The ultimate one week Southern Italy Itinerary

Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

If you have read my 7 day Amalfi Coast itinerary, you know that I love sharing my experiences with those eager to follow in our footsteps. One of the most exciting trips we had was one week in Southern Italy.

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Narrow streets, colorful houses, delicious food, and strong coffee are part of the quintessential Italian experience. Add incredible beaches and Caribbean-like water, and you know you are in the south of this amazing country.

I’ve traveled back to these places on several occasions, and I am still mesmerized by their beauty.

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Your 7 days in Southern Italy

Option 1 – Southern Italy itinerary by car

one week in Southern Italy

I normally like riding the train—it is fast, affordable, and hassle-free. However, Southern Italy is not known for its good connections, so my first preference would be to rent a car. If you feel the same, check car rental prices here.

We enjoyed driving around Puglia and its beautiful villages; just be on your guard for reckless drivers. The locals are not big on following traffic rules.

First stop: 2 nights in Alberobello

Land in Bari, pick up your car from the rental desk and make your way to Alberobello, where I would book 2 nights.

Alternatively, stay by the sea in one of the chic, authentic Puglian towns, such as Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.

No matter where you choose to stay in Puglia, the region will steal your heart and leave you wanting more—at least, that’s how I felt about it.

Where to stay in Alberobello/Puglia

Here are a few of my recommendations based on feedback from several guests:

Masseria Le Cerase is a traditional white house with a stunning pool, perfectly located for daily trips to the sea or Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, or Ostuni. Book your stay here!

Masseria Alchimia. Enjoy an authentic Italian breakfast in a stylish and immaculate location only a few kilometers away from Polignano a Mare. Check out the rooms here!

Hotel Don Ferrante. Who wouldn’t want to experience staying right in the walls of Monopoli? This 10-room boutique hotel will not only charm you with its design but also with the rooftop terrace and pool overlooking the blue. See when they’re available here!

Trullieu Guesthouse Alberobello. Even though the trullo guesthouse is located extremely close to Alberobello’s center, it is still hidden from all the noise and fuss. It also has a free parking space nearby. Book your stay in a trullo here!

one week in Southern Italy
Alberobello / Ingrid

What to do in Puglia

From your base, make sure to explore the area: head to Polignano a Mare for the perfect views of the deep blue sea, Ostuni for the narrow white streets, Monopoli for its Baroque beauty on the shore of the Adriatic Sea, and Alberobello for its UNESCO World Heritage trulli houses.

If you are into longer day trips, head further south and visit beautiful Lecce and the Salentine Peninsula (Italy’s heel).

We once stayed for an entire month near Lecce and were reluctant to leave, although our next destination was the stunning Amalfi Coast. It has everything from sandy beaches (e.g., Torre Lapillo, Punta Prosciutto) to history and architecture (e.g., Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli). Moreover, it is not crowded with tourists (yet).

Most foreigners arrive in Brindisi by cruise ship and go on day trips from there.

The only drawback of the Salentine Peninsula is its location: it is rather far from the northern part of Puglia and the airport in Bari. Perhaps it is best to visit it on its own and not as part of a wider Southern Italy trip.

Read our 4 days in Puglia and one week in Puglia posts for more details about the region and its attractions.

Other Activities Worth Considering

Take part in the ultimate pasta experience in Bari – go on a walking tour, make your own pasta, enjoy some local wine, and taste some of the best Italian ice creams. See more about the tour here!

From Polignano a Mare, book a boat ride and explore the caves along the coast. Enjoy an aperitif on board, and come prepared to swim in the crystal blue waters. See more about the tour here!

In Alberobello, take a 2-hour guided tour of the city and learn about the history and tradition of these UNESCO World Heritage sites. Book your guide here!

Learn about Ostuni’s history on a walking tour. For 1.5 hours, explore the city center with a local guide. Book your tour here! 

one week in Southern Italy
Matera / Ingrid

Second stop: 3 nights on the Amalfi Coast

One of the most picturesque places in Italy, and maybe in the world, the Amalfi Coast is one of the best places to visit in South Italy, and you should not miss it.

Before anything else, you’ll need a roof over your head.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

There are plenty of accommodation options on the Amalfi Coast, so I wrote dedicated posts about where to stay in Positano (click here) and where to stay on the Amalfi Coast on a budget (click here).

Hence, I’ll share only a couple of options below.

Alcione Residence is a family-run hotel with a great location and stunning views. All rooms have AC. Make sure to book way in advance, because there are only a few rooms. Check when they are available here!

