Best Time to Create a Travel Itinerary

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Where to go for new impressions and emotions? - To Italy! Mountains, sea, lakes, architecture, food, shopping, entertainment - those are what you will find in this country. Travel is transformation, travel is the best thing you can do for yourself, travel is life! Don't wait - travel now!

A Glimpse of the Region

Boundless landscapes of Mediterranean valleys. Flocks of sheep peacefully grazing in the meadow under supervision of the elderly shepherd who might easily turn out to be a Cosa Nostra capo.

The sweet smell of Naples with its “gypsy” frenzy of weddings. Torna à Sorrento! The Amalfi coast with its skyrocketing prices but still full of romantic charm. History buffs will feel pretty enthusiastic about Pompeii frozen in time. Gourmets will appreciate Sicilian cuisine.

And all of them will fully enjoy themselves relaxing on the beaches of Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Ischia.

Must-Visit Places In Southern Italy

Natural Beauties and Lakes

Natural Beauties and Lakes

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, the most attractive and picturesque seaside region, stretches along the coastline, south of Naples. The hilly countryside is ideal for all kinds of activities like hiking, trekking and cycling tours or just enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Adorable seaside towns live side by side with green hills and lovely coastline. It’s the place that attracts both people who enjoy just a relaxing beach vacation and those who prefer active exploring of the surroundings.

Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is most famous for the eruption which destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii. It is one of the two active volcanoes in Continental Europe and regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. Mount Vesuvius is still active today but these activities are well measured. The area around Vesuvius is currently a National park. A hiking trail around and on top of the volcano to the rim of the crater is available for tourists.

Lake Bracciano

Lake Bracciano

Lake Bracciano is a perfect destination to visit. The place offers everything for an exciting and useful vacation. The lake and its surroundings are mainly known for the wealth of attractions worth visiting. It’s an excellent location for various activities like excursions, tours of medieval castles, the local wine sampling and much more.

 Castellana Caves (Grotte di Castellana)

Castellana Caves (Grotte di Castellana)

For centuries the superstitious locals believed that the souls of suicides, found dead in the Grave, tried in vain to rise to the heavens in the form of vapors. In fact there’s nothing mystical about the true origin of the caves. Every now and then cattle and careless travelers fell down into the caves in which water running underground gradually dissolved the limestone. The cave system is currently about 3000 meters in length and about 72 meters in depth. The true highlight of the Castellana Caves is the White Cave, considered by speleologists the most spectacular cave of Castellana. Every corner of the cave is adorned with white and translucent stalactites and stalagmites thus forming a hall of majestic beauty.

Tourist Attractions

Tourist Attractions

Cave dwellings in Matera (Sassi of Matera)

Cave dwellings in Matera (Sassi of Matera)

Sassi of Matera is an ancient town with cave dwellings. The term “Sassi” means a hill, rock or stone as well as a piece of substance the dwellings in Sassi are made of. A stone house was carved out of rocks and the stones were used to form a facade with a single window. Often large families, up to 10 people, lived together in one cave alongside their animals and often with big ones like mules.

Temple of of Poseidon in Paestum

Temple of of Poseidon in Paestum

The Temple of Poseidon is often called the Temple of Hera II since a number of inscriptions and statuettes related to the goddess Hera were found nearby during the excavations. The temple has six columns along its shorter front sides and fourteen columns along its longer sides. Besides, the columns have a very strong entasis or curvature down their length. The interior of the temple is divided into three main naves marked by rows of columns. The central columns, stairwells and fragments of frescoes are in an excellent state of preservation.

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii is the city where one of the world's deadliest natural disasters in human history took place. The remains of the buildings destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius as well as human remains were frozen at the moment they were buried under the volcanic ash. Pompeii is among the most spine-chilling places on Earth but at the same time it’s one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Italy.

Royal Palace of Caserta

Royal Palace of Caserta

Caserta is known for its wealth of historical landmarks. The most popular among them is the monumental Royal Palace of Caserta (La Reggia di Caserta), regarded as a true architectural masterpiece. The Palace is surrounded by a huge park the highlight of which is a long alley with amazing artificial fountains and cascades. Part of the park called “The English Garden” is designed as a romantic English garden. The whole area is so large that exploring it by bicycle will be the best solution. Another destination deserving a visit is an idealistic community of workers of the 18th century called San Leucio Complex .

Cities

Cities

Naples

Naples

Located on the northern coast of the Gulf of Naples, the ancient city of Naples is a place of exchange between cultures and languages, a place in which every corner and every detail is unmatched Neapolitan-inspired. The Neapolitans regard themselves as a distinct ethnic group, which is evident in language and culture, as well as in traditions and cuisine. The region is considered to be the birthplace of pizza, Neapolitan songs, guitar and mandolin.

Palermo

Palermo

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is an amazing and comfortable Italian city with a unique and authentic atmosphere. Palermo delivers a magical mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes, the Cathedral with the tombs of the Norman kings and the German emperors, baroque churches and palaces, «Tunnel of Love» and the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, tranquility and peace of the museums and vibrancy of the street markets and the port area. Palermo invites you to plunge into the world where a cosmopolitan culture has been created for thousands of years, a world full of contradictions but still incredibly enchanting.

Bari

Bari

Bari, the capital city of the Apulia (Puglia) region, is nestled right on the heel of Italy’s "boot". The locals, famous for their sense of pride peculiar to all southerners, love to repeat the phrase: “If Paris had the sea, it would be a small Bari”. And that’s not far from the truth. Bari has preserved its medieval charm and due to the wealth of landmarks it can easily compete with Paris’s historic center.

Salerno

Salerno

Salerno is a large seaport on the Tyrrhenian Sea and a capital city of the province of Salerno. It’s one of the real gems of the Amalfi coast (Costiera Amalfitana). The highlight of Salerno is its historic center (centro storico) where the bustle of a typical southern Italian resort is mixed with medieval churches, sweet smelling trattorias and the glow of neon lights of bar windows. The city also features a tree-lined seafront promenade widely considered to be one of the most attractive places in Italy.

Attractions For Kids

Attractions For Kids

AcquaPark Odissea 2000

AcquaPark Odissea 2000

AcquaPark Odissea 2000, one of the most visited water parks in Italy, is located on the beautiful Ionian coast of Calabria. In AcquaPark Odissea 2000 you will definitely have a wonderful and unforgettable day. Odissea 2000 offers everything you could wish for. A wide variety of attractions, slides, pools and many other activities for all ages is a fantastic option to spend a summer day with family and friends.

Naples Zoo

Naples Zoo

Naples Zoo (Lo Zoo di Napoli) is home to a wide variety of exotic animal and plant species living on land and water under conditions close to their natural habitat. Some of the animals are almost hand-raised. Explore pavilions and enjoy watching such examples of fauna as crocodiles, giraffes, elephants, tigers, lions and much more.

Etnaland

Etnaland

An amusement park with roller coasters, water slides, children's attractions and dinosaurs. This amusement park is located in Sicily. The pride of the park is the prehistoric dinosaur park, the largest in Italy, which can be viewed by cable car, and the child should also enjoy the spectacular laser show. But still, as entertainment, mainly, children choose a water park and attractions available here.

Panda Park

Panda Park

Panda Park offers around 20 rides not only for children of all ages but also for the whole family. Youngest kids will enjoy inflatables, trains, trampolines and large ball pools. Here’s a tip for you: A warm dry day is the best time to visit the park, since the majority of the attractions are in the open air.

Museums

Museums

Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa

Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa

In this place in1839, the history of Italian railways originated. The exhibition place is one of the most exciting railway museums in Europe, located between Napopol and Porticichi, right on the first section of the railway built on the peninsula. It occupies an area of 36,000 square meters, part of which is occupied by a wonderful botanical garden with plants from around the world. The collection consists of more than 55 historical mobile compositions: locomotives, wagons, cars, models and models of railways.

