Southern Italy

Southern Italy, often referred to as the Mezzogiorno, encompasses at least four of the country's 20 regions: Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, and Apulia. The name is also applied to a former ecclesiastical province of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Sometimes Sicily and Sardinia (Insular Italy) are included as well as the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and the southern part of Lazio (Latina and Frosinone), which are linguistically, historically, and culturally tied to Southern Italy. The Eurostat, Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS), and the Istituto Nazionale di Statistica (ISTAT) most often list all seven regions (i.e.: without Sicily or Sardinia) in Southern Italy.

The term Mezzogiorno ("mčzzo" /'mɛddzo/ and "giórno" /'dʒorno/) first came into use in the nineteenth century, a comparison with the French Midi. Both mean "midday" or "noon" and are applied in this manner because the sun is directly above the southern horizon at this time of day (in the Northern Hemisphere). Southern Italy is a favourite destination for discerning travellers who like to holiday away from mainstream tourism. We have a superb collection of Southern Italy villas in the most beautiful positions to enable you to experience this unique place.

The Bay of Naples has been one of the great seats of Mediterranean civilization and a melting pot of culture for over 2,000 years. Discover vibrant, anarchic Naples, one of the most densely populated cities in Europe, visit the lively resorts of Capri and Sorrento or explore the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum which lie in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius.

Across the Bay are the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia while further south, stretch the glorious coasts of Amalfi and the Cilento.