The Best Southern Italy Trip:
There is nothing like a European summer. The South of Italy is one of the best areas of the world to visit during the summer months. You need more than one Italian summer holiday to get a taste of the country; that’s why following a Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days is one of the best ways to go about exploring.
Southern Italy boasts a more laid-back lifestyle compared to the North, with beautiful coastal villages, ancient sites, rugged mountains, incredible seafood and beautiful beaches. During a South Italy trip, you must see the ancient ruins in Rome, eat pizza in Naples, enjoy the beautiful beaches along the Amalfi Coast and wander through the charming villages of Puglia.
Like Northern Italy, I’ve also traveled through much of the country’s southern part. In this article, discover the best Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days.
If you want to add to this Southern Italy itinerary, I suggest also visiting Sicily.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
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Traveling to Southern Italy for 2 Weeks
The best way to visit Southern Italy for a two-week trip is to fly to and from Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.
Unlike a Northern Italy itinerary, it’s not as easy to follow a Southern Italy itinerary by train. By doing a Southern Italy road trip, seeing smaller towns and visiting more remote, off-the-grid locations will be much easier. In that case, you must pick up a rental car from Rome.
If you need to take public transportation around Italy, it’s best to download the Omio app for trains and buses. Trenitalia operates Italy’s state-run rail network.
When renting a car in Italy, you must have an international driver’s permit and your regular license. If you live in the U.S., you can quickly obtain one by visiting your local AAA office.
Even though having your own vehicle is the best way to see a lot of the Amalfi Coast and Puglia, driving in Southern Italy presents a few challenges and one of those is dealing with windy, narrow streets. It’s best to get a compact car during your trip!
Southern Italy Weather by Month
The best time to visit Southern Italy is during the warmer months to enjoy the beaches, coastal towns and cities. Below are the average Southern Italy temperatures by month: (The below information is based on the average weather for Naples, Italy.)
- May: Average highs are in the mid 70s°F, and average lows are in the upper 50s°F, with around five days of precipitation.
- June: Average highs are in the lower 80s°F, and average lows are in the mid 60s°F, with around three days of precipitation.
- July: Average highs are in the mid 80s°F, and average lows are in the lower 70s°F, with around two days of precipitation.
- August: Average highs are in the mid 80s°F, and average lows are in the lower 70s°F, with around three days of precipitation.
- September: Average highs are in the lower 80s°, and average lows are in the mid 60s°F, with around six days of precipitation.
Perfect European Summer Southern Italy Itinerary for 14 Days
Since Italy is a popular summer destination for people worldwide, you must plan ahead when booking hotels, accommodations, transportation, excursions and dining.
Whether you’re solo traveling, on a romantic Italian holiday, doing a family vacation or a girl’s/guy’s getaway, discover what to see in 14 days in this thorough itinerary for Southern Italy.
Day 1: Arrive in Rome and Explore the Ancient Sites
It’s no secret that Rome, the capital, is one of the best places to visit in Southern Italy. Rome is a timeless city that is romantic and historic, which offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, artist, fashion lover, adventurer, etc. A Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days is incomplete without spending a few days in the “Eternal City.”
When arriving in Rome, Italy, check into your hotel and settle in. Below are the best hotels in Rome based on budget:
Luxury Accommodation: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Boutique Accommodation: The Liberty Boutique Hotel
Mid-Budget Accommodation: Sophie Terrace Hotel
Budget Accommodation: The Bee Hive
Rome also has a plethora of rental properties.
One of the best things to do on your first day in Rome is to enjoy delicious Italian food. Overall, Rome has an incredible culinary scene and you won’t have difficulty finding a great restaurant.
An excellent restaurant for lunch that is centrally located is Osteria da Fortunata. What makes this restaurant special is that you and your party can enjoy fresh and homemade pasta made by an Italian nonna.
