Necessary to Book Accommodations Ahead for early April Travel; Southern Italy?

We were in the South in April 2015. We booked some accommodation in advance and some only a day or so ahead. We had no issues.

We were in southern Italy last April, and I think that all the places we stayed had empty rooms.

I always book ahead but you should be able to find something as you go. My question is, do you plan to look for lodging once you arrive in each city? Or book a day or two ahead? Perhaps one hotel can recommend places in your next city, personally I would not want to waste time looking for a place once I arrive.

Thank you everyone. This is reassuring. Our travel philosophy is that accommodations, while important, are not as important as staying at a preferred place. We would rather spend our budget on experiences and food. We lived in Geneva for 11 years and found that this worked well for us - most of the time. There were a few clunker places, but they then were added to our list of our experiences. Typically, if we are somewhere for 3 days, by the evening of the 2nd day, we would know where we wanted to head next and would do a rapid search and book a place. But, there are times of the year, when this absolutely would not work and booking ahead was mandatory. Since I am so unfamiliar with Southern Italy, I appreciate the feedback. I also like the idea of asking locals for recommendations for where to stay. Blindingly obvious which slipped our thinking. We have done that for wine, for experiences, but not lodging. Geesh!

Blindingly obvious which slipped our thinking. We have done that for
wine, for experiences, but not lodging.

The little problem with this is that the locals rarely - if ever - stay in the hotels themselves. They're more likely to work in them, be related to the owner, or be otherwise gainfully connected. We've also learned through a few unfortunate experiences that just because a local recommends a restaurant or other business doesn't necessarily mean it's good. Not always the case, of course, but it happens.

Thank you for that additional perspective! That's also true and we have experienced that downside as well. Reminds me of a case of wine that we brought in northern Italy that was one of the worst wine purchases we have EVER made! And yes, the blindingly obvious that locals typically do not stay in tourist or rental accommodations - at least not in the near vicinity.

Base in Sorrento-Hotel Mignon-right on edge of Old Town and clean & safe
and great indoor/outdoor breakfast area and walking distance to everywhere
inc train/bus station and very reasonable...short boat rides to Naples & Capri
...Mike

Hi Rebec,
I borned in Naples and I live now in Palermo since 10 years.
I think that to travel day by day is the best, if you are a person who like to be totally free and speak, interact with locals you will find always a nice (or not so nice) place to sleep. No problems at all! As you are traveling in April places will be available, only august is the worst month to travel in south Italy (when all Italians go in vacation).
Regarding your itinerary :

Matera is very far from Catania, by car is a long way. I would stay 1 day and not 3 days in Matera, I would rather spend each night in a different place close to some special spot to see..
Amalfi coast, sorrento, capri and naples... so much to see and enjoy..

Did you thought about going to visit the Aeolian Islands from catania (via milazzo town) and then continue by ship straight to Naples area? I don't know about your trip schedule in sicily but I would fly to naples or take a night ship from palermo to naples.. is very pleasant trip and save you an entire day as it is an overnight cruise.
Luca

Thank you Mike and Luca for your additional recommendations and travel thoughts. This is all so very helpful for our planning. It does give me the confidence that we can travel the way we like and follow our feet, at least for this time of year. But, saying that, Mike, I also really like your recommendation and will followup on that.