Best Places to Visit in South Italy: Routes, Best Time & Travel Tips

Best Places to Visit in South Italy

South Italy offers an experience that feels deeply rooted in history while remaining vibrantly alive in everyday life. Among the most popular South Italy places, Naples stands out for its raw energy, where busy street markets, centuries-old churches, and neighbourhood pizzerias create a constant rhythm of local life. The scent of freshly baked Neapolitan pizza fills the air as Mount Vesuvius looms in the distance, shaping both the landscape and the region’s past. Just outside the city, the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum invite visitors to walk through ancient Roman streets, villas, and amphitheatres preserved in extraordinary detail beneath volcanic ash.

The Amalfi Coast delivers some of Europe’s most dramatic coastal scenery, where winding roads link cliffside towns like Positano and Amalfi. Here, pastel houses cascade towards the sea, historic cathedrals dominate town squares, and boat rides reveal hidden coves along the Tyrrhenian coastline. Offshore, Capri and Ischia are known for scenic walking trails, thermal spas, and relaxed seaside towns.

Further south, Sicily reveals layered history through Greek temples at the Valley of the Temples, lively historic quarters in Palermo, and sweeping coastal views from Taormina overlooking Mount Etna. Waterfront districts like Ortigia in Syracuse add Baroque elegance and a slower pace of life. Exploring these destinations through well-planned Italy tour packages allows travellers to experience South Italy’s landscapes, cuisine, and culture in a seamless and memorable way.

Key Regions in Southern Italy:

1. Campania (Naples & Bay of Naples)

Naples: Historic coastal city known for Spaccanapoli, a UNESCO-listed old town, Neapolitan pizza, and vibrant nightlife around Piazza Bellini.
Amalfi Coast: Scenic coastline featuring Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, known for cliffside towns, cathedrals, sea views, and boat rides.
Pompeii & Herculaneum: Exceptionally preserved Roman cities buried by the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Capri & Ischia: Islands in the Bay of Naples offering coastal walks, shopping streets, thermal hot springs, beaches, and boat excursions.

2. Sicily (East, West & South Sicily)

Palermo: Sicily’s capital, famous for Arab-Norman landmarks, street markets like Ballarò and Vucciria, and nearby Monreale Cathedral.
Taormina: Hill town on Monte Tauro with Ionian Sea views, Teatro Greco, Corso Umberto, and proximity to beaches.
Mount Etna: Europe’s largest active volcano near Catania, offering guided hikes, lava fields, skiing areas, and panoramic viewpoints.
Valley of the Temples (Agrigento): UNESCO World Heritage Site with major Greek temples such as Concordia and Olympian Zeus.
Ortigia (Syracuse): Historic island core with Fonte Aretusa, Syracuse Cathedral, Temple of Apollo ruins, and Maniace Castle.

Best Places to Visit South of Italy

01

Amalfi Coast – Amalfi, Positano, Ravello

The Amalfi Coast is among the most striking South Italy places, where steep cliffs plunge into turquoise waters and colourful villages cling dramatically to the coastline. Wandering through Amalfi, you arrive at the grand Amalfi Cathedral, a powerful reminder of the town’s maritime past.

In Positano, narrow lanes lead past boutiques selling handmade sandals along Via dei Mulini and Via Cristoforo Colombo before opening onto beach views at Spiaggia Grande. High above the coast, Ravello offers a quieter escape, where Villa Rufolo’s gardens frame sweeping sea vistas. As evening falls, seaside dinners and music venues like Music on the Rocks bring the coast to life.

How to Reach: The Amalfi Coast is located around 6.3 km from the Ravello city centre. You can reach it in approximately 18 minutes via SS373.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

Approx. Duration: 1–2 days

Highlights:

Amalfi Cathedral’s Arab-Norman architecture and historic cloister (Chiostro del Paradiso).
Positano’s vertical layout with stairways leading from town lanes to Spiaggia Grande.
Ravello’s elevated viewpoints at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone overlooking the coastline.
Scenic coastal drives and boat rides revealing hidden coves and sea caves.

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02

Naples

Naples is a high-energy coastal city where history and everyday life unfold side by side along the Mediterranean, making it a highlight of well-planned Naples tour package. Exploring the UNESCO-listed historic centre, you walk past ancient churches, castles, and Roman-era remains that reveal layers of the city’s past. Strolling down Spaccanapoli, the narrow street cutting through the old town, immerses you in local life with bakeries, small shops, and street conversations.