Museo Cappella Sansevero

Museo Cappella Sansevero

The chapel of Sansevero (also known as the Church of Santa Maria-Dladla-Pieta or Pietatella) is one of the most important museums in Naples. Located near the Square-D-Domenico Maggiore, this church, now sanctified, adjoins the princes of the princes Sansvere, separated from it, separated from it, once crowned with a suspension bridge, which allowed family members to gain access to the place of worship.

Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum in Naples

Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum in Naples

The Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum also known as Museo Madre is probably one of the most fashionable and interesting museums of contemporary art in Italy. The museum is housed on four floors of a splendid well-organized building with lovely views of the Neapolitan landscapes. The major part of the exhibition space with site-specific installations occupies the first floor, the other three floors host temporary exhibitions. MADRE will be interesting for art lovers as well as for those having only a passing interest in contemporary art and culture.

Museo di Capodimonte

Museo di Capodimonte

Museo di Capodimonte is an art museum in Naples, Italy. It is located in the Capodimonte park, in a former Bourbon palazzo, nestled above the city. The highlight of the exposition is the National Gallery that contains a collection of masterpieces by famous Italian artists of the Renaissance period.

Expert Tips

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Compact car is the best choice

Some of the small cities and villages of Southern Italy have narrow roads, so I would recommend renting a compact car.

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Best way to rich Sicily

The fastest ferry route to Sicily is from Reggio-Di-Calabria, and it takes about half an hour.

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Winery on the Sicily

The tasting of wines on the Hauner winery, Sicily is an excellent addition to your recreation route in Southern Italy.

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San Martino church

Be sure to enjoy a panoramic view of Naples from the top of the San Martino church.

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Go beyond the limits of Naples

If you decide to stay in Naples for several nights, you can make one -day trips on the Amalfi coast, take a boat to the island of Capri or make an excursion to the archaeological monuments of Pompeii.

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Visiting Pompeii

There will be queues in Pompeii, so booking in advance allows you to get in quickly and not waste your time.

Travel Budget

For a couple in Southern Italy

Budget / day Cost (€)
Accommodation from 112€ (Double room with 1 large bed in city center, include breakfast)
Meals 120€ (Good quality budget option)
Entertainment from 20€
Car rental from 25€ (Citroen C5, 5 seats)

For 4 in Southern Italy

Budget / day Cost (€)
Accommodation from 160€ ( 1 very large double bed, The crib is available on request, include breakfast)
Meals 140€ (Good quality budget option)
Entertainment from 30€
Car rental from 24€ (Citroen C1, 4 seats)

Flight duration

01

New York-Naples

9 hours 30 minutes

02

London-Naples

2 hours 40 minutes

03

Sydney-Naples

21 hours 10 minutes

How many days to spend in Southern Italy?

01

Your first trip to Southern Italy

Purpose - visiting key tourist attractions in Southern Italy

7-10 days

02

Long family trip around Southern Italy

Purpose - visiting key tourist attractions, natural beauties , children's amusement parks

10-14 days

03

Romantic Honeymoon around Southern Italy

Purpose - visiting key tourist attractions and natural beauties

14-21 days

Regional Airports

Naples Capodichino International Airport

Naples Capodichino International Airport

Naples

Naples Capodichino International Airport, also known as Napoli Airport, is located in Capodichino, 6 km northeast of Naples city center. Built in 1910 it was originally used as an airfield. During World War II it became a military airport in order to defend the town against German and Austro-Hungarian air attacks.

Bari Airport

Bari Airport

Bari

The Bari Airport, too, was originally a military airfield. Today it’s an airport serving the city of Bari and is located approximately 8 km northwest of the town center. In 2006 the airport was upgraded with the opening of a new passenger terminal.

Palermo Airport

Palermo Airport

Palermo

Palermo Airport, the main gateway for the visitors of the island, is located 30-minutes drive from the city center. Inside the airport the following services are available for passengers: bars, cafes and restaurants, banking, tourist offices, baggage packing, post offices, duty free shops, pharmacy and first aid facility, lounges and VIP lounges.

