Although Italy ranks as one of the most popular tourist destinations, most visitors never spend any time in southern Italy. As diverse as this nation is, the south presents so many wonderful places to discover, in my opinion. These are only a few of the places that I have visited, and I hope you enjoy the photos I’ve taken from these interesting southern Italy destinations. The photo above is the town of Cefalù, located on Sicily’s northern coast.
CEFALU
What turns out to be one of my best photo opportunities is a group of elderly Sicilian men sitting on a bench in Cefalù. I enjoy watching these men as they converse with each other and laugh every so often. As I ponder their lifestyle in Sicily, I realize this camaraderie is such an important part of the Sicilian culture. I think the Sicilians are much more adept at appreciating their lives, even though each day may be simple and yet difficult at times.
POMPEII
In the southern region Campania, only about 15 miles from Naples is the vast archaeological site of Pompeii, not far from the coast of the Bay of Naples. Its reputation well-deserved, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts three million visitors each year and has been a tourist destination for more than 250 years.The Archaeological Park is impressive and covers a total of 44 hectares, or 108 acres. Due to its sheer size, I suggest when planning a visit to schedule a minimum of 2-3 hours to visit the site.
POSITANO
The Amalfi Coast town of Positano is my favorite place in Italy. Its sheer beauty is reason enough to make this a must-see destination, in my opinion. Positano is a walking town, and only local shuttle buses can navigate the streets here as they are so steep and have endless turns. John Steinbeck described it perfectly in an article published in 1953 by Harper’s Bazaar: “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone. Its houses climb a hill so steep it would be a cliff except that stairs are cut in it.
GALLIPOLI
The crystal clear blue waters off the coast of Gallipoli attract visitors to enjoy its beaches, arrange a fishing excursion, or eat some of the freshest seafood caught in the Ionian Sea. Known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, this historic port town in the region of Puglia only has about 20,000 residents. It is a perfect spot to relax, get to know the locals, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
MATERA
If you are looking for something really off-the-beaten-path, you’ll find it in Matera. Located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, the Sassi of Matera constitute a huge complex of churches, homes, monasteries,and hermitages built into natural prehistoric caves. A Unesco World Heritage site, these cave dwellings have been restored into homes, hotels, restaurants, and more. Because of these sassi (cave dwellings) appearances, several movies have been filmed here. Mel Gibson’s 2004 film, The Passion of the Christ was filmed here. Scenes from the re-make of Ben-Hur were also shot here, and 1000 Matera residents had non-speaking parts in that film. No Time to Die and Wonder Woman also used the sassi of Matera as filming locations. A note for travelers: Matera is definitely not a place for anyone with mobility issues. There is a lot of walking and most of it is on uneven ground and staircases.
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What is your favorite memory from southern Italy?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment.
Grazie and Ciao
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A story guaranteed to warm your heart! When a grandmother embarked on a two-week travel adventure to Italy with her eighteen-year-old twin granddaughters, Margie Miklas’s long-awaited dream became a reality. Excited to share her beloved Italia, she hoped to create a special experience they’d treasure for the rest of their lives. Two adolescents touched their grandmother’s heart in ways that left her the gift of cherished memories from this emotionally rewarding journey.
Let me know what you think!
rose
I spent a month in Sicily and another in Sardinia. what could be wrong? NOTHING. Everything and everywhere is wonderful. I try to go back every year. I’ll stop off in Rome or Palermo on my way to or back from somewhere,
thewineandfoodtraveller
I have been going back to Italy on a regular basis since 2016. I enjoy the people, the lifestyle, & obviously the food and wine. So much so I developed a blog to help promote everything Italian. In 2019 I spent a month in Sicily and now I am taking a group of friends back to explore the island in September. Mt Etna wines are my favourite and I am so looking forward to getting back there.
margieinitaly
That is great, Bruce! I certainly know the feeling of falling in love with Italy and returning over and over again. It is wonderful that you took a month to explore and enjoy Sicily. There is so much to see! I will definitely check out your blog! Great to connect!
Anonymous
Sicily is the most wonderful island – so much to see and delicious food
margieinitaly
Absolutely true….and the people are so friendly too. Thank you.
Anonymous
I love Southern Italy and first went to the Island of Ischia in the bay of Naples as a teenager; I’m now 79, and have continued to go there from time to time since. I took the family there last year to show them the Island, and although it ha become more developed, it is still relatively unspoiled.if you go, one of the best trips is to go to the summit of Mount Epomeo, the central extinct volcano in the middle of the island one night to see the moon set and the sun rise. In typical Italian style the group always clap when it happens!!
margieinitaly
This family trip sounds amazing, Neil. I’m sure they will remember it forever. It must have been emotional to return with your family yo a place you first visited as a teen. Very cool. I’ve seen movies filmed in Ischia and have wanted to go there, but have never made it. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on this post. I appreciate it. Ciao.
Tracy Ennis
I fell in love with Trapani, Sicily. We went to favignana and went swimming in the Mediterranean and the Ionian Sea. It was beautiful. Saw Erice. Went to San Vito lo Capo ate fresh seafood. Just wonderful. Going in 2026! Can’t wait.
margieinitaly
Thank you Tracy for sharing your experiences! Trapani is beautiful. So glad you got to go to Erice and all those other places…. And really excited for you that you are returning this year!
Dixie Fleege
I went on a tour with Italians to Puglia it was fantastic then Sicily which I loved more than ever so much more that I am going back to show my cousin.
margieinitaly
That is wonderful, Dixie. I certainly know that feeling of always wanting to return!
Anonymous
I love that image of Matera.
margieinitaly
Thank You so much!
Lynne Latham
They all look interesting, Matera, Wow!
margieinitaly
Thank You Lynne