Villa Magia has bright, airy rooms, perfect for a special occasion such as your honeymoon in Italy. The chef prepares the breakfast, which can be delivered to your balcony so that you can enjoy it while admiring the stunning view. Book your stay here!

What do to on the Amalfi Coast

Before you reach the Amalfi Coast, I suggest you stop by Materawhich has impressive cave-like houses.

Finally, the Coast awaits! PositanoMinoriMaiori, Ravello, and Cetara are only a few of the dreamy villages waiting to be explored by you.

Vietri Sul Mare view - best places to visit in Italy in May
Vietri Sul Mare / Ingrid

The views are simply breathtaking, and the architecture is some of the most photogenic you’ll find in Italy.

Moreover, you should take a boat trip to the iconic Capri Island. Or, visit the Emerald Grotto.

Read our detailed Amalfi Coast itinerary (click here) for more information about things to do during your stay.

Last stop: 2 Nights in Sorrento

You can end your 7-day Southern Italy trip by visiting Naples, but I would rather stay in Sorrento.

Naples has amazing landmarks and a rich history—it is a must-see place. However, like any large metropolis, it has bad traffic, filthy streets, and petty crime. Perhaps it is not the best place to spend the last days of your serene Italian vacation.

Where to stay in Sorrento

There are plenty of accommodation options and things to do in Sorrento. For a detailed description, click here and read our Sorrento and Positano guide. Here are some options for you:

Grand Hotel Aminta offers great Italian traditional food, a beautiful pool, incredible views, and a convenient shuttle bus. Book your room here!

Hotel Palazzo Guardati has a central location, a rooftop pool, and killer views. Check it out here!

one week in Southern Italy
Sorrento / Pixabay

What to do in Sorrento

Sorrento is a town of coquette streets, balconies, and breathtaking vistas.

Another reason to choose Sorrento as an overnight stay is the availability of boat tours to Capri Island, the Blue Grotto, or Ischia and Procida Islands if you haven’t visited them earlier.

Moreover, getting from Sorrento to archeological sites like Pompeii or Herculaneum is also easy, either on your own or by booking a guided tour here. Just make sure you book tickets in advance, or you risk missing out on some of the best historical experiences on the planet.

Option 2 – Southern Italy itinerary by train

southern italy itinerary 7 days

As I said earlier, Southern Italy is not famous for its great train connections. However, if you don’t feel like driving, train is a viable mode of transportation. Check out your train connections and calculate your fare here!

The trade-off is that you’ll have to skip Puglia this time. Still, I encourage you to return sometime because Puglia is great!

First stop: 2 nights in Rome

While technically not in Southern Italy, Rome would be great starting point for your itinerary.

I know 3 days in Rome might not seem a lot, but when you only have 7 days at your disposal, it will have to do.

To use your time efficiently, I strongly advise you to book your tours and tickets in advance. This way, you’ll skip the line and could fit in places like the Vatican Museum, Villa Borgese, the Colosseum, and the Forum with no trouble 

Another thing to keep in mind when is where you stay.

Rome is a big city, so you’ll want to be close to public transportation and also have easy access to the train station. Otherwise, you’ll waste time getting to and fro.

That being said, try to book a place near the Termini train station. It might not be the most romantic area in Rome, but it is convenient.

Book your Roman accommodation here.

One day in Rome
Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican, Rome / Ingrid

To make the best of your Roman stay, visit the Castel Sant’Angelo, go to the nearby Vatican and its Sistine Chappel, stroll to Piazza di Spagna, and take a picture on the Spanish Steps.

Needless to say, you should sample an ice cream at the Trevi Fountain and go inside the Pantheon

The next day, you should focus on my husband’s favorite subject: Ancient Rome.

You can go on your own or book a Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour here. Before your visit, read our guides for visiting the Roman Forum (click here) and the Colosseum (click here) for a bit of historical context.

Only then can you move on to Southern Italy proper and leave the Eternal City behind.

Second stop: 2 nights in Sorrento

Next, take the train to Sorrento, a lovely town on the Amalfi Coast.

To get the most out of your stay without exerting yourself, I suggest you click on the links to book tours to Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum, and Sorrento itself. Please note that Pompeii and Herculaneum are sold out most of the time, and you risk missing out if you don’t book in advance.

Hey, you can even go to Naples for half a day. It is only less than one hour by train.

Or better yet, take the ferry and go and see one of the most beautiful islands in Italy: Procida Island.

The third stop: 3 nights on the Amalfi Coast

I saved the best for last: Welcome to Italian Paradise!

Admittedly, I have a soft spot for the Amalfi Coast, so I can’t imagine a Southern Italy trip without including the coast. You’ll understand why when you get there!

