Final Itinerary Check

While in Puglia, take your young children to Polignano a Mare for some beach time and a swim.

Your itinerary looks great. I am puzzled as to why you’d go all the way to Pozzuoli to catch the ferry to Ischia rather than using the Naples Molo Beverello dock.

https://ssl.directferries.com/ferry/secure/booking_redirect_df.aspx?stdc=MDF10COM&grid=0&rfid=629&psgr=1&curr=9&retn=false&rfidr=0&outd=2022-03-23&outt=9&retd=null&rett=-1&_ga=2.111395394.71451775.1647985778-902034769.1647985778&_gac=1.182051091.1647985778.EAIaIQobChMImYaSr9na9gIVGhTUAR2HpgJXEAAYASAAEgIbcvD_BwE

If your concern is leaving the car at the dock, drop off the car at the airport long term parking and take a taxi to the dock.

Yes! Polignano a Mare is on the list. I also have Otranto, Gallipoli, and around San Foca for some other Puglia beach destinations (as beaches will be some of the highlights of the trip). You don’t need to twist my arm (or the kids) for an Italian beach and a lunch/dinner outing in an amazing town. I don’t have the intention of traveling to Italy to go to playgrounds or parks for the kids, and there are plenty of things that the entire family can enjoy. And always open to additional suggestions.

Great point Gerri, and exactly why I am posting this in case there is a better or easier way. I’ve driven in Europe multiple times, but I thought I would stay clear of driving in Naples as well as the embarkation at the port. I thought Pozzuoli would easier/smaller. Another option could even be to go from Sorrento (but this would probably take longer).

In Lecce, Take the kids to the transportation museum --- you'll like it, too!

Max, another option which would fit better with
Puglia would be the port of Salerno. The Road back, (E847) would actually drop you very close to Salerno.

https://www.traghettiup.com/en/tratte/salerno-ischia

Parking…piazza Concordia.

https://www.livesalerno.com/parking-in-salerno

Another stop the kids might enjoy close to Salerno is the Vannulo Buffalo farm.

Do your kids know they're not going to any parks and playgrounds on the trip? Seems like a great way to meet locals.

Super confused where you got that idea, CT? I didn’t see that mentioned in any of OPs posts.

CT is correct. I did mention not traveling all the way to Italy so the kids can play at parks, but it is a valid point as a way to enjoy a more authentic cultural experience, so might change my opinion.

Also, the one spot I still am not in love with is Ischia. I know Ischia, Amalfi, etc.. is very aesthetically pleasing which is also why I picked it. I'm sure many families take kids to Ischia, but it also isn't very pedestrian, feels better suited for a honeymoon destination, and there are other places in Italy with better beaches. Naples area makes geographic sense as a stop on our itinerary, and I liked Ischia as it doesn't get as many American tourist, but I'm open to all options, even on the mainland.

Another option that fits with Puglia area.
From Matera, the Cilento Coast might be an option. About a 3 hour drive.

We enjoyed the area from Palinuro to Santa Maria Castelabate.

We stayed in a Castle, Castello di San Sergio in the Aphrodite dependence 3nites. Great hosts, mother/son were fantastic.

These were the nearby towns we visited. Marina Camerota, Palinuro, Acciaroli, then 1 night in Santa Maria Castelabate. Visited the hill town of Castelabate and Oasi Fiume Alento, a natural park with several things the kids would enjoy.

Edit

https://www.wanderingitaly.com/maps/cilento.html
https://www.ilcastellodisansergio.com/

https://www.oasialento.it/en/

Beaches in this area were very nice, water crystal clear. Rented a Gonzo to take us to sea caves.
Plenty of things to explore. Scenery is beautiful.

I rather enjoy visiting islands as long as they're scenically interesting (the flat-as-a-pancake islands not so much). However, it's not uncommon for me to look back on an island visit and question whether I'd have gotten more enjoyment for the time expended in an easier-to-reach location. And I'm a solo traveler who only needs to buy one ferry ticket.

Unfortunately, I don't know that area well enough to offer an alternative. And Ischia could, for all I know, be an ideal spot for a young family like yours.

I also agree about enjoying an Island, which is why I really wanted to include Ischia. I'm sure it works well for some families. Only I can decide if it will work well for us, but having input from others who have been there or surrounding areas helps with making that decision.

I think the Cilento recommendation could also work well based on the itinerary, and I have been researching the region. There is also a ferry from San Marco to Amalfi if we really needed to check that box (although my wife and I have been there previously). Again, Amalfi is pretty, but Cilento there is more to do, easier to get around, and the beaches are more various. I'm sure prices are more attractive as well.

Another town north of Naples is Gaeta, but I haven't seen much discussion about this location. Could also do Salerno, or one of the towns at the start of Amalfi.

I'm very content with the other locations of the trip, so just to decide on the last one!

What a fantastic trip! Maybe your kids are OK with all the sightseeing. At that age mine would have definitely wanted simple playground time or easy hiking time. Enjoy!

Gaeta has beautiful beaches, a very interesting old town & port area. An amazing cathedral an fort overlooking the area. (A hike to get up to each). Above town is Montanga Spaccata (Split Mountain. With another opportunity for hiking in the surrounding park. I’d recommend 2-3 nights.

From here you could head to Orbetello about a 3 hour drive..great beach, located in a park with flamingos and white Herons. On the way stop off at Sperlonga,, Anzio or Santa Mairenella.

This may be an interesting place for Lodging. 1-2 nights.

http://www.booking.com/Share-wjf5Agn

From there head to Saturina about an hour. Visit Cascade del Mulino on your way to Pienza.

I hope I’m not confusing you.

Thank you very much Gerri. Nope, not confusing.

However, I think with the itinerary I need to choose one location (for about 4 nights) between the different coastal options (Cilento, Amalfi, Ischia, Gaeta, Coastal Tuscany...)

My preference would be a smaller coastal town with antiquity.

Can't go wrong with any of the options above.

Having been to all the places you’re looking at, several more than once I think the Cilento Coast is best with your requirements. It’s literally in a national park and there are other historic places to visit up in the mountains. Waters are crystal clear. Beaches some of the best in Italy. Towns are enchanting each in their own way. It fits better with heading to Assisi too.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Italy as our daughter lived there for 15 years. My visits were 3-4 weeks each and we took my grandaughter with us for all adventures. She was 3 when we started.

Whatever you choose, you and your family will have an exceptional time.

Gerri

That is beautiful and sounds like you made some amazing memories.

Any special experiences (outside the standard tourist stops, and potentially more locally known) you would suggest. Same with any food destinations.

I also had one other question. We prefer to minimize base changes and don't mind slightly longer day trips.

Was thinking about picking one spot to enjoy the Val d'Orcia / Umbria / (even Le Marche) area. Just wanted to see what you thought about doing so.

Thanks!
Max