With more than a thousand ways to enjoy an Italian holiday, planning your next vacation can be confusing.
That’s why we’ve gathered some of our favorite destinations in Italy for active travelers like you. This list is the result of our personal experience as tour operators and as travelers.
From the popular hotspots in Sicily, to the off-the-beaten-path bike trails of Friuli Venezia Giulia, we’ve traveled far and wide to bring you the best destinations Italy has to offer.
This extensive list only goes to show why Italy was listed as the 5th most-visited country in the world in 2019, according to Wikipedia and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
In Part One of this series, we’ll highlight Southern Italy, the Sorrento Peninsula, Sicily and Sardinia.
Along the way, you’ll discover the Greek city of Paestum, the Amalfi Coast, the mighty Vesuvius and the simmering Mt. Etna.
Southern Italy
Locals call it the Mezzogiorno or "midday" region of Italy. This southern region is home to the oldest Italian cities, including territories that were once part of Ancient Greece.
Unlike its northern counterpart, Southern Italy attracts a flock of tourists due to its historical charm and warm, mediterranean weather.
Maratea
Maratea, in humble Basilicata, is a hilltop village located on the Tyrrhenian coast. Often called “the Pearl of Tyrrhenian," it boasts a ritzy harbor and is regarded by tourists as one of Italy’s top resort sites.
Upon reaching town, you will be amazed at the number of churches dotting the whole place (all 44 of them) – from the Basilica of Saint Blaise at Castello, to the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Brefaro village.
And you should never leave the area without paying homage to Maratea’s Christ the Redeemer. This statue sits at the top of Monte San Biagio. A 90-minute hike to reach the statue is well worth it as you get rewarded with the town’s panoramic view. Being a coastal town, Maratea hosts several islands, one of which is Dino Island (Isola di Dino), located down the coast. This tall, rocky island features many sea caves similar to the popular Blue Grotto in Capri.
Sorrento
Another town you have to visit is Sorrento, located in southwestern Italy. Perched atop cliffs, this tourist-friendly town rewards you with the majestic view of Naples, Isle of Capri and Vesuvius. Hiking along the Sorrento Peninsula allows you to discover delightful sceneries of rustic villages and olive groves.
With a network of trails around the peninsula, you can always get a glimpse of the azure, crystal clear water of the Mediterranean.
Paestum
The ancient Greek city of Paestum should be on your list of “must-visit” places in Italy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Paestum is home of three Greek temples towering over its peaceful countryside.
Originally called Poseidonia (in honor of the Greek God of the Sea), the city was founded in the 6th century BC by Greek settlers and then came under Roman control in 273 BC. Today visitors can see three of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, as well as old frescoes, ceramics and artifacts of daily life.
Read also: The Rugged & Timeless Cilento Coast
Alberobello
Next on your agenda should be a stopover in Alberobello. This town is located in the province of Bari in the region of Apulia (or Puglia). Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Alberobello is home to 14th century Trulli huts – structures with a conical roof made without the use of mortar.
Alberobello is a tourist-friendly town – with all its attractions within walking distance.
Ostuni
Exploring a city on two wheels is always a delight; especially when you decide to travel to Ostuni, also called the “White Town" for its white-washed buildings. Many people from Ireland, Scandinavia and Germany have made a home in this city because of its good weather, fantastic food, and beauty: strong defensive walls and tumbling clusters of white-washed houses wind around the hillside.
Tropea
Sitting at the coastline of Tyrrhenian Sea is the municipality of Tropea. Also known as “Coast of the Gods”, Tropea is a top summer destination. The town is bursting with life as people from as far as Germany flock there during July and August to frolic on its sunny beaches and warm, mediterranean climate.
Getting around town leads you to a maze of palazzi and town squares where restaurant tables line the streets. Mountain biking is a popular activity in Tropea since it serves as a starting point for many excursions around the Calabrian countryside.
Amalfi Coast with Pompei and Hercolaneum
Stretching along the coastline of Sorrento Peninsula is the Amalfi Coast. Deemed by UNESCO as a cultural landscape, the Amalfi Coast features towering cliffs and a craggy shoreline dotted with small fishing villages and beaches.
Its location along the peninsula offers little room for agriculture. However, the enterprising folks of the region found a way to cultivate the land with terraced vineyards and lemon groves. Today, the Amalfi Coast is home to limoncello, a lemon-based liqueur which is Italy’s second most popular beverage.
