Curious if anyone has combined Amalfi & some of Puglia and would recommend?
We have a RT flight in/out of Bari in early/mid August. I know it will be HOT & I am also aware of the holidays, so that may play into the decision to stay put in one region.
My husband really wants to see Amalfi and thinks we could do 4 nights there. So it would look something like 4 nights Monopoli (with day trips), 4 nights Amalfi (minori or Maiori) and 2 nights Bari.
Thoughts?
I've visited the two areas on the same trip BUT I had a longer time than you do. AND we had a car.
To me, you plan looks not so great...going from Puglia to Amalfi and back again...it would be a big waste of time, and there is so much more to see in Puglia apart from Monopoli. August is a really bad time to be on the Amalfi Coast. It's a crowded time in all of the coastal south, but at least you can get away from the crowds in Puglia.
Puglia only.
Leave Amalfi for another time. Takes forever to go back and forth without a car, and with a car no chance to find parking.
August is peak season everywhere.
Ditto, I’d swap for Gargano
Gargano. Yes!!
We included Vieste in that trip in 2023 when we went from Vietri to Maratea to Tursi and after two more stops, spent about 5 nigjts in gorgeous Vieste. I’d book asap for August no matter what plan you decide upon.
I’d considered adding Gargano if we decide against amalfi for some greenery- good call!
We’ve done a trip around the same length with French & Italian riviera where train between the two was around the same as Bari to Salerno (4.5 hours) and didn’t regret the choice, so I thought it may be doable! I realize puglia is a whole region though with much to see. We have a 5 year old and enjoy hiking and time at the beach which is why my husband thought amalfi would be a nice addition for the path of lemons.
I am planning on going to those same areas the end of April into May. It will be a few days after finishing the RS Best of Italy tour and will have 17 days, so hopefully a bit more manageable. I am thinking 9 days in the Puglia region and then another 7 over near Amalfi and on up to Naples where we fly home from. Still working out all the details. Good luck to you and happy travels. Regina
@regina
I think that sounds totally doable! And especially in off season. We’re succumbing to peak season for a bit now that our son is in school. I think had I booked into Bari, out of Naples, it would be more feasible to add amalfi. Just wondered if anyone had done it! Enjoy your trip!
Hiking in Gargano:
https://www.doveandiamosulgargano.it/en/trekking-gargano-national-park/
Definitely swap Amalfi coast for Gargano. Vieste is a good choice, Peschici also nice.
Nicer beaches than Amalfi coast for sure, especially for a small kid. I’ve been to Gargano more than once but always in July. Crowds will be nowhere as bad as Amalfi coast. And parking situation is not even close. Otranto also nice, but further south-east.
I understand that people like to hit the most famous places publicized by Rick Steves, but the Amalfi coast in mid August, around Ferragosto, is pure self inflicted pain.
Gargano it is!! Thanks for talking some sense into me :)
If you decide on Vieste, get a hotel on the long beach that stretches W of the town but close enough so you can walk easily into the town. Lots of hotels have pools.
