The southern charms of Italy: A travel guide to Dolce Vita, part II

After romping through the sophisticated streets of Northern Italy, it’s time to loosen that designer scarf and head south. Welcome to the land where the sun is warmer, the pasta is saucier, and life moves one espresso at a time. Southern Italy is like the cousin of the north, full of zest, colour, and a bit of that Mediterranean madness. Welcome to your southern Italy travel guide, let’s embark on this sun-drenched adventure shall we?

A travel guide to southern Italy including all the things to do, see and eat:

Rome

Where ancient meets espresso. No cheeky tour of Italy would be complete without a stop in Rome, the Eternal City, where history is not just in the books, it’s on every street corner. Dodge vespas, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain (yes, it’s a cliché, but so is pizza), and walk through history at the Colosseum. And remember, when in Rome, eat as the Romans do – which means pizza, pasta, and perhaps a cheeky gelato (or two).

Must See: The Sistine Chapel – because Michelangelo didn’t spend all that time on his back for nothing.

Naples

Ah, Naples – where pizza is not just food, it’s a religion. This city has a bit of a reputation, but don’t let that scare you. It’s vibrant, it’s chaotic, and it’s got character. Wander the streets, visit the Veiled Christ, and then dive into the real reason you’re here: authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Must Eat: Margherita Pizza, because tasting it here is a life-changing experience.

Amalfi Coast

Where land meets sea in style, with its cliffside villages and azure seas, it’s like a living postcard. Rent a convertible (sunglasses mandatory) and drive the winding roads from Sorrento to Salerno. Stop at Positano for a beach day and Ravello for breathtaking views. Warning: You might feel like you’ve stepped into a high-budget romance film.

Must Do: Limoncello tasting. It’s like sipping on liquid sunshine.

Sicily

Cross the Strait of Messina to Sicily, an island that’s a unique blend of cultures, flavors, and landscapes. Visit the Valley of the Temples, scale Mount Etna (an active volcano, because why not?), and wander the streets of Palermo, where every corner has a story. And the food – oh, the food! It’s like Italy turned up to eleven.

Must Eat: Cannoli and Arancini – not necessarily together, but we won’t judge.

Puglia

Finally, discover Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland, and endless coastline. Places like Alberobello with its trulli houses and the baroque beauty of Lecce are must-sees. Puglia is like that underrated indie movie that you can’t stop recommending once you’ve seen it.

Must See: The Trulli of Alberobello, because they’re as cute as they sound.

And there you have it – a whirlwind tour of Southern Italy, a place where every meal is a feast, every view is a painting, and every moment is a memory waiting to happen. Whether you’re sipping limoncello on the Amalfi Coast or wandering through ancient ruins in Rome, Southern Italy is a reminder that life, at its best, is a beautiful, delicious, sun-soaked adventure.