The best southern Italy itinerary

Southern Italy is a region with plenty to offer. From Greek temples to baroque churches and trulli houses, the area is full of history and culture. The influence of the Greeks, Romans, Normans, and Spanish is easy to spot in the architecture, food, and traditions. You’ll find cities built into limestone cliffs, streets where pasta is made by hand, and coastal towns perched above the Mediterranean.

10 days in southern Italy overview

This 10-day itinerary takes you through three regions: Campania, with its coastal towns and archaeological sites; Puglia, known for whitewashed hill towns and olive groves; and Basilicata, where things tend to move at a slower pace. You’ll start in Naples and make your way east, ending in Matera. The route is built to give you a clear sense of southern Italy’s variety, without trying to cover too much.

• Day 1: Explore Naples
• Day 2: Naples and Herculaneum
• Day 3: Drive to Positano
• Day 4: Visit Amalfi Towns
• Day 5: Polignano a Mare
• Day 6: Alberobello Day Trip
• Day 7: Bari Day Trip
• Day 8: Explore Matera
• Day 9: Pollino National Park
• Day 10: Travel to Airport

Is 7 days enough in southern Italy?

A week in southern Italy gives you time to focus on one region and still get a good mix of coast, towns, and food. You could stay around Naples, spend a few days on the Amalfi Coast, and use another day or two for Pompeii or Capri. Or go to Puglia and divide your time between Lecce, the Itria Valley, and the coast. Travel takes longer in the south, so it helps to keep the itinerary simple. 

If you rent a car, just make sure you're comfortable driving on narrow roads. With seven days, less is more. Here’s how your Italy trip might look, based on your travel time:

*Indicative price per person for a fully arranged tailor-made trip.

Day 1: Naples

Naples is a city full of character. It’s busy, a little rough around the edges, and packed with history and some of the best food you’ll ever try. This UNESCO World Heritage city is a little chaotic but in a way that pulls me in every time. 

What to do in Naples

I think it's always best to start with an itinerary by hitting the ground running. Though some international travelers might feel a tad jetlagged, the gentle walks of day one of this South Italy itinerary can help.  

Spaccanapoli

Spaccanapoli is a long, straight street that cuts right through the historic center. The name literally means “Naples splitter,” and walking it gives you a real feel for the city. You’re sure to pass laundry lines stretched between buildings, scooters buzzing past (sometimes a little too close), and generally can feel daily life playing out.

Some things we stopped at were the Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, which has an unusual, spiked facade, and the Cappella Sansevero, where the Veiled Christ sculpture was a must-see. It’s hard to describe how detailed and lifelike it looks in person.

Naples underground tour

Beneath Naples' busy streets lies another city entirely—a huge network of Greek-Roman aqueducts, WWII air raid shelters, and ancient catacombs. The underground tour takes you 40 meters below street level through tunnels carved from volcanic rock. This is a memorable, if not unusual thing to do in Naples.

Where to stay in Naples

The historic center is the best place to stay in Naples if you want to be in the middle of everything. You’ll want to look for places near Via dei Tribunali or Spaccanapoli for easy access to the sights. Some ideas:

• Centro Storico: Naples’ historic heart, packed with narrow streets, centuries-old churches, and lively pizzerias. Perfect if you want to be surrounded by history and local energy, with major sights within walking distance.

• Chiaia: An upscale, elegant neighborhood near the waterfront, known for its designer boutiques, stylish cafés, and sea views. Ideal for travelers seeking a more refined and relaxed stay.
• Vomero: A hilly residential district with sweeping views over the bay. It’s quieter than the center, with good restaurants, funicular connections, and a more local atmosphere.

Day 2: Naples and Herculaneum

On the second day of this Southern Italy itinerary, we explored some of the best-preserved history in the region. We went from uncovering the stories of Herculaneum to then seeing some of the incredible treasures that were saved from it.

