If you have read my 7 days in Northern Italy itinerary (and I hope you did) you know I’m very good at planning trips in Italy. Thus, here goes my one week in Southern Italy Itinerary.
Italy is amazing. The narrow streets, colorful houses, delicious food, strong coffee. Take that and add-in incredible beaches and Caribean like water, and you know you are in Southern Italy.
One week in Southern Italy Itinerary
First stop: 2 nights in Alberobello
Land in Bari and jump right in the car and make your way to Alberobello, where I would book the 2 nights in a Trullo. Or choose to stay by the sea in one of the old chic authentic Italian towns Puglia has on display.
No matter where you choose to stay in Puglia, the region will steal your heart and leave you wanting more. At least that’s what I felt about it.
If you have read my 7 days in Northern Italy itinerary, you know that I totally recommend doing it by train, because trains are very well organized, cheap when booked in advance, and very efficient in Northern Italy.
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Southern Italy on the other hand, is another story. The best way of making the most out of your trip is renting a car and spending the rest of your one week Southern Italy itinerary driving around Puglia and its beautiful villages.
Read all the things to know when traveling to Italy for the first time
During the time spent in Alberobello (or Martina Franca/Locorotondo if you are looking for cheaper Trullo housing), head to Polignano a Mare for the most perfect views over the deep blue sea, Ostuni for the narrow white streets, Monopoli for its Baroque beauty on the shore of the Adriatic Sea.
Head even more to the South and explore the Gargano Peninsula, one of the most scenic yet hidden destinations in Italy. At least for tourists from outside of the country.
Most of this area is a National park, with unspoiled destinations, and blue water which will give destinations like the Maldives a run for their money.
The last stop while driving towards the next location should be in Matera, with its impressive cave-like houses.
Get inspired by my stunning 4 days in Puglia
Where to stay in Alberobello/Puglia
As I’ve said, staying in a Trullo house would be something else when visiting Puglia, but at the end of the day there are so many incredible accommodation options around you’ll have a hard choice to make.
But here are a few of my recommendations, based on feedback received from people who have tested them:
- Masseria Le Cerase – a traditional white house with a stunning pool, perfectly located for daily trips to the sea or Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, or Ostuni.
- Masseria Alchimia – enjoy the most authentic and fresh Italian breakfast, only a few kilometers away from Polignano a Mare, in a stylish and immaculate location.
- Hotel Don Ferrante – who wouldn’t want to experience staying wight 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.
- 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. And it also has a free close-by parking space.
Second stop: 3 nights on the Amalfi Coast
Driving on the Amalfi Coast?
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast
When we think about the Amalfi Coast, the accommodation options are endless, and you should always choose a place with a view. Because what a view that is!
Here are only a few options to consider:
- Alcione Residence – a family-run hotel with a great location and stunning views, AC in all their rooms. Make sure to book way in advance, because they have only a few rooms.
- Villa Magia – bright airy rooms, perfect for a special occasion such as spending your honeymoon in Italy. Breakfast is made by the house chef and can be delivered on your balcony so that you can enjoy it with a stunning view.
Last stop: 2 Nights in Sorrento
You could choose Naples, but after having spent some 4 days in the Southern Italian town, I would rather go back to Sorrento and book a stay there.
Why have I included Sorrento as the last stop in my one week in Southern Italy itinerary?
First of all because of its beautiful coquette streets, balconies with amazing views starting to look a lot like the rest of the Amalfi Coast.
Naples, on the other hand, is a bit hard to take in. Filthy hectic streets, run-down buildings, delicious food, and historic buildings all stand together.
Another reason for choosing Sorrento as an overnight stay is the fact that you can get plenty of boat tours to Capri Island or Ischia island.
Moreover, getting from Sorrento to Pompei is also easy, both on your own but also on a guided tour.
Where to stay in Sorrento
- Grand Hotel Aminta – great all Italian traditional food, beautiful pool, incredible views, and a convenient shuttle bus.
- Hotel Palazzo Guardati – incredibly central location, with a rooftop pool and killer views.
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.
- Take the perfect pictures for your forever memories in these Instagram spots in Positano.
- How many days are just enough for seeing Venice and living it to the fullest? I’ve been there 3 times already and I think I have just the answer you are looking for, along with all the great things you shouldn’t miss in Venice.
- See a lot more with these fabulous day trips from Genoa.
- Spend an incredible 7 days in Northern Italy itinerary and see all the destinations you’ve ever dreamt of.
[…] location in the South of Italy makes traveling and seeing more of Italy very easy. Some of the best day trips are as […]