Southern Italy is one of those destinations that’s on everyone’s bucket list. It offers beautiful scenery, rich culture and history, and what’s most important – a sense of being transported into a different world.
Since there’s a lot to explore and unpack while visiting, it’s best to do so using your own vehicle. That way you can hop from one region to another and give each site the proper time and attention it deserves.
In order to do so, you should inquire about how to get an international driving license. With the proper document and a rented vehicle, you can immerse yourself in the countryside and its culture.
Naples
Every visit to Italy must include a trip to Naples. The city was always popular amongst tourists and plays a big role in the local economy. It’s located on the western coast of southern Italy. Unlike other cities that are mostly oriented on tourism, Naples is also a bustling port city, meaning that you get to explore day-to-day life in Italy while staying.
It’s also famous for Castle Nuovo and the San Gennaro Catacombs. Naples is close to the famous ruins of Pompeii and the volcanic mountain Vesuvius that brought its demise. Make sure not to miss these attractions while visiting.
Bari
Bari is a coastal city on the Adriatic. It features beautiful beaches, a bustling ambiance of a port city, and an ancient history most obviously noticeable in the city center. The center also features Castello Svevo, the Cathedral of San Sabino, and the Basilica of San Nicola, sites that are most popular among tourists.
Italy is known for its ancient history and the Bari museum is, therefore, a must-see if you want to learn more about it. The most popular of these are the Archaeological Museum and the Bari Civic Museum. The city also features luxury hotels, bars, and restaurants.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast starts at Naples and goes all the way to Salerno. The region looks just as a tourist would imagine an Italian coastline to be. Tiny multicolor houses are stacked on top of one another, and every now and then you’ll stop and take a scenic photo like no other.
The best way to explore the coast is in your own vehicle, but it can also be done via regular train or bus service. Make sure to stop in Ravello, where Villa Rufolo offers the most beautiful view of the Adriatic.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital of Sicily and is, therefore, an economic and cultural center of the whole of southern Italy. The cathedral that dominates the city is beautiful to behold and one you shouldn’t miss. The Palermo Archaeological Museum offers a chance to learn about the rich and long history of the region.
Going underground allows you to visit the famous catacombs, and the Capuchin Abbey if you’re up for a history lesson with a bit of a gothic twist. The city also features lovely and lush markets, where you can bargain and feel like a local for a while at least.