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport

Catania

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport is located 5 km southwest of Catania. It is named after the opera composer Vincenzo Bellini who was born in Catania. The airport handles around 5 million passengers annually. In 2007 a new terminal was opened in order to cope with the increased passenger traffic.

Best Hotels

Grand Hotel Vesuvio

Via Partenope, 45, 80121 Napoli NA
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Crystalina

Wonderful hotel. Perfect location. Great views of Mount Vesuvius. Excellent restaurant with amazing views from the terrace

Hotel Ambasciatori

Via Califano 18, 80067 Sorrento
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Crystalina

Location is ideal for visiting the old city and for those who arrive by train (5 minutes walk from the station). Spacious rooms, good Wi-Fi and an amazing terrace to have breakfast - all that will make your stay really wonderful. Late checkout for an additional fee is offered, which is a great advantage in hot summer

Art View Luxury Apartment

Corso Cavour, 72, 70121 Bari BA
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Crystalina

Excellent location. Wonderful apartment in a high ceiling house. Very clean. Properly working appliances. Dario, a pretty friendly and welcoming owner, is always ready to give recommendations concerning shops, restaurants and tours

Grotta Palazzese

from 801€

Via Narciso, 59, 70044 Polignano a mare BA
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Crystalina

How about dinner in a grotto created by nature itself? In this place, the sea washed out two large natural openings, resulting in a huge semicircular "hall" with a diameter of about 30 meters. The place is worth visiting at least once, the atmosphere is super, the view is magical. The hotel rooms are beautiful right above the sea. The prices are a little high, but it's worth it!

Approximate Itinerary

Day 1
Centro storico di Napoli

09:00 Breakfast at the hotel

10:30 Visit Palazzo Reale di Napoli

12:30 Walk around Piazza del Plebiscito

14:00 Lunch

15:00 Visit Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola

16:00 Visit Castel Nuovo

18:00 Visit to Toledo metro station

19:00 Dinner

Day 2
Vesuvius volcano, Pompei

09:00 Check-out from the hotel

09:30 Drive to Vesuvius

10:00-13:00 Visit Vesuvius volcano

13:30 Lunch

14:00 Drive to Pompei

14:30-18:00 Visiting Pompei

18:30 Drive to Sorrento

19:30 Check-in in hotel

20:00 Dinner

Day 3
Sorrento

09:00 Breakfast in the hotel

10:00-13:00 Visit Bagni Regina Giovanna

13:00 Lunch in the restaurant on the beach

14:00-16:00 Visit Vallone dei Mulini

16:30 Aperitif overlooking sea coast

17:30-19:00 Visit and walk around park Villa Comunale di Sorrento

19:30 Dinner overlooking sea coast

Day 4
Island of Capri, Monte Solaro

08:30 Breakfast in the hotel

09:00 Check-out from the hotel

09:00-10:30 Drive to the island of Capri

10:30-14:00 Visit Villa San Michele and beach Marina Grande

14:00 Check-in in the hotel

14:00-15:00 Rest in the hotel, lunch

15:00-17:00 Climbing by cable car on Monte Solaro

17:00 Descent from Monte Solaro

17:30 Walk around Piazzetta di Capri and aperitif in local bar

19:30 Dinner overlooking sea coast

Day 5
Grotta Azzurra on the Island of Capri, drive to Amalfi Coast

09:00 Breakfast in the hotel

09:30-11:00 Visit Grotta Azzurra

11:00 -13:00 Rest on the beach

13:00 Lunch in the restaurant on the beach

14:00-15:00 Rest in hotel

15:00 Check-out from the hotel

15:00-17:30 Drive to Amalfi Coast

18:00 Check-in in hotel

18:30 Dinner in the hotel overlooking sea coast

19:30 Evening walk around Amalfi Coast

Day 6
Amalfi Coast

08:30 Breakfast in the hotel

09:30 Rest on the beach Lido delle Sirene

12:00 Walk around center of Amalfi Coast visit Duomo di Sant'Andrea and Garden Chiostro del Paradiso

