In this blog I write about my favorite country Italy and the must-see places! Italy is a beautiful country and in this article I will mainly talk about the south of Italy. These are the absolute hotspots you want to see. Will you travel with me along the must-see places in southern Italy?
1. Naples
The city that captured my heart. 3 years ago I also visited this beautiful city, which some call a garbage dump. Who the series Gomorrah on Netflix may be thinking of skipping the city of Napoli, but why would you? Naples has everything to offer a tourist. In Napoli you can visit the Spanish quarter Quartieri Spagnoli, eat pizza at the best pizzeria and above all enjoy, enjoy and enjoy again! Read in my other blog where you must have eaten in Naples!
Also read: Taste Italy | 6x good food in Naples
After a few days in Naples, it was time for us to leave for the next destination Bari† But how? We hadn't booked anything, it was the month of August. Not only tourists were on a trip, but also the Italians were traveling criss-cross through Italy. Oops, it was sweltering hot and we just wanted and had to go to Bari.
The owner of the hostel, Alfredo where we stayed, was eager to help us, but he also said don't move. Suddenly I saw an air b&b on Booking.com for 50 euros pp in Mola di Bari.
We wanted to go to Bari, but we thought, you know what, then we are at least in Mola Di Bari and then we'll see. Once we arrived in Mola di Bari we had to wait half an hour in the heat for the owner Sergio. He took us to the air b&b.
TIP: are you going on holiday to Italy in August? Then book your stay before you leave! Italians are on holiday and then it is busy and also more expensive than usual in terms of accommodation.
Basic Airbnb
The Airbnb was super basic. Since I don't really recommend it myself, I don't write down the name of the Airbnb (thank me later). We had a bed on wooden pallets. Okay, so you pay 50 euros for this. We were really thinking what should we do here? To top it off, it turned out that 2 pit bulls also lived there. The pit bulls are outside in the evenings and are not on a leash. Let me just be afraid of dogs and especially pit bulls. This has to do with the fact that I was scratched by a dog in Cambodia and because of that I experienced drama in the hospital in Cambodia. Another thing was that the Airbnb was not at all close to places of interest. Even though Sergio the owner said everything was 5 minutes away. We don't like to rent a car abroad, and without a car you can't really get anywhere.
Also read: What is Airbnb and how does it work?
Our lifesaver, Alberto
We went to the supermarket and when we came back a man spoke to us and asked if we had a car. We said no, we go by public transport. The man said he was here with his wife and daughter (our age) and that there were 2 spots left in the car! In the evening they would go to Polignano a Mare and we were allowed to join them! WAIT WHAT? We couldn't believe our luck and accepted the offer. What followed were 3 great days with our new Italian/Venezuelan family!
2. Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is not just any place, it is beautiful, spectacular, amazing, in other words it cannot be described in words. In this town you can stroll in the evening and as a tip I can give you to spot the sunrise or sunset. Fun fact is that Domenico Modugno was born in Polignano a Mare. Now you may be thinking who? Domenico has become world famous with the song VOLARE, WOOHOO, CANTARE WOOHOOHOO…
3. Albertobello
Maybe you've had it on Instagram pass by, or maybe not. One thing is for sure, Alberobello should not be missed on your list of must-see places in southern Italy! Bright white houses, also called Trulli's. Ideal for the perfect photo. You can easily explore this place in a few hours. Tip: Alberobello is really very touristy so go out early with your camera and… say cheese aka formaggio :).
4. Monopoly
No, not the Monopoly game, but Monnopoli (pronounced Monopoly). This must-see place in southern Italy is adorable and you can spend hours wandering around the city. Not only can you stroll there, but you can also eat very well. We ate at vegetarian restaurant: Munz Munz bio Ostrot.
Keep an eye on: most restaurants close around 15:00 PM and then reopen at 19:00 PM.
As I mentioned above, Monopoli is beautiful. The cathedral is a must to see. Hot temperatures? Don't worry…Monopoli has beautiful beaches that you can tell. Are you traveling on a low budget? In Monopoli you have beaches that are free to access. There are also beaches where you have to rent a sunbed. This will cost you about 20 euros per person, including parasol.
Also read: Dubai | Low budget travel tips and free sights
5. Bari Vecchia
I like to visit less touristy spots and see authentic places. One of those unknown must-see places in southern Italy is Bari Vecchia. From Bari you can walk to Bari Vecchia in 15 minutes. Bari Vecchia is less touristy and very cozy.
Also read: Must sees Venice | Burano & Murano | The colored islands
In Bari Vecchia you see older women making Orecchiette on the street. Orecchiette is a kind of pasta dish in the shape of ears. What makes it so special is that Orecchiette is from Bari. I can tell you it is delicious! Tip: buy a bag of Orecchiette on the street from the hard-working women. 1 kg costs around 5 euros and then you can make Orecchiette yourself in The Netherlands.