Reaching out to the Italian sky has never been more exhilarating than conquering Sentieri degli Dei. Also known as “Path of the Gods”, this is Amalfi Coast’s most famous footpath and voted as one of Italy’s best.
Positano
The pathway makes it to Positano, towering over the Amalfi Coast at a dizzying height of 550 meters (1804 feet). Hikers will fall in love at the majestic scenery that the Sentieri degli Dei has to offer. It features picturesque ruins, the Lattari Mountains and a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
Pompei
Once a hub of commerce in ancient Rome, Pompei gives tourists a brief history lesson. Its well-preserved frescoes, baths, houses and villas tell a rich history of this affluent town before the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Mt. Vesuvius
Going to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius requires a short ride on a Circumvesuviana. A bus picks you up and takes you to the volcano. From there, the hike takes about 30 minutes up and 30 minutes down. The summit rewards you with the stunning view of Naples, Ischia, Capri and much more.
Herculaneum
The ancient town of Herculaneum left a trail of prosperity like its more famous sister city, Pompei. Located beside the mighty Mt. Vesuvius, Herculaneum once possessed a density of lavish houses such as House of Argus and House of the Alcove.
Sardinia
Sardinia – an island born in the middle of Mediterranean – is a mountainous region covered in rich woodlands. Most Italian regions envy its thick, rich forest teeming with flora and fauna such as mouflon, Sardinian fallow deer and centaurea Horrida – a rare species of knapweed endemic to Tavolara.
As the second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia offers a diverse landscape for active travelers.
There’s the Coral Coast and its capital Alghero where the Catalan language is still spoken. From there, you can take a ride to regions of Nurra and Anglona to visit the spectacular Porto Conte and the mysterious Lake Baratz. This region is home to griffins, wild boars, foxes, hares, the rare Albino donkeys, wildfowls and jackrabbits.
For mountain lovers there’s Gennargentu National Park located on Sardinia’s east coast. Traversing this mighty range starts at the coast of Barisardo. The ride continues up to the top of Mt. Bruncu Spina – Sardinia’s second highest mountain. One of the most pristine areas for outdoor enthusiasts is Dorgali-Cala Gonone.
The trip, however, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a site of the ancient Nuragic civilization where early settlers built massive fortresses thousands of years ago.
Sicily
The largest island in the Mediterranean is home to diverse cultures. Sicily is truly unique.
From desserts to wines and everything in-between, Sicily offers a wide range of experience. And for adventure seekers, Sicily gives you a glimpse of great things to come.
From North to South, East to West, Sicily boasts the most beautiful beaches in Italy. From the northwest lie Castellammare del Golfo, Favigana and Sciacca. The East coast features the resort town of Taormina and the golden sandy beach of Catania. The West Coast includes the region of Trapani and the Stagnone Islands. South Coast prides itself with camping grounds and active fishing villages.
Sicily’s mildly mountainous landscape is an oasis for cyclists. The warm, hospitable Sicilian weather makes it possible to ride a bike all year round. Visit Caltagirone and its thriving ceramic industry. Pedal towards the ancient towns of Scicli, Noto, Ragusa and Modica to marvel the elegant Baroque buildings. Or pay homage to the colossal Mt. Etna in the city of Catania.
For trekkers and hikers, Sicily doesn’t disappoint!
Choose between a climb on Mt.Etna via the volcanic island of Stromboli or the forested trails of Madonie and Nebrodi. The Vendicari Nature reserve promises an easy trail for casual hikers.
And if you want a few lessons in archeology and history, your best bet is the Pantalica Gorge with its Neolithic caves, luscious vegetation and cool, crystalline water.
Indeed, Southern Italy and its surrounding regions is home to the most interesting places in the world. It’s full of life.
And throughout your adventure, there’s the pristine Mediterranean – peaking, inviting, even tempting you at times. It’s waiting for you to cap the day off with a splash of warm seawater on your face.
The Mediterranean Sea has blessed Southern Italy with so much history, wildlife and natural beauty, you would think you’re inside a film or an adventure story – think about Moby Dick, Jason and the Argonauts and The Odyssey.
In part 2, we’ll show you the other side of Italy – elegant, regal and sophisticated. Words that seems to describe a classic fairy tale.
You’ll visit Piedmont and its medieval castles. We’ll show you the mighty Dolomites and the surrounding region. You’ll enjoy stories about the Italian Lakes. And finally, there’s the unknown region of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia featuring its tri-country bike route.
