About

Herb Nagel of 'Herb Nagel Beyond, southern italy destinations expert, with Ostuni cathedral, one of the best southern italy destinations in background on a sunny day

Welcome to the HNb About page!

Hi there! I’m Herb Nagel, the author and founder behind Herb Nagel Beyond. My goal is to inform you about all the Best Southern Italy Destinations.

Herb specialises in experience-driven travel across Southern Italy, focusing on authentic destinations, regional food culture, historical heritage, and lesser-known locations beyond mainstream tourist routes.

His travel guides are based on extensive first-hand travel experience, repeat visits throughout the region, and original photography documenting the real character of Southern Italy.

My journey to the heart of Southern Italy has been a voyage of discovery, fascinating history and culinary delights—a collection of years of experiences and local knowledge that I’m thrilled to share with you!

Hailing from the sunny shores of Sydney, Australia, I’ve exchanged the sparkling Pacific for the alluring Mediterranean.

Why Southern Italy Destinations?

It all started back in 2006 on a whim—a holiday to Tropea that altered the path of my then life.

Since that first visit, I have travelled extensively across Southern Italy, exploring destinations including Calabria, Puglia, Campania, Basilicata, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands through independent travel, sailing journeys, and long-term regional stays.

Upon first setting sight on Italy’s beautiful Mediterranean Sea, standing amidst the olive groves, ancient ruins, and sun-drenched terraces, something clicked.

Today, still unspoilt by mass tourism, the warmth and sincerity of the people of Southern Italy, drew me in more and more.

For the past eight years, I’ve been a local among the cobblestone alleys, exploring the cliffside hamlets and immersing myself in the vibrant tapestry of life here.

I will be covering in detail, many of these stunning places in Southern Italy on a regular basis, so if you’d like to be informed straight to your inbox as soon as they are published click below.

Join me as we discover hidden gems from the steep cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the romantic Town of Tropea and the beautiful beaches of Calabria and Puglia.

We’ll dive deep into ancient history, peruse through the ruins where civilization once thrived, and indulge in the regional gastronomy—a testament to the love of food Italians are famous for.

This is not simply a travel blog — it is a long-term exploration of Southern Italy built on lived experience, cultural curiosity, and repeat journeys through the region.

All content published on Herb Nagel Beyond is based on personal travel experience, detailed research, and original photography designed to provide accurate, trustworthy, and practical travel guidance.

Through my stories and insights, I aim to bring you more than just travel tips—I want to stir the kind of curiosity that leads you to your own discoveries in this magical corner of the world.

Whether you’re a fellow traveller dreaming of your next journey or an armchair traveler dreaming of distant lands, I hope to make you as passionate about these Southern Italy regions as I am.

So, pull up a chair, pour yourself an espresso (or your favourite beverage), and let’s embark on this adventure together. Welcome to Herb Nagel Beyond!

historic mountain village of Castelmezzano, one of southern italy destinations, with jagged rocky peaks behind the village on a blue sky day
Castelmezzano in Basilicata
Close up view of the sculptured facade of the Santa Croce Basilica in Lecce, Puglia
Santa Croce Basilica in Lecce, Puglia
View of Tropea beach with the Historic church of Santa Maria della Isola in the background.
Tropea Calabria
'Fontana del Gigante' monument on Naples Waterfront, one of the must see, southern italy destinations, on a sunny day with blue skies and mount Vesuvius in the far background
‘Fontana del Gigante’ monument Naples

My Travel Experience in Southern Italy

• Over 15 years travelling throughout Southern Italy
• Extensive travel across Sicily, Calabria, Campania, Puglia, and Basilicata
• Independent travel, sailing journeys, and long regional stays
• Original photography from destinations across Southern Italy
• Ongoing travel updates and destination research