Any advice on driving between Sicily and the Amalfi coast? We would also like to see some less traveled areas possibly the heel or the toe of the boot. Any recommendations? We were thinking maybe two weeks in Sicily (and Agriturismo for one week perhaps), then a week driving around some of the smaller less touristy villages somewhere between the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, then a week in Agriturismo near Sorrento or Positano.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
This past March, we spent 5 days each in Sicily and the Amalfi area. In Sicily we based in Palermo suburbs, and drow Western Sicily and it was a treat! We hit the Temple at Sargento, Seluinite(sp) Agrisxxxx(again,sp). One thing to be aware of, it the countryside takes the siesta very seriously so if you are out in the country, everything closes. We intend to do Eastern Sicily in the next 2 years, and intend to spend 5 to 7 days doing that, so I would expect your two weeks there to be pretty busy.
As far as the Amalfi, again, would stay closer to Sorrento than on the coast as you can get to most sights within +/-3 hours.
As far as the area between the toe and the heel I have to defer to others who have experience.
You will fall in love with Sicily!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
We've done it in the opposite direction Amalfi > Sicily. The drive is easy, it's an "A" highway almost all the way (like our interstates). Never have done the heel, though.
Two nice stops along the way are the seaside town of Maratea and the Greek ruins at Paestum, but most of what you see is hills and farmland.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
I think the temples Jerry is thinking of are at Segesta, Selinunte, and Agrigento. All are fantastic, especially the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With 2 weeks in Sicily, you should try to see them all.
Posted by
OP
Berkeley, California, US
655 posts
Thanks for your advice, Tom and Jerry. I have actually been to Sicily twice before but have managed not to see any of the wonderful Greek/Roman ruins except for those in Syracusa and Taormina. I did see Palermo and Monreale And Capo D'orlando. I'm hoping to see the sights you have mentioned as well as the villages in the Nabrone and Madronne Mountains. I think you're right about staying near Sorrento. I'm trying to see if I can find an Agriturismo near there.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Kay
We have done Sorrento then to Sicily, and we also have done the heel of the boot; Puglia, on another trip.
Stay in Sorrento proper, and use public transportion to explore that area. We rented an apt in Sorrento, using the town website. We usually use VRBO or Homelidays to find our apts. in the EU.
We signed up to take the overnight ferry from Naples to the Aeolian islands (Lipari, and others), but missed it and took the train across to Sicily. Then we got a hi-speed ferry to the Aeolians. The Aeolians are awesome; each one is different, and they are all connected by hi-speed ferries.
We did not stay one week in any one place, but were still able to use Agris in Sicily. That is a great idea.
As soon as we hit Sicily we used a rental car. A car is also the only way to see Puglia. We spent 9 days there, and it was fabulous. Hardly any tourists, beautiful small cities, super fantastic and cheap foods, and lots to see. Trani has a wonderful B@B 1/2 block from the water, and has great little restaurants lining the waterfront.
We stayed in Lecce, and made it one of our bases, while we visited the Triulli homes, the cave homes of Matera, Gallopoli, and the wild East coast. (and after my wife found out how cheap Italian shoes were in Lecce, she packed her bag full for our return flights!)