SOUTHERN ITALY

Southern Italy is a land where ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes come together in a timeless embrace. In the regions of Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia, each road winds through sun-soaked hills, dramatic coastlines, and towns steeped in tradition, offering a journey as rich and diverse as the land itself.

Campania, home to the iconic Amalfi Coast, offers some of Italy’s most celebrated vistas. The cliffside towns of Positano and Ravello seem to defy gravity, their pastel buildings clinging to rugged cliffs above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Inland, the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum whisper tales of a distant past, while Naples, with its chaotic charm and world-famous pizza, captures the heart of Italian life. Yet, Campania reveals its hidden depths in the quieter corners, like the serene Cilento Coast or the ancient town of Paestum with its Greek temples.

In Basilicata, the landscapes shift to something wilder, more untamed. With its labyrinth of stone-carved Sassi dwellings, the ancient city of Matera feels like stepping back in time. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a place where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Beyond Matera, the Pollino National Park offers rugged mountains and untouched wilderness, a haven for hikers and adventurers seeking solitude and breathtaking views.

Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, greets you with its endless olive groves, whitewashed villages, and turquoise seas. The charming town of Alberobello is famous for its trulli—unique conical-roofed houses that look straight out of a fairy tale. Along the coast, the medieval grandeur of Otranto invites exploration, while the beaches of the Salento Peninsula rival the Caribbean for their crystalline waters. Puglia’s cuisine, from orecchiette pasta to fresh burrata, is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, best enjoyed under the warm glow of the southern sun.

Southern Italy is a feast for the senses, where every meal, every view, and every encounter feels imbued with a deep sense of history and joy. Whether strolling through ancient ruins, lounging on golden beaches, or enjoying a glass of local wine in a quiet piazza, this road trip is about savoring life in all its forms.