10-Day Road Trip Across South Italy: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Coastal Beauty
Southern Italy is a land of rugged coastlines, ancient ruins, charming villages, and mouthwatering cuisine. A 10-day road trip is the perfect way to explore its hidden gems and must-visit destinations. This itinerary follows the route from the map, covering Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Calabria, and beyond. Get ready for breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and some of the best food in Italy! 🚗🇮🇹
Day 1: Arrival in Naples – Gateway to Southern Italy
Your adventure begins in Naples, one of Italy’s most energetic and historic cities. Known for its UNESCO-listed old town, incredible food, and proximity to Pompeii, Naples is the perfect place to start your journey.
Must-Sees in Naples:
- Piazza del Plebiscito – Naples’ main square, home to the Royal Palace.
- Castel dell’Ovo – A historic fortress with stunning sea views.
- Spaccanapoli & San Gregorio Armeno – Wander the lively streets of Naples’ old town.
- Naples Underground Tour – Explore ancient tunnels beneath the city.
- Try Authentic Pizza Napolitana – Naples is the birthplace of pizza!
Stay overnight in Naples and get ready for an unforgettable road trip.
Day 2: Naples to Amalfi Coast (80 km | 2h)
Drive south to the Amalfi Coast, one of the most breathtaking coastal drives in the world. The winding cliffside roads offer dramatic views of the Mediterranean, while charming villages invite you to explore.
Must-Sees on the Amalfi Coast:
- Positano – The most iconic town, with pastel-colored houses and a scenic beach.
- Amalfi – The heart of the coast, with the stunning Amalfi Cathedral.
- Ravello – Famous for its stunning gardens at Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.
- Furore Fjord – A hidden beach surrounded by cliffs.
Enjoy fresh seafood pasta with a glass of Limoncello before heading to your accommodation.
Day 3: Amalfi Coast to Matera (240 km | 3h 30m)
Leave the coast and drive inland towards Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Known for its “Sassi” cave dwellings, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a truly unique destination.
Must-Sees in Matera:
- Sassi di Matera – Ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs.
- Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario – A preserved cave home showing how people once lived.
- Piazza San Pietro Caveoso – A scenic square with incredible views.
- Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris – A church carved into the rock.
Spend the night in a cave hotel for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Day 4: Matera to Alberobello & Polignano a Mare (80 km | 1h 30m)
Drive east into Puglia, one of Italy’s most underrated regions. Your first stop is Alberobello, a fairy-tale town famous for its Trulli houses. Then, continue to Polignano a Mare, a coastal gem perched on limestone cliffs.
Must-Sees in Alberobello & Polignano a Mare:
- Trulli Houses – Unique white stone huts with conical roofs in Alberobello.
- Polignano a Mare Old Town – Stroll through the picturesque alleys.
- Lama Monachile Beach – A stunning cove between cliffs.
- Try Caffè Speciale – A famous coffee with cream and lemon zest.
Stay overnight in Polignano a Mare to enjoy the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
Day 5: Polignano a Mare to Lecce & Gallipoli (160 km | 2h 30m)
Continue your journey south to Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” known for its Baroque architecture. Then, head to Gallipoli, a historic seaside town with stunning beaches.
Must-Sees in Lecce & Gallipoli:
- Basilica di Santa Croce (Lecce) – A masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
- Piazza del Duomo (Lecce) – The city’s stunning central square.
- Gallipoli Old Town – A charming island connected to the mainland.
- Baia Verde Beach – One of the best beaches in Puglia.
Enjoy fresh seafood and Pasticciotto (a custard-filled pastry) before relaxing for the night.
Day 6: Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca & Ostuni (200 km | 3h 30m)
Drive to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Puglia where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. After exploring the area, head north to Ostuni, the “White City” with stunning hilltop views.
Must-Sees:
- Lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca – The meeting point of two seas.
- Ostuni Old Town – Wander through the whitewashed streets.
- Try Orecchiette Pasta – A local specialty in Puglia.
Stay overnight in a traditional Masseria (farmhouse hotel) in the countryside.
Day 7: Ostuni to Tropea (400 km | 5h 30m)
Head towards Calabria, a region famous for its dramatic coastline and clear turquoise waters. Arrive in Tropea, one of Southern Italy’s most stunning coastal towns.
Must-Sees in Tropea:
- Santa Maria dell’Isola Monastery – A historic monastery on a rocky cliff.
- Tropea Beach – Crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
- Try ‘Nduja – A spicy spreadable sausage unique to Calabria.
Stay overnight in Tropea to enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
Day 8: Tropea to Scilla & Reggio Calabria (110 km | 2h)
Drive along the coast to Scilla, a charming fishing village linked to the myth of Scylla and Charybdis. Then, continue to Reggio Calabria, home to some of Italy’s best seafood.
Must-Sees:
- Chianalea di Scilla – A picturesque fishing village.
- Reggio Calabria National Museum – Home of the famous Riace Bronzes.
- Lungomare Falcomatà – A scenic promenade with a view of Sicily.
Enjoy fresh swordfish pasta before heading to your hotel.
Day 9: Reggio Calabria to Paestum (380 km | 5h 30m)
Start your return journey north, stopping at Paestum, an ancient Greek city with some of the best-preserved temples in the world.
Must-Sees in Paestum:
- Temple of Hera – One of the best-preserved Greek temples in Italy.
- Temple of Neptune – A stunning Doric temple.
- Mozzarella di Bufala Tasting – This region is famous for fresh buffalo mozzarella!
Stay overnight in a local agriturismo (farm stay).
Day 10: Paestum to Naples (110 km | 2h)
Complete your road trip back in Naples. If time allows, take a detour to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius before catching your flight home.
This 10-day road trip across South Italy is the ultimate mix of history, beaches, and culture. Whether you’re exploring Puglia’s whitewashed villages, Calabria’s hidden beaches, or Campania’s ancient ruins, this journey promises unforgettable memories.
🚗 Would you take this road trip? Let us know your favorite stops! 🇮🇹✨