Southern Italy is a very fascinating destination, famous for its beaches, food, quality of life, and warmth. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful coasts of the whole Peninsula, with crystal clear water and a significant Mediterranean scrub. Even though the Southern Regions are similar in some aspects, they have some differences in their cultures, languages, traditions, and even landscapes.

Apulia, Campania, Sicily, there are many lands to discover and a lot of delicious food to taste. In this article, you will find some recommendations for a tour in Southern Italy, the main stops of a road trip that will make you discover the beauty of this part of the Peninsula.

Starting point: Bari, Apulia

Bari, the main city in Apulia, is the perfect starting point for your road trip. It is well connected, thanks to its airport and the train station, so it won’t be difficult for you to reach it. We suggest you spend around three days in Apulia, having Bari as your fixed point, where you can also stay in one of our homes.

In Bari, you can visit the historical center, where you can discover artisan shops, typical restaurants, and magnificent squares. You will also find the Basilica of San Nicola, in Apulian Romanesque, an important point of contact between Catholics and Orthodox. A monument you absolutely must visit is the Norman-Swabian Castle, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Then, a walk on the seafront will help you rest and relax, while watching the beautiful landscape and breathing the sea breeze.

From Bari, you can also easily reach Ostuni, the so-called white city, due to the color of its buildings. You will love walking among the alleys of the city, among artisan shops and beautiful landscapes, surrounded by the Apulian countryside.

Moreover, a walk in the countryside will help you get in contact with the territory since you will also have the chance to taste the delicious oil and the fine wine produced here.
Lastly, don’t forget to swim in the awesome sea: in Apulia, there are some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.

A few tips about food: Apulian cuisine is one of the best and most famous. You have to taste orecchiette with turnip greens, taralli and burrata.

Second stop: Napoli

From Apulia, you will reach Napoli very easily, it’s only a few hours away. Two or three days in Napoli will be enough for you to discover the wonders of this unique city, living in an authentic home. You will walk along Spaccanapoli, a street that splits the historical center in two, as well as visit the beautiful squares and admire Vesuvius. From Piazza del Plebiscito, you will get to the seafront, so you can discover the beauty of the gulf, ancient castles, and breathtaking landscapes. Here you can find a soundtrack for your trip to Napoli.

Moreover, a visit to the ruins of Pompeii is mandatory, in order to discover the glory of the Ancient Romans. The buildings were covered with lava after the eruption in 79 b.C., so they have been kept intact throughout the millennials.

You can also decide to stay one day longer and visit the Amalfi Coast, with the beautiful towns overlooking the sea: a breathtaking landscape.
Lastly, you absolutely have to try Neapolitan food, among the tastiest ones in the whole world. Napoli is the homeland of pizza, which is fantastic here: thanks to certain weather conditions and the ingredients of the territory, the Neapolitan pizza is unique in the world. In addition to that, you must also try pasta with potatoes, as well as mozzarella, the most imitated product in the world.

Third stop: Palermo

From Napoli, you can reach Palermo, both by plane and by boat: the two cities, which have centuries of history in common, are indeed well connected.

Three days in Palermo will help you get in contact with the truest side of Sicily, with its mix of cultures, history, and traditions of immeasurable value. You can check our homes in Palermo in order to live an authentic Sicilian stay.

You will have the opportunity to visit the Palace of Normans, home of ancient emperors, the Palatine Chapel, and the Cathedral, which is a mix of Norman and Arabic architecture.
In Palermo, you also have to visit Ballarò and Vucciria, the traditional markets of the city, where you can find fresh food, with a mix of flavors and colors.

Moreover, in summer, you will love the beaches near Palermo, with crystal-clear water. Among those, there is Mondello, a very elegant and peculiar beach.
Don’t forget to taste the local specialties, such as arancine, cannoli, and pane e panelle.

Last stop: Siracusa

From Palermo, in West Sicily, you will easily get to Siracusa, in East Sicily, around 3 hours away. You will have the chance to live the magic of Magna Graecia, as well as Sicilian Baroque in all its glory. In fact, Siracusa was founded as a Greek colony, and it was one of the most important cities during the Hellenistic period, in conflict with Athens.

The historical center of Siracusa, the island of Ortigia, is the most suggestive part of the city, rebuilt in Baroque style after a violent earthquake. In Ortigia, you have to visit the Duomo, whose Baroque structure incorporated the pre-existing Greek temple of Athena. You also have to visit the temple of Apollon, one of the most beautiful Doric temples.

Moreover, there is also the Greek theater, located in a very suggestive position, from which you can admire the sea.
From Siracusa, you also have many opportunities to visit the surrounding area: you can either choose Val di Noto or the near Catania, especially recommended for young people.

You must try the culinary specialties of this area, such as arancini, pasta alla norma, cassata, and cannolo.

You can check our homes to live a holiday like a true local.
We also recommend you some songs for your trip to Sicily, they will help you get in the mood and fit in with the locals.

You have an itinerary and some suggestions… you just need to pack your stuff and leave for Southern Italy!

June 21st, 2021