Most Beautiful Places in Southern Italy (Relaxing Spots)

Italy is one of the world’s greatest natural attractions, and you can find the most beautiful regions in Italy. Your time in Italy will not be completed in weeks or months. Italy amassed a list of the world’s top natural attractions, most beautiful places, most historical sites, and safest countries to visit. According to that, we couldn’t skip Italy’s Southern area in our “Top Regions to Visit & Relax in Italy” list. We offer the best collection in Southern Italy for your easy selection and planning.

The southern part of Italy is known as the Mezzogiorno, which translates to “midday.” This region is rich in history and is considered an important artistic center. The region is home to a number of Italy’s oldest cities, in addition to a significant number of archaeological monuments that date back to the time when it was a part of Ancient Greece.

Some tourists are drawn here because of the area’s historical significance. In contrast, others come for the balmy weather of the Mediterranean and the island lifestyle. In the following paragraphs, take a peek at some of Southern Italy’s most popular tourist spots.

**Southern Italy**, Picture credit en.wikipedia.org

01 Campania

Campania, in southwestern Italy, is where you will find the country’s most well-known archaeological sites and most breathtaking stretches of coastline. Campania is one of the most prominent areas in Southern Italy. It is renowned all over the world for its pizza. For me, the coast is far more attractive than the interior.

Naples, the regional capital, is a thriving metropolis nestled between the distinctive gray cone of Mount Vesuvius and the deep blue seas of the Golfo di Napoli. The beautiful Costiera Amalfitana, Capri island, Procida, and Ischia, Naples’s chaotic yet hilarious city, the Royal Palace of Caserta, and the most famous Italy icon ruins of Pompeii are just a few of the many attractions in the area.

Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are some of the pastel-colored villages you can find along the Amalfi Coast, which is located in the south of Italy. These towns are situated between cliffs and the ocean.

Most attractive places in Campania

Costiera Amalfitana
Capri island
Ischia island
Procida island
Borbone Royal Palace of Caserta
Naples
Pompeii & Herculaneum
Positano village
Ravello village
Amalfi coast
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
Sorrento
Paestum

02 Apulia (Puglia)

Apulia is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Puglia is a region in southern Italy that forms the heel of Italy’s “boot.” Puglia is famous for its hill towns that are whitewashed, its farmland that dates back centuries, and its coastline that stretches for hundreds of kilometers along the Mediterranean.

Lecce is often referred to as the “Florence of the South” due to its baroque architecture. Bari, the capital of Apulia, is a bustling port and university town. The breathtaking city of Lecce is known for its baroque architecture. I also recommend going to Bari, the region’s capital and then continuing to Castel del Monte. Trulli is a distinctive stone hut with conical roofs. Alberobello and the Itria Valley are residents of many of these structures.

The surrounding countryside, full of quaint whitewashed villages such as Locorotondo and Polignano a Mare, is also amazing.

Most attractive places in Apulia

Castel del Monte
Alberobello
Itria Valley
The town of Locorotondo
The town of Polignano a Mare
The city of Bari
The city of Lecce

03 Basilicata

Basilicata is a mountainous and forested region in southern Italy that is likely the most underrated region in Italy. The area is known for its olive groves and wine. Although it is located between Campania and Apulia, the population density here is quite low. It is surrounded by the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas and the regions of Calabria and Puglia to the south.

The lovely city of Matera, which is sculpted into the rock, is, in my opinion, one of the best discoveries that can be made in the region of Basilicata. The Sassi neighborhood of Matera is what brings the city of Matera its fame. Sassi is a sprawling complex of cave houses built into the hillside that dates back thousands of years. There are approximately 150 rock-cut churches in the Murgia Matera area, a ravine between Matera and Montescaglioso.

Several small towns are charming, such as Rotondella and Ferrandina. Other attractions I enjoy visiting include the Christ of Maratea, which offers a breathtaking panorama, and the abandoned village of Craco. If so, the dormant volcano Monte Vulture, which is home to several springs, is somewhere you should go.

Most attractive places in Basilicata

The Christ of Maratea / Cristo Redentor (The Statue of Christ the Redeemer)
Monte Vulture
Sassi di Matera
Melfi Castle
The abandoned village of Craco
The town of Rotondella
The town of Ferrandina
The city of Matera
Il Borgo (Maratea Old Town)
Ride the Volo dell’Angelo (Ange Flightl)
Pollino National Park
Metaponto Archaeological Park & Museum
Lonian Coast

04 Calabria

The region of Calabria is the most southern part of Italy’s peninsula. Calabria is located in southwestern Italy and is the “toe” of the boot-shaped peninsula that makes up Italy. It is a sunny area with rocky mountains, quaint villages, and a dramatic coastline with many well-known beaches.

The Riace Bronzes are a famous pair of Greek warriors that date back to the 5th century B.C.E. and can be found in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in the city of Reggio Calabria, which is the region’s largest and most populous city.

Calabria is well known for its chili peppers, Tropea red onions, and nduja sausage. In addition to its culinary prowess, the region is home to stunning cliffs and coastal regions, such as the ones in Le Castella and Marasusa (both in Tropea), as well as some lovely cities and towns such as Cosenza, Morano Calabro, and Scilla. Another great attraction in Calabria is the Cattolica di Stilo, which dates back to the Byzantine era. Calabria has the unfortunate distinction of being Italy’s most impoverished and seismically active region.

Most attractive places in Calabria

Le Castella
Tropea and the beach of Marasusa
Cattolica di Stilo
The town of Morano Calabro
Morano Castle
The town of Scilla
The city of Cosenza
Riace Bronzes / Riace Warriors

05 Sicily

Sicily, located off the southern coast of Italy, is a captivating destination renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. The island is blessed with diverse landscapes, including picturesque coastlines, stunning beaches, rolling hills, and majestic mountains. From the sparkling turquoise waters of Cefalù and Taormina to the rugged beauty of the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain ranges, Sicily offers an abundance of natural wonders to explore.

In terms of visiting places, Sicily is known for its archaeological sites, such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, which showcase the island’s ancient past. The historic city of Palermo, with its vibrant markets, impressive architecture, and rich cultural heritage, is a must-visit. Other notable destinations include the picturesque town of Taormina, the charming fishing villages of the Aeolian Islands, and the vibrant city of Catania, nestled beneath the towering presence of Mount Etna.

If anyone asks Is Sicily Dangerous? Regarding safety, like any destination, it’s important to exercise caution and be mindful of your surroundings. While there may be isolated incidents of crime, most visitors to Sicily enjoy a safe and memorable experience by taking basic precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being mindful of their belongings.

Sicily is known for its delicious cuisine, influenced by a blend of Mediterranean flavors. It is famous for its fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and delectable desserts such as cannoli and granita. Additionally, Sicily’s vibrant festivals, including the colorful Carnival of Acireale and the stunning Infiorata flower festival in Noto, showcase the island’s lively cultural traditions.

Overall, Sicily offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical treasures, mouth-watering cuisine, and warm hospitality, making it a remarkable destination to explore and experience.

This is the end of our “Most Beautiful Places in Southern Italy” This is also part of the collection of Italy’s guide to finding the Top Regions to Visit & Relax in Italy. We suggest you if we missed some places, don’t forget to add them to our comment section, and you can share this with your friends and travel lovers to enhance their travel knowledge.