Hello everyone! I'm Shanmei, your Italian friend, and I'm excited to share some lesser-known treasures of Southern Italy with you. If you're tired of overcrowded tourist spots and seek a more authentic Italian experience, this video is for you.
Introduction
For those new to my channel, I'm an Italian who has lived in Beijing for many years and have worked in the tourism industry, specifically with a Chinese travel agency catering to domestic tourists. I designed itineraries and consulted on travel plans. During that time, I noticed that many tourists focused solely on Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice, missing out on the true beauty of Italy. While those cities are essential for a first-time visit, there's so much more to discover.
The Allure of Southern Italy
I'm originally from Calabria, located at the "toe" of Italy's boot. Southern Italy is full of mysterious and beautiful places that often get overlooked. I'm frequently asked for recommendations on where to visit in this region, so I've created this video to highlight some hidden gems that will surely delight you.
Announcing My Southern Italy E-Travel Guide
I'm thrilled to announce that my sister and I have created an e-travel guide focused on Southern Italy. Drawing on my personal experience and tourism industry expertise, this guide provides a carefully curated itinerary that starts in Rome, crosses through the central and southern regions (including my hometown, Calabria), and ends in Sicily. It emphasizes smaller towns and villages that offer a glimpse into the real Italy, away from the tourist crowds. This e-book includes a main schedule, the duration of which, and the stop time of each place can be modified according to your needs. There is also an extra schedule, not to Calabria and Sicily, but to Puglia.
Too often, popular destinations lose their unique Italian charm. This guide provides a manually designed travel schedule tailored for those seeking a truly immersive experience. The e-book offers practical information. It's available for purchase in my YouTube shop at a special discount of 15.99 euros and is available in both English and Chinese.
Five Must-Visit Destinations in Southern Italy
Now, let's dive into the five must-visit destinations in Southern Italy that I highly recommend:
1. Naples
While I generally advocate for less-traveled locations, a trip to Southern Italy must include Naples. Recently gaining popularity among Italian tourists thanks to some famous TV shows, Naples represents the heart of Southern Italy. It's a vibrant city where history and folk culture intertwine. The friendly and cheerful locals make you feel welcomed, despite the city's energetic atmosphere.
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Food: Naples is the birthplace of authentic Italian pizza, with thick, soft crusts and delicious toppings. Also, enjoy the seafood and classic desserts.
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Sites: Discover rich historical sites like castles, museums, and numerous churches.
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Location: Explore nearby Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
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Duration: Plan to spend at least three days in Naples, with an additional day trip to Capri Island.
2. Matera
Known as the "Stone City," Matera boasts a long history and unique characteristics that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe.
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Features: The stone buildings create a maze-like environment, and the city has served as a filming location for movies like The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die (007).
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Atmosphere: Walking through these ancient streets gives a sense of time travel.
3. Maratea
Maratea is a pearl on the Tyrrhenian coast. It's often confused with Matera due to the similarities in spelling.
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Features: It is known for its beautiful coastline, clear waters, and peaceful town atmosphere.
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Landmark: The most recognizable landmark is the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which overlooks the town and the sea, providing breathtaking views.
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Experience: It is a popular vacation destination for Italians, especially during the summer.
4. Tropea
Located in Calabria, my home region, Tropea is a coastal city known for its dramatic cliffs, ancient gardens, and beautiful beaches.
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Beaches: The crystal-clear waters are often considered among Italy's most stunning.
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Cuisine: Tropea is famous for its red onions and chili peppers, readily available in local restaurants and markets.
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Unique experience: Don't miss trying the onion-flavored ice cream.
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Nearby: Visit Capo Vaticano for stunning beach views reminiscent of the Greek islands.
5. Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in Italy, rich in diversity and history.
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Nature: It boasts unparalleled natural landscapes, including Mount Etna and captivating beaches.
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Culture: The island showcases numerous cultural landmarks, from Greek theaters to Arabian-Roman architecture, all steeped in history.
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Cuisine: Sicily is a food lover's paradise. Indulge in arancini, cassata, and fresh seafood.
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Duration: A dedicated trip to Sicily could easily last ten days. However, if you're touring all of Southern Italy, allocate about 5-6 days.
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Main destinations: Focus on Taormina, Mount Etna, Catania, Agrigento, Syracuse, and Palermo.
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Travel tips: Catania and Palermo have airports, making it convenient to fly in from Rome and depart from either city.
Conclusion
I hope you're inspired to explore Southern Italy! If you're interested in learning more, check out my e-travel guide for a detailed itinerary and valuable information. The link is in the video description. Feel free to email me with any questions. I wish you a journey full of wonderful surprises. See you next time!