tips in South Italy
I’ve had my fair share of driving adventures, bumps and scratches, and broken keys in scooter locks in remote towns on Christmas morning (did I not tell you about that one?) and although I’m no expert I’ve learnt through personal experience the tips and tricks of navigating the southern Italian roads.
Firstly, to put some rumors to bed. Every time I travel somewhere in southern Europe people claim the drivers there are the “worst in the world”. Having now driven cars and scooters around much of southern Europe there is no worse place. I’ve had negative/scary experiences in all of them and I’ve also had positive and easy driving in all of them. There are some places I categorically can tell you are harder to drive in than others (Palermo & Naples) but the truth no one wants to hear is there are good and bad drivers everywhere.
Both busy cities and small/hilltop towns come with driving challenges. The busy cities like Palermo, Catania, Salerno, Naples etc are hubs for working locals who can navigate their cities with their eyes closed and horns blaring. When this meshes with first-time visitors who don’t understand the signs or know the rules (imaginary or not) things can get interesting. This is why I don’t recommend driving a car in these places. Scooters can sometimes be easier for navigating busy cities but if you have never driven or have limited experience with scooters, this is not the place to learn.
Small villages/ hilltop towns are tricky for different reasons – narrow streets and crazy parking. For most small towns, especially those in interior sections of the regions, using a car is unavoidable but it is important to learn how to make it easier for yourself.
Since the majority of my trips to Italy have been with a car I can confirm that it is the best way to see most of the country, especially the south. So buckle up.
Tips for Driving in the Southern Regions of Italy
If it looks too narrow, it is too narrow.
If it is your first time driving in southern Europe, avoid driving in Naples and Palermo
If you have experience driving in southern Europe, avoid driving in Naples
If you have never ridden a scooter before, do not choose south Italy for your first time
If you have ridden a scooter before, avoid Naples
If you have to drive in Naples, drive with confidence and watch out for scooters on both sides
Keep some coins/cash on you for rogue toll booths without card machines
ZTL zones change depending on where you are, the time of day and time of the year. Read the signs before passing through.
These tips are not designed to scare you or put you off. Believe me, if I can drive solo in south Italy anyone can.
Riding a Scooter in Southern Italy
Imagine everything that can go wrong but with less protection. Be very careful riding a scooter in busy cities. I do not recommend learning to ride a scooter in South Italy. Where I do recommend a scooter (if you have experience) is coastal areas such as Salento in Apulia or islands like Favignana and Lampedusa. The slow travel spots are perfect with a scooter – these trips harness the dolce far niente spirit that we all aspire to. Wear a helmet.
Renting a car in Southern Italy
Previous to my most recent trip I have been using Zest to rent my cars in Italy (and Portugal and Spain) but in 2025 Discover reached out to me and offered me credit to use on a rental. There was no expectation from them for me to write anything about this but I want to share my honest review of using them.
I had an overall positive experience. The website and search function is very easy to use and it shows you the real price upfront – no surprises at checkout! I loved the filters for getting to exactly what I needed. The free cancellation was useful because I did end up needing to cancel and change my dates which was super easy to do. I opted for the full insurance (highly recommended for peace of mind) which was much cheaper than paying for it with the hire company directly. Discover is a broker company so you’re seeing all the rental companies in one place. I went with Alamo, based on great reviews. Alamo was good; staff waited for me when my flight was 2 hours delayed, they also let me keep my car in their car park in Palermo airport overnight which saved me a lot of stress. The car itself was fine but it was very dirty and there was no windscreen wash which felt a little unreasonable. This was the fault of Alamo and nothing to do with Discover but worth knowing. Overall the experience was great and I will use Discover for my Italy trips from now on.
I rented a small B class car (Fiat Panda) and it was great for small parking spaces but for the mountainous roads of Basilicata and extra comfort for the longer driving days with hindsight I would chose the next class up. Avoid anything too bulky if you’re planning on visiting smaller towns and villages where parking spaces are small and limited.
