Linda Sarris - Moon Southern Italy: Sicily, Puglia, Naples & the Amalfi Coast (Travel Guide)

Positano.

Things move at a different speed in Southern Italy, where a slow pace and easy living are almost always the keys to happiness, whether youre sailing into Amalfis harbor, wandering the ruins of Magna Graecia in Sicily, or watching pasta experts hand-making orecchiette in front of their homes in Bari.

Though plenty ties the people, landscape, and culture of this region togetherfrom the midday siesta, pre-dinner aperitivo, and evening passeggiata, to the excellent gastronomy and importance of the seaeach part has its own distinct character, too.

On the Amalfi Coast, its pastel-hued homes clinging to the cliffs between mountain and sea, tempting beaches lined with colorful umbrellas, and postcard-worthy views in every direction. Just a short distance away youll find sunny Sorrento, Paestum and its incredibly well-preserved Greek temples, and the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum frozen in time. When youre ready for a burst of energy, head to Naples where, amid the buzz of scooters and backdrop of Neapolitan songs, there lies a city that was meant to be uncovered.

In Sicily, think dipping into salty, cool, crystal-blue water from rocky beaches on hot summer days, the constant, looming presence of Mount Etna, biting into a crispy fried arancina on the lively streets of Palermo, and small Baroque towns built into hillside cliffs.

fresh sea urchin in Puglia

beach on the Aeolian island of Lipari

Marina Grande in Capri

Meanwhile, at the southeastern heel of Italys boot, Puglias long coastline lures travelers from around the world. The region is known for cucina poveramaking miraculous food with simple, inexpensive ingredientsusually with a big glug of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to finish a dish.

Get ready to experience a place that captures your heart and leaves you longing for more. One thing is for sure: Youll have travel memories to relive for a lifetime.

Duomo di Amalfi

cheesemaking in Puglia.

Sorrentos Marina Grande

Finding your own personal paradise at one of

Eating in Naples, the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, where its truly a gastronomic art.

Climbing Mount Etna, Sicilys beating heart and the most active volcano in all of Europe, where you can grab a glass of volcanic wine after your .

, two Roman cities frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, offering a somber and fascinating look at life in ancient Rome.

, through turquoise blue waters and past stunning grottoes.

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in Matera, one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world.

, where the scenery leaves little doubt as to how the hike got its name.

Where to Go

Naples and the Ruins

The largest city in Southern Italy, Naples buzzes with a vibrant energy and magnetism truly its own. How could you not fall for a city with royal palaces, world-class museums, and some of Italys tastiest street food?