Please sign in to post.

Relaxed Italy Trip: Seaside & Small Town Ideas

Posted by (Australia) on

Hi everyone,
Thanks to all the help here in this forum, we now have the perfect itinerary planned for Eastern and Central Europe. We are now thinking, rather than rushing through it, saving that trip for the following year. Since we’ll already be in Tuscany for a wedding next April, we think it will be more practical to stay in Italy and really explore the region, and then head up to Paris for a planned cruise. That would give nearly 3 weeks to explore Italy.

çonsidering places like Cinque Terre, Bologna, some seaside towns in Southern Italy, or even Sicily. We’d love a slower pace with relaxing walks and plenty of seafood dinners, rather than ticking off lots of sights.

Any suggestions for coastal villages or sleepy towns that fit the bill?

Posted by
140 posts

We spent a few nights in Vernazza (Cinque Terre) and loved it. It did get crowded during the day (summer) but we were usually on the trails or boats at those times. Also, not a beach town, but Florence is beautiful with many things to see and do.

Posted by
9298 posts

Italy is my favorite foreign country, been there many times.
My favorite places are not seaside.
Consider places in Tuscany or Umbria in the interior.

Posted by
6176 posts

If you settle on Sicily, I’d fly there and do the entire three weeks. April is early for seaside small towns, but you could do the cities first, then head toward the smaller places as the weather warms and the season begins.
Another option if you want to include Bologna is to rent a car and heard toward Marche, again finishing at the coast. Maybe head into Puglia and fly to Paris from Bari.
I tend to pick region first, then pick the towns.

Posted by
3674 posts

I second the choice of Sicily. 3 weeks is a good amount of time to enjoy its historic sights (e.g. Greek ruins and Norman buildings, e.g., the cathedral at Monreale), its wonderful food, and amazing wines. There are also Mt. Etna, as well as beautiful beaches to round out your experience.

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.