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Hidden Gems of Southern Italy: Procida, Matera, Iprinia and More

Updated: May 13

View of Procida Island in Southern Italy

There’s nowhere in the world quite like Southern Italy. The influence of its history and culture is everywhere you look, from its fresh seafood dishes to its slower “La Pausa” lifestyle. Far from the famous streets and canals of Milan and Venice, this region offers a different style of luxury vacation.

 

If you’re a fellow fan of Stanley Tucci’s recent Italian food shows, you’ll know that luxury here is done a little differently. Less Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, more authentic dishes with local produce and a focus on artisan craftsmanship. You’re more likely to be checking into a family-run boutique hotel than the Four Seasons or a Belmond.

 

These boutique hotels make it easy to become one with the local culture, perfect for the ultimate “Grand Tour” of Italy. If you want to get off the beaten track, I’m bringing you along for a recent 4-day journey from the ancient cobblestones of Naples to the sun-drenched coastline of the South.


Day 1 – Naples → Paestum (Buffalo Farms, Ancient Greece & Boutique Hideaways)


We waved “Arrivederci!” to Naples with a private transfer from one of Europe’s old cities to the tranquility of the Italian countryside. Driving along the coastline gives you a chance to watch the city skyline disappear off into the distance, replaced with little rural towns and an untouched version of Italy that it’s easy to think only exists in old movies.

 

Buffalo Mozzarella Experience in Paestum

After two and a half hours, we arrive in Paestum in the Campania region. Our first stop was at a working buffalo farm in the San Salvatore region. This experience is a treat for your taste buds, allowing you to sample the freshest buffalo mozzarella with local wine as part of a light lunch.

 

If you’re a foodie, this type of experience is the best way to taste the subtle regional differences in food. Mozzarella tastes different in southern Italy, as the region traditionally specializes in a creamy and tangier version of the cheese, made with water buffalo milk rather than cow’s milk.


Paestum Archaeological Site


The Campania region is famous for being home to 3 of the best-preserved ancient Greek Doric temples in the world, nestled together in a UNESCO World Heritage site. After our lunch, we took a guided tour of these temples, which predate the Roman Colosseum by almost 600 years.

 

If you’re attracted to Italy for its ancient history, you’ll often find some of the most interesting experiences tucked away in the rural south. Along with the temples, there is also a Roman Forum, the original city walls, and the remnants of an amphitheater to explore.

 

Il Cannito Boutique Hotel

After exploring the temples , we checked into Il Cannito, a former monastery that’s been converted into a small, family-owned hotel with only 4 guestrooms. It’s situated at the gates of the National Park of Cilento and celebrates the local culture and cuisine wherever possible.

 

The artisanal shop is full of local produce, and the homemade food pays homage to Cilento’s ancient flavors. Every room has its own jacuzzi and hydromassage shower with underfloor heating and a minibar for added relaxation.


An Evening at Il Cannito


Il Cannito is a destination in itself and the perfect way to relax into the slower way of life in Southern Italy. We spent our evening here with a hands-on cooking class using hyper-local ingredients from nearby farms and the on-site gardens.

 

Our dinner included the dishes we prepared, along with additional regional specialties to take us through the history of Cilento – and, of course, local wine paired with each course. This was an unforgettable way to experience the simplicity of Mediterranean food and its traditions.


Day 2 – Ghost Towns, Matera & Ancient Cave Living


After a peaceful night’s sleep at Il Cannito , we headed to Craco in the Basilicata region. This abandoned ghost town feels like walking onto the set of a medieval drama. If you’re a James Bond fan, you might recognize some of the buildings and the dramatic hilltop from Quantum of Solace (2008).

 

Abandoned following the 1980 Irpinia earthquake, visitors to Craco can explore the ruins of the town. You’ll need to wear a hard hat in some areas, but this ghost town gives you a glimpse into the days of the Byzantine Empire.

 

Matera and Murgia Park

Traveling along the limestone cliffs, we then reached Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its Sassi cave dwellings and ancient rock churches, including Santa Lucia with its frescoed interiors. It’s another place with a James Bond cameo, having appeared in the most recent No Time To Die (2021) movie.

 

Murgia Park was our next stop, just a 30-minute drive from Matera. We took a guided tour of this regional park, focused on the Medieval rock churches and their preserved frescoes. You’ll get some of the best views of Matera’s canyon landscapes from here, and it’s ideal if you want a hiking route without the usual tourist crowds.