Driving / Parking Rules in Southern Italy
Beware of the ZTL – these increasingly complex timed-driving rules apply differently from town to town so you never really know what’s going on. Pay close attention to the ZTL sign at the entrance of whichever town or village you are visiting. Confusingly if it is red it usually means you can drive through because red signals ZTL is currently off. If it’s green – do not pass, or face a fine.
When parking in southern Italy, look out for the coloured lines.
White usually indicates free parking but always check for possible time limitations.
Blue is paid parking. Pay at the machine (bring cash) and display the ticket on the window face up. Rarely parking is free on certain times or days which should be indicated on the machine.
Yellow is resident/ taxi parking – don’t park here.
Regions/ Destinations you do and don’t need a car
Most places in south Italy are best explored with a vehicle so that you don’t have to rely on limited or non-existent public transport but there are some places that you categorically don’t need a car. In fact there are some destinations that are more awkward or stressful with one.
In Sicily I advise against using a car in Palermo and Catania. The city is best explored by foot and is a very chaotic version of Italian driving. The next consideration is the islands. The Aeolians and Egadi islands have a strict no rental car policy. You can rent on some of the islands but you cannot bring a rental car onto the islands from the mainland. The pelagie islands also do not allow you to bring cars. Lampedusa is best explored by scooter or electric bike (which you can rent on the island).
In Calabria, if you don’t mind some seriously slow travel you can use the train to go up the west coast which stops at various seaside towns. Outside of this you need a car especially if you want to explore the wild interior. Remote, Basilicata is the same – without a car it’s almost impossible.
Puglia is best traveled through using a car. If you are only visiting Bari and the very pretty but very popular Polignano a Mare, then you can use the train. Outside of this I recommend a car. Avoid driving in Polignano, especially in season. The only way to experience Salento is by car, or for an immersive experience, a scooter. This remote part of Italy would be very difficult without your own wheels. The national park in the north also needs a car.
The majority of Campania is best without a car. The Amalfi coast is nothing short of overrun on the best of days and trying to navigate the busy coastal roads for the first time is a stressful event to avoid at all costs. Make the most of the buses and ferries to explore the peninsular. Naples – if you think Palermo is bad, do not drive in Naples. If you have never driven in Palermo, also don’t drive in Naples. Ischia allows you to arrive with a car, Capri does not.
Train Travel in Southern Italy
It is possible to travel through some of South Italy by train. Some connections are quicker than others but you’ll need to practice patience if you are using train as your main mode of transport. I typically book trains via Trainline because I find the app easy to use and store tickets, but you can also book direct and you will avoid a small booking fee.
Ferries & Island Hopping in Southern Italy
The main ferry lines you’ll see in South Italy are Liberty lines, Caronte & Tourist and Sirenmar.
Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy -Build Your Itinerary
Years worth of travel and deep research as a planner has led me here. A run down of the best places to visit in South Italy. In this section of the travel guide you can find the best regions, cities, villages, islands, beaches in Italy’s south.
While two regions are still missing from my repertoire and there are some destinations left unvisited (an impossible task even for a lifetime when it comes to Italy) I have a solid base of travel experience in south Italy. If you’re a newbie to Italy this guide will absolutely help you with planning a trip that highlights not just the main attractions but the hidden corners of the south too.
Sicily
Let’s start right at the bottom. The most southerly, and largest region of Italy is also one of the most recognised.
A region I also refer to as Mi amore…Sicilia.
If you want to get up close and personal with Sicily, check out my other guides too.
Quite possibly the travel love of my entire life, Sicily pulls me back trip after trip, with its seemingly neverending facets to uncover. This richly diverse island is firmly on the Italian tourist trail yet despite this, few people venture beyond Palermo, Catania, Taormina and Aeolian superstars like Stromboli. With more than 1000km of coast (1500km if you include the islands), a vast interior woven with agricultural land and natural parks, ancient historical sites, remote island paradises and among the friendliest people in Italy. It really has it all. When you think of Sicily you may think of tempestuous Etna, stories of the Mafia, or the golden arancini balls, but the true magic and character of Sicily is not found in the big and famous, it’s found in the backstreets of small towns, the outsider neighbourhoods, the vast rural interior and the far flung outer islands. Above all, Sicily is extremely diverse, impossible to fit into a mould of one time or another, it’s the true definition of a melting pot.
