Southern Italy has become something of a second home for me. My partner is Sicilian, and we return to the south several times a year, often driving from Belgium. This journey has allowed us to discover many magical places along the way.

Narrowing this list down to just twenty was no easy task. There are countless locations that could have made the cut, but these are the ones that have resonated with me the longest. Among them, the most beautiful places in Southern Italy are Favignana, with its crystalline waters, Matera, carved from stone and time, and Palermo, chaotic, soulful, and endlessly captivating.

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Practical Tips for Visiting Beautiful Southern Italy

20 Beautiful Places to Explore in Southern Italy

1. Palermo

READ MORE | A local’s guide to things to do in Palermo

Palermo is chaos at its finest and more than a little frayed at the edges. Yet, it also ranks as one of the most majestic places you will ever visit in Southern Italy. My partner hails from this vibrant city, and I have come to know it intimately over the years.

Start in the historical center, where you can explore Byzantine mosaics in the Palatine Chapel and enjoy a coffee in front of the Cathedral of Palermo. Don’t miss the chance to climb to its roof for one of the best views over the city. If breathtaking vistas are your thing, make sure to visit the Chiesa di Santa Catarina d’Alessandria. For €10, you can ascend two flights of stairs and revel in expansive views over Piazza Pretoria.

Stroll through the lively Ballarò Market, where vendors have perfected the art of gesticulating, and the delicious aroma of fried snacks fills the air. Locals come here to purchase fresh produce for the week. Among the stalls, you will discover the true heart of Palermo. Also, save some room for the highlight of local street food: a crunchy arancina or perhaps a bold sandwich with milza (spleen).

When the city heat rises, escape to nearby Mondello Beach. A mere 20 minutes away, this soft sandy crescent with turquoise waters is a favorite retreat for locals, often packed with Palermitans in search of relief from the sweltering sun.

MY FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY | 20 Boutique hotels in Palermo to stay
LUXURY PICK | Rocco Forte Villa Igiea
BEST LOCATION | Mori di Porta Nuova
BEST VIEWS | Cathedral View Apartments

2. Agrigento

READ MORE | 15 Day trips from Palermo under two hours from the city

Just outside Agrigento on Sicily’s southern coast lies the Valley of the Temples, one of the best-preserved collections of ancient Greek ruins globally and an absolute must-visit in Southern Italy. I made the rookie mistake of visiting on a scorching summer midday with temperatures soaring over 40°C (104°F). Thankfully, water fountains are sprinkled throughout the extensive park.

Agrigento boasts eight major temples along a sandstone ridge with breathtaking sea views. The highlight is the nearly intact Temple of Concordia, which has stood strong for over 2,000 years. Nearby, the monumental collapsed columns of the Temple of Zeus add an element of drama. Be sure to catch the haunting bronze statue by Igor Mitoraj, casually lounging in front of the temple.

Entry costs €12, and the park operates from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (last entry is around 6:30 PM). A combined ticket also allows access to an excellent archaeological museum nearby, where many original artifacts are housed. To delve into the history, download the free Valley of Temples official app (some glitches aside, it’s very informative) or opt for an audioguide for an extra €/$5, or indulge by hiring a local guide with skip-the-line tickets!

Set aside at least 2–3 hours for exploration. Wear good walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven, and don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle.

RECOMMENDED STAY | Colleverde Park Hotel
WHERE WE STAYED | B&B Kolymbetra
SUSTAINABLE PICK | B&B La Casa di El
BEST LOCATION | I Tetti di Girgenti

3. Ortigia

READ MORE | 15 Day trips from Catania in under two hours from the city

The Baroque city of Ortigia rests on a tiny island just off the coast of Syracuse. Although it’s hardly a kilometer wide, this sun-drenched gem embodies more charm than cities tenfold its size. For me, it is one of Sicily’s most beautiful spots, so much so that I intended to stay for a weekend but ended up lingering for four weeks. It is a must on any eastern Sicily itinerary.