 

MOYSEION Hotel


No visit to the Basilicata region is complete without staying in one of the caves. MOYSEION is a hotel that’s been carved into the stone, with this cave-style accommodation offering just 16 rooms with a maximum occupancy of 3 guests per room.

 

MOYSEION provides an alternative take on luxury, offering a sanctuary-style experience with a focus on rituals and wellness. It’s worth noting that there are minimal amenities, with no standard towels, but the interiors are mesmerizing, with the hotel’s furniture reproduced with techniques from experimental archaeology to transport you back to ancient Italy.

 

We finished the day with dinner at Regiacorte Ristorante in Matera. It delivered one of the most visually stunning dining experiences of our time in Italy. We indulged in local produce and wine while soaking in the atmosphere on the illuminated Sassi below.


Day 3 – Irpinia Wine Country → Procida Island Escape


Our third day in Southern Italy began with a unique winery tour at Tenuta Cavalier Pepe. This third-generation winery seamlessly blends traditional techniques with the latest innovations. Amongst the lavender fields, olive groves, and white truffles, we sampled a variety of produce, including olive oil, wine, and even marmalade (perfect if you’re planning a family trip with little ones!).

 

Madelina, the current owner, studied winemaking in France, and her Belgian-Italian heritage has become infused in the winery. This experience is all about slow luxury, spotlighting the local agriculture and the power of embracing the simplicity of classic Mediterranean food.

 

Procida Island


Island hopping is the height of luxury in Europe, but many destinations along the Amalfi Coast and Capri feel overly commercialized. We headed to Procida Island for a more authentic experience on an island with only 11,000 residents. Our visit focused on a 2-hour panoramic guided tour with 3 key scenic viewpoints. If you’re visiting Preciado, you can take things slow by relaxing by the beach and indulging in the freshest seafood by exploring the local cuisine on the island.

 

Insula hotel

Insula Hotel was our choice of accommodation for Procida, serving up a more familiar style of contemporary island luxury with its minimal interiors. This accommodation offers just 10 rooms, with the Imperial Suite being the premium room choice. 

 

The jacuzzi was the perfect way to relax and soak up the views before a sunset dinner at La Lampara Restaurant. The spaghetti with swordfish and eggplant was one of the highlights of our stay and tasted even more delicious with the seafront view.


Day 4– Royal Palace of Caserta → Naples Return


Before returning to Naples, we spent the morning exploring the Royal Palace of Caserta. Built in the 17thcentury, it originally served as a royal hunting palace for King Charles III, designed to rival the glamour and wonder of Versailles. 

 

Although a palace that captures the art and grandeur of the Age of Enlightenment with its Pompeii-inspired bathtubs and English garden styles, it’s also significant for the role it played during World War II.

 

The palace was originally occupied by German forces and suffered severe damage from Allied bombings in September 1943 before becoming a vital Allied Force Headquarters for the UK and USA. It earned the nickname of the “Versailles of Naples” during this era and was the site of the formal surrender of German forces in Italy in April 1945.

 

Eagle-eyed cinephiles will also recognize parts of the palace that have appeared in movies like Mission: Impossible III and Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace. You can choose to go explore the fountains, lakes, gardens, and wider estate by shuttle bus, golf cart, or even bicycle if you’re feeling athletic on vacation!

 

We finished our time in Southern Italy with a traditional pizza lunch at Tre Farine in Caserta by heading back to Naples. This pizza was the best I’ve ever had, and I’d drive across Italy all night just to have it again!


Discover Authentic, Culture-Focused Luxury in Southern Italy

Group of adults at the gardens of Royal Palace of Caserta

The South of Italy offers a different type of luxury to cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples. If you’re tracing your ancestry to Italy or want to get to know the culture beyond its “La Dolce Vita” persona, then these destinations are worth adding to your next trip. They’re hidden gems that you can visit before they go viral on TikTok or Pinterest to get the bragging rights of having visited them first!

 

Thank you to Keys of Italy for hosting me on this trip and showcasing a different side of Italy for me to show with my clients. If you’re thinking of returning to Italy, Procida, Matera, and Irpinia are ideal if you’ve already seen Rome or Florence and want to get to know the real Italy. Be warned – your taste buds will never be the same!


 

Dreaming of unwinding in the Italian countryside? Schedule a consultation with a travel stylist at Travel Queen LLC to curate an unforgettable experience built around history, regional culture, and hyper-local cuisine.

 

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