Some of the top dishes to enjoy at this restaurant are cacio e pepe, which is a traditional Roman spaghetti dish served with parmesan and black pepper sauce; spaghetti pomodoro, which is a traditional pasta dish served with tomatoes and basil and carbonara, which is a spaghetti served in a creamy egg and cheese sauce.
From there, head over to the Colosseum, the most iconic landmark in Rome and one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It was built in 80 AD and was an active amphitheater for over 500 years, where gladiatorial fights, executions and exhibits of exotic animals took place.
Even though seeing the Colosseum will amaze you, I suggest booking tickets to go inside. There is also an underground area where you can purchase tickets and walk through the tunnels where gladiators once prepared for battles.
Situated within a short walk to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, which was once a district of temples, basilicas, and public spaces that held celebrations, trials, elections, gladiator events and more. It’s one of the most fascinating places you’ll visit during your 2 weeks in Southern Italy.
Other ancient sites to see as you wander around Rome are The Temple of Hadrian, the Pantheon and the Altare della Patria Roma.
For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at Il Corallo Ristorante & Pizzeria.
Day 2: Go Back in Time by Exploring Rome
Your second day in Rome will be filled with visiting historical sites. One of the best places to see early morning to experience fewer crowds is the Trevi Fountain. This beautiful fountain is the largest in the city and dates back to 19 BC.
Not only can you visit this Roman landmark, but there is also an underground section that includes an aqueduct that feeds water into the Trevi Fountain. You must book a tour to visit this archeological site.
After seeing the Trevi Fountain, fuel up for the day by getting a traditional espresso and pistachio-filled cornetto at L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi, which is across from the fountain.
From there, you must see the Spanish Steps, which have been around since 1725 and have attracted many artists and photographers over the years. (Please remember that you can no longer sit on the Spanish Steps as they are a preserved historical site.)
Located near the Spanish Steps is the Villa Borghese, known to have the finest gardens in Rome. One of the best ways to explore the entire park is by renting a scooter.
You must eat lunch at L’orso 80 in the Piazza Navona area. It’s a quaint restaurant that serves authentic Italian food from spaghetti and clams to cacio e pepe.
A Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days is incomplete without visiting Vatican City. It’s a city-state independent of Rome and is considered the seat of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. Book your tickets in advance to visit the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Walking through the 26 Vatican museums will take quite a few hours. Some incredible masterpieces inside the Vatican are the Last Judgement by Michelangelo, the gilded bronze statue of Hercules, The Entombment of Christ by Caravaggio, and other notable works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Francis Bacon.
The famous Sistine Chapel, which features Michelangelo’s fresco paintings, is also located at the Vatican. Other incredible landmarks and places to see in Vatican City are the Renaissance-style St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza San Pietro and the stunning Giardini Vaticani.
One of the best places to watch the sunset in Rome is on the Ponte Umberto, which offers the best views of the iconic Ponte Sant’Angelo, the most beautiful bridge in the city.
Also recognized as the “Bridge of Angels,” Ponte Sant’Angelo was built in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrian. It was also a passageway for Christian pilgrims to St. Peter’s Basilica. You can also see the church as you watch the sunset over the bridge. (The views are breathtaking!)
In the evening, visit the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. This area is famous for its beautiful alleyways filled with flowers, vintage cars, artist galleries, traditional trattorias, bars, cafés and more. A great place to enjoy one last dinner in Rome is at Nannarella Osteria dal Roma Trastevere.
Day 3: Enjoy a Food-Filled Day in Naples
Known as the country’s third largest city, Naples is a must-visit when doing a Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days. Visiting Naples’ city center will make you feel like you’re at a bazaar. Initially founded by the Greeks, there are many historical sites, street food stands, markets and churches to experience here.
Below are the best hotels to stay at in Naples, Italy:
Luxury Accommodation: Grand Hotel Vesuvio
Boutique Accommodation: Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel
Mid-Budget Accommodation: SuperOtium
Budget Accommodation: NeopolitanTrips
There are also many rental properties to book in this thriving city.
