A road trip through Southern Italy offers a breathtaking journey through time, culture, and landscapes, where history and natural beauty blend seamlessly. Starting in the vibrant city of Naples, this road trip takes you through ancient ruins, coastal treasures, and quaint villages, before ending in the unique and mystical town of Matera. Along the way, you’ll encounter Pompeii’s haunting ruins, the Amalfi Coast’s shimmering waters, and the serene, hilltop town of Castelmezzano. This journey captures the essence of Italy’s southern charm, leaving travelers enchanted by both the scenery and the history that has shaped this land.
Day 1: Naples – The Soul of Southern Italy
Your adventure begins in Naples, the bustling heart of Southern Italy. Known for its chaotic charm, this city is a sensory overload of vibrant street life, tantalizing aromas, and historic architecture. As the birthplace of pizza, Naples offers a culinary journey like no other, but beyond the food, the city brims with a rich history and energy.
Start your trip by visiting Spaccanapoli, the long, narrow street that slices through the historic center of Naples. Here, you’ll find a labyrinth of ancient buildings, artisan shops, and bustling markets. Take a detour to the stunning Naples Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli), dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro, whose blood is believed to liquefy during a miracle ceremony held twice a year.
Next, head to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. Its vast collection of Roman antiquities includes treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, giving you a preview of what’s to come on your journey.
After soaking in the city’s history and culture, it’s time to indulge in the local cuisine. A visit to Naples wouldn’t be complete without trying an authentic Margherita pizza at one of the city’s famed pizzerias. Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo are excellent options for tasting what is often considered the best pizza in the world.
Spend the evening strolling along the waterfront promenade, where you’ll get a fantastic view of Mount Vesuvius looming over the Bay of Naples. This iconic volcano is your destination tomorrow, as you make your way to the next stop: Pompeii.
Day 2: Pompeii – A Journey Through Time
After your first night in Naples, head south toward Pompeii—just a short 15 miles (24 km) drive via the Autostrada A3, which takes around 30 minutes. This proximity makes it an easy and essential stop.
Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of Italy’s most evocative and visited archaeological sites. Set aside at least half a day to explore the sprawling ruins, which reveal intricate mosaics, grand temples, and remarkably preserved homes. The Villa of the Mysteries, with its frescoes that depict ancient rites, is a must-see, as is the House of the Faun, one of the largest and most opulent houses in Pompeii.
Walking through the city’s ancient streets, you can’t help but feel the weight of history. The casts of people caught in their final moments are a sobering reminder of the power of nature, while the advanced engineering of the Roman Empire, from their aqueducts to public baths, highlights their ingenuity.
After your exploration, take a break at one of the nearby trattorias for a traditional Caprese salad and a glass of Limoncello, the lemon-based liqueur that hails from this region.
Day 3: Amalfi Coast – The Jewel of the Tyrrhenian Sea
Leaving Pompeii, take the scenic coastal road toward the Amalfi Coast, located about 20 miles (32 km) from Pompeii. The drive along the SS163 is as thrilling as it is scenic, taking approximately an hour depending on traffic.
The Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and picturesque villages clinging to the hillsides.
Your first stop should be Positano, a postcard-perfect town known for its pastel-colored houses cascading down the cliffs to the sea. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets, popping into artisanal shops selling handmade ceramics, leather sandals, and linen clothes.
For lunch, head to one of Positano’s beachside restaurants for fresh seafood with a view. Dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) are local specialties, and nothing pairs better with the coastal views than a chilled glass of local white wine.
Continue your drive along the coast to the town of Amalfi, another 10 miles (16 km) from Positano, which takes around 40 minutes. Amalfi was once a powerful maritime republic but is now a charming town known for its Duomo di Sant’Andrea, a striking cathedral with a mix of Arab-Norman, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
Before leaving the coast, make a stop at Ravello, perched high above the sea. Known for its stunning gardens and sweeping views, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone offer some of the best panoramas in all of Italy. Ravello’s serene atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to unwind after the intensity of Pompeii and the vibrancy of Positano.
From the Amalfi Coast, head inland towards Castelmezzano, which lies approximately 100 miles (160 km) east, a journey of about 2.5 hours. The drive takes you through rolling hills and rugged mountains, with stunning views at every turn.
This small, hilltop village in the Lucanian Dolomites is a peaceful escape from the busy coastal towns. When you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval fairytale, with the town’s stone houses blending seamlessly into the rocky cliffs.
Take a walk through the narrow streets, where time seems to slow down, and climb up to the Norman Castle ruins for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, Castelmezzano is home to the Volo dell’Angelo (Flight of the Angel), one of the longest and highest zip lines in the world. Soar over the valleys between Castelmezzano and the neighboring village of Pietrapertosa for an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
For dinner, enjoy a hearty meal of Lucanian specialties, including Pasta con Peperoni Cruschi (pasta with crispy peppers) and local lamb dishes. Castelmezzano’s remote location means the food is as fresh and local as it gets.
Day 5: Matera – The Ancient City of Stone
The final leg of your road trip takes you to Matera, about 70 miles (110 km) southeast of Castelmezzano, a drive of approximately 1.5 hours. Matera is a city unlike any other in the world, famous for its Sassi—ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone rock. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, with human settlement dating back over 9,000 years.
Wandering through the winding alleys and stairways of the Sassi di Matera, it’s easy to see why this city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient cave homes, churches, and cisterns are a testament to the ingenuity of early inhabitants who adapted to the harsh environment.
Visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario to get a sense of what life was like for the cave-dwellers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Another must-see is the Crypt of the Original Sin, a rock church with stunning frescoes dating back to the 9th century.
Matera’s unique atmosphere has also made it a popular filming location, with movies like The Passion of the Christ and the recent No Time to Die (James Bond) shot here.
As your road trip comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible diversity of experiences you’ve encountered along the way—from the bustling streets of Naples to the haunting silence of Pompeii, the dazzling beauty of the Amalfi Coast, and the ancient wonders of Matera. Southern Italy is a region that leaves an indelible mark on every traveler, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that is impossible to forget.
Photo by Sebastian on Unsplash