Herculaneum

Herculaneum often gets overlooked for Pompeii, but it’s just as fascinating—and a bit easier to manage. It’s smaller, so you can cover a lot without feeling rushed, and the details here are stunning (everything from ancient wooden furniture to vibrant frescoes). Don’t miss the Villa of the Papyri, which was once a massive library, and the mosaics in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite. They give you a real sense of how people once lived here. 

National Archaeological Museum

After visiting Herculaneum, the National Archaeological Museum in Naples is a good next stop. It’s where a lot of the artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum ended up, like intricate mosaics and well-known sculptures from the Farnese collection. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, this one is worth checking out.

The Vomero District

The Vomero District is a nice place to end the day. It’s quieter than the city center and easy to get to by funicular. At the top, Castel Sant’Elmo has some of the best views of Naples, Vesuvius, and the bay, especially at sunset. The castle itself, built from volcanic stone, also has a bit of medieval history to explore if you’re interested. You could even maybe grab an iconic Neapolitan pizza while you are here. 

Curious how a local sees this destination? Our local travel experts craft itineraries to show you.

Day 3: The Amalfi Coast: Positano

Positano feels like it was made for postcards; the houses spill down the cliffs in soft pastel colors. The whole town has a relaxed charm. Even though it’s popular, it still feels authentic, with small shops and narrow stairways that were great to explore. This is a must for your Italy itinerary.

How to get from Naples to Positano

The drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is as much a part of the experience as the destination. The coastal road had some really incredible views, especially near Vico Equense and Meta, where we actually decided to stop and take photos. 

If you’d rather avoid the busier main route, there is an alternative through the Monti Lattari mountains. It’s quieter and takes you through towns like Agerola (try local cheese) and past the San Nicola de Thoro-Plano monastery. It’s a slower way to get there, but it’s worth it if you have the time.

Where to stay in Positano

Positano is steep, so choosing where to stay depends on what you’re up for. Higher up, you’ll get better views (and maybe save some money), but there’s more walking involved. 

• Lower Positano (Spiaggia Grande): The most central area, right by the main beach, restaurants, and shops. Ideal if you want to be in the heart of the action and don’t mind some crowds.
• Upper Positano (Chiesa Nuova area): Quieter and often more affordable, with panoramic sea views and a local feel. Expect lots of steps, but the vistas make it worth it.
• Fornillo: A small, peaceful neighborhood just west of the main beach. It’s still walkable to the center but feels more laid-back, with smaller hotels and beach access.

Day 4: Day trip to Amalfi and Atrani

Positano might be the glamorous face of the Amalfi Coast, but Amalfi and Atrani give you a sense of the area's history and everyday life. These neighboring towns are a great contrast—one a powerful medieval maritime republic, the other a tiny fishing village that time seemingly forgot.

Things to do in Amalfi and Atrani

Amalfi was once one of the most important maritime republics, and its history is everywhere you look. The Duomo di Sant’Andrea is the main attraction, with its striped facade and wide staircase leading up to the entrance. If you’re interested in local traditions, visit the Paper Museum, housed in an old paper mill. Amalfi’s handmade paper is famous and was once used for important documents across the Mediterranean. 

Just a short walk from Amalfi, Atrani is tiny and quiet, with a cozy feel. The main square, Piazza Umberto I, is lined with simple houses and small restaurants. At night, it’s especially lovely, with string lights overhead and tables set up for outdoor dining. We stopped at A’ Paranza for fantastically fresh grilled branzino (sea bass), served with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon (a must for any Italy food tour). 

How to get from Positano to Amalfi/Atrani

You can take a SITA bus along the coastal road, but for the best views, I recommend going by boat. From the water, you can get a clear view of the cliffs and the towns perched above them. Once in Amalfi, it’s an easy 10-minute walk to Atrani.

Day 5: Puglia (Polignano a Mare)

Polignano a Mare is known for its dramatic setting, with its white buildings overlooking cliffs above the Adriatic. The sea caves below and narrow streets above give it a distinct character. It’s also the hometown of Domenico Modugno, the composer of "Volare”. 