It takes around two hours to get from Rome to Naples. Once you arrive, I recommend strolling around the narrow streets and visiting the local vendors and farmer’s markets.
Since Naples is known for being the birthplace of pizza, you can’t travel to this city without visiting some of the best pizzerias in the world, like Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba. Naples is a major foodie city, so it’s the perfect place to do a food tour with a local guide.
Another great thing to do in the city of Naples is to visit the Duomo di Napoli, a Roman Catholic cathedral that opened in 1272 and features Gothic and Baroque architecture. You must also see the Seven Castles of Naples.
Since Naples was a Greek settlement, you must explore the ancient sites around the city. The National Archaeological Museum of Naples offers incredible masterpieces from the Ancient Greek, Roman and Renaissance periods. You can also do a guided tour of Napoli Sotterranea, which are underground tunnels that the Greeks used to get stone for construction and water from the nearby Mount Vesuvius.
Head down to the bay for dinner and enjoy a lovely meal on the water. Some of the best places to eat are Caruso Roof Garden and Ristorante Zi Teresa.
Day 4: Experience the Ancient Ruins of Pompeii
Another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site that you must include in your two-week Italy itinerary is Pompeii. Since it’ll take up to several hours to explore this ancient site, it’s best to fuel up for the day at Birdy The Bakery in the Chiaia area of Naples.
Pompeii is situated between Naples and Sorrento, at the base of Mount Vesuvius. Since Mount Vesuvius is a somma-stratovolcano, it’s considered dangerous and the city of Naples is constantly threatened by it. The volcano has erupted over 50 times and the most famous eruption happened in 79 AD when it buried the Roman city of Pompeii.
Over 2,000 people died during the catastrophe and the city was abandoned for centuries. It was rediscovered in the middle of the 18th Century. Nowadays, you can visit the site and wander through all the ancient ruins. It’s recommended to purchase tickets for Pompeii in advance.
From Pompeii, it’s best to head to Sorrento. The travel time from Pompeii to Sorrento by car is around 40 minutes.
When you arrive in Sorrento, relax for a bit before heading into the Old Town to enjoy a delicious meal at Ristorante Fuoro, a family-owned restaurant. Since lemon is a staple to this specific region, you must try the restaurant’s lemon pasta for dinner with some limoncello!
There are many great shops in the heart of Sorrento, so when you’re done with your meal, walk it off by visiting the local stores up and down the alleys. These shops mainly sell clothing and jewelry. You can also get lemon products, pasta bowls, kitchen towels, home décor and much more.
Day 5: Relax in the Coastal Town of Sorrento
Sorrento is a coastal town that is also the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The town got its name from the mythological Greek Sirens and Italian legend has it that Sirens were mermaids who lured sailors to their death with bewitching songs.
You must spend time exploring Sorrento during your Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days. I recommend spending two nights in this beautiful town.
Below are the best hotels to stay at in Sorrento, Italy:
Luxury Accommodation: Hotel Lorelei Londres
Boutique Accommodation: Maison La Minervetta
Mid-Budget Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Helios
Budget Accommodation: Ulisse Deluxe
There are also numerous rental properties you can choose from in Sorrento.
During your full day in Sorrento, it’s best to relax and enjoy everything this beautiful town offers. Located in Piazza Tasso, in the heart of the town, is Fauna Bar, where you can relish good coffee, crêpes and pastries for breakfast.
From breakfast, visit the Basilica Sant’Antonino, a beautiful Romanesque church. Then, stroll along the Via San Cesareo, which is one of the original streets of Sorrento. You’ll come across the Sedil Dominova, once the gathering spot for the town’s upper class.
Afterward, head to Villa Comunale, a beautiful park where you’ll come across the Ciostro di San Francesco, a 14th-century monastery. It also features a picturesque cloister.
While you’re in Sorrento, eating lunch at Ristorante O Parrucchiano is a must. It’s a stunning restaurant in the heart of town with lemon groves hanging from the ceiling and vintage cars in the parking lot for decoration. While you’re here, you must get the famous gnocchi alla Sorrentina with a limoncello spritz.
