Southern Italy

Southern Italy is full of history, cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

If you only have a few days for your visit, you can try this itinerary through the main cities to get a general overview of this area and come back in the future to further explore your favorite destinations.

I will be sharing 4 days itinerary, but definitely recommend to spend more days here.

This Southern Italy itinerary includes the following places of interest: 

• Matera
• Grotolle
• Alberobello
• Polignano a Mare

1st day itinerary for Southern Italy

Land in Bari and jump right in the car and make your way to Matera.  

Matera

Matera is one of those magical places that is hard to put into words. It has gone from being the “shame of Italy” to a UNESCO World Heritage Site to one of the 2019 European Capitals of Culture.

The city is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited settlements in history, has been the filming location for many movies, and is split into two areas, the ,,Sassi´´ (old city) and the new city.

I Sassi are the historic center of the city of Matera , with their particular twist of caved used as houses, alley, stone churches, terraces, gardens, tunnel, are a great example of an architectural complex perfectly matching with the natural environment.

I Sassi are divided into two districts, the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. The Sasso Barisano, the biggest, is characterized by the presence of shops, restaurants and hotels while the Caveoso is the oldest neighborhood that best preserves the appearance of the cave city.

To appreciate in full their uniqueness let visit I Sassi on foot, lost in the alleys, stairs and panoramic squares from which to enjoy the beautiful landscape. The ancient architecture, the cave dwellings, views at every turn, and less touristy feel made it one of my favorite destinations in Italy.

Must see places in Matera:

• Piazza Pascoli. A natural window to enjoy an amazing view of the two Sassi districts. From here you can walk to explore several historically and artistically sites.

• Casa Noha. The ancient house, close to the Cathedral, is an historic house museum where the use of original furnishings  allow us to understand how people lived in those environments in the past.

• Santa Maria de Idris church. There are almost  150 churches in the Matera area for the protection of which it has been established the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The Cathedral. The Cathedral of Madonna della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio, Apulian-Romanesque style, was built in the thirteenth century. The façade of the church has beautiful decorated portal: you can see an impressive rose window with 16 rays.

3 hours for a quick sightseeing of Sassi is enough but I would recommended to dedicate the whole day in Matera to visit Museums and the park of cave churches.

2nd day itinerary for Southern Italy

Just 30 minutes drive from Matera, you will find this charming town of Grottole, where you will find an authentic old town and very welcoming people.

Grottole

Grottole is one of the oldest villages in the region of Basilicata, so named for its grotticelle, the grottos that are still used today to work clay, creating vases, jugs and other handicraft tools.

In the historic centre it is possible to admire the remains of the so-called Diruta church, never completely built, dedicated to Saints Luca and Giuliano.

Not to be missed is the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, with the annexed former convent of the Dominican friars, the Church of Santa Maria la Grotta, rededicated to San Rocco, while on the top of the Altojanni plateau stands the Sanctuary of Sant’Antonio Abate, not far from the archeological remains of a medieval city.

This town actually has exceeded my expectations. I´m true lover of Italy and already visited many places in this country, but this place has it´s unique vibe and I just loved the whole experience.

Nr one, of course is the people. Lovely and simple people. Would reccommend this place for those who are searching for an authentic places, not overcrowded with the tourists, but the places which preserves it´s traditions and culture.

I definitely would love to come back here again!

This is also a perfect base for you to stay for a longer period. If you work remotely and are looking for place to stay in this region, Floasis has the perfect accommodation for you.

Check their website https://floasis.io/ and with my special discount code you will have 50€ off on a booking over 399€.

Discount code: ANAKEDO-FLO50

Accommodation link: https://floasis.io/l/south-italian-village-guesthouse-double-twin-ensuite-1/60f5aaf1-78f4-4adf-afb0-be04cadf6f37

3rd day itinerary for Southern Italy

Go back to Puglia region, just 90 km from Grottole town.

Alberobello

Visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the region – Alberobello, which has the largest concentration of trulli. These small houses, usually having only one or two rooms, are constructed of stone without the use of mortar. Their roofs are made by layering limestone slabs and often have a symbol painted on them.