Ortigia has its own rhythm: slow, sunlit, and utterly enchanting. You can spend hours wandering its honey-hued streets, where each turn reveals a crumbling palazzo, a tucked-away chapel, or a cat sprawled across a doorstep, lovingly cared for by locals who set up little houses and feeding stations for the feral felines.

At the island’s center lies Piazza Duomo, crowned with the magnificent Cathedral of Syracuse, a Baroque façade built over the ruins of a 5th-century Greek temple, with ancient columns still visible upon close inspection.

Every evening, I would meander past the ornate Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, its sculpted façade glowing in golden light. For unforgettable sunsets, explore the Fonte Arethusa or the Lungomare di Levante, where the sky transforms into a fiery palette as the clinking of aperitivo glasses drifts on the sea breeze.

Tip: If you’re staying overnight, ensure that you register your car’s number plate with your host, as parking on the island is limited to locals and registered visitors.

RECOMMENDED STAY | Alla Giudecca
LUXURY PICK | Grand Hotel Ortigia
SUSTAINABLE PICK | Aretusa Vacanze B&B
BEST LOCATION | Maison Ortigia

More Beautiful Places in Southern Italy

4. Riserva dello Zingaro

Tucked along Sicily’s northwestern coast, between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, lies the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, one of the last untouched stretches of coastline on the island. This protected nature reserve features dramatic cliffs meeting crystal-clear coves, serenaded only by the hum of cicadas broken by splashes from swimmers below.

Located just a 15-minute drive from Castellammare del Golfo, the southern entrance of the reserve makes for an easy day trip. But don’t expect beach bars or lounge chairs here—this is raw, wild beauty. Bring sturdy footwear, ample water, and be prepared to walk before you can set down your towel.

The trail leads to seven small beaches, the first one just a 15-minute walk in, which is usually crowded. Those who venture further, however, will find quieter coves, perfect for a refreshing swim and a moment of peace beneath sunlit cliffs.

Entry costs €5 per person (cash only, payable at either entrance), and the main coastal trail runs 7 km one way (14 km round trip), with no shuttle service between the two gates. Expect to spend around 4 hours for a full hike, excluding swim breaks and photo ops.

Facilities are minimal, but you will find water fountains along the path. Please remember to carry out any rubbish and refrain from using drones—the cliffs and falcons appreciate the tranquility.

BOOK A TOUR: The stunning waters and coastline of the reserve are among Sicily’s finest. These areas are only accessible by boat, so consider booking a boat tour around San Vito Lo Capo.

5. Panarea

Among Sicily’s stunning locations, the Aeolian Island of Panarea stands out. With its whitewashed villas, lush gardens, and harbor dotted with private yachts, it’s long been a retreat for Italy’s elite, including Stefano Gabbana and the former King of Belgium who own homes here.

My first visit was so enchanting that I never wanted to leave. Stepping off the ferry into the vibrant port of San Pietro, I was welcomed by fishermen selling their daily catch and sun-kissed visitors sipping espresso in shaded cafes. True to its elite status, hotels on the island tend to lean towards the expensive side. Instead, consider booking a stay on Vulcano and take a day trip to Panarea for a more affordable experience.

To indulge in the island’s breathtaking coastline, we rented a gozzo (a small boat) from the docks around San Pietro. Our days were filled with exploring hidden coves, swimming in impossibly clear waters, and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.

As night falls, Panarea transforms into a lively hotspot. For dinner with a view, reserve a table at Hotel Raya’s rooftop bar. On summer Saturdays, it morphs into Europe’s most exclusive open-air nightclub, attracting partygoers from across Sicily.

GETTING THERE: To reach Panarea, take a ferry from Milazzo (Messina) or Palermo, or join a tour from Taormina that includes both Panarea and Stromboli Islands.

RECOMMENDED STAY | Villa Il Galeone
LUXURY PICK | Hotel Lisca Bianca
SUSTAINABLE PICK | B&B da Luca
BEST VIEWS | Dependance La Caletta