In the afternoon, you must chill out at one of the Sorrento beach cubs. Marameo Beach Club is one of Sorrento’s oldest bathing establishments and during a visit, you will indeed have an excellent time.
Marameo Beach Club has great views, convenient changing rooms, comfortable beds and armchairs, sunbeds in the water, spacious gazebos, umbrellas and beach towels, a restaurant and bar, entertainment and a private area that includes a Jacuzzi.
Another fun thing to do in Sorrento to add to your Southern Italy trip itinerary is a visit to Limonoro to taste local limoncello and learn about the process and varieties of this staple Campanian lemon liqueur.
Later in the evening, enjoy a lovely dinner on Sorrento’s waterfront. Located on Marina Grande is a wonderful seafood restaurant called Zi’Ntonio Mare, with incredible fish and tasty regional dishes.
Day 6: Day Trip to the Island of Capri
A Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days must include a full-day trip to Capri. It is a beautiful island off the coast of Sorrento in the Bay of Naples.
Overall, Capri is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the South of Italy. Summer is also the best time of year to enjoy a boat ride here!
The best tour company to go through for a day trip to Capri is Lubrense Boats, located at Massa Lubrense in Sorrento. They have options for a shared group or private tour, but I recommend a private boat excursion.
The leading place you’ll stop at on your Capri boat tour is the famous Grotta Azzurra or the Blue Grotto. It’s a natural cave you can only access with a small rowboat. There comes a point in the cave where the sunlight passes through, creating a cool blue reflection that illuminates the cavern. (Please note that the Blue Grotto will be closed when the sea is rough.)
During a private Capri boat tour, you’ll also visit the Green Grotto, White Grotto, Grotto Matermania and the Faraglioni, the iconic towering rock formations and sea stacks you see in photos.
Capri is situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean. This island has two popular sections – Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. From Marina Piccola, you can go for a nice swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, visit the Gardens of Augustus, grab a refreshing gelato, enjoy a beautiful view from the Belvedere di Punta lookout point and have lunch at Torre Saracena.
There are other private beaches that Lubrense Boats will take you to during your tour.
When you arrive back in Sorrento, head to L’Antica Trattoria for dinner. It’s a lovely restaurant in an antique shop in the Old Town.
Day 7: Take it Slow in Positano
A Southern Italy two-week itinerary must include spending time in Positano. It’s the most popular cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast and is filled with charming narrow streets, terraced hotels, local shops and incredible restaurants.
Regarding staying in the Amalfi Coast during your Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days, it’s best to book a hotel in Positano since everything is conveniently located. Below are great hotel options to book:
Luxury Accommodation: Le Sirenuse
Boutique Accommodation: Hotel Marincanto
Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Punta Regina
Budget Accommodation: Hostel Brikette
You can also find many great rental properties in Positano, Italy.
When you first arrive in Positano, I suggest taking a vintage car tour to admire the most picturesque spots around the Amalfi Coast in a Fiat 500 and get the most beautiful photos for memories.
After the vintage car tour, head to Spiaggia Grande for a relaxing beach day. Spiaggia Grande is Positano’s main beach and you must visit one of the beach club stands where you can rent a lounge chair and umbrella for the day.
Even though you have to pay for a lounge chair and umbrella at the beach, I recommend doing it so that you can come and go as you please and not worry about finding a spot to relax. Also, I’d suggest paying extra for a waterfront seat so you can conveniently go for a swim whenever you please. (Don’t forget water shoes since Spiaggia Grande is a rock beach!)
You must eat at Le Tre Sorelle for lunch. This beachfront restaurant offers fantastic views and delicious Italian seafood and pasta dishes.
When you’re finished with your meal, walk off what you ate by strolling through the narrow streets of Positano and stopping at one of the local stores where you can purchase beautiful clothing, lemon-printed home décor, artwork and more.
