We had planned to go to the CT during this time, but I understand due to Liberation Day and Labor Day, this time will be extremely busy in the CT. We're looking for someplace on the west coastline (spending the week before in Rome and the week after in Montepulciano)that won't be swamped with people celebrating the holidays. I understand that the Grosseto area is lovely. Should we consider the Orbetello or Castiglione della Pescaia areas? Would they be likely to be less busy than the CT? I've heard there can be lots of mosquitoes in the Maremma area. Is that true? If so does that include this area of the coastline at the end of April?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Alot further south but a wonderful place to visit is Amalfi coast. To include Sorrento (base), Positano, Amalfi, Ravello maybe even Ischia and Capri.
Posted by
Costa Mesa
348 posts
we stayed once in santa marghierta ligure nice town between CT and portifino. also stayed in san vincenzo, better beach, easy day trips to lucca and san gim,pisa and sienna but not alot around there. what about the east coast ?
Posted by
OP
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
It sounds to me like the east coast is a lot of beach resorts/condos that resemble Daytona Beach in Florida. Clearly, I have never been there, so maybe that's not the case. For some reason I have the impression the Tuscany coastline is more picturesque...
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Cindy - Le Cinque Terre is a Fabulous place - I've taken small groups to Italy for many years and it's one of the top two or three spots outside of the major cities. In April and early May it is wonderful - are there tourists? Yes - but not nearly as many as a bit later and, as far as the local festivities go - that's a good thing!
Alternative - Amalfi, Sorrento, and Positano - Amazing - So much to see and do - Sorrento with it's old town section, Villa Massa, the largest producer of Limoncello in the world , with 16,000 lemon trees - something very cool to see, The Sita bus ride from Sorrento to Positano - sit on the right side of the bus and be dazzled. The town of Amalfi - Beautiful!
Personal choice up to you - I've been to both areas dozens of times - Personally , I like Le Cinque Terre , with it's famous Via Dell'Amore(lover's path) between the villages on the cliffs. Vernazza is my favorite village but they all are special.
Look at this way Cindy - Whatever you do is going to be fun and exciting. People come on here to give "HELP" and they end up trying to depress the person asking for help. You will have FUN!!!!
David mentioned Santa Margherita and it is an excellent spot to use as a base of operations to see the various areas around the city - The Hotel Metropole is right on the harbor - A great location.
And, of course, there's Tuscany - My favorite spot to use as a base is Http://www.casolarelibbiano.it A very nice B&B located about three miles from San Gimignano and within 45 minutes of Siena and Volterra. Berta and her Husband Andrea are great hosts at a beautiful spot. So many choices - So little time!! Lol
Ciao, Greg
Posted by
OP
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
Greg,
Thanks so much for your very upbeat reply. You're right. This will be an amazing trip no matter what. This is the first time overseas for our family, so we can't wait!
My solution is to go to CT Tuesday - Friday and avoid the weekends. I shudder at the thought of squeezing onto the train with a bizillion other people heading there for the weekend, but I really want to experience this place. I think we'll just find a couple places to stop on our way from Rome up to the CT - maybe even www.casolarelibbiano.it which looks lovely!
Posted by
Windham, NH, United States
13 posts
Hi Cindy,
We were torn between CT and another coastal village. We were referred to the most amazing little villa in Lerici and stayed for 5 days. It was heaven for us. The hosts are amazing. The views spectacular. The town was not touristy, but quaint and authentic. Check out the web site:
http://www.villainlerici.it/giardino.htm
Have fun!