Southern Italy Highlights

Italy's third-largest city is a bustling port rich with history, cultural monuments, various attractions, and great food.

Italy's most significant archaeological museum houses relics from Pompeii and other Roman cities, as well as many exquisite artworks.

Established in the 16C, this small church features a wealth of remarkable artworks by some of the leading 18C masters.

Dating to the 3C, this catacombs are an ancient pre-Christian cemetery, retaining most of its original structure.

Narrow winding streets, sprawling piazzas, quaint shops, and good cafes - all these unite into a charming center worth exploring.

Skirting the Salerno Gulf, this scenic drive will afford you breathtaking views, many options for interesting stops on the way.

A great spot from which to explore the riches of the Amalfi coast, this picturesque town offers lush views and historic buildings.

Naples' main cathedral dates to the 13C and boasts a wealth of ecclesiastical relics, frescoes, paintings, murals, and other artwork.

The 18C-19C residence of King of Naples, this luxurious palace features a history museum and superb historic decor.

From thrilling water-sports to relaxing sunbathing, Naples' numerous beaches offer a great variety of activities for any taste.

Set in a hillside cave and used in the 17C for interment of the dead, this cemetery offers a macabre glimpse into the past.

While Positano is a small village, little compares with its pastoral beauty, white Moorish houses, and gorgeous turquoise bay.

Many opt to drive, but some choose to hike this incredible scenic road, named for the Roman temples that once stood here.

Connected to Procida by a bridge, the beautiful moon shaped island is a remnant ridge of an ancient volcanic crater.

Still in use until 1965, the 18C prison jailed several famous prisoners, including a future President of Italy Sandro Pertini.

A most striking town, Matera seems to hail straight from the middle ages, rich in churches, fine buildings, and history.

Hewn into the rock, these ancient cavernous dwelling date to the 70C BC at least and are the heart of the town.

You can wander for hours through Mater's old town and feel like you're transported back to the middle ages.

Erected in the 13C to overlook the entire town, this medieval cathedral is home to Byzantine murals and fine ecclesiastical relics.

Located on a small hill, this uniquely constructed fortress dates to the 13C and affords lovely views of the surrounding area.

Abandoned in the 1980s due to natural disasters, this ancient town dates to the 6C BC and retains a unique almost-biblical scenery.

Venture into the forests, trace the rivers, and climb the mountains dominating this national park, home to fascinating wildlife.

Dotted with historic Greek towns and adjacent to a few marine reserves, this national park offers hiking and diving opportunities.

Visit the home of Vincent Brunetti, an artist who has transformed his estate into an explosion of colorful mosaic and sculptures.

Italy's largest national park sprawls along the Pollino Massif, featuring archaeological relics, diverse flora, and interesting fauna.

Perched on a cliff that affords great views, this lovely town features superb beaches, several monasteries, and historic sites.

Prominently positioned on a rocky outcrop, this medieval monastery offers great views and houses a notable Byzantine painting.

Grab a coffee or a pastry and head off to explore the nooks and crannies of this lovely center, as well as its historic streets.

Spend the day enjoying the beauty and the serenity of this sandy beach, listening to lapping waves and the chatter of travelers.

Boasting historic landmarks and archaeological sites along with rich nature and wildlife, this national park is great fro hiking.

Take your time exploring the many peaks in this national park, each with its breathtaking views and gorgeous natural landscape.

Beautiful coastal town with great beaches, food and historic sites. A good base for exploring mount Etna.

The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is a good base for exploring the other volcanic isles in the region.

Climb a 1,250 steps to reach the top pf this steel tower, and enjoy the magnificent views overlooking the Strait of Messina.

Although Reggio Calabria is the oldest city in the region, its history is balanced by its modern urban system and amenities.

A great spot from which to explore the riches of the Amalfi coast, this picturesque town offers lush views and historic buildings.

Enjoy fine veiws of Mount Vesuvius, Island of Capri, and the entire Amalfi coast from various vantage points scattered around town.

Stroll along Sorrento's central streets, lined with quaint shops overflowing with nice souvenirs, ceramics, and local delicacies.

Skirting the Salerno Gulf, this scenic drive will afford you breathtaking views, many options for interesting stops on the way.

While Positano is a small village, little compares with its pastoral beauty, white Moorish houses, and gorgeous turquoise bay.

Many opt to drive, but some choose to hike this incredible scenic road, named for the Roman temples that once stood here.

Connected to Procida by a bridge, the beautiful moon shaped island is a remnant ridge of an ancient volcanic crater.

Italy's third-largest city is a bustling port rich with history, cultural monuments, various attractions, and great food.

Still in use until 1965, the 18C prison jailed several famous prisoners, including a future President of Italy Sandro Pertini.

Carved by a volcanic eruption 35,000 years ago, the valley now boasts unique vegetation, as well as remnants of an ancient mill.

Dotted with historic Greek towns and adjacent to a few marine reserves, this national park offers hiking and diving opportunities.

Once a Roman resort for the extravagantly rich, the currently underwater city draws divers to explore its sculptures and architecture.

Set in the heart of a nature reserve, this volcano has been active as recently as the 16C, and is surrounded with great hiking paths.