An excellent spot to enjoy a refreshing snack is La Zagara. Instead of gelato, savor a delicious lemon granita!
Another Amalfi Coast icon is Salvatore Milano’s fruit stand. Salvatore is a friendly local with a picturesque fruit stand that offers beautiful views of Positano.
You must eat at Da Vincenzo for authentic Southern Italian cuisine for dinner and stop at Franco’s Bar for sunset drinks. At Franco’s Bar, you can appreciate astonishing views of Positano lit up in the evening and admire the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, a church with a gorgeous majolica-tiled dome.
Day 8: Explore the Amalfi Coast Towns
The next day, wake up early and drive down the Amalfi Coast to explore the beautiful towns of Amalfi, Ravello and Atrani.
It takes around 40 minutes to drive from Positano to Amalfi. (You can also take a taxi or the Sita Bus.) When you first arrive in Amalfi, I suggest bringing your vehicle to one of the paid garages so you don’t have to worry about street parking.
To start your day, visit Pasticceria Savoia by the Piazza Flavio Gioia and enjoy a cappuccino with an Amalfi Lemon Delight Cake or a torta ricotta.
From breakfast, walk through the town of Amalfi and enjoy its charm. You can go shopping, see the beautiful fountains in Piazza Dante and visit the Duomo di Sant’Andrea, a Roman Catholic cathedral featuring Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Byzantine architecture.
After enjoying some time in Amalfi, take a taxi or the bus to Ravello. Known as the “City of Music” on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is famous for being the home of the Villa Cimbrone. It’s a stunning venue and hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
You can visit the beautiful gardens at the Villa Cimbrone, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Another stunning Amalfi Coast landmark you must see if you have extra time is Villa Rufolo. You don’t need as much time to see this historic villa as you do for Villa Cimbrone, but the gardens are gorgeous and set the scene for the Ravello Festival concerts.
The best place to enjoy lunch in Ravello is Babel Wine Bar Deli & Art, where you can sip and savor incredible wines and organic meals. You can also admire all the artwork and even purchase something to take home as everything is up for sale.
In the afternoon, stroll around the small town of Atrani, considered the “Undiscovered Town” along the Amalfi Coast. It has a population of less than 1,000 and includes a picturesque beach, historic churches and piazzas with peaceful fountains.
One of the best things to do in Atrani is to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach. Like in Positano, you can rent a lounge chair and umbrella for a fee or lay your own towel down, sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing swim.
For dinner, savor delicious pizza while watching the sunset at Le Arcate, located on the beach in Atrani.
Day 9: Adventure around Furore
There is a spectacular hidden fjord along the Amalfi Coast and it’s a must to visit during a Southern Italy vacation.
Before adventuring to the iconic Fiordo di Furore, savor a delicious breakfast at La Zagara. From there, I recommend taking a taxi or the bus to Fiordo di Furore since traveling by car presents a challenge due to limited parking. (If you plan to eat lunch at the nearby Euroconca restaurant, you can park there and head down to the fjord.)
Furore, which means Fury in Italian, is considered “the town that doesn’t exist” along the Amalfi Coast. It’s around a 20-minute drive from Positano to the start of the fjord trail. The trail has 200 steps, so getting down to the fjord is easier than coming back up.
Overall, Fiordo di Furore is a photogenic spot to add to your summer Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days, where you can also relax at the beach, swim and explore. While at the beach, you can also rent lounge chairs and umbrellas.
In addition to enjoying the Fiordo di Furore, you must head into the town and go wine tasting at Cantine Marisa Cuomo, see the frescoes in the 11th-century Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo and catch the murals spread throughout the area.
After enjoying time in Fuore, return to Positano and relax at your accommodation’s pool before enjoying one last Amalfi Coast dinner at Chez Black. If you have enough time, a sunset cruise is another fun thing to do in Positano.