The coastal path along the Cilento Coast is a less-traveled route through one of Italy's most beautiful national parks. We found that a stop at Paestum, with its ancient Greek temples, breaks up the drive nicely. As you head into Puglia, the landscape becomes flatter and dotted with olive trees.

Things to do in Polignano a Mare

Here's how we spent our time here:

Explore Old Town

The historic center is compact, and we found it easy to explore. Its whitewashed streets seem to be full of small surprises, like poetry written on walls and hidden viewpoints overlooking the sea. The Lama Monachile beach, framed by cliffs and the old town, was definitely a highlight. There are also terraces along the cliffs with stunning views out over the Adriatic.

Where to eat in Polignano a Mare

Polignano is famous for its sea-cave restaurants, like Grotta Palazzese, carved into a cliff above the Adriatic. The local specialty here is raw seafood, especially ricci di mare (sea urchins) and gamberi rossi crudi (red shrimp). Antiche Mura is an authentic and fresh option.

Where to stay in Polignano a Mare

If you want to stay close to everything, look for a place in the historic center. Many accommodations here have really great sea views. For something quieter, the newer part of town has a more modern setting while still being within easy reach of the main attractions.

• Historic center: A maze of narrow lanes perched above the sea, filled with whitewashed houses, small piazzas, and cliffside views. Perfect if you want atmosphere and easy access to restaurants and viewpoints.
• Lama Monachile area: Close to the famous beach and the iconic bridge, this area is ideal for short stays. It’s lively, scenic, and within walking distance of the old town.
• New Town: Just beyond the historic core, this area is quieter and more affordable. You’ll still be close to the center, with easy parking and plenty of local cafés and shops.

Day 6: Day trip to Alberobello

Many come to Alberobello for the trulli—the mysterious cone-roofed buildings that dot the landscape. These unique buildings, made from limestone without any mortar, were originally designed to be dismantled quickly to avoid paying property taxes. You can still spot symbols painted on some of the roofs—mystical markings that were meant to ward off bad luck. 

Things to do in Alberobello

It's easy to find things to do in Alberobello, as it is easily one of the most beautiful places in Italy. 

Explore Trulli District

The Rione Monti district is packed with more than 1,000 trulli. When you walk through the narrow, sloped streets, it really feels surreal. Many trulli are now used as shops, cafes, or small museums. Be sure not to miss the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo, to learn about what life was like in these unique homes. 

Visit Ostuni

Ostuni, also called “La Città Bianca” (The White City), is a hilltop town where every building is painted bright white. We thought that the narrow streets were full of character, and the design helps keep things cool in the summer. The views from the top stretch out over olive groves and the Adriatic.

How to get from Polignano to Alberobello

The drive to Alberobello takes you through Puglia’s Valle d’Itria, a peaceful stretch of olive trees and vineyards. If you have time, stop at a masseria (a traditional farmhouse) for some local olive oil, wine, or cheese.

Day 7: Day trip to Bari

Bari, the capital of Puglia, has a lively, urban feel that’s a bit different from the smaller towns nearby. It’s a working port city, but Bari Vecchia, the historic old town, feels like time hasn’t changed much over time. The narrow streets are maze-like and feel full of life. Wandering through them really gives you a real sense of the city’s roots. 

Things to do in Bari

Here's how I'd recommend you spend your time in Bari: 

The culinary delicacies of Bari

One thing Bari does really well is food. In Bari Vecchia, you’ll find the “pasta ladies” making orecchiette, the local ear-shaped pasta, right outside their homes. Their expertise is really fascinating to watch. While you’re there, grab a slice of focaccia barese topped with tomatoes and olives.

Cultural sites

The Basilica di San Nicola is a must-see. It’s a Romanesque church from the 11th century that houses the relics of Saint Nicholas (the patron saint of Children who inspires the modern day Santa Claus). Afterward, take your time exploring Bari Vecchia. Its small squares have a lot of charm.