Naples is the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, and tasting it fresh from a wood-fired oven is an essential experience. As night falls, neighbourhoods like Piazza Bellini fill with cafés, wine bars, and lively conversations, capturing the city’s unmistakable spirit.

How to Reach: Naples is situated about 80 km from the Campania city centre. It will take you around 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach there via A16.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October

Approx. Duration: 1–2 days

Highlights:

UNESCO-listed historic centre with landmarks like Castel Nuovo and San Gennaro Cathedral.
Spaccanapoli as the main artery dividing the old city, lined with churches and workshops.
Authentic Neapolitan pizza from historic pizzerias using traditional wood-fired ovens.

03

Sicily

Sicily is a destination where ancient culture and dramatic coastal scenery shape every journey. Wandering through Palermo, you experience over two thousand years of history through bustling street markets, local food stalls, and landmarks such as Teatro Massimo. One of the most relaxing things to do in Italy is slowing down by the sea, and Mondello Beach offers the perfect escape with its turquoise waters and seaside promenades.

The island’s landscape shifts dramatically around Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, where guided hikes reveal lava fields and sweeping views. Further south, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento showcases well-preserved Greek ruins, making Sicily among the best places to visit in the south of Italy. From seaside walks to tasting fresh cannoli, Sicily offers a rich and immersive South Italy experience.

How to Reach: Take a ferry from Naples to Palermo, and then drive for 205 km to reach Sicily via A19 in 3 hours and 9 minutes.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October

Approx. Duration: 4–6 days

Highlights:

Palermo’s Arab-Norman monuments, including Palazzo dei Normanni and Teatro Massimo.
Valley of the Temples in Agrigento showcasing large-scale Greek Doric architecture.
Coastal escapes like Mondello Beach offering easy access from major cities.
Mount Etna’s volcanic terrain with guided trails and cable car access points.

04

Pompeii & Herculaneum

Walking through Pompeii and Herculaneum feels like stepping into a frozen chapter of ancient Roman life, making them truly Southern Italy's best places to visit for history lovers. Both towns were buried after the powerful eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving streets, buildings, and daily routines in extraordinary detail.

In Pompeii, you walk along stone-paved roads and explore villas, temples, bathhouses, theatres, and public forums. Nearby, Herculaneum reveals elegant seaside homes with intact wooden beams, furniture, mosaics, and everyday objects, offering a glimpse into Roman life.

How to Reach: Pompeii & Herculaneum are located 32.5 km away from the Naples city centre. You can reach them in approximately 30 minutes via E45.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October

Approx. Duration: 4–6 hours

Highlights:

Pompeii’s Forum, amphitheatre, and preserved Roman streets with original paving stones.
Wall frescoes, public baths, and household shrines offering insight into Roman life.
Herculaneum’s multi-storey buildings with preserved wooden doors and furniture.
Carbonised food remains and everyday objects rarely found at other Roman sites.

05

Capri & Ischia

Capri and Ischia are counted among the best places to visit south of Italy, located in the Bay of Naples near Sorrento and easily reached by ferry. Capri is a small island known for steep coastal cliffs, walking paths, and viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors usually spend time exploring Capri Town, relaxing at cafés, shopping for local products, and enjoying boat rides around the island.

Ischia is larger and volcanic in nature, known for thermal hot springs and wellness experiences. Maronti Beach is popular for its naturally warm waters, while Cartaromana Beach allows visitors to see submerged Roman ruins close to the shore.

How to Reach: The distance between the Naples city centre and Capri is around 38.9 km. It will take you around 1 hour and 38 minutes to reach there via Capri-Napoli. On the other hand, Ischia is located around 54.4 km away from the Naples city centre, which can be reached in 1 hour and 49 minutes through A56 and Pozzuoli-Ischia.

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Approx. Duration: 1 day each

Highlights:

Capri’s Faraglioni rock formations visible from coastal boat tours.
Ischia’s volcanic landscape supporting natural thermal spas and wellness centres.
Cartaromana Beach’s shallow waters revealing submerged Roman ruins.
Capri Town’s Piazzetta as the social centre with cafés and shops.

06

Palermo

Palermo is one of the best places to visit in the south of Italy for travellers interested in history, food, and coastal life. As Sicily’s capital, the city showcases Arab-Norman heritage through major landmarks such as the Palazzo dei Normanni, home to the Palatine Chapel, and the monumental Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house.

Just outside the city, the Cathedral of Monreale features extensive gold mosaics depicting biblical scenes. Daily life is best experienced at Ballarò and Vucciria markets, known for street food like arancini and panelle. For scenic viewpoints, Mount Pellegrino offers clear views over Palermo’s harbour and coastline.

