The essential destinations to visit in the South of Italy

Discover where to go in Southern Italy with our guide to the most magical cities, islands and coastal regions.

Southern Italy is bordered by marvellous stretches of coastline. It boasts islands whose shores tell the story of millennia past, and is home to cities whose cultures have been enriched for generations, and which are among the must-visit places in Italy in summer.

Southern Italy has a lot to offer and is one of the best destinations for families to visit in Italy. Follow us along the steep roads of the Amalfi Coast to the picturesque towns of Puglia, through the long and rich history of Naples, stretch out in comfort on the sandy beaches of Sicily or climb the peaks of Sardinia.

For even more inspiration for your next vacation in the Italian sun, check out our article on the most beautiful destinations on the Italian coast.

THE MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS IN THE SOUTH OF ITALY

The best of the Southern Coast of Italy

• Amalfi Coast
• Puglia

The must-visit city of South Italy

• Naples

The most beautiful islands in Southern Italy

• Sicily
• Sardinia
  
  

ALONG THE STEEP CLIFFS OF THE AMALFI COAST

To reach the Amalfi Coast, wind your way along the winding Strada Statale 163, from Positano to Ravello. Every bend reveals a new treasure to explore, whether it's a pastel-colored town perched on a cliffside or another breathtaking view of the cobalt-blue sea.  Beaches lined with colorful umbrellas dot the rugged coastline, and jagged rock formations loom between sea and sky.

During your getaway to the Amalfi Coast, take a day trip by boat to the island of Capri, where the Blue Grotto, a small cave whose submerged entrance allows light to seep in, awaits you.

Take the boat again to a restaurant nestled in a quiet cove, and enjoy delicious Mediterranean dishes while admiring the lapping of the sea. Finally, enjoy a Limoncello made from local fruit.

The dolce vita of a vacation on the Amalfi coast is a must in southern Italy, and with Le Collectionist you can savor every moment of it.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy

Perched on the hills overlooking the town of Positano, Villa Chiara is an ideal location for your stay on the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy your morning coffee on the lovely terrace and watch the yachts and fishing boats silently sail into the bay below.

Where to stay:

• Villa Chiara, Positano, Italy
• 12 persons
• Indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, hammam, lift, panoramic sea and mountain views
• From 15 005 € to 35 720 € per week
  
  

visit the spectacular cities in puglia

Along the coast of Italy's heel of the boot, heavenly beaches are interspersed with mesmerizing towns where some of southern Italy's most delicious pasta varieties are made and olive oil is grown on rich, ancient farmland. Puglia is one of the must-visit areas in southern Italy, with lively cities like Bari, the magnificent architecture of Lecce, which has become known as the "Florence of the South", as well as charming sites and idyllic beaches.

Explore the charm of the most beautiful masserias in Puglia, Italy.

Polignano a Mare is home to one of Italy's most beautiful beaches. Access the beach through the gates created by the arches of a Roman bridge, walk down the path to the sea, spread out your towel and take your seat in front of the spectacle of the water lapping and glistening in turquoise ripples against the steep cliffs.

Where to stay in Puglia in Southern Italy

In the province of Bari, Masseria Capricorno is an authentic trulli, a haven of peace in the heart of Italian nature. Surrounded by olive trees, relax in the pool before enjoying a traditional feast prepared for you by the in-house chef.

What to know: 

• Masseria Capricorno, Puglia, Italy
• 8 persons
• Heated swimming pool, view of nature, garden, barbecue, prepared breakfast, air conditioning
• From 16 005 € to 25 005 € per week
  
  

the bay of NAPLES, POMPeii and HERCULANUM 

With Pompeii, Herculaneum and their remains on the other side of the bay, art galleries brimming with important works and a cathedral with frescoed walls, Naples is a beloved destination for travellers curious about history and culture.

But Naples is no museum town! Its delicious cuisine delights visitors from all over the world with disconcerting ease. The mere mention of the fact that Naples is the homeland of the famous "La Tavola" will have a profound effect on gourmets. This magical city also caters for lovers of outdoor activities, with hikes on the formidable Mount Vesuvius, scuba-diving trips or a stroll through the flourishing botanical gardens.

On the other side of the bay, you'll find the Sorrento peninsula, from where you can easily reach Capri and the Amalfi coast. For all these reasons, Naples is one of the best places to visit in Southern Italy.

Where to stay in Naples in the South of Italy

La Villa Vesuvius, comme son nom l'indique, offre des vues spectaculaires sur la baie et le mont Vésuve. La vie est faite pour être vécue en plein air dans cette villa paradisiaque, que ce soit depuis le toit ou la somptueuse piscine du jardin.

Villa Vesuvius, as its name suggests, offers spectacular views of the bay and Mount Vesuvius. Life is meant to be lived outdoors in this heavenly villa, whether from the rooftop or the sumptuous garden pool.

What to know: 

• Villa Vesuvius, Sorrento, Naples, Italy
• 8 persons
• Swimming pool, Mediterranean garden, view of the sea and the Bay of Naples, air conditioning
• From 8 700 € to 14 915 € per week
  
  

SICILY AND THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

In Sicily, you'll find everything you could imagine of an Italian destination: history, great cuisine and superb panoramas. It's the Mediterranean's largest island to visit, and an ideal dream destination for history buffs. The Valley of the Temples, part of our bucket-list of things to do in Sicily, is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of classical Greek civilization and is sure to impress all visitors.

To speak of Sicily is also to evoke boundless natural beauty. To the east of the island stands Mount Etna, and on the edges of the island you'll find soft sandy beaches. What also makes Sicily a must-see is the wealth of small islands scattered along its most beautiful beaches. Take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands, jewels of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Where to stay in Sicily in the South of Italy

Located by the sea, Villa Mare will immerse you in a summer atmosphere. Here, move from the pool to the beach, while a gentle breeze soothes your skin warmed by the summer sun.

What to know: 

• Villa Mare, Sicily, Italy
• 6 persons
• Heated swimming pool, sea view, Mediterranean garden, barbecue, fireplace
• From 3 500 € à 9 005 € per week
  
  

 DISCOVER THE COSTA SMERALDA IN SARDINIA, AN ISLAND WITH AN INCOMPARABLE DECOR

Choosing a beach on which to spend summer days in Sardinia is no mean feat. Along the Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast, so named by the Aga Khan, you'll find a multitude of fine sandy beaches bordered by crystal-clear waters. In our opinion, this is one of the most elegant places to visit in southern Italy, where true luxury and untouched nature coexist in perfect harmony.

For sports enthusiasts, there are numerous hiking trails for all levels in the island's mountainous interior. Or simply stroll through the charming town of Port Cervo, where boutiques discreetly line the typical streets. Sardinia's idyllic island will appeal to everyone, which easily puts it on our list of must-visit places in Southern Italy.

Where to stay in Sardinia in Southern Italy

Villa Abbondanza, located on the northeast coast of Sardinia, boasts a garden extending right down to the villa's private beach. Nature presides over this haven of peace, and the song of the cicadas gently reminds us of this happy reality.

What to know: 

• Villa Abbondanza, Sardinia, Italy
• 17 persons
• Swimming pool, view of the sea and nature, garden, sauna, home chef
• From 43 750 € to 112 505 € per week
  
  

frequently asked questions

With Le Collectionist, your luxury vacation in Italy is sure to be a memorable one. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in one of our luxury villa rentals in Southern Italy.