20 Things To See and Do in Southern Italy
Photo Tour Through Southern Italy
Known for a stunning coastline that is often referred to as the most beautiful place in Europe, southern Italy has magnificent offerings for anyone looking for a luxurious holiday. Brave the winding coastal roads, or hop among numerous islands to discover hidden historic towns and bustling cities. In the region, you’ll shop till you drop, eat like royalty, and relax in a perfect sunny climate. There is so much to see and do, you’ll want to stay for as long as possible in southern Italy!
Time Travel at the historic Pompeii
Nothing is as dramatic as walking through a city frozen in time—over 2000 years ago! In 79 AD, the city was quickly buried by volcanic ash, preserving it for seventeen centuries. Sitting in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius, legend says there wasn’t even a word for volcano in Latin before the eruption. A visit to Pompeii can easily take the entire day, but you can still see most of the highlights in a 4-hour visit.
Sample fresh caught seafood
Despite other classic dishes like pizza, pasta, and cannolis, southern Italy is also famous for its seafood! If you can’t make up your mind on what fish to order, try the seafood risotto which makes use of a variety of delicious seafood morsels. You can find mixed seafood dishes on all menus along the coast, from Positano to Capania. Some restaurants even invite you aboard a fishing boat for half a day, so that you can catch your dinner yourself.
Hike the lonely Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius towers above the Gulf of Naples as a looming volcano that has been silent for over 70 years. However, as the only active volcano in mainland Europe, Vesuvius needs to be seen up close to be appreciated. It’s an easy walk, but plan for the 4-kilometer hike to take two hours. Don’t worry, even though Vesuvius is an active volcano it won’t start spewing lava when you’re halfway up. Technology these days means scientists can predict an eruption at least two weeks in advance.
Buy handmade leather sandals
In any of the quaint pastel beach towns, you can find made-to-measure sandals, custom leather sandals. Using only the finest Italian leather, durable and sometimes bejeweled sandals have been handmade on the coast and in the islands for generations. You can have them custom-soled, etched with your initials, and even set with specific gems, while you wait for lunch. What better souvenir for you or a loved one than perfect footwear!
Sit beneath lemon trees in Sorrento
A small resort town with a big reputation, Sorrento is known for lemon trees, luxurious hotels, and plunging seaside cliffs. The town’s longstanding fame comes from its well-placed location as the gateway to the Amalfi. Close to Naples and a variety of islands, regular fast-ferry connections will have you zipping up the coast in no time from Sorrento. However, since the town is so scenic it’ll be difficult to leave.
Visit pastel bliss at Positano
Probably the most photographed area on the Amalfi Coast, Positano showcases sun-bleached houses stacked along a seaside cliff. For the best view of the gravity-defying town, make sure to get a glimpse from the beach. The beach is stone instead of sand, but that doesn’t stop the millions of tourists looking for the best view. After a famous story written by John Steinbeck, many well-known artists, musicians, and writers have visited the famous village—including Pablo Picasso, Lawrence Olivier, Paul Klee, and Mick Jagger. The best way to travel to Positano is via ferry, which runs multiple times a day in high season.
Soak up the sun at one of many beaches
Hidden beneath soaring cliffs are coves of secluded beaches, some of which can only be approached by boat, whereas others are only found via steep mountain stairs or narrow paths. Along the southern Italian coast, you’ll find few sand beaches as most are stone-pebble beaches. This makes a rented colorful lounge chair with a matching umbrella all the more attractive. Most beach venues are owned by private beach clubs, which have changing tents, showers, and restrooms.
Roadtrip along the Amalfi Coast
Traveling via ferry is definitely the most convenient option while venturing along the Italian coast. However, if you are looking for some more adventure and searching for the best hidden views, you’ll have to rent a car. The area is known for winding and curving cliff-side roads, and combined with the well-known stereotype that Italians are not the most patient drivers, means this type of travel is not for the feint of heart. However, renting a car is the best way to see the hidden gems along the coast. If driving, make sure to rent an old Alfa Romeo convertible or Fiat 500 for the true Italian feel.
See the edge of the world at the Terrace of Infinity
Situated at the Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, the so-called “Terrace of Infinity” offers the best view in Southern Italy, perhaps Europe as well. The terrace, decorated with Roman busts, overlooks the sea and the Amalfi coast. There you can see the union between the sea and the sky with varying shades of blue melting together. Besides the impeccable view, you can also walk the gardens and see other art collected through the centuries.
Live the lemon lifestyle!
From lemon drinks to lemon candy and lemon ice cream, southern Italians sure love their yellow fruits. At night, make sure to sample local Limoncello—a liqueur made from the zest of lemons—as an after-dinner dessert alongside a lemon-tea called a canarino. During the day, wander into a lemon-themed shop to buy lemon candies and lemon-sorbet served in a lemon. With tons of lemon trees dotting the seaside cliffs, you can find lemon-themed items everywhere in southern Italy.