Okay okay that’s enough of my love song to Sicily, let’s get to the logistics.
Sicily is big. People truly don’t realise just how big until they try to get from Catania to Palermo via Ortigia and Agrigento. It deserves time to explore properly, 3 weeks is good, longer is better.
Sicily Best Places to Visit
Palermo – street food capital of Italy and unmissable on any trip
Catania & Mt Etna – Mt Etna is a lively volcano, frequently offering a show. Even when she’s not being naughty she’s present in every backdrop in the East of Sicily.
Taormina – Undeniably pretty if not a tiny bit too influenced, don’t you dare leave without granita at Bam Bar and a walk along the sand strip to Isola Bella
Ortigia – cute maze of streets and restaurants with amazing sunset aperitivo locations
Modica -For Sicilian architecture and best chocolate in Sicily
Agrigento – Needs no introduction, UNESCO site Valley of The Temples is THE place to go and see some of the oldest Greek temples in the world
Lipari, Salina & Stromboli (Aeolian Islands) – Worth more than a day trip, these islands are all completely unique. They all but shut down in the winter months but shoulder season is the most magical time to island hop
Bronte – A town in the foothills of Etna, famous for pistachio production.
Aci Trezza – A laid-back local seaside town with Etna as its backdrop
Isole Egadi – 3 delightfully different islands. Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo, all 3 very short ferry hop from Trapani and blissfully chilled out.
Isola di Lampedusa– the most southerly point of Mainland Europe, an Italian summer holiday spot with azure waters. Full Lampedusa Guide >> here.
Trapani – A fishing and port town with a tonne of history, authentic restaurants and local feel
Sciacca – A colourful, fishing village tucked away from the usual tourist trail
Camporeale – A plain rural town but within a stone’s throw from some fantastic vineyards
Sicily What to Eat
Panelle – Fried chickpeas, simple but delicious, eaten hot with salt and lemon and a cold Messina beer. (Palermo)
Pani câ meusa – Spleen & lung sandwich anyone? I did my time and tried this but never again. (Palermo)
Stigghiole – Intestines. Surprisingly okay with a beer. (Palermo)
Cassata- the ricotta and marzipan combination of dreams
Cannoli – needs no introduction. Filled on request is the proper way to order.
Granita – the most traditional are almond, lemon, mulberry and coffee
Messina – Beer
Visit Palermo
The capital of Sicily deserves a special mention as it is (For me at least) the place that defines Sicily because it is here you can see and feel it all. It captures the diversity of the culture better than any other place in the region. It is a world away from many EU cities and it remains my favourite city in Europe.
Aperitivo on Via Maqueda, at sunset the city comes alive and tourists and locals collide for aperitivo on one of Palermo’s most iconic streets
Watch a puppet show
Mondello beach day absolutely worth a day of your time if the weather is in your favour, don’t miss a seafood lunch at Trattoria da Franco
Calabria
New to my travels in 2025 Calabria has finally made it on to my Italian regions I love to bang on about to anyone that will listen. This was probably the biggest surprise and the region I was most anxious to get to know. It’s a long and large region with mesmerising towns, dramatic mountains and an endless coast (which you can drive adjacent to the whole way to Campania). I didn’t cover as much distance as I would like but the journey of discovering Calabria has only just begun. Here’s what I can recommend so far.
How to get to Calabria from Sicily by Ferry
Calabria is connected via a very short ferry ride to Sicily. The port of Messina in Sicily connects to Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni in Calabria in less than 30 mins. Car ferries are available, it’s advisable to book in advance if you are traveling during the summer months.
Calabria Best Places to Visit
Reggio Calabria – The capital and home to one of Italy’s most scenic places to take a Passeggiata (leisurely stroll).
Scilla – just 30 mins drive from the ferry port arrival but a world away from Sicily. The historical centre tumbling down to the sea, ocean side cobbled-streets, cosy restaurants, beaches…Scilla is impossible not to fall in love with.
