After a week in Florence, in March, we are trying to decide where to stay for a week. We want to do some day trips, some hiking, and any suggestions are welcome. We are thinking of Camogli or Siena or Cinque Terre or Lucca or San Gimignano. Never been there, love the sights but also love to be outdoors hiking, biking, walking. Am not a foodie but love Italian food. Would appreciate ANY suggestions. TIA
Posted by
Chicago
2297 posts
I think in March whether you like it or not you're going to be somewhat subject to weather. Now...I've been to Florence all the way down to the Amalfi Coast in March, and it's been anything from wonderfully temperate (50s/60s) to bone-jarring cold with driving rain (Sorrento). Point being is that I'd hate you to be in a small town and be a captive audience if weather deals you a bad hand.
So...I would recommend...a vibrant neighborhood in Rome as a base for the second week...Campo de' Fiori, Prati or Trastevere. Plenty to do if in bad weather. You might not get the hiking you desire, but if you walk everywhere, believe me you'll get your steps in. And excellent daytrips to Ostia Antica & Orvieto in Umbria are as easy as a train ride out of Termini station.
And anybody that thinks that Florence & Rome are cut from the same cloth haven't done a deep dive in either.
Posted by
6564 posts
Agree you’ll need to carefully research your backup plans in case of inclement weather. What are your transport requirements? If you intend on relying on bus and train, look into what your options will be as you evaluate each place.
If you stay in Camogli you can head out on foot for some nice hikes without the massive crowds in CT.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8877 posts
Consider Bologna
Lots of day trip possibilities, great food, plenty of indoor activities plus miles of porticoes in case of rain
Where will you go after ths week?
Where is departure flight from?
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1641 posts
How about hopping a quick flight to Sicily? Better chance of hiking weather there. Or Sardinia.
Posted by
Kansas
30 posts
Spend some time in Cinque Terre and the Tuscan Country side for SURE. I highly recommend taking a cruise in Cinque Terre when you're there. Its a great way to get a different perspective of the views from the water.
Posted by
809 posts
So you’ll have experienced a busy, touristic, foodie, museum-filled slice of Italy. I think picking someplace as a counterpoint is smart.
Given the season, I might try to go south for better hiking weather. Catania airport is a great gateway to some places where awesome dayhikes and warmer weather.
Or Naples airport as a jumping off spot for Puglia etc?
Posted by
San Francisco, California, USA
213 posts
I vote for Cinque Terre and Siena. If you like biking, consider staying in Levanto. It's convenient by train south to the Cinque Terre and you can rent a bike and spend a day riding to a couple of towns north.
Siena is just a nice, friendly town to do nothing.
Posted by
Boston
1915 posts
March is too early for Cinque Terre or Camogli. The Mediterranean is still cool and the vegetation is only starting to awaken. The CT ferry will likely not have started, and numerous businesses are just getting going. I would consider the Parma / Modena / Bologna area for the best combination of attractions. You should plan on encountering some rain. Another factor to consider - where will you be for Easter (April 5)?