Love this? Share it!

Looking to expand your Italy bucket list with little-known hidden gems? Featuring stunning coastlines, gorgeous architecture, crystal-clear turquoise waters, delicious food (and wine!), captivating history, and incredible culture, my five hidden gems in southern Italy will blow you away. Keep scrolling to read!

5 Incredible Hidden Gems in Southern Italy | The Wanderful Me

Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Southern Italy is far more than just the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sorrento, and Naples. While undeniably magical, these popular spots are magnets for tourists seeking the quintessential Italian experience.

And, as such, they often come with all the familiar trappings of well-known destinations — bustling crowds, high-priced souvenirs, and crowded restaurants.

If you’re like me, you’re yearning for something a bit more unique. Somewhere in Italy where you can go a little bit off the beaten track, escape the crowds, and experience the unknown. Rest assured, these five incredible hidden gems in southern Italy ticks these boxes!

So, if you’re ready to get inspired and expand your Italy bucket list, check out my list of cool and unique places to visit in southern Italy!

Tropea, Italy

Located in the Calabria region of southern Italy, this picturesque seaside town on the Tyrrhenian Coast is often called the “Pearl of Calabria.” Tropea is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant blue waters, and dramatic cliffs that meet the sea — when combined, you’re left with unbelievable views that’ll take your breath away.

I’m not kidding when I say that you can find some of the most turquoise-blue waters in the world in Tropea! (And I’ve been to places like Thailand, Indonesia, Greece and the Caribbean!)

  • Why Visit: Tropea offers crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling, historic architecture, and a romantic old town filled with charming shops and cafes.
  • Top Highlights: Don’t miss the iconic Santa Maria dell’Isola Monastery, perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise sea. Explore the medieval lanes of the old town, and try the local specialty, the Tropea red onion!
  • Travel Tips: Visit Tropea in early summer (which is when I visited!) or late September for fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and warm water for swimming.

Lecce, Italy

Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” is a stunning city in the Apulia (Puglia) region known for its Baroque architecture and vibrant culture.

Personally, it’s one of the prettiest cities I’ve ever been to, with its golden-hued buildings that glow in the sunlight, stunning piazzas (town squares) buzzing with life, and countless historic sites that tell the story of Lecce’s past.

The city’s unique charm is woven into every street and alley, from intricate architectural details to welcoming cafes spilling onto cobblestone streets.

  • Why Visit: This hidden gem is packed with historical sites but doesn’t get the same tourist crowds as Florence. You’ll find ornate churches, grand piazzas, and beautiful palaces, along with delicious local dishes.
  • Top Highlights: The Basilica di Santa Croce is a must-see, with its intricate facade, as well as the ancient Roman amphitheater in Piazza Sant’Oronzo.
  • Local Flavor: Try pasticciotto (a delicious custard-filled pastry) and pair it with Lecce’s robust wines.

Click here to check out my blog on visiting Lecce: the Baroque Jewel of southern Italy.

Matera, Italy

Have you ever wanted to visit one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world? With its homes carved directly into limestone cliffs, ancient landscape, and treasure trove of architectural and historical wonders, Matera is one of the best hidden gems in southern Italy!

Not to mention, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Pretty cool, eh? These endless reasons to visit are what draw countless photographers and history enthusiasts alike to Matera each year.

So, plan a visit here and experience Matera for yourself. As you wander through its winding, stone-paved streets, you’ll find fascinating examples of rock-hewn architecture, underground churches, and ancient cisterns, each with a story to tell.

  • Why Visit: Matera’s raw, timeless beauty makes it feel as if you’re stepping into a city lost to time. It also offers a slower pace than Italy’s more tourist-heavy cities, giving you the chance to connect deeply with its past and local culture.
  • Top Highlights: Stroll though Sassi di Matera and its ancient cave dwellings, imagining what life what like here centuries ago. Explore Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano and the Cripta del Peccato Originale, incredible churches carved directly into the rock.
  • Local Flavor: Try the local specialties like pane di Matera (traditional bread) and peperoni cruschi (crispy red peppers) at a traditional trattoria.
  • Travel Tip: Visit in the early morning or late evening for quieter streets and softer lighting that makes the Sassi even more enchanting.

Scilla, Italy

A charming fishing town in Calabria, Scilla is an under-the-radar, hidden gem on Italy’s southwestern coast. With a name rooted in Greek mythology, Scilla offers a perfect blend of history, incredibly blue waters, stunning sea views, beautiful beaches, and authentic Italian coastal life.

I visited Scilla mid-June and can honestly say that this is the perfect time of the year to plan a trip. The weather is ideal — warm enough for swimming and sunbathing but not too hot — and there are minimal tourists.

That said, not many people know about Scilla so the crowds are far smaller than those you’ll find in popular destinations anyways!

If you’re looking for a lesser-known hidden gem in southern Italy, definitely consider Scilla. It’s perfect to add to a southern Italy road trip.

  • Why Visit: Scilla’s dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and quaint, colorful houses make it a postcard-worthy destination without the crowds. It’s a haven for those seeking a relaxing beach escape paired with a touch of myth and history.
  • Top Highlights: Wander through the Chianalea, Scilla’s “Little Venice,” where narrow streets and waterfront houses create a charming setting, then visit the cliffside Castello Ruffo for stunning coastal views. Also, walk up to Belvedere di Piazza, where you can find incredible views of the castle and surrounding coastline.
  • Local Flavor: Try Scilla’s renowned swordfish dishes, fresh from the local waters, paired with Calabria’s flavorful wines.
  • Travel Tip: Arrive early to enjoy a quieter Chianalea! This area of Scilla features pretty narrow lanes so even if there are more travelers, it can feel crowded. Also, explore the area by boat! Rent a boat in the harbor or go on a boat tour to see the stunning cliffs and colorful houses from the water.

Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello in Puglia, aka the “heel” of Italy’s boot, is famous for its unique trulli houses — charming whitewashed homes with conical stone roofs.

Walking through Alberobello truly feels as though you’re in a fairytale. Every corner is picture-perfect, and the trulli, with their white facades and gray domes, create an enchanting atmosphere.

Another amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello offers a glimpse into a different era, with its winding alleys and distinct architecture that dates back to the 14th century.

But the most interesting part? The history of Alberobello’s trulli. Originally built as temporary shelters or homes by farmers, their unusual design — using limestone and without mortar — allowed them to be dismantled quickly to avoid taxes imposed on permanent structures.

How cool, right? Alberobello’s unique history, architecture, and countryside scenery make it one the best hidden gems of southern Italy.

  • Why Visit: It’s an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique experience and a break from the usual beach and city destinations.
  • Top Highlights: Wander through the Rione Monti neighborhood to see the largest concentration of trulli. Stop by Trullo Sovrano, a two-story trulli museum, for a glimpse into the town’s history.
  • Travel Tip: Alberobello is most magical at sunrise or sunset when the light softens, making the trulli glow. There are also far less people at this time of day! Furthermore, the town is small and easy to explore in a day, so you can simply add a day trip here if you’re planning a southern Italy road trip.

With these five unique places to visit in southern Italy, you can plan the perfect trip to this incredible country! If you have any further questions about hidden gems in Italy or cool places to visit, stick ’em in the comments below.

Sophie xx

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

Love this post on 5 hidden gems in southern Italy? Pin it!

As mentioned above, this post contains affiliate links. Which means if you make a purchase through the links, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure here.


Love this? Share it!