Day 10: Arrive at Masseria Torre Coccaro
On the 10th day of your Southern Italy road trip, start your day early by driving from the Amalfi Coast to Puglia, located at the heel of the boot, along the Adriatic Sea. It’ll take around three and a half hours to drive from Positano to Bari. You can also take a short flight from Naples-Capodichino International Airport to Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyła.
The Southern Italian region of Puglia is famous for its masserias, fortified farmhouses built in the 16th Century. There are plenty of beautiful masserias spread throughout the area. I recommend staying at Masseria Torre Coccaro in Fasano, which isn’t far from Monopoli.
Below are other great places to stay in Puglia:
Luxury Accommodation: Masseria San Francesco (Fasano)
Boutique Accommodation: La Fiermontina (Lecce)
Mid-Budget Accommodation: Borgo Canonica (Cisternino)
Budget Accommodation: Olive Tree Hostel (Bari)
The cities and small towns in Puglia also have many great rental options.
During your first day in Puglia, I recommend relaxing and enjoying your masseria, if you choose to stay in one.
I loved staying at Masseria Torre Coccaro because you didn’t need to leave the resort. It has everything from a beach club, pool, cave spa and Michelin-star restaurant. There is also a fitness center, hot tub, onsite chapel, gardens and courtyards, fire pits, relaxation areas and more.
If you stay at Masseria Torre Coccaro, I suggest spending your first day at Coccaro Beach Club. It’s located three miles from the hotel and a van takes guests to and from the beach club.
Overall, Coccaro Beach Club consists of a sandy beach along the Adriatic Sea, which is a massive relief on the feet compared to the rocky coastline along the Amalfi Coast. The beach club has plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, sun beds, a bar, a restaurant and a clothing boutique. It’s known as one of the best beach clubs in Italy.
While you’re relaxing at Coccaro Beach Club, you must also enjoy a delicious Italian seafood dish, pizza or sushi at Le Palme Beach Club Fish Restaurant & Pizzeria, as well as a refreshing co*cktail like an Aperol spritz.
Another great thing to do when you first arrive at Masseria Torre Coccaro is to enjoy a well-needed spa treatment at Aveda Spa. You can choose from a variety of massages, facials, manicures/pedicures, hair treatments and styling, plus more. The spa is in a cave and includes an indoor heated pool and relaxation areas.
For dinner, savor an incredible Pugliese meal at the award-winning Restaurant Egnathia. This lovely venue has vaulted ceilings, bougainvillea, stringed lights and olive groves.
Day 11: Visit Monopoli and Polignano a Mare
After fueling up to a delicious breakfast at your masseria or hotel, head to the Baroque coastal town of Monopoli.
When you first arrive, stroll through the charming Old Town and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi to go shopping, enjoy an espresso and admire the beautiful architecture.
As you wander through the peaceful town, you must see the Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, an 18th-century Roman Catholic cathedral, and the Palazzo Palmieri, a Baroque palace built for the royal Palmieri Family.
As you travel around Monopoli, you must visit the Porto Antico di Monopoli, which is on the waterfront and features colorful boats.
From there, walk the lungomare of Monopoli, which is a beautiful seaside promenade. Along this path, you can admire the Castello di Carlo V, a stone fortress used as a jail for centuries, and the Bastione di Santa Maria, where you can climb a staircase to enjoy jaw-dropping views.
You must eat lunch at Gaia – Osteria Popolare, located in a charming alleyway with incredible local dishes.
Situated 15 minutes north of Monopoli is the stunning town of Polignano a Mare. You cannot miss out on visiting this location during a Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days.
When you first arrive in Polignano a Mare, you must see the Lama Monachile, which features a breathtaking beach with a Roman bridge.
If you have ample time, you can book a boat tour to explore Polignano a Mare’s sea caves. During a tour, you’d be able to catch views of the iconic Grotta Palazzese restaurant, which is a fancy cliffside eatery overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Those who don’t do a boat tour must grab an aperitivo at Acquamarea, a quaint cliffside bar with beautiful views. For dinner, I recommend either splurging on an evening experience at Grotta Palazzese or enjoying a lovely meal at Osteria dei Mulini.
