Let me explain the title...I have been to Florence three times with another trip coming up in September. My thrill with Florence is the ability to wander and explore the wonders found around the corner. A place to stop for lunch that might be off the beaten path. A bench to sit on and read while surrounded by the sites and sounds of everyday Italian life.
That being said, I would like if possible to replicate those feels somewhere south of Rome.
I have been to Rome a few times and to Naples twice so some place I can walk and relax in while feeling no so much as a tourist even if my Italian is somewhat limited.
Since I will be by myself and getting around using public transportation, I would of possible like to keep my Airbnb rate to no more than $80US per night and have the ability to do my own dinners.
Throwing this out to see if this might be realistic for say October 2019?
Thanks
Posted by
5253 posts
The obvious choice would be Lecce, often called "the Florence of the South" due to its baroque splendor!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16200 posts
You can do the same anywhere.
Some of the most beautiful provincial capital cities south of Naples are:
Matera
Lecce
Reggio Calabria
Palermo
Siracusa
If one wants include towns that are smaller, the list is endless.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8028 posts
You have good answers already, but I wonder if the degree of ubanization or the density of monuments of Art History are factors for you? For example, Naples could be said to have high numbers for both of those attributes, although it's a bit gritty for many on this board. But I think of Naples every time I see George Romney's cheescake portrait of Emma Hamilton at the Frick Collection. For an extended stay, Naples provides a vast number of inexpensive daytrips. But I didn't find the sidewalk "vibe" to be warm and fuzzy, which you may be hinting at in your OP.
It seems to me that staying near a residential area, in a city that's affordable living for non-tourism employees is needed to satisfy your request. So I saw plenty of attractive areas in, say Siracusa, where you wouldn't want to stay.
Posted by
Washington DC
28437 posts
My first thought was Lecce, too.
How much time do you plan to spend in this new Florence, and what about the rest of the trip? Siracusa is a good option, but I'd want to spend some additional time traveling around Sicily. You definitely cannot do the island justice from a single base.
Your budget will not be a probem in southern Italy as long as you don't choose a luxury resort-like spot such as Portofino or Capri.