Welcome to the south, a deeply evocative part of Italy steeped in history and tradition, where art and architecture tell the story of a rich and layered past. Every city and every borgo holds traces of the cultures, dominations and civilisations that have followed one another over the centuries.
To explore the beauty of southern Italy, here are five unmissable destinations, ideal for a holiday filled with clear seas, wide beaches, artistic treasures, imposing castles and small villages with timeless charm.
Aci Trezza: a Sicilian village between past and present
Aci Trezza, a hamlet of Aci Castello in the province of Catania, is an atmospheric fishing village overlooking the Ionian Sea, directly opposite the Cyclops Islands. These eight striking basalt sea stacks rise dramatically out of the water. According to legend, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, they are the rocks hurled by the Cyclops Polyphemus at Ulysses as he tried to escape.
Literary tradition is closely tied to this old Sicilian fishing village. It was here that Giovanni Verga set his novel I Malavoglia, later adapted for the screen by Luchino Visconti in the film La terra trema, shot in the village streets and harbour. At the so-called Casa del Nespolo, photographs and material linked to the film are preserved, along with images taken by Verga himself.
Today, far removed from the dramatic mood of the novel, Aci Trezza is a lively destination known for its sweeping views, seafront restaurants serving Sicilian specialities and traditional boat trips that take you close to the Faraglioni for a swim in clear waters.
Erice: a sweet gem near Trapani
In the province of Trapani, at 751 metres above sea level, sits Erice, widely regarded as one of the most charming borghi in Italy. A panoramic cable car links the hilltop to the town of Trapani, offering wide views over the Saline salt pans and as far as the Egadi Islands.
Thanks to its strategic position, Erice has long been a crossroads of different civilisations, each leaving visible traces in its architecture and monuments. Highlights include the Castello di Venere, the Chiesa Matrice, the Torri del Balio, the Torretta Pepoli and the ancient city walls that still enclose the historic centre.
A walk along the cobbled lanes of this timeless village brings you to historic pastry shops known for almond-based sweets such as mostaccioli, genovesi, torroni and ricotta cassata. Beyond its confectionery, Erice is also known for local crafts, including ceramics, traditional rugs, olive oil and wine.
Isola di Capo Rizzuto: a Calabrian natural oasis
Despite the name, Isola di Capo Rizzuto is not an island but a promontory overlooking the eastern side of Calabria, in the province of Crotone. With its fine white sandy beaches and clear waters, this stretch of coast set between the Sila National Park and the Ionian Sea offers one of the Mediterranean’s most striking landscapes.
Its appeal goes well beyond its wild, well-preserved nature. The area is rich in historical and archaeological remains, including the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, the Sanctuary of Hera Lacinia, submerged Greek structures and the imposing Castello Aragonese, which dominates the shoreline.
To fully appreciate the identity of this part of Calabria, the local cuisine is essential. Dishes such as butirri, sardeddra, patati e pipi friuti, rice with fennel and covateddri with pork sauce reflect the culture and deep-rooted traditions of the region.
Otranto: a Salento treasure
Otranto is a characterful town in Puglia, facing the Adriatic coast of southern Italy. With its appealing atmosphere and significant historical heritage, it offers a fine balance between clear seas, ancient monuments and living traditions.
One of the city’s symbols is the Cathedral of Otranto, an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture, known for its decorated façade and interior adorned with frescoes and an extraordinary mosaic floor of great historical and artistic importance.
The historic centre is a pleasure to explore, with stone alleyways, whitewashed houses and small shops selling local specialities. As you wander through the lanes, you come across old churches, intimate squares and viewpoints overlooking the sea stretching out towards the horizon.
Posada: a Sardinian village between land and sea
Posada is an attractive borgo in Sardinia, located along the island’s north-eastern coast. This ancient settlement has retained its authentic character, with cobbled streets, stone houses and glimpses of daily life framed by traditional white homes.
The historic centre of Posada is dominated by the imposing Torre di San Giovanni, a medieval fortification with wide views across the coast and the turquoise sea. The panorama takes in beaches, hills and unspoilt countryside.
This picturesque village offers a chance to connect with local traditions, sample Sardinian cuisine and appreciate the island’s historical and natural heritage. A visit to Posada means experiencing the sea, history and the straightforward charm that Sardinia does so well.
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