SOUTHERN ITALY TRAVEL

Travel Deep in Southern Italy

In-depth travel and cultural guides to Southern Italy’s regions, cities and coastlines.

Looking to experience the real Southern Italy? Begin with our Southern Italy Travel Guide, then dive deeper into destinations, regional highlights, culture, food & practical planning insights.

Herb Nagel Beyond is a Southern Italy travel blog sharing in-depth cultural guides, local insights and practical planning tips for exploring the Italian south.

Discover charming villages, stunning coastlines and authentic food experiences across Calabria, Puglia, Sicily, Campania and Basilicata. Detailed itineraries and destination guides are coming soon as the site grows.

Dive in, follow your curiosity, and let each click bring you closer to the magic of The Mezzogiorno. Think of this site as your friendly guide to hidden gems, must-visit spots, and authentic experiences you won’t find in the guidebooks.

Isola di Capo Rizzuto in Calabria with The Aragon castle beautifully lit at dusk.
Aerial view of Naples City and waterfront on a beatifull sunny day, with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Portrait of Herb Nagel of 'Herb Nagel Beyond', smiling, wearing sunglasses with blue Mediterranean sea in the background

Welcome!

Planning a trip to Southern Italy? My journey has been filled with cultural and culinary discoveries—a culmination of years of experiences and local insights I’m thrilled to share with you.

Dramatic Aerial view of hillside town of Positano in nsouthern italy at sunset with Amalfi coast beyond.
front view of ancient ruins of Paestum, with stunning Greek columns on a beautiful sunny day.

LATEST POSTs

  • Sunset aerial view of procida harbour with pastel coloured houses and the harborfront promenade with moored boats.
    15 Hidden Gems in Southern Italy: My Favourites Revealed!
    by Herb Nagel
    Are Hidden Gems in Southern Italy on your radar? This fascinating part of Italy is truly a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, ancient villages, and charming coastal towns. In certain moments, you have the feeling that time has stood still in this part of the world. While many tourists flock to the Amalfi Coast or…
  • Capo Vaticano beaches aerial view from cliffs platform, sandy beach, green mountains, Sicilia island on horizon., blue sky white clouds background and cactus plants foreground
    Explore The ‘Coast of the Gods’ in Calabria: Italy’s Hidden Paradise
    by Herb Nagel
    If your heart beats a little faster at the thought of sun-kissed shores, join me as we seek out the gem of the Coast of the Gods in Calabria. If hidden coves, a dash of history and gorgeous turquoise tones of a crystal clear sea appeal to you, you’re in for a treat. As someone…
  • aerial image, historic buildings of tropea on the edge of the white cliffs, a genly winding road at the base of the cliffs and the white sand beach and blue sea on a sunny day.
    The 15 Top Beaches in Tropea: Including 5 Hidden Gems, Updated for 2025!
    by Herb Nagel
    Ready to explore Tropea beaches like a local? Are you curious about Tropea’s gorgeous beaches, and the many hidden beaches nearby, that only the locals know about? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a tour of the best beaches in Tropea, share some insider tips, and…
  • Close up view of the sculptured facade of the Santa Croce Basilica in Lecce, Puglia
    36 Southern Italy Cities & Towns Worth Visiting (+ Interactive Map)
    by Herb Nagel
    There are hundreds of beautiful places to visit across Southern Italy — but not all of them offer the same kind of experience. Some towns are dramatic and coastal, others are quiet and inland. Some are perfect for a short stay, while others are best enjoyed slowly over a few days. This is a personal…
  • Aerial view of white stone buildings on a clifftop, on the seas edge, with turquoise water on a sunny day.
    How to Get to Puglia in 2025: Your Complete Guide.
    by Herb Nagel
    Looking for helpful information about How to get to Puglia Italy in 2025? With this guide, you’ll be a step closer to planning your Southern Italy adventure. As with all travel, there are multiple ways to get to your destination. Here, we’ll explore the different ways to get to Puglia Italy. Puglia, also known as…
  • calabria road trip. view from lookout with mountains and blue sea in background
    The 4-Day Calabria Road Trip: From Coastlines to Mountains (updated for 2025)
    by Herb Nagel
    Welcome, fellow Southern Italy enthusiasts! If you’ve been daydreaming about crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages, and Italian culinary delights, buckle up! I’m about to take you on a captivating 4-day Calabria road trip starting from the Lamezia Terme International Airport, to head north into the heart of Calabria and Maratea, (which is actually in the southwestern…
  • Historic church overlooking Tropea Coastline in Calabria, featured in this southern italy travel guide
    10 Best Things to See in Tropea in 2025: Hidden Gems & Famous Sights
    by Herb Nagel
    Looking for the highlights of a visit to Tropea? Look no more! Here is your guide to the Best Things To See In Tropea, Calabria. Having lived full-time in Calabria for the last 6 years, I can tell you that it is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in Southern Italy. My first…
  • Aerial view of pastel coloured, densely built houses on clifftop and Lama Monachiles narrow beach nestled between the high cliffs, with turquoise coloured sea on a sunny day.
    11 Best Polignano a Mare Beaches for 2025!
    by Herb Nagel
    Ready to uncover these must-see coastal gems of Polignano a Mare? Polignano a Mare Beaches are simply gorgeous and truly unique! The Southern Italians are experts at creating ‘La Dolce Vita Italiana’, and the charming town of Polignano a Mare is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. It’s these lesser-known regions that I love about the…