Southern Italy is an enchanting region comprising Calabria, Basilicata, Molise, Apulia and Campania. Backpackers seeking an alternative trip off the beaten track are likely to find this stunning part of Europe a dream destination.
Naples
Naples is steeped in history and features imposing baroque and renaissance architecture that backpackers cannot fail to marvel at.
The city's rich and tumultuous history is reflected in the castles and palaces that travelers can admire from around Naples free of charge.
Castel Nuovo and Castel dell'Ovo form the centerpiece of the city's attractions and are a short walk from the many Naples hostels.
The Naples Archaeological Museum brings alive the city's ruins while the Museo di Capodimonte offers any art lover an unprecedented opportunity to view priceless works of art by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael and Martini.
Naples is best explored by strolling through the streets of Centro Storico and the Spaccanapoli or watching stunning sunsets along the palm tree-lined waterfront.
Adventurous travelers could make their way to Mount Vesuvius, one of Europe's most active volcanoes, while those inclined to an evening of people-watching can swing by the bars at Piazza Bellini and sample the wine and spaghetti that the region is so famous for.
Sorrento
Staying at any of the Sorrento hostels will give you a varied and alternative experience of the city. Traveling from Sorrento, backpackers can catch a local bus along the breathtaking Amalfi coast, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quaint villages, such as Positano, are perched on the edge of the mountains and can be observed along the route.
The pebble beaches in Positano are a great place for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. They are also a perfect location to relax and watch the fishermen at work and the boats passing by.
Palermo
The ancient city of Palermo has an enviable cultural heritage and a romanticized notoriety that comes from being the capital of Sicily.
Travelers will find the city cosmopolitan and bustling with an abundance of cultural influences visible in the architecture.
The old city is home to a plethora of monuments and cathedrals such as the imposing place of worship built in 1184 by Archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio and the Church of St Maria of the Admiral.
Palazzo Reale takes pride of position in Pretoria Square and the Massimo Theater will enchant.
A number of good value restaurants are tucked away in the side streets near the port and the pastry shops and ice cream bars are a pleasant way to relax during a day of sightseeing.
Handmade Sicilian crafts, such as ceramics and jewelry, are to be found around Via Maqueda and Via Liberta for those who wish to bring back some authentic antiquities without breaking the bank.
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers.com Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Italy, he checked out a variety of Naples hostels.
