Join A Secret Italy

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE EZINE

Join A Secret Italy and enter another world. A world filled with the forgotten little villages of Italy; hidden gems you'll seldom find elsewhere on the internet,

Exploring Southern Italian Destinations

South of Rome we go, taking you on a journey discovering the very best Southern Italian destinations. You may know of some of them... others you've probably never have heard of. All are wonderful!

Campania

Amalfi Coast

Perhaps the most beautiful stretch of coastline in all of Italy. If you've ever stood in Ravello and looked down over tiny villages tip-toeing up hills shaded bright green, looked down to where boats twinkle on an impossibly blue sea. If you've done that you'll know what I mean. If you haven't then get planning - click to start.

Cilento

One of the loveliest discoveries I have ever made in Italy was the Cilento. It is so much like the Amalfi Coast just with far fewer tourists and way more affordable prices. You'll find all you need to know about the area here.

Naples

A city full of passion that stirs up fiery opinions in its visitors too: most tend to either love it or hate it. With Naples there is no middle ground it seems. I'll keep out of the argument, express no opinion, and let a local explain why Naples is wonderful.

Basilicata

This is one of those regions that nobody has ever heard of and it truly is like stepping into a time-machine and returning to the Italy of fifty years ago. The people are so kind, so friendly, the scenery spectacular, It's so seductive that you can easily get enchanted by its charms and find it terribly hard to leave. There's lots to see but two of our favorites attractions in Basilicata are Maratea and Matera.

Maratea

A little seaside resort that has none of the flash and glamour of those on the Amalfi Coast or in Liguria and that to me is one of its charms. I love too the statue of Christ the Redemeer, the huge number of churches and the simple piety and warmth of the people. Over the years we've discovered some wonderful little corners to explore, restaurants to eat at and things to see. You'll find these "secrets" here.

Matera

In 2019 Matera was made the European Capital of Culture and it certainly deserved it. The oldest continuously inhabited settlement in all of Europe, you'll find Matera to be unlike anywhere you've ever been before.

You'll never forget this town and you'll never want to either. I have yet to meet a single person who has visited and hasn't raved about it ever since.

They say that when you walk around Matera it isn't the scenery that changes but you. I agree completely. Discover more about Matera in this article.

Sardinia

There is so much that is wonderful about Sardinia, let's start by reading why the people are so absolutely fabulous and then discover the beaches that are the best in all of Italy. You'll find plenty more about Sardinia too on our website - just use our search box to find whatever you need... from food to cities.

Calabria

Largely missed by most tourists the region is beautiful, not deserving of the bad publicity it always get.

The media focuses only on the negatives when it comes to Calabria but that isn't what Calabria is really like; instead the region has its own story to tell, and it is a good story too. Of people who are kind, warmhearted and welcoming, of unforgettable landscapes and of food sourced locally and cooked fabulously.

You've amazing towns like Tropea, hilltop villages like Santa Domenica Talao and it doesn't end there; some even say that living the Calabrian way is good for you - view article here.

Sicily

Bar Vitelli - the bar in the Godfather movie. Photo by Doug Porter.

You could spend a lifetime on the island of Sicily and still discover new things every day. To begin discovering though you'll need somewhere to stay and where could be better than in a tiny village that played backdrop to the Godfather movies.

What to see in Sicily? Well these are my top six:

Taormina
Savoca
Cefalu
Agrigento
The Aeolian Islands
Syracuse

Discover what it is that makes each of the top six special and read our tips on making your trip to Sicily wonderful in our What to See in Sicily guide.

Puglia

From Trulli houses to world class beaches, Puglia has a lot to offer the visitor. - some of my recommendations include:

Polignano
Ostuni
Alberobello
Lecce
Bari
The Gargano Peninsula

Life in Bari - click to read article

You'll Enjoy These...

An Insiders Guide to the Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast

Fragrance of jasmine & lemons in the air, colorful cottages tumble down to azure seas far below. This convent is the best hotel on the Amalfi coast...
Summer in Italy... All Year Round

Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
The Best Beaches near Rome

Looking for the best beaches near Rome? Look no further! These are beaches with azure seas and endless soft sand, paradise right on the doorstep of Rome.
The Enchanting South of Italy

What is it about the south of Italy that makes it so special. This story will provide the answer....
Things to Do in Bari & Reasons to Love Bari

In many ways it is in Bari that the heart and soul of Puglia is to be found. Bari is real, Bari is vibrant and Bari is enchanting. Watch out for flying wooden spoons though!
The Weather in Rome Italy Guide

The Weather in Rome Italy. Our guide is packed full of information on when is the best time to visit Rome Italy and much much more too.
War Memorials in Calabria

In every town here in Calabria that I have seen, there is a Monumento ai Caduti. A monument to the fallen, their young men who gave their live-in two world wars.
Walking Tours in Rome - Discover the Secrets of this Ancient City

One of the best walking tours in Rome is a visit to the main outdoor market called Campo dei Fiori - it is teeming with friendly people, tasty food, vibrant colors, animated conversations
The Tivoli Gardens near Rome, Parks full of Monsters and More

The Tivoli Gardens near Rome and the villas, like Hadrian's villa, are breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoy this unforgettable visual journey through the park, the villas and other incredible sights like the Monster Park of Bomarzo.
9 Secrets of Southern Italy

Grab your bucket list... I've 9 Secrets from Southern Italy to share with you. Can you believe places like this even exist?
What About Going Shopping in Rome?

What could be better than a day shopping in Rome? Not much I promise! Before you start though you've got to read our guide filled with all the must-see shops and markets.
The Best of Rome Vacation Rentals

Looking for Rome Vacation Rentals? I have personally selected the best apartments to rent in Rome, you can be sure your Roman Dolce Vita will begin the moment you walk through the door.
Rome's Cat Shelter - A Home in the Ruins

Near the Colosseum of Rome, between the ruins of ancient temples, is an unlikely sore of place, a shelter for cats. Here Rome's homeless cats are taken care of by a dedicated team of volunteers
Positano on the Amalfi Coast

Positano on the Amalfi Coast is one of the finest, prettiest places on earth. Its picturesque landscapes will remain with you long after you return home, always beckoning you back to La Dolce Vita.
Photos of Positano, Amalfi and Venice

Many of our Facebook fans share their photos with us. These galleries are dedicated to the best of them. Photos of Positano, the Amalfi Coast, Venice and much more.
Matera - Ancient and Full of Life

Once the shame of Italy and now one of her crown jewels. Matera is the original Italy, ancient beyond all other towns, another world. Prepare to be amazed, enchanted and beguiled...
The Best Luxury Hotels in Venice Italy

Which is the best of all the luxury hotels in Venice Italy? Read my insider’s guide and discover the answer. Awaiting you are not only the five best Venetian luxury hotels but...
The Best Hotels in Cilento

Looking for a bed and breakfast or hotels in Cilento? I particularly adore a delightful little bed and breakfast tucked away in one of the loveliest corners of the Cilento.
The Best Hotel in Central Rome?

There is a hotel in Rome that is so very special, where breakfast is served under the orange trees with the fragrance of orange blossom infusing the air.
Cilento Pictures & Holiday Guide

These Cilento pictures capture a region that offers everything you could possibly wish for including majestic mountains, azure seas, ancient fishing towns,medieval villages and stunning beaches

Please Book with Us...

Maria here, if you enjoy my site and Facebook page I'd love your support.

Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) with the search box below or with any of the hotel links on the website.

I promise you'll get the best deal on accommodation available and the income we receive from HotelsCombined helps us to:

Stay independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.
Never have to accept money from hotels directly; that way we can share only those we genuinely love.