Welcome to the South, a fascinating land full of history and culture, where you can admire priceless works of art that tell of the glorious past of these places.
To guide you in your discovery of the wonders of Southern Italy, we have selected for you5 enchanting locations, perfect for spending a holiday among the sea, beautiful beaches, artistic masterpieces, majestic fortresses and villages where time seems to stand still.
Be amazed by the intense aromas and authentic flavours of these lands, where hospitality is as warm as the sun kisses them and nature offers its best.
Aci Trezza: a Sicilian village between past and future
Aci Trezza, a hamlet of Aci Castello in the province of Catania, is a beautiful seaside village overlooking the Ionian Sea, facing the archipelago of the Cyclopean islands: eight imposing pointed basaltic rocks that rise in the middle of the sea and that, according to legend based on Homer's Odyssey, were thrown by Polyphemus against Ulysses in flight.
Literature returns to the history of this Sicilian fishing centre because it was here that the writer Giovanni Verga set his Malavoglia, later brought to the silver screen by Luchino Visconti with the film La terra trema (The Earth Trembles), shot precisely in Aci Trezza. Photographs and testimonies of this cinematic masterpiece are on display at the Casa del Nespolo, which also houses interesting photographs taken personally by Verga.
Far from the image painted by Verga in his novel, today Aci Trezza is a place that will win you over with its breathtaking scenery, fashionable places to enjoy the delights of local gastronomy, and trips on the traditional wooden boats to take a dip in the Faraglioni rocks.
Erice: sweet jewel of Trapani
In the province of Trapani,751 metres above sea level, lies Erice, one of the most beautiful and evocative villages in Italy. A cable car allows you to reach the summit where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city of Trapani, the Saline, and even the Egadi Islands in the distance.
Its privileged position has meant that Erice over the centuries has been dominated by many different peoples, evidence of which can be seen in its architecture and artistic works. Don't miss the Castle of Venus, the Matrice Church, the Balio Towers, the Pepoli Tower and the city walls.
Among the narrow streets of this timeless village, you will find numerous pastry shops specialising in the production of mandarla pastries, mostaccioli, genovesi, torroni and cassate di ricotta. In addition to these sweet temptations, the village is famous for its ceramics, carpets, oil and wine.
Isola di Capo Rizzuto: natural Calabrian oasis
Do not be misled by its name: Isola di Capo Rizzuto is not actually an island, but a promontory located along the eastern side of Calabria, in the province of Crotone. With its beaches of fine white sand and transparent waters, this location, squeezed between the Sila National Park and the Ionian Sea, constitutes one of the most evocative landscapes in the entire Mediterranean.
The attraction of these places is not limited to the beauty of its unspoilt wilderness. The area is home to numerous archaeological and historical sites of interest, such as the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, the Hera Lacina Sanctuary, wall remains from the Greek era buried by the sea and the Aragonese Castle.
If you want to get to know this magnificent land in depth, don't miss the delicacies of its cuisine with its strong flavours: butter, sardines, fried potatoes and peppers, rice and knuckles and cavatelli in pork sauce.
Otranto: a wonder of Salento
Otranto is a picturesque town located in the Puglia region on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy. With its enchanting atmosphere and rich historical heritage, Otranto is a fascinating destination that offers a unique fusion of crystal-clear sea, historical architecture and local traditions.
One of its most beautiful attractions is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Otranto, a jewel of Romanesque architecture with an ornate façade and an interior decorated with frescoes and mosaics of great historical and artistic value.
The old town of Otranto is a delight to explore, with its cobbled streets, white houses and small shops selling typical local products. Strolling through the narrow streets, one can come across old churches, picturesque squares and quiet corners where one can sit and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea.
Posada: a Sardinian village between land and sea
Posada is a charming Sardinian village located on the north-eastern coast of the island. This ancient locality isa true jewel of Sardinia, with its cobbled streets, stone houses and charming alleys winding among whitewashed houses.
The historic centre of Posada is dominated by the majestic Torre di San Giovanni, a medieval watchtower that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline and the turquoise sea.
This picturesque Sardinian village is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the local culture, savour the delicious Sardinian cuisine and discover the natural and historical beauty that Sardinia has to offer. A visit to Posada is an authentic and unforgettable experience for lovers of the sea, history and Sardinian tradition.
Cherry blossoms in Italy 2025: the best places to visit
Cherry blossoms, known as "fiori di ciliegio" in Italian, are admired for their beauty and symbolism in Italy. While Italy may not be as famous for its cherry blossoms as countries like Japan, there are still several regions where these delicate flowers bloom, offering stunning displays during the springtime.
The 3 best natural spas in Valle d'Aosta, Italy
Valle d'Aosta in Italy is one of the most captivating destinations for those seeking a rejuvenating spa experience. Surrounded by natural beauty and thermal springs, the region encircled by the Alps offers more than one option for those looking to relax and recharge. Discover some of the best and most famous spas in Valle d'Aosta, where you can soak in a hot bath while touching the snow with your hands.
Ideas for renovating your home in Italy: tips and inspirations for every need
Buying a home in Italy and renovating it to suit your family's needs is a decision that should never be taken lightly. It’s all too easy to go from feeling overwhelmed to achieving complete satisfaction. This is because navigating the right approach to managing the renovation process without losing your sanity can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll offer simple ideas for renovating your home, breaking down each step you can take to turn your house into the home of your dreams.
Venice Carnival 2025: all the traditions and the full programme
The Venice Carnival is one of the most iconic and renowned events in the world. With its traditional masks, lavish costumes, and a unique atmosphere that captivates the entire city, it is one of the most beautiful carnival celebrations in the world. If you want to take part this year, here’s everything you need to know about the Venice Carnival 2025 and how to plan your visit.
Carnival in Italy 2025: the best and most famous places to celebrate
Carnival in Italy is a vibrant and lively celebration held in the weeks leading up to Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. As its dates are determined by the lunar calendar, Carnival varies each year but typically falls in February or March. When is Carnival in Italy in 2025? This year Carnival is Italy will take place during the last 2 weeks of February and in some cases in March as well.
Valentine's Day in Italy, Spain and Portugal: history and traditions
The countdown is on for Valentine's day 2025, celebrated all over the world on 14th February, and we're getting in the mood for the most romantic day of the year.
The Italian cities with the worst air quality according to Legambiente
The year 2030 is fast approaching, marking a significant shift in environmental sustainability within EU member states. Yet, according to Legambiente, there is still much to be done in Italy. The Mal'Aria 2025 report lists the worst Italian cities for air quality, identifying 25 cities that exceeded the legal limits for PM10 over the past 12 months. Here’s the list.