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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
152 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
9391 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
6248 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
3683 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.

Posted by
424 posts

Coastal Tuscany, maremma region is marvelous. I'm in Grosseto now and it's one of the most relaxing locations I have been in Italy and I have traveled the country extensively. Ortobello is next and then returning to Rome from Ortobello to fly into CTA airport in Sicily for 2 weeks.

My expectations are high and I don't think I will be disappointed

Posted by
92 posts

Thanks so much everyone for these wonderful suggestions. Sicily does sound tempting with its mix of history, food, and coastlines — I can definitely see us spending a good chunk of time there. I just looked up Maremma and it looks beautiful, exactly the kind of slower-paced spot we’d enjoy.

We’ll likely build the trip around a couple of coastal stays with some inland towns in between — best of both worlds. I really appreciate all the ideas and am taking notes.

Now I just need to decide between Italy and Eastern/Central Europe. Both sound amazing, but I guess it’s a good problem to have.

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