How to Reach: Palermo is situated around 187 km from the Sicily city centre. It will take you around 2.5 hours to get there via the A19.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October

Approx. Duration: 1–2 days

Highlights:

Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palatine Chapel with Byzantine mosaics.
Ballarò and Vucciria markets known for authentic Sicilian street food culture.
Mount Pellegrino viewpoints overlooking Palermo’s harbour and coastline.
Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house, offering guided interior tours.

07

Taormina

Taormina is a scenic hill town on Sicily’s east coast, perched on the slopes of Monte Tauro and counted among the best places to visit in south of Italy. From its terraces and viewpoints, you get uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna rising dramatically in the distance.

Walking through Taormina means navigating narrow stone streets lined with cafés, boutiques, and historic buildings. The highlight is the Teatro Greco, a 3rd-century BC theatre of Taormina still used for performances and known for sunset views. Landmarks like Palazzo Corvaja and Duomo di Taormina add historical depth, while Corso Umberto leads towards beach access below.

How to Reach: To reach Taormina, you need to travel for 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Sicily city centre via E45, covering a distance of about 100 km.

Best Time to Visit: April to June

Approx. Duration: 1 day

Highlights:

Teatro Greco’s cliffside location with views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Corso Umberto as the main pedestrian street with historic buildings and shops.
Easy access to beaches like Isola Bella via cable car.
Hilltop viewpoints offering sunrise and sunset photography opportunities.

08

Mt. Etna

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano and one of the most striking South Italy places to explore. Located near Catania on Sicily’s east coast, Etna was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its geological and scientific importance. Visiting Etna allows you to join guided summit tours, walk across hardened lava fields, or hike marked trails inside the Etna Park Nature Reserve.

In winter, skiing is possible at Nicolosi and Piani di Provenzana. A highlight is Valle del Bove, a vast depression with craters and lava flows offering panoramic views towards the Ionian Sea.

How to Reach: Mt. Etna is situated approximately 71.4 km from the Sicily city centre. You will reach there in 1 hour and 22 minutes via SS288.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October

Approx. Duration: Half day to full day

Highlights:

Guided summit excursions from Rifugio Sapienza or Piano Provenzana.
Valle del Bove’s vast volcanic basin with visible lava flows and craters.
Etna Park Nature Reserve featuring forests, lava fields, and hiking trails.
Seasonal skiing facilities at Nicolosi and Piani di Provenzana.

09

Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the most remarkable and beautiful places in South Italy for travellers interested in ancient history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the remains of Akragas, once one of the most powerful Greek cities in the Mediterranean.

Walking through the valley, you move between open landscapes and almond groves dotted with monumental Doric temples. The Temple of Concordia stands out as one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Nearby, the vast Temple of Olympian Zeus reveals massive Telamones statues, while the Temple of the Dioscuri remains a defining symbol of Agrigento.

How to Reach: The Valley of the Temples is located around 2.1 km from the Agrigento city centre. It will take you around 4 minutes to reach there through Via Francesco Crispi and Via Passeggiata Archeologica.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October

Approx. Duration: 2–3 hours

Highlights:

Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples globally.
Temple of Olympian Zeus with massive Telamones stone figures.
Almond groves and open archaeological pathways across the ancient city of Akragas.
Evening illumination tours enhancing architectural details.

10

Ortigia (Syracuse)

Ortigia is the oldest and most atmospheric part of Syracuse, connected to the mainland by Ponte Umbertino and Ponte Santa Lucia. Exploring Ortigia means walking through narrow stone lanes lined with historic homes, cafés, and sea-facing promenades shaped by Greek, Roman, and Baroque periods.

One of the island’s highlights is Fonte Aretusa, a rare freshwater spring located right beside the sea. The Syracuse Cathedral rises directly from an ancient Greek temple, while the nearby Temple of Apollo reflects the city’s early origins. At the southern tip, Maniace Castle offers sweeping Ionian Sea views, securing Ortigia’s place among the most historic South Italy places.

How to Reach: The distance between Ortigia and the Syracuse city centre is about 2.4 km. You can easily cover this distance in 9 minutes via Viale Luigi Cadorna.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October

Approx. Duration: Half day

Highlights:

Syracuse Cathedral built directly over an ancient Greek temple structure.
Fonte Aretusa, a rare freshwater spring beside the sea.
Temple of Apollo ruins marking Syracuse’s earliest Greek settlement.
Maniace Castle offering coastal views at the island’s southern edge.

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Best Places to Visit in South Italy