14:00 Lunch

15:00-18:00 Walk in lemon paths Amalfi Lemon Experience

18:30-20:00 Yacht cruise with dinner on deck

Day 7
Amalfi Coast, Return to New York

08:30 Breakfast in the hotel

09:00-10:30 Visit beach Il Duoglio Spiaggia

11:00-12:00 Return to hotel, shower and check-out

12:30 Lunch

13:00-14:30 Visit Villa Cimbrone Gardens

14:30-15:30 Drive to Napoli airport

19:15 Flight to New York

The Five Pearls of Southern Italy

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Discover the secret corners of Southern Italy, which will add a special charm and unforgettable experience to your trip.
Alberobello

Alberobello

In southern Italy, on the Adriatic coast, there is a small fairy-tale town of Alberobello. The fame of the city was brought by the unique white-stone city buildings - trulli. What is it? Trulli are small houses with obligatory conical roofs. Such buildings are not found anywhere else in the world and therefore, for their uniqueness, they were included in 1996 in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.

Path of the Lemons

Path of the Lemons

The Lemon Trail is a scenic, historic hiking trail that connects the towns of Maiori and Minori and is a special place. Discover the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast on the family-run Lemon Trail, a scenic walk between luscious lemon groves and stunning sea views. Stunning sea views, limoncello, and hiking trails are some of the top things the Amalfi Coast is famous for, and there's one place where you can experience all three of them together: the lemon trail!

Grottoes of Neptune.

Grottoes of Neptune.

The most charming stalactite caves in Sardinia. The grotto is accessible either by boat or via a 654-step staircase. But the most delightful views of the place make it all worth it.

Thermal parks of the island of Ischia.

Thermal parks of the island of Ischia.

What makes the place unique is access to the sea. You can combine relaxation in thermal SPAs and swimming in sky-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Fjord Furore.

Fjord Furore.

Furore is peculiar for its natural beauty. A spectacular fjord with turquoise water and golden beach is surrounded by the coast's steep cliffs and old fishermen houses.

Southern Italian cuisine

Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi

Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi

Via Arena della Sanità, 7 Bis, 80137 Napoli NA

The famous Michelin-starred pizzeriaTre Santi offers you the best traditional Neapolitan pizza as well as unusual combinations. Don't be put off by the long lines, this pizza definitely deserves your attention!

Ristorante President Pompei

Ristorante President Pompei

Piazzale Schettini, 12, 80045 Pompei NA

Get a five-star culinary experience in Pompeii. At a Michelin-starred restaurant, you will have a journey through the tastes of traditional Campania cuisine from Chef Paolo Gramaglia. Trust the chef and you will know what a real gourmet dinner is. The food is very creative, each dish is connected with local traditions.

Casa Mele

Casa Mele

Via G. Marconi, 76, 84017 Positano SA

Casa Mele is one of those cool contemporary restaurants with a lengthy tasting menu and food presented as art – and theater. The slick open kitchen is a window into a high-powered food laboratory from which emerge whimsical pastas, delicate fish in subtle sauces, and outstanding desserts. Casa Mele also runs cooking courses, which include a meal and wine.

Sensi Restaurant

Sensi Restaurant

Via Orfeo Mazzitelli, 258 C, 70124 Bari BA

An exclusive restaurant in Bari dedicated to signature cuisine, in the balance between innovation and tradition. The research in the preparation of the dish, combined with the quality of the raw materials, are the elements that strongly recommend dining at Sensi. Dishes with a unique taste, accompanied by no less excellent wines!

FAQs

01

Do I need a car to travel in Southern Italy?

02

How many days to spend on a trip to Southern Italy?

03

When is the best time to visit Southern Italy?

04

What are the best beaches in Southern Italy?

Emergency telephones

Police: 112

Fire Service: 115

Consulate: (+39) 06.46741

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