How to get from Polignano to Bari

The drive from Polignano a Mare to Bari takes about 30 minutes along the SS16 coastal road. Along the way, you’ll catch views of the Adriatic Sea, olive groves, and small towns dotted with whitewashed buildings. It’s a short and relaxed journey.

Day 8: Matera

Matera is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. People have been living here for thousands of years, carving homes and churches into the limestone cliffs. 

Things to do in Matera

Here's how I would spend day 8 of this South Italy itinerary:

The Sassi

The Sassi—Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso—are Matera’s historic cave districts and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Exploring these ancient limestone homes and churches, some with centuries-old frescoes, helps you get a picture of what life has been like here up until the 1950s. Once abandoned, many caves have now been restored into hotels, restaurants, and museums. I highly recommend booking a walking tour; it was fascinating.

Evening drinks in a cave

When the sun sets, head to a cave bar for a drink. These spots keep a lot of their original features but feel cozy and welcoming. It’s a really interesting way to experience how these spaces have been repurposed.

Where to stay in Matera

If you’re up for it, staying in a converted cave is worth it. They’ve been updated with modern comforts but still keep the unique character of Matera. Just be prepared for some steep steps in certain places!

• Sassi di Matera (Sasso Caveoso & Sasso Barisano): The most atmospheric areas to stay, with cave hotels built into the ancient stone dwellings. Perfect if you want to experience Matera’s history up close and enjoy stunning views at night.

• Centro Storico (Upper Town): Just above the Sassi, this area has easier access, fewer steps, and plenty of restaurants and shops. Ideal for those who want charm without the steep climbs.

• Modern Matera: A short walk from the historic center, this area offers more affordable hotels, parking, and convenient transport links. Great for practical travelers.

Day 9: Basilicata

Basilicata is one of Italy’s least-visited regions, known for its rugged mountains, quiet forests, and villages where traditions hold strong. This is Italy's wilderness, where you might drive for hours without seeing another tourist. It’s peaceful, remote, and one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. 

Pollino National Park hike

Pollino National Park, Italy’s largest, stretches across Basilicata and Calabria. It’s known for its ancient Bosnian pines and wide-open spaces. There are trails for everyone, from easy strolls through flower-filled meadows to steeper hikes up Mount Pollino. We brought a picnic with local favorites like Senise peppers and Caciocavallo Podolico cheese—simple but delicious. 

How to get around Basilicata?

The roads in Basilicata are curvy and slow-going, but the views make up for it. Along the way, you might pass a tiny village perched on a cliff or a valley filled with olive trees. Castelmezzano is worth a stop—it’s a small, picturesque village tucked into the mountains.

Where to stay in Basilicata

When travelling through Basilicata, you’ll have a range of places you can stay:

• Castrovillari: A great spot for exploring Pollino National Park, with plenty of history in its old town.
• Viggianello: A quiet mountain village with stunning views and a laid-back feel.
• Matera: A bigger town that’s comfortable but still close to nature.
• Metaponto: A peaceful coastal town with ancient ruins nearby.

Day 10: Basilicata

Unfortunately, this was the end of our Southern Italy itinerary. If you want to make the most of your last day, you might want to consider visiting Craco, a haunting ghost town abandoned due to landslides. Or, if you’re near Matera, you might want to check out the rock churches for one final Basilicata stop.

How to get to Bari airport

The drive to Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport can be a scenic end to your Italy trip. Taking the route through Pollino National Park and along the Ionian coast adds a little extra time but gives you a last glimpse of everything that makes this region special (like mountain landscapes and endless olive groves).

If you have time, you might want to stop at:

• Montescaglioso: Quiet and charming, with impressive rock churches.
• Monopoli: A coastal town with a pretty waterfront and cobblestone streets.
• Putignano: Famous for its lively carnival, even outside the season

This longer route wraps up your trip with some of southern Italy’s most beautiful views.

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