Positano view from the boat, the perfect Amalfi Coast road trip itinerary
Positano / Ingrid

No matter where you choose to stay on the Amalfi Coast, you are likely to enjoy breathtaking views and amazing day trips. For more details, check out the relevant part of the previous section (i.e., Southern Italy itinerary by car)

Option 3 – Southern Italy and Sicily itinerary

The 3rd option for a one week in Southern Italy itinerary is for those who truly enjoy driving. It starts at Bari Airport in Puglia and ends at Catania Airport in Sicily, so there are relatively large distances involved.

Check car rental prices here. The earlier you book, the better deals you get.

7 days in southern italy

First Stop: 2 nights in Alberobello 

Don’t leave Puglia behind without seeing the trulli in Alberobello, the grotto restaurant in Polignano a Mare, the charming little town of Monopoli, and the crystal clear blue water of the Adriatic sea.

Second stop: 1 night Matera

If you can, spend one night in Matera. Watching the evening lights go up in this unique town is a worthwhile experience.

Third stop: 1 night in Reggio Calabria

The Deep South, Reggio Calabria, is a hub linking the peninsula to Sicily—because that’s where you’re going next.

If you don’t want to spend time here, drive directly to Catania and start your Sicily adventure, although it is a long drive. However, if you want to take it easy, just stop for the night in one of the towns and explore this hidden gem a bit.

Fourth stop: 3 nights in Catania, Sicily

3 days are more than enough to explore Sicily’s eastern coast. If you like it (and you will), you should return next year to see the southwest and north.

When I was there for the first time, we stayed in Catania, rented a car, and explored Taormina, Messina, Syracuse, Ragusa, and Etna.

If I could choose only one or two of these places, I wouldn’t miss Taormina and Syracuse.

For more details, check out our one week in Sicily comprehensive guide.

Option 4 – Sicily

The 4th option focuses on Sicily only. It is well worth it if you love history, the seaside, and food.

Map one week Sicily itinerary

To be fair, this incredible island has so much to offer that even one week would not be enough. However, here is a comprehensive itinerary option for one week in Sicily.

Depending on where you arrive, you will either be in Catania or Palermo. So start your itinerary from there and make your way toward the other side.

My suggestion is to split your stay between Catania and Palermo. From there, you can go on day trips to the important attractions nearby.

Where to stay in Catania

Trìcora Sicilian B&B is a simple and clean place, but what sets it apart from other accommodation options in Catania is the rooftop terrace with a stunning view! See more here!

Altevolte Rooms. Set in the heart of the old town, this is where you will take full advantage of the vibrant life of Catania. The rooms are set in an old and stylish building, minutes away from the most important attractions in town. See more here!

Attico MEA. Close to the seafront, but also in the heart of the old town, from this place you will have the best views in Catania. See more here!

What to see in and around Catania

Sicily in winter -The Teatro Romano di Catania
Taormina / Ingrid
  • Piazza del Duomo – with the Elephant’s Fountain 
  • Catania’s Cathedral – steps away, you’ll find the Duomo di Catania, where the famous Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini is buried. 
  • Go for a stroll on Via Etna – get ready for some window shopping, admire the view of Etna, and stop by one of the many cafes along the way.
  • Stop at the gardens of Villa Bellini – one of my favorite places in town, the gardens are set on a hill, and as you go up, you can admire a perfect view of the city.
  • The Roman Theatre – an impressive place that could fit up to 7000 spectators. The view of Etna and the sea is a bonus. 
  • The Ursino Castle – or the Castello Svevo di Catania, dates back to the 13th century and has now been transformed into a museum that is open to the public.
  • Climb Mount Etna – go on a volcano hiking tour or a morning or sunset day trip
  • Visit Taormina, one of the prettiest villages in Sicily
  • Go on day trips to Messina and Syracuse

Where to stay in Palermo

B&B One has beautiful rooms with a modern design. Guests particularly enjoyed the breakfast here, but also the fact that it is within walking distance from some of the most important attractions in town. See more here!

Ci’Cala House boasts a perfect location and a charming view, especially when you book a room with a sea view balcony. See more here!

Quattro Incanti. You might know by now that if there’s one thing I love most, it’s a beautiful rooftop terrace. And that’s the main reason why I chose this apartment. Be aware that it is located on the 3rd floor of a building without an elevator. See more here!