Capo do Vaticano – the stand out natural beauty in an otherwise developed area of Costa Degli Dei (Coast of the Gods)
Tropea – A stunning stretch of coast but rather over developed, best visited out of the main season.
Calabria off the beaten path
When you’ve traveled all over Italy, the majority of Calabria feels off the beaten path. Quieter, slower, but bursting with natural beauty, culture and speciality dishes. For some reason this region continues to be forgotten, let’s change that.
Tortora – one of the best surprises was finding this tiny hilltop village in the mountains but just a short drive to the stunning coast of Basilicata. The main reason to visit it is so you can stay in a true gem – La Terrazza nel Borgo – don’t miss this.
Pizzo – A much smaller, less flashy Calabrian town on the Costa Degli Dei. The main reason to go here is to eat a Tartufo.
Pentedattilo – small picturesque but deserted mountain village right at the bottom of the region
Pollino – Stunning and almost-forgetten natural park with opportunity for hiking and white-water rafting on the Lao river.
Calabria What to Eat
Granita al bergamotto Granita but make it bergamot. I had a delicious cup in Scilla from Sotto Sotto in Scilla
‘Nduja – spicy sausage usually spread on bread or crackers, on pizza, in pasta, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Tartufo di Pizzo – A bomb of chocolate, truffle and hazelnut. I am still dreaming of it weeks later. Pizzo is the town to eat this but Tropea has excellent versions available too.
La Creme Reggina – Pink rum-flavoured ice-cream (Reggio Calabria)
Ciambotta Vegetable stew, similar to caponata but less vinegar
Fileja Shortened less tight version of Busiate pasta
Basilicata
If you are anything like me you may have thought Basilicata was a part of Calabria but it is very much its own region and it was the most pleasant discovery of my most recent trip. This has got to be the most underrepresented region in the whole of Italy and my favourite memory of my most recent road trip. Driving the mountain road across the border of Calabria to Basilicata is something I hope I never forget. Arriving at and swimming in Fuimaccino beach was one of those moments that made me feel truly privileged to be able to travel like I do.
Basilicata Best Places to Visit
Matera – The one city you may have actually heard of is Matera, named city of culture by the EU in 2019 and undeniably beautiful. Bring your camera.
Maratea – Like an Amalfi before it turned into one of the most visited places in the world. Fiumicino beach is a natural beauty like no other.
SS18 – The road that runs along the Basilicata’s short coast is breathtaking, winding roads take you on mountain edges past hidden coves and what could possibly be Italy’s last true wild stretch
Castelmezzano is a town in the province of Potenza, in the Lucian Dolomites that is worth a stop. If you’re a foodie, book a table at Al Becco della Civetta.
Tips for Basilicata
The distances might look short but the roads are windy. Allow plenty of time for driving between locations. Even the coast road is windy and neverending. The views are worth it though.
The limited beaches have even more limited parking, be prepared
If you can’t find accommodation in Basilicata on the coast you can also hop over the border to Calabria coastal towns which are only 20-30 minutes drive from Maratea
Apulia
Also known outside of Italy as Puglia. White villages, freshly caught seafood, hidden coves, gentle breeze, rural hinterland – a seaside dream with more than 800km of coast to explore, plus some villages unique to this region. Puglia is one of the best regions to visit in south Italy
Apulia Best Places to Visit
Bari – Truly one of my favourite cities in Italy. It is the perfect mix of charming historical centre and modern services, bars and restaurants. The food I ate during my trips to Bari lives rent free in my head.
Polignano a Mare – One of the most famous and photographed beaches of Italy. The picturesque town sits on the Adriatic coast and is utterly romantic. Avoid it in the middle of summer but in the shoulder season it is much more manageable. Also home to the Red Bull cliff diving champs.
Ostuni – White village not too dissimilar to those you can find in Andalusia. It is reachable by a combination of train and bus from Bari if you don’t have a car.
