10 Secrets of Southern Italy 

We've all heard of Naples, Pompeii, the Isle of Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. But Southern Italy has ten other wonders that remain beautifully under the radar—I’ll bet you’ve only heard of a handful.

Few people know about them. Fewer still have visited.

So, grab your bucket list and get ready to add these remarkable hidden gems... because once you see them, you’ll wonder how they’ve stayed a secret for so long.

Matera

Matera—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former European Capital of Culture—is unlike anywhere you’ve ever been. Here, the roads perch on top of houses, the houses seem to grow out of the cliffs, and caves are transformed into homes, churches, or even boutique hotels. A visit to Matera is nothing short of stepping back into biblical times.

But be warned: Matera stirs something deep inside you. As night falls and golden lights illuminate the cave dwellings, turning the hills into a real-life Christmas nativity scene, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed. It’s breathtaking, humbling, and, for many—including me—a moment that brings tears.

Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. Its unique cave dwellings, called Sassi, have been everything: homes, churches, even prisons. It’s no wonder Hollywood comes calling, using Matera as the perfect stand-in for ancient Jerusalem. The town feels eternal, alive with whispers of centuries gone by.

Yet Matera isn’t just about history and stone. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and life itself. Its food scene is to die for: savor crispy peperoni cruschi (dried red peppers), dig into hearty cavatelli pasta, and sip a glass of bold Aglianico red wine as you sit under the stars in one of the town’s charming trattorias.

Matera doesn’t just impress—it touches your soul. This is Italy at its most raw, authentic, and unforgettable.

What do you think? Ready to pack your bags for Matera? 😊

Here are more fascinating stories and facts about Matera.

Procida

Procida by Jim DeLutes

Just a short ferry ride from Naples lies Procida, a hidden gem that feels like a dream of the real Italy.

The moment you arrive, you're greeted by a scene straight from a postcard—fishing boats gently bobbing in sparkling blue waters, and cottages painted in soft shades of peach and lemon tumbling down toward the sea. But what truly makes Procida unforgettable are the warm, welcoming locals who treat you like family, as though they’ve been waiting for your return.

Life on Procida has its own pace—slow, simple, and oh-so-sweet. It’s impossible not to fall into its rhythm. Spend lazy days soaking up the sun on its beaches, lose yourself in winding alleyways lined with charming homes, or savor fresh seafood and local dishes at a family-run trattoria.

But here’s the thing: Procida has a way of stealing your heart. Leaving it feels like leaving a piece of yourself behind. You’ll spend days, months, maybe even years longing to come back.

So what are you waiting for? Come discover the magic of Procida—before everyone else does.

Read our guide here.

Castelmezzano

Castelmezzano

Suspended between heaven and earth, the village of Castelmezzano feels like something out of a dream. Picture yourself dining outdoors on a warm summer evening, the sky glowing softly as the sun sets. In that moment, you’ll feel closer to the angels above than the earth below.

And if you’re braver than I am, you can complete the experience with the Flight of the Angels—a breathtaking zipline ride that soars high above the village, giving you wings for a moment. Here's my Castelmezzano guide.

San Rocco

San Rocco - Sicily

San Rocco is a tiny medieval hamlet; it lies on the periphery of the town of Savoca, where much of the Godfather movie was filmed. Once you enter this perfectly restored hamlet (now a hotel), it's as if you've stepped back in time to another world and another age. It's kind of hard to explain; you need to see for yourself. You can do that here.

Polignano

Polignano Cave Hotel - Click for More

A little coastal town that you can't help but love. You've got narrow streets, lively squares, and the deep blue seas off the Puglia coast. There are amazing caves here too; one of them, in the sea cliffs, is a restaurant. You dine in the softly lit lamplight with the sea crashing on the rocks below. Here are the details.

Island of Ponza

The island where Caesar Nero was exiled in Roman times. Nowadays a long period of exile here is something I would happily accept. It is unbelievably beautiful, and locals call it the "Island of Love." Click to find out more.

The Cilento

Just a stone’s throw from the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find the Cilento—but oh, what a difference! No glitz, no glamour, and none of those Amalfi prices. This is the real Italy, where history whispers through ancient Greek cities, timeworn villages, and the hills that gave birth to the Mediterranean diet. It’s Italy as it was meant to be—timeless, soulful, and utterly unforgettable. Click here to begin your Cilento adventure.

Tropea

Tropea

Sadly, Tropea is a destination that is just too addictive. One visit is never enough. From friendly Calabrese locals to spectacular scenery and food you just can't stop eating... You'll love it! Here's more on this destination.

Castellabate

The old hill town of Castellabate is where I go to find complete peace and tranquility. There are few international tourists here, and yet you have so much, which is wonderful. Think cottages of golden stone, green rolling hills where lemons and olives grow, tiny village squares, and seas of crystal-clear Italian blue. Click to be tempted further.

San Vito lo Capo

Of all the beaches in Sicily, this one is arguably the most beautiful. The sea is crystal clear, the sands are cream-colored, and the scenery is spectacular. Not only that, but it lies on the edge of the most pristine coastline in all of Sicily—the Riserva dello Zingaro. For photos and info visit the Sicilian Beach Guide.