Feel famous on the island of Capri
Known for housing the famous and elite since the ’60s, the famous island of Capri is only a short ferry ride from the main ports of Sorrento, Napoli, and Amalfi. If you are feeling fancy, you can even rent a private boat and depart whenever you feel. On Capri, you can enjoy a coffee in the buzzing piazzetta, shop for designer goods on the luxurious Via Camerelle, and even take a chairlift to the top of the mountain for a bird’s eye view of the island and the Mediterranean.
Find good luck with red-horned chiles
When traveling to southern Italy, you will see red horn-shaped talisman charms called cornicelli. They look similar to chili peppers and many are hanging over shops and storefronts. Since ancient times, people have been using the horns to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. The color red is significant for Neapolitans as it signals victory, protection, and luck. Find your own luck with an official cornicelli amulet, or at least a red chili from the market.
Soak in natural springs on the island of Ischia
Compared to its famous neighboring island, lesser-known Ischia has been a spot for enthusiasts for centuries. The volcanic activity on the island has created numerous natural springs both inland and along the sea. There are many resorts on the island offering soaks, massages, mud-baths and all the spa-related activities you can dream of. Some resorts are traditional and have been around for a hundred years, whereas others are brand-new with all the amenities you can expect from a luxury spa retreat. After partying late in the night on Capri, make sure to take care of mind, body and soul with a visit to Ischia.
See Italy’s capital of culture on the little island of Procida
Procida, a tiny island in the Bay of Naples, was named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022 while beating out heavyweight candidates Rome, Florence, and Venice. With only 10,000 inhabitants and 2 square miles of land, the small but colorful island is the first island to win the culture title. Walk through the marina to see the colorful houses that the island is famous for, which were traditionally a way for fishermen to identify them from their boats. Afterward, take a short bus to the other side of the island to escape the crowds and enjoy large stretches of white sandy beaches.
Shop the streets in Napoli
Offering both high fashion boutiques and low-cost shops and souvenirs, Naples offers endless possibilities for those who want to dedicate themselves to shopping. Apart from clothing, you can also find various antiques, herbs and souvenirs in the city. In the Chiaia neighborhood, you’ll find luxury shops—such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Bulgari, Moncler, Armani—as well as the oldest retailers in Neapolitan fashion. In the Vomero district, you can find the Antignano market alongside numerous restaurants, ice-cream places, and cafés for a delicious stop while shopping. On Toledo street, you can find big commercial chains and famous global brands, but with moderate prices. If you want to shop, a trip to Napoli is a must.
Dine in the Spanish Quarter of Napoli
Originally a downtrodden area thought best to avoid, the Spanish Quarter has transformed itself to be one of the hippest places in Naples. The district has become a refuge for Neapolitan pop culture with the presence of small workshops, artisans, and cafes. Built on the side of a hill, the tight neighborhoods are characterized by a maze of alleys and stairs decorated with hanging lights, linens and street artwork. Make sure to visit during a Napoli soccer match to see people gathering in the streets at local bars and cafes while watching the match on projectors.
Let loose and go dancing!
If anyone knows how to have fun, it’s the Italians. Known for high levels of energy and exuberance, the southern Italians are always up for some singing, dancing and good times whether at a family restaurant, disco, or even in the streets. With dinner usually being served as late as 9 PM, you’ll need to stay awake to fully appreciate the festivities. However, one shot of Italian espresso and you’ll be ready to dance all night long. Before you go, make sure to learn the classic sing-along songs such as “Ti Amo,” “Sara perche ti amo,” and “vespa especial” to be a part of the good times.
Indulge in sweet treats
Those with a sweet tooth will find much to enjoy on a visit to southern Italy, since the region boasts a wide variety of indulgent cakes and desserts. Indulge in unbelievable sugary sweets such as Cannolis from Siciliy, Sfogliatellas from Naples, and lemon sorbet from Sorrento. There are so many sweet treats to try that if you go to southern Italy on a diet, you’ll quit within an hour. If you visit around the holiday season, you’ll even be able to smell nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves in the streets.
Enjoy Neapolitan Pizza
Probably the best reason to come to Italy is to eat, and obviously pizza is at the top of the culinary bucket list. What better place to try an authentic Neapolitan pizza than the city of Naples? There are many pizzerias claiming to be the oldest and best, but don’t fret. Take a walk down a crowded side street, look for a nice oven, and choose from there. Also, if you get a pizza to go, remember that Italians don’t cut their pizzas so you’ll have to fold it in half and eat it like a calzone.
Explore Underground Caves
Stretching deep underground the city of Naples, you’ll find hundreds of old extensive tunnels traversing the city. As the centuries passed, these tunnels have been used for different pursuits, such as construction for the city, Roman aqueducts, and even as World War 2 bunkers. Furthermore, you can see remnants of each era. The two most recommended tours are either Naples Underground, which describes the history and even takes you to an underground roman amphitheater, or Bourbon Tunnels, which describes an underground passage used for royals escaping the ancient palace.