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, 

The Best of Southern Italy

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 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, friendlier locals who still love tourists, and way more affordable prices. You'll find all you need to know about the area here.

Naples

Ah, Naples—a city that inspires passionate opinions in its visitors. Some fall in love with its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and stunning architecture, while others find it chaotic and overwhelming. It's a destination that seems to leave no middle ground.

The city is known for its vibrant street life, with locals chatting and laughing on every corner. The food is a feast for the senses, with world-famous dishes like pizza (invented here) and parmigiana di melanzane. And the architecture ranges from ancient ruins to baroque palaces, making for a stunning backdrop to your adventures. It's important to stay in the right neighborhood, though; getting that wrong can ruin your experience. Here are my recommendations.

So whether you end up loving or hating Naples, one thing is for sure—it's a city that you'll never forget. I'll keep out of the argument, express no opinion, and let a local explain why Naples is wonderful.

Basilicata

Basilicata is indeed a well-kept secret; this is a region of Italy that offers a journey back to another century. Stepping onto its sun-soaked soil feels like entering a portal to an Italy untouched by the hastening march of modernity. The heartwarming hospitality of its people captures the essence of an era when genuine kindness and warm smiles were the currency of connection.

The people are so kind and so friendly, and the scenery is 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 favorite attractions in Basilicata are the following:

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 also love the statue of Christ the Redeemer, 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

Way back in 2019, Matera was named the European Capital of Culture—and it earned it. This city is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, and there's nothing else quite like it. Matera is proof that people can survive just about anything. The Sassi—old cave dwellings carved into rock—hold the stories of everyone who ever lived in them.

You walk those tight, twisting streets, and you feel the weight of it. Not in a cheesy way—in a real way. You're tracing the same paths people have walked for thousands of years. And the Sassi aren't some dusty relic. They've turned into something alive again—galleries, cafes, workshops—without losing what made them special. The city holds onto its past and still moves forward.

You won't forget this place. They say that when you walk around Matera, it isn't the scenery that changes, but you. I agree completely. Matera is never simply a trip; it is always a beginning.

Discover more about Matera in this article.

Sardinia

There is so much that is wonderful about Sardinia; let's start with the people who are absolutely fabulous, and then join me in discovering the beaches that are the best in all of Italy. You'll find plenty more about Sardinia on our MioMyItaly.com website... everything from food to cities.

Calabria

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

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

Here's our comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in Calabria.

Sicily

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 a 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: One of the loveliest of all the coastal towns in Puglia and perched on towering cliffs above the azure Adriatic Sea, Polignano is a coastal paradise that defies description. Its labyrinthine alleys, adorned with vibrant flowers, lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Prepare to be captivated—read more here.
• Ostuni: Ivory towers appear high above the shimmering plains below. Is this a mirage? No, it is real. Ostuni takes your breath away at first glimpse and just keeps getting better. The "White City," as it is known, mesmerizes with its ethereal beauty. Yet, this enchanting town is no mirage. With every step, Ostuni captivates your senses, unveiling hidden alleys, charming piazzas, and panoramic vistas that leave you in awe. 

• Alberobello boasts an otherworldly charm. Its funny little Trulli houses, with their cone-shaped roofs and white stone walls, are like something a hobbit might well live in. Nearby Cisternino too is a must-visit. Our Alberobello Guide is a must-read.
• Bari is one of the great cities of Southern Italy. Surrender yourself to the vibrant streets, bustling markets, and charming old town, and you'll fall in love with it all. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this enchanting city, for Bari promises an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Southern Italy. Here's our guide to the city.

• Lecce: the "Florence of the South," where Baroque architecture glows golden under the midday sun. Wander past intricately carved churches and hidden courtyards, then pause for a caffè Leccese—espresso sweetened with almond syrup, a local specialty. Lecce is filled with lively piazze and elegant baroque architecture. 
• Locorotondo: Not far from Alberobello and rather similar is this lovely little town. A friend of ours from Canada moved here and loves it. Here's the story.

• Salento: Tucked away in the heel of Italy’s boot, Salento remains one of Puglia’s best-kept secrets—a sun-drenched paradise where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet in a dazzling embrace. This is a land of whitewashed villages, ancient olive groves, and some of Italy’s most pristine beaches. Santa Maria di Leuca, where the two seas converge, offers breathtaking views, while the Baia dei Turchi near Otranto dazzles with its Caribbean-blue waters. But Salento is more than its scenery—it’s a feast for the senses. Taste pasticciotto, the creamy custard-filled pastry best enjoyed warm at dawn, or savor fresh seafood in a trattoria where the catch arrives daily from the port.

• The Gargano Peninsula: One of the last of the great ancient forests of Southern Italy survives here, and whitewashed towns like Peschici, Vieste, and Vico del Gargano remind one of the Greek Islands. Don't miss out on the pristine Tremiti Islands either; they are only a short boat trip away from Vieste and Peschici. Everything you need to know about the Tremiti Islands you will find here.