I will be staying in Naples for 7 nights in mid-September. I have 2 nights free before I meet a travel group in Rome for 5 nights before leaving for a cruise. Is it worth travelling from Naples to either Lecce (by train) or Matera ( by bus) for 2 nights or spend an extra 2 nights in Rome.? This will be my 5th time in Rome, and I love Rome, but should I take the opportunity to visit Lecce or Matera? I have recently driven all of Sicily and up the coast to Naples then Rome, so thinking a quick visit to Lecce would whet my appetite for that area to really explore on a future trip.
I am by myself for this short section of my trip, and do not want to hire a car.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I suggest Matera, it is a unique city and has been working on restoring sights that have been closed for years (the Cathedral and several "cave" churches.
I think visiting both Matera and Lecce in two days would be a stretch, relying on public transportation.
You might be able to take the FrecciaLink bus from Napoli is at least from Salerno to Zmatera and back. Tickets and schedules on Trenitalia.com.
Posted by
Washington DC
27217 posts
If the transportation works, I'd choose Matera because it's sort of a stand-alone place, especially if you don't rent a car. I like Lecce a lot; I've been there twice and used it as a base for taking several day-trips I booked through the tourist office in 2015 (possibly of use to you in the future), but I'd rather not go all the way to Puglia for such a short amount of time, even knowing I could return.