I am fortunate enough to have a week to spend in Italy in early May. I’ll be in Civitaveccia and can rent a car if needed. My dream is to stay somewhere long enough to buy flowers for my room/apartment, for the local barista and bartender to know my name and my preferred beverage, and to humor me as I try out my fledgling Italian. There may be three of us, and we’ve all been to Rome, Florence, and Venice, and would like to spend the week in one place, with day trips as the mood strikes us. I’m grateful for any suggestions. A water view is a plus, but nor a requirement. Thank you for any suggestions!
Posted by
11798 posts
Portovenere, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli
All are on the water and have plenty of see and do.
If a water view is optional, then look at Ortisei in the Dolomites.
And Bologna is a wonderful city with a terrific food culture.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1272 posts
Hello teri1010,
This sounds like a delightful challenge. If water is a priority there is Liguria. Instead of the usual suggestion of CT I would suggest you look at the south side of the bay of La Spezia. The largest town of Lerici bordered by San Terenzo and Tellaro are picturesque and small enough to get to know people. The only reason they're not more famous is you need to take a bus to get there from the train.
Further up there are a string of cities: Sestri Levante, Chiavari, and Rapallo. These lack the dramatic coastline but are easily connected by train for exploring.
For non-water cities I would suggest Lucca (8K in the old town) and maybe Orvieto (20K). These towns should be small enough to feel like you know it and pick a favorite place. Both are a little touristy but not overrun like San Gimignano. Siena is always wonderful but might be getting a little large for a small town feel (53k). Lucca has a train station and Pisa is very close and Florence is further but is also possible. Orvieto is on the line between Florence and Rome.
This also probably possible in many small Tuscan cities - Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza - as long as they are not too touristy. Tuscany really is as beautiful as advertised but all of these would require a car.
Hope this helps, have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you! This really helps!
Posted by
Gulf Coast, usa
1217 posts
We had this exact experience recently that you mention in Cortona. We loved it. Local shops remember you as to restaurants and the bars. We loved sitting in the evenings in the square enjoying a cold beverage and wine and the servers remembering what you like. Dinners were the same. Even the shop owner at the base of town became a friend. When we would day trip, we would stop in for a coffee and breakfast before catching the train, and he always had our choices ready and waiting. We were able to do quite a few day trips from Cortona, but mostly, we enjoyed just hanging out and being a part of this wonderful hill town. We did our laundry and the laundry mat, got to know the butcher next door, and had the most delicious fresh made sandwiches at the shop by the laundry mat. There is a car rental that will deliver a car to you in Cortona if you want to drive places for a day. We did Montepulciano and Pienza one day. I had been before but never enjoyed it this much like we did this go round. Orvieto is quire lovely as mentioned. Honestly, we became quite bored in Lucca. The Amalfi Coast is beautiful, but expensive, and you probably wouldn't get quite the same experience you are asking for.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
I’m loving theses suggestions. Thank you so much!💕