Alberobello – One of Puglia’s most popular places to visit. The area features on so many instagram posts it’s really put me off but I’ve told myself on my next visit to Apulia I will go and see what the fuss is all about.
Bari what to do, see and eat
Stroll through the historical centre all the way to the seafront and stop at the Teatro Margherita museum.
Walk to the Arco Basso to see the Nonnas rolling pasta in a shape typical to Bari – Orichette or ‘little ears’.
Aperitivo in the modern end of town. Cocktails at Baretto are a must.
Grab lunch on the patio tables at La Pazzeria. Simple, well made food at exceptionally good value.
Apulia Hidden Gems
Salento – Also known as Italy’s heel is a mix of small towns and gorgeous coastline punctuated with swimming holes and seafood pasta shacks. Not so much a hidden gem but much less explored compared to other parts of this region. I explored this sub-region on a scooter and I highly recommend it.
Otranto is a lovely town based in Salento.
Vieste – Right in the north of Apulia you have a natural park with forest, camping and some of the best beaches in the country. A popular spot for Italians but relatively unknown to the rest of the world.
Campania
Campania – two worlds. Raw, gritty Naples meets pristine and sparkly Amalfi, and that’s only the beginning.
Naples
A city teeming with attitude and a gem not only in the south, but all of Italy. It’s my second favourite city (beaten only by Palermo) and has bags of character and grit. Unapologetic about it’s, let’s be honest, rather dirty exterior but unwilling to change for the sake of being more attractive to tourism. And I love the city for it. Yes, and THAT pizza too. Within a stone’s throw from the ancient city of Pompeii and Vesuvius – a volcano, experts claim is going to erupt again in the (near?) future, so if you love to live dangerously, take a hike to the rim, it’s possible and common to go without a guide.
Campania is also home to one of the most famous places in Italy, and the world…
The Amalfi coast, where to visit & what to do
I went through years worth of trips skipping this corner of Italy. The stories of cramped beaches and traffic logged roads always steered me away but finally, (firmly in the off-season) I took a gamble and visited for the day. Holy Cannoli, it was worth it. I can’t believe I’m saying this but there were both empty beaches and trails and Amalfi town aside, it was totally peaceful. I wanted to dislike it but I can’t – the coast is wonderful. I am already plotting another off-season trip to stay for a few days.
Maiori and Minori – what absolute gems to visit in the off-season. I shared the beach and swam at Minori with around 5 people. The towns feel much more local and chilled out. The 3km (one way) Path of the Lemons or Senteiro dei Limoni hiking trail between the two is a lovely activity. You pass various lemon farms on route and some of the best views from any Italian hiking trail. Il limoneto di Marianina was a welcome spot with shady areas and cool and sweet lemon granita. Maiori is just 30 mins by ferry from Salerno.
Ravello – Another destination you can hike to (if you don’t mind a knee-jerking number of steps) is Pretty Ravello. Also quite touristy but an enjoyable place to spend the afternoon, especially as a stop if you are walking between Minori and Amalfi. (4km)
Atrani – Such a lovely little nook tucked around the corner from Amalfi. Come around lunch time and pull up a stool at the beach cafe to bask in the sun.
Amalfi – Definitely the most “touristy”of the towns I’ve visited but I enjoyed the overall vibe still. Limoncello, sorbet filled lemons and fried seafood. I visited in November and it was still busy, but not overly. It was more ‘bustling’ than annoying. I wouldn’t want to try it in the summer months though.
Positano – the most famous, busiest and hardest to get to. Don’t try and fit this in with Amalfi and more in one day. I haven’t visited so can’t share much more info but you don’t have to look far to find blog posts on this part of Amalfi
Salerno as a Calabrian base
A city worth mentioning here is Salerno which is not part of the Amalfi Coast but thanks to regular ferries and buses is the perfect base for exploring Amalfi, Mairori, Minori and Ravello. Don’t just come for the Amalfi convenience though, Salerno has a magical historical centre with a ramble of streets and tiny restaurants. If you come during late November, December or January you are in for a treat – the whole city lights up with the Luci d’Artista Salerno light festival.