What to do in and around Palermo

Palermo / Unsplash
  • Visit the Norman Palace – the seat of the Kings of Sicily during the Norman domination and the oldest royal residence in Europe. 
  • Go on a city center walking tour – it is the most efficient way to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of this bustling Sicilian capital.
  • Do a local cheese and wine tasting held in a beautiful 16th-century Sicilian house
  • Climb to the rooftop of the Palermo Cathedral 
  • Visit the first public botanical garden of Palermo, Villa Giulia, the place that Goethe once called “the most wonderful place on earth”
  • Go for a guided tour at the Teatro Massimo Opera House, one of the most iconic buildings in town
  • Spend some time at Mondello Beach, or simply come here for the sunset and to have a drink at one of the clubs and restaurants along the seafront. 
  • Go on day trips to Cefalu, San Vito Lo Capo, and Trapani

Option 5 – Puglia

Another great option for a one-week itinerary would be to spend the whole week exploring the magical Puglia. This is one of my favorite regions in Italy, and it provides a great mix of history, city life, delicious food, and beaches.

Click on the map to open it in Google Maps

I suggest choosing a base and going on day trips from there. We once stayed for a month near Lecce and easily covered both the northern part of Puglia and the sandy beaches of Italy’s “heel” from there.

I have included Matera as well, even though the town is not actually in Puglia. However, it is within reach and worth visiting.

For more details, check out our one week Puglia itinerary.

Where to stay in Puglia

Even though Bari might be the first option, I would not choose to stay here, but only visit it as a day trip.

If you want to experience a small village and be relatively close to most of the great places you will visit, choose to stay around Alberobello or Locorotondo. Or, go further south and base yourself near Lecce.

If you want to be by the sea, stay in Polignano a Mare or Monopoli.

This itinerary also includes one night in Matera—you should not miss the Sassi as they light up.

Puglia Itinerary option

Day 1 – Alberobello & Locorotondo

Day 2 – Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

Day 3 – Ostuni and Martina Franca

Day 4 – Bari

Day 5 – Lecce

Day 6 – 7 Matera

You can fly in and out of Bari and rent a car to get around.

Traveling by public transportation is possible but much harder than in other parts of Italy, so I wouldn’t suggest it.

Other FAQ about your South Italy Road Trip Itinerary

When is the best time to visit Southern Italy?

If you can help it, choose April-June or September. July and August are too hot, super crowded, and expensive.

Puglia and Sicily are doable even in winter if you don’t mind not being able to swim in the sea.

Is it safe to visit Southern Italy?

I visited Southern Italy in all possible combinations: on girl trips, with my mother, with my husband, and with our little baby. I never felt unsafe or threatened.

The only place where I felt a bit uneasy was Naples. Still, we had no issues when my mother and I explored the city’s less touristy areas. Admittedly, the buildings were shabby, and the alleys far from clean, but other than that, no one bothered us.

So, I would say it is pretty safe to visit Southern Italy. Just take the precautions you would in any other place: mind your valuables, don’t leave stuff in your car, and avoid dark alleys after sundown.

Read also my comprehensive guides for renting a car in Puglia, driving the Amalfi Coast, or driving in Sicily

Italy travel resources

  • Have less time to spend in Italy but still want to live it up? Spend one day in Genoa on your way to the Cinque Terre. Or stop for one day in Rome on your way to some other amazing destination. Or do it differently, but however, take a Cinque Terre day trip.
  • Check out the ultimate Italy 10-day itinerary and plan your trip with these 2 options.
  • See a lot more with these fabulous day trips from Genoa.
  • Spend an incredible 7 days in Italy itinerary and see all the destinations you’ve ever dreamt of.
 
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42 Comments

  1. Alicia Moisa-Duran says:

    Thank you for your wonderful ideas regarding travel in Southern Italy. I have been researching this area online and your site is one of the best. Four of us are planning a trip to Southern Italy from mid April, starting in Rome and ending either in Naples or Bari, whatever is best because we have to fly to Sicily on April 30th of 2022.

    I am confused as to which way to travel. Do we start in Naples or Bari. What do you think is best? Also I do not want my husband to spend the entire trip driving. He is the only one that will drive. We are two couples, well traveled and seniors. We arrive in Rome April 14th and we were planning on five nights but that could be cut if we need more time in the south. We have all been to Rome before. We do want to explore Pompeii, our husbands are looking forward to the archeological sites as are we.

    I would appreciate your advice. Thank you for all the hotel recommendations too.

    1. Hello! Thank you very much, I’m glad you found my post helpful because that’s my main goal 🙂 I will think about it and get back via email with my advice and itinerary idea, it is easier this way. Have a lovely day!

    2. Hello 🙂 I’ve sent an email, I hope the information helps!

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