On Day 6 of our Italy’s Western Coast & Islands: A Voyage from Rome to Valletta adventure, travelers visit the old port of Pozzuoli, Naples, located on Italy's southern coast.
For Davide Pazzaglia—a Trip Experience Leader for our Italy’s Western Coast & Islands: A Voyage from Rome to Valletta adventure—southern Italy is where travelers can really find the beating heart of Italian culture and tradition.
"Leading groups in the South gives me the chance to provide a broader view of my country to our travelers," Davide Pazzaglia—O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader for our Italy’s Western Coast & Islands: A Voyage from Rome to Valletta adventure—told the Inside Scoop.
Davide's love affair with southern Italy began in his childhood, when he first laid his eyes upon the Apulian Sea: "I remember the first time I saw the light blue of the Apulian Sea—I was enchanted. Until that moment, I had only known water as the dark green color of Lake Maggiore." Despite hailing from northern Italy and still partially living near Lake Maggiore, Davide has since found his calling in leading tours through the sun-drenched landscapes and ancient towns of the south. "Southern Italy is generally considered the most representative part of Italy abroad," Davide explained. "Traveling to the South is a way to reconnect with the ancient roots of the agricultural communities that have mostly disappeared in the North.”
When asked about must-visit destinations in southern Italy, Davide struggled to limit his recommendations, but he highlighted a few standout locations. First on Davide’s list was Matera, —located in Italy’s Basilicata region—which can be visited on our New! Journey Through Southern Italy: Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, Calabria & Puglia adventure. It's the third oldest town in the world, shaped like an inverted umbrella to catch every drop of rain, and has been continuously inhabited for 9,000 years," Davide noted. In the Campania region, he recommends Paestum, describing it as "one of Italy's best-kept secrets, where you can see some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world." For those seeking coastal beauty, Davide suggests visiting Monopoli in Apulia on our Undiscovered Adriatic: Eastern Italy, Venice, Puglia & Malta adventure, "a charming coastal town where the picturesque old town, with its intricate and lively alleys, fills you with a sense of beauty and satisfaction just by strolling through it."
The ancient Sassi district of Matera, Italy, is a "must-visit" destination for Davide.
Beyond the picturesque landscapes and historic sites, Davide is enthusiastic about the local traditions of southern Italy: "Caffè sospeso (suspended coffee) and La Notte della Taranta (Taranta Night) are two fascinating traditions that highlight the value of community in southern Italy," Davide said. He explained that the caffè sospeso involves paying for the next unknown person's coffee at a café, a gesture of care for those struggling economically within the community. La Notte della Taranta, on the other hand, is a music and dance festival in the Salento area of Apulia. "The frenetic dances performed are not only very energetic but also have ancient origins as a release valve for poor farmer women who were subjugated by their family roles," Davide elaborated.
Food, of course, plays a central role in Italian culture, and the differences between northern and southern cuisines are significant. "Traditionally, northern Italian cuisine features more polenta, meat, and butter, while the south emphasizes fish, a variety of vegetables, and olive oil," Davide explained. "We could say that southern food is generally healthier for everyday meals." When asked about his favorite southern Italian dish, Davide didn't hesitate: "Pane cunzato, a simple and fresh summer dish made with tomatoes, bread, capers, and onions. My northern family and friends are crazy about it!"
Leading trips in southern Italy comes with its unique set of challenges, primarily due to the region's laid-back approach to life. "Compared to the fast-paced north, people in the south have a different approach to life and work—much more relaxed and less frantic—representing the concept of Dolce Vita at its fullest," Davide said.
However, this relaxed attitude can sometimes lead to practical difficulties. "Services are less efficient, and it is often challenging to get around independently. Trains and buses are few, if not absent altogether," he noted. "Visiting local workshops or doing some shopping can be difficult because, after the lunch break, businesses may not reopen for the day as they may have something better to do!"
Despite these challenges, Davide finds that his northern background—including his partial residence near Lake Maggiore—allows him to offer a unique perspective to travelers. "With a northern background, I can highlight the differences and unique aspects of Southern Italy that you might not find elsewhere," he said. "Often, a fresh perspective can reveal details that we might otherwise take for granted.
A picturesque fishing village on Italy's South coast, located in the Bay of Naples.
For Davide, one of the most rewarding aspects of leading tours in southern Italy is the spontaneous interactions with locals. He shared a memorable encounter in Pozzuoli: "I started talking with an interesting character who was hanging out in the square. The gentleman turned out to be an artist. He insisted that we follow him to see his work—giant pieces resembling paintings made with thousands of nails. After offering us coffee, he performed Neapolitan music for us on his accordion." Davide noted that such an experience would be rare in northern Italy or around Lake Maggiore, highlighting the openness and warmth of southern Italians. "Southern Italians are more at ease when it comes to breaking the ice with strangers," he observed.
Explore southern Italy during our Italy’s Western Coast & Islands: A Voyage from Rome to Valletta adventure.
