Suggestions for a small town where we can enjoy a little down time in late November. Location somewhere between Catania and Naples, preferable accessible by train. We have 3 nights to enjoy and will have just spent ~12 days of on-the-go-touring and would like to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere but not so desolate that all the restaurants will be closed.
Suggestions?
I havenàt been everywhere but Sorrento would fit the bill. Ravello and Amalfi Town get pretty closed down, but Sorrento is big enough that there are services and restaurants but not too many people. We were there in mid-December for a week a few years ago and enjoyed the atmosphere very much.
The challenge will be finding somewhere small enough (how small?) that is not closed up in November. Purely based on research, I'd look into Tropea and Maratea.
Once closer to Naples, Salerno might be of interest. Not a small town, but with an authentic feel and plenty will be open. Further south, Agropoli may be large enough to have open restaurants in November. On the Amalfi coast, I would look at Vietri--which seemed large enough to have year round interest.
I like the Salerno idea, or a bit further south, Paestum. Paestum has ancient temples, a very good small museum, mozzarella farms, and doesn't completely close down anymore in November. Salerno will give you better options for bus transportation to other places, should you want a quick daytrip.
thanks for the suggestions.
To valadelphia: I am wondering if you have been to Agropoli or Vietri?
Not Agropoli, I bypassed it on the way south to Pisciotta--which is a gorgeous hill town, but without a car in November you would feel stuck. I got the sense that Agropoli was one of the main towns along that stretch of coast, and it is on the train line. I don't know much more about it that its convenience to some really excellent places nearby.
I have been to Vietri--stayed next town over in tiny Cetara (which has great restaurants if open in November). It was just my impression that it would fit your needs in November IF you wantto get that close to Naples before stopping, but keep digging to verify. It has a train station. It is fairly convenient for exploring north to Pompeii or south to Paestum from there. Pleasant, but I would not consider it among the most beautiful of the Amalfi coast towns.
I think I would investigate the options further south first--it's so tough to get info on Calabria, but Tropea is fairly well known. Maratea in Basilicata is dramatically situated and looks like it would be a nice relaxing (if quiet) stop. Good luck!
The time of year limits your choices, but there are choices:
Salerno would be a great option. A 'real Italy' small city that's not dependent on tourism. Stay near the Old Town and enjoy.
Sorrento--Down near the marina will be closed for the season, but if you are staying near the Piazza Tasso, you'll have excellent, reasonable restaurants at your disposal, also solid transportation if you want to daytrip it to Naples, Ercolano or Pompei.
Vico Equense--on the coast in between Sorrento and Castellammare di Stabia, breathtaking views, just rode by on the bus and said 'I want to stay there sometime'. No idea how it might be in late November.
Enjoy your planning!
We were in Agropoli last May (five nights) and loved it. Our apartment was high up in the old town with a view of the marina. Lots of stairs to get up the hill to the apartment, but worth it!
Salerno is a great option. We were there last year found a wonderful apartment in the old part of the city, walkable from the train station. Many good restaurants and fun, interesting sites. Il Giardino della Minerva was wonderful! That area definitely had a small town feel, strolling the small lanes, nice small restaurants tucked away, very enjoyable. If you haven't visited Pompeii easy to access for a day trip.
Thank you for all your input! We have decided to stay in old town Salerno. Not a small town but it seems like a great compromise for the season. The finally decision maker was their annual Christmas light displays, which appears to begin early in November.
Again, thanks to everyone who responded with input.