Day 12: Road Trip for the Day to Matera
Another incredible city to add to your Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days is Matera in the Basilicata region.
Overall, Materia is recognized as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It’s famous for its complex of cave dwellings.
It takes around 45 minutes to over an hour to drive from Puglia’s popular cities and towns to Matera. In the late 1800s, the cave dwellings in Matera became notorious for poverty, poor sanitation, disease and horrible working conditions.
In 1952, the population of Matera was evacuated and the city was abandoned until 1980. Nowadays, it’s considered a jewel of Southern Italy and makes for a great place to visit during a European summer holiday.
Matera is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the filming location for The Passion of The Christ.
The best things to do in Matera, Italy are to stroll through the Old Town and admire it from one of the famous viewpoints, do a walking tour, visit the Romanesque Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Bruna e Sant’Eustachio and stop by the Casa Noha where you can see the inside of a traditional cave house and learn more about Matera’s history.
A great place to eat for lunch is Oi Mari’, a seasonal restaurant in a 17th-century building made of cratered rock.
After lunch, check out the Palombaro Lungo, a water cistern used to store Matera’s spring water. It’s a fantastic site to see! Then, walk around the Parco della Murgia, which is a regional park.
Witnessing Matera lit up in the evening is just as beautiful as seeing it during the day and a wonderful dinner spot is Ristorante Francesca.
Day 13: Wander through the Itria Valley
Visiting an idyllic Pugliese commune should be included in your 14-day Southern Italy itinerary. The Valle d’Itria is known for its charming towns like Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Cisternino and for being near the famous white city of Ostuni.
The first town to visit in the Itria Valley is Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses. A trulli is a whitewashed stone hut that is shaped like a cone. It dates back to the 15th Century and was first established for shelter and storage and later became homes.
Since Alberobello is one of the most famous towns in Puglia, I suggest visiting earlier in the morning so that you don’t have to deal with heavy crowds and can easily get photos.
In addition to being one of the most picturesque locations you’ll visit during your Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days, Alberobello is also a lovely town to go souvenir shopping and grab a delicious meal.
From Alberobello, drive 10 minutes south to the beautiful town of Locorotondo. Like Alberobello, there isn’t much to do in Locorotondo besides taking photos, strolling around, shopping and dining.
The best places to see in Locorotondo are the Church of Saint George Martyr, the Palazzo Morelli and the Villa Comunale, a park and garden that offers a beautiful view of the Itria Valley.
Make sure to visit L’Arco Dei Tipici for lunch. You can enjoy delicious charcuterie, wine and a relaxing ambiance. You must also visit Vinifera Vini & Affini to taste the famous sparkling wine that Locorotondo is known for.
Cisternino is another quaint, whitewashed town to visit. The top things to do in Cisternino are to see the 13th-century Church of San Nicola, stroll through the Old Town, climb to the top of the Torre Normanno Sveva Cisternino, which is a beautiful lookout tower and wander around the Piazza dell’Orologio where you can do even more shopping.
In the evening, head to the famous Pugliese white city, Ostuni. Great things to do here are to wander through the Old Town, walk into the Gothic 15th-century Duomo di Ostuni, treat yourself to a pasticciotto Leccesse (a famous Pugliese pastry) at a local bakery and savor a pizza dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria II Ritrovo.
Day 14: Head Back to Rome to Fly Home
If you’re heading back to the United States, Canada or any other country outside of Europe, you’ll most likely have to fly out of Rome. However, if your home is somewhere in Europe, you can easily find flights from Bari.
Looking to add to your Italy trip? Check out these other amazing destinations:
Lake Como
Cinque Terre
Tuscany
I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best Southern Italy itinerary for 14 days. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
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Basic Facts of Italy:
Currency: Euro, Capital: Rome, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time
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