Stay at Salerno Antica for a cosy b&b experience and the breakfast of dreams. The sfoglitelle is the best I’ve ever had. Daniele will be your host and he’s not just any host, he is super knowledgeable on everything about Salerno and Amalfi, and the b&b is his childhood home – full of character and love.
Let’s not forget the islands…
The Campanian archipelago
Capri, Ischia and Procida each deserve some of your time. All wildly different vibes but all with plenty to see and do.
Capri is closer to Amalfi and Salerno than Naples, whereas Procida and Ischia are best reached from Naples. Like Positano and Amalfi, Capri is an island adored by the rich and famous. Choose Capri for an upscale escape.
Ischia is the largest of the 3 islands and has plenty to see and do but the biggest draw are its natural thermal waters. You can visit spas all over the island. I stayed in Hotel Terme Oriente and although a little dated I was really impressed with the property, staff and value. They have a small spa area with a thermal pool, a huge library and an outdoor pool. Much of the island shuts down in the off-season so aim to come between April and October if you can. Buses give you access to most places on the island but with a scooter you would have a lot more freedom.
Procida is the smallest and prettiest of the 3. Named cultural capital of Italy in 2022 and owner of what must be the most colourful port in the world. Marina de Corricella is a palette of pastels colours dripping into a sleepy fishing port with twinkling sea and white-clothed tables with bowls of pasta. The port is the island’s main draw but it also has a string of beaches, a remote island with a natural park and some hidden foodie spots to discover. Plus a beautiful sunrise and sunset. Most people come here as a day trip from Naples but I am here to tell you to stay a while, summer or winter, just stay. The island is surprisingly busy year round because of the local working community. Tourism is just one string to its bow. I loved my 4 days here so much I’ve written a dedicated guide because it is just too good not to share.
Campania is definitely overflowing with some of the best sights in south Italy and you could easily spend a few weeks here without leaving for another region.
Sardinia
Sardinia is geographically classed as southern Europe and southern Italy but feels completely like its own region or even country, more so than South Europe’s other big island Sicily which has more cultural similarities with its nextdoor neighbour Calabria. That aside it is a tricky island to add to your road trip itinerary as car ferries are extremely time consuming. Flying in and out is the best for logistics and then renting a car on arrival.
Sardinia is huge. It’s just a bit smaller than Sicily but unfortunately unlike Sicily, I don’t have the travel experience of visiting the whole island. Although I have spent a few weeks in Sardinia I am yet to get to know her so deeply. I’m slowly making my way through the island trip by trip but in the meantime I’m also reading and researching with a passion for getting to know all the best places to visit in Sardinia.
There are several airports and choosing one depends on where you want to explore.
If you want to go to the south, use Cagliari. If you want to revel in the north east in places such as Costa Smeralda use Olbia. For Alghero and the west, Alghero.
Unless you are staying in one place, you need a car in Sardinia. If you want to visit the south and north you need time. Driving is big and beautiful but also slow.
Sardinia where to visit
Costa Smeralda stunning coastal area with white sand beaches and turquoise coves, loved by celebrities
Maddalena Islands a natural park of islands made for boat trips and swimming in crystal clear waters
I am yet to visit the regions of Abruzzo and Molise but you can bet they are on my radar and currently in planning. I visit the regions of South Italy every year so I am always updating this travel guide with the best places to visit. If you have a trip to South Italy coming up don’t forget to save this page or if you’d like some help planning your trip, let’s go!
Updated June 2026 Welcome to yet another Sicily guide. If this is your first…
December 11, 2025
Human Travel Planning. No AI here.
What you see & read here is REAL. I don’t use ChatGP or other AI to write my travel guides or design itineraries. Travel is a human experience that requires all of the senses. It is impossible for AI to replicate that. Working with a human travel planner means working with someone who understands that travel is a highly unique and personal experience, not a ‘copy and paste’ job. All travel guides have been written by me from my own personal experiences. All the photos on this website are taken myself during my own travel. Nothing has been created using AI so you can trust what you are seeing actually exists.
