Close your eyes for a second.
Imagine standing in a sunlit piazza, the smell of fresh pizza floating through the air, and centuries-old buildings towering around you. That’s Southern Italy for you — raw, breathtaking, and packed with stories.
If you’re dreaming about an unforgettable adventure, you’ve landed in the right place. This guide will walk you through the southern Italy cities you simply have to experience, all tied together in the perfect southern Italy itinerary.
Ready to fall in love? Let’s go.
Table of Contents
Why You Need to Visit Southern Italy
Look, Northern Italy is beautiful, no doubt. But Southern Italy?
It’s a whole different vibe — richer, deeper, and somehow more alive.
The southern Italy cities feel real, Gritty and Colorful.
One minute you’re eating the best pasta of your life; the next, you’re staring at a 2,000-year-old ruin wondering how you got so lucky.
If you crave stunning beaches, ancient towns, mouthwatering food, and that sweet, laid-back life Italians do so well — this southern Italy itinerary will be your new favorite thing.
Southern Italy Itinerary Snapshot
How much time do you need? Honestly, the more time you have, the more places you can travel. But if you’ve got around 7–10 days, you can cover a lot. Spring and early fall are perfect — sunny but not scorching, and you’ll avoid the worst of the tourist crowds.
Here’s the vibe:
- Days 1–2: Dive into Naples
- Days 3–4: Cruise through the Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello)
- Day 5: Chill in Sorrento
- Day 6: Wander the ancient stone streets of Matera
- Day 7: Play fairytale in Alberobello
- Day 8: Get artsy in Lecce
- Days 9–10: Eat and explore your heart out in Palermo and Catania
Every stop on this southern Italy itinerary has a little magic waiting for you.
Southern Italy Cities That Will Steal Your Heart
1. Naples
Naples is wild — and I mean that in the best way.
It’s loud, chaotic, a little rough around the edges, and absolutely unforgettable. When you bite into a real Neapolitan pizza here, it’s not just food — it’s a religious experience.
- Get underground — literally. Explore the Naples Underground tunnels.
- Hang in Piazza del Plebiscito, where the buzz of life never stops.
- Eat your weight in pizza — no judgment.
Starting your southern Italy itinerary in Naples just sets the tone perfectly.
2. Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello)
You know those travel posters with colorful houses clinging to cliffs?
Yeah, those are real. The Amalfi Coast feels almost too beautiful to be true.
- In Positano, every stairway feels like a secret.
- Amalfi will charm you with its duomo and piazza vibes.
- Ravello? Oh man, the views from Villa Cimbrone are worth every single step.
If romance and drama had a baby, it would be the Amalfi Coast — and no southern Italy itinerary should skip it.
3. Sorrento
Sorrento is sunshine wrapped in lemon trees.
It’s the kind of town where you’ll want to just slow down, grab a gelato, and live. Wander around the old town, shop for handmade goods, and don’t miss sunset at Marina Grande.
You can practically taste the salt in the air. Sorrento keeps things chill while still stealing your heart — essential for any list of top southern Italy cities.
4. Matera
Matera feels like another world.
It’s ancient, carved right into the rocks — literally.
Walking through Matera’s Sassi neighborhoods at dusk, with lights twinkling in ancient cave homes, is a feeling you’ll never forget.
Trust me, there’s nothing else quite like it.
Put Matera high up on your southern Italy itinerary —you’ll thank yourself later.
5. Alberobello
If a fairytale exploded into real life, it would look like Alberobello. Tiny Trulli houses with their pointy roofs line the streets, looking like something out of a dream.
It’s touristy, sure — but in a way that still feels like magic if you let yourself wander away from the main crowds.
Even if you just stop for a few hours, Alberobello’s charm will stick with you.
6. Lecce
Lecce is like Florence’s cooler, lesser-known cousin.
It’s artsy, historic, and full of that southern soul.
Take your time here.
- Marvel at the Baroque facades.
- Sip an espresso in a sleepy piazza.
- Catch a street musician playing under golden evening light.
Lecce brings elegance and warmth into your southern Italy cities checklist.
7. Palermo (Sicily)
Palermo hits you like a shot of espresso.
It’s gritty, colorful, and so full of life it almost hums. You’ll fall in love with its crumbling palaces, vibrant street markets, and the smell of fried goodies hanging in the air.
Make sure to:
- Wander through Ballarò Market
- Marvel at the Palatine Chapel
- Eat arancini until you physically can’t anymore
Including Palermo in your southern Italy itinerary brings a bold, unforgettable flavor.
8. Catania (Sicily)
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got Catania.
Set at the foot of Mount Etna, this city’s heartbeat is strong and fiery — just like the volcano nearby.
Catania’s black lava stone streets tell stories of resilience and rebirth.
Grab a granita (Italian ice), stroll down Via Etnea, and if you’re up for adventure, go hike up Etna itself! Ending your journey here feels like closing a book you never wanted to finish.
Final Thoughts
Southern Italy is messy. It’s beautiful. It’s real.
The southern Italy cities you’ll visit aren’t just pretty backdrops—they’ll get under your skin in the best way. Whether you’re getting lost in Naples’ chaos, watching the sunset in Positano, or sipping wine in Lecce’s quiet corners, this southern Italy itinerary will give you stories to tell for a lifetime. So pack your comfiest shoes, your biggest appetite, and a wide-open heart.
Adventure — and a whole lot of pasta — awaits.