According to several studies, the trulli were first constructed in the Fourteenth century as a stratagem to … avoid paying taxes! The King of Naples had, in fact, imposed a tariff for each new village erected. The Count of Acquaviva, feudal lord of the area, made an agreement with the colonists so that mortar would not be used to join the blocks with which their homes were built, so that in this way they maintained the aspect of precarious constructions, easy to demolish and therefore, non-taxable.

Whatever their origin, the trulli are anything but precarious: their structure, even if without sustaining and binding elements, has, in fact, an extraordinary stability and demonstrates the use of particularly clever techniques.

Start your visit at the overlook in the town center near the parking area for a great overview of the trulli zone. Before you head down the hill, take a little time to wander through the historic center to see the cathedral, streets of trulli, and a trullo (singular of trulli) that’s open to visitors. 

For an unusual lodging experience, stay in a trullo. Be aware, however, that your room might not be very spacious. However it´s truly unique experience.

The trulli are not only a legacy from the past: visiting the lovely town of Alberobello means coming into contact with an ancient tradition which still today characterises an entire community.

4th day itinerary for Southern Italy

It will take you only 30 min drive from Alberobello to this wonderful beach destination.

Polignano a Mare

One of the most exciting places to visit in Italy is Puglia’s gorgeous seaside gem, Polignano a Mare. There are many things to do in this towm and a lot of tasty places to eat at!

Polignano a Mare is probably one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Italy.

Sitting approximately 25 miles southeast of Bari, the small town sits perched on top of large limestone cliffs that drop off into the Adriatic sea.  Below are some details about the city.

Legend has it that the land Polignano a Mare sits on was once part of Greece, but broke away and floated across the Adriatic and became part of modern-day Italy. Although this legend is obviously not true, the area has been settled since prehistoric times and is believed to have been the site of an ancient Greek city called Neapolis of Apulia. 

Despite the small stature of the town, which is only home to about 24,000 people, there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained for a couple of days.

From the charming and historic old town to the shockingly beautiful Lama Monachile Beach, there is something that will suit everyone looking for things to do in Polignano a Mare.

What to Do in Polignano a Mare

• Explore the Old Town. The charming and winding streets lined with whitewashed buildings give way to beautiful piazzas and historical buildings.

• Spend time on Lama Monachile Beach. n the center of the town, you will find a cove with a gorgeous white pebble beach surrounded by high cliffs and crystal clear water. It is the main public beach in Polignano a Mare and is absolutely gorgeous.

• Eat Dinner in a Cave. Grotta Palazzese is an amazing 5-star hotel and restaurant that has been partially built into a cave complex and visiting it is one of the essential things to do in Polignano a Mare.

• Head to stunning viewpoints. Throughout the old town, you will find impressive viewpoints where you can look out over the sea and towards the cliffs that are supporting the precariously perched old town. Yet the most popular of all is Terrazza Santo Stefano. For good reason. This balcony to the Adriatic Sea offers the most breathtaking view to Polignano a Mare with its gorgeous beach and imposing cliffs.

• Look For Poetry in The Streets. As you wander around the Old Town, you will stumble upon poetic words (always in Italian) written on walls, doors, stairs and pretty much everywhere else.

• Marvel At The View From Pietra Piatta. A huge flat rock with gorgeous views to the historic centre of Polignano a Mare as it hangs from the tall limestone cliff. 

• Visit San Vito beach. It´s only a few kilometers away from Poligano a Mare and totally worth visiting. The coloured fishermen´s boats, docked in the bay, gives a picturesque touch.

With all these amazing things to do in Polignano a Mare, it’s pretty obvious why I think that one full day is the absolute minimum time to spend there. However, if you have more time in your hands, you should consider using this town as your base to explore the rest of Puglia.

Final thoughts

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

Hope this itinerary will help you on planning your next trip to Italy!

For more Italy travel inspiration check my posts here: https://travelwithanny.com/category/destinations/italy/

Yours sincerely,

Anny