2-week roadtrip in the South of Italy and Sardinia

🔍 You are planning a 2 week vacation and want to discover Southern Italy ? You would also like to spend some time in Sardinia ? You chose the perfect itinerary ! 😍
Starting at the tip of the Italian boot, up to Roma and Sardinia and live incredible moments. After this road trip you will for sure want to come back to Italy. 😉

Itinerary of this two weeks road trip in the South of Italy and Sardinia

Palermo > Catania > Reggio Calabria > Cosenza > Naples > Rome > Olbia

🚗 We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Palermo ?

Sicily’s capital, Palermo is a city you need to stop by. 

• Your stomach will start growling when you get to Capo Market : swordfish, red shrimps, mangos … you will want to taste it all.
• Taste the traditional stewed octopus in Mondello.
• Visit the Palazzo dei Normanni then the Palatine Chapel and admire its gold ornaments and medieval mosaics.
• The Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral is a must-see, the inside is very different from the outside. You will be amazed !
• Come listen to music in the Teatro Massimo, biggest opera house in Italy.
• Piazza Quattro Canti is and absolute must-see for architecture lovers.
• Head to the Catacombe dei Cappuccin where your nightmares will come true … No just kidding ! Explore these catacombs where lie over 8000 momifier bodies. Be quiet or you might wake them up …
• Taste the famous sea urchins spagettis in the streets of Palermo.

What to do in Catania ?

Catania became famous because of its past and all the natural distantes it underwent. Being at the bottom of the Etna volcano is not really the safest place to build a city !  

• Head to the Elephant fountain, it is supposed to have calming powers over the Etna.
• Discover the Catania Cathedral, you can visit it for free.
• If you want to get a closer look of the volcano, go to Via Etna.
• Have a pic-nic in the gardens of Villa Bellini.

What to do in Reggio Calabria ?

Bordered by several seas, the region of Reggio Calabria is very green : beeches, oaks as well as olives trees and vines are part of the landscape. 

• Spend the beginning of the night in Passeggia taking a walk along the shore.
• White sand, vibrant blue water … relax on a beach.
• Visit the National Archaeological Museum and get to see many bronze sculptures.

What to do in Cosenza ?

Very populated, Cosenza is essentially made of hills and mountains. 

• Visit the National Gallery where you will get to see an astonishing art exhibition.
• Enjoy the many beaches and relax in the sun.

What to do in Napoli ?

Napoli is a calm city that can be explosive … Just like its volcano, the Vesuvius. 

• Go to Porto Nolana’s market and taste traditional Italian dishes at a very affordable price.
• Walk along the see from Castel Nuovo to Castel Dell’Ovo. You could also visit these two monuments if you have time.
• Eat the best pizzas of your life in Napoli at Pizzeria Da Michelle for only 5€.
• Go meet the Vesuvius and learn about Pompeii‘s history.
• Stroll around the small streets of the old city.
• History lovers, head to the National Archaeological Museum of Napoli and get to see ancient mosaics and sculptures.

What to do in Roma ?

The City of the Seven Hills,  Rome is the most popular city in Italy … you will get why soon. It perfectly blends past and present.

• Has anyone ever gone to Rome without going to the Coliseum ? No ! It’s THE iconic building of the city, just imagine when there used to be gladiators fighting, the crowd cheering …
• Eat a pizza in the historic distrait of Roma.
• Be sure to check out the Palatine Hill and get a beautiful view from the top.
• Discover the Pantheon… The Panthéon in Roma ? But isn’t it supposed to be in Paris ? Did it move ? No but there also is one in Roma !
• When visiting Roma, you have to go to the Vatican. Artistic masterpiece, be sure toc heck the Sistine Chapel out.
• Go see the Pope telling the mass in front of St. Peter’s Basilica
• Enjoy a cannoli at the Valzani pastry shop in Trastevere district.

What to do in Olbia ?

Olbia is located on the island of Sardinia, it is a culturally rich city  and also has delicious food. 

• Head to Casta Smeralda and start the day with white sand, rocks, light wind and emerald water … You won’t want to leave.
• Discover Maddalena archipelago and its national park.
• Go on a hike to get to the Giants’ tomb !
• Visit the San Simplicio d’Olbia Basilica, a roman style basilica with a surprising history.

To learning more…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !