We are traveling to Italy for 3 weeks in April 2012, arriving in and departing from Rome. After we spend 4 days in Rome, we will pick up a car and head south along the mediterranean side and will also spend about 4-5 days in Sicily. I have been to the more northern part of Italy in the past, so, with the exception perhaps of going to Cinque Terre on our way back, we will stay in places south of Rome. We would appreciate suggestions of which cities/towns to visit in southern Italy and also in Sicily. Thanks.
Sara
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Sara, where to begin? The Amalfi Coast, definitely, then continue on to Paestum, which has great Greek ruins, a good museum, and a beach (April might be a little cool for that, though). Further south is the small resort town of Tropea. Depending on your interests, there is a "Wine Road" in Sicily, as well as many archaeological sites (Siracusa, Agrigento, Segesta, Selinunte, Villa Casale outside Piazza Armerina), medieval castles and churches (Cefalu, on the way to Palermo, Monreale just outside Palermo). Taormina has a beautiful view of Mount Etan and a Greek theatre still in use. Sicily is beautiful but big. I spent a month there last year and just kept finding more to go back to see.
Posted by
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Yes, Sicily is quite big. With only 4-5 days I would say pick a half of the island and stick to that otherwise you'll spend alot of time driving. I prefer the western half myself but all of Sicily is beautiful.
Tip: Get a ferry ticket from a gas station before you get to the terminal. Can be much less of a hassle.
Posted by
OP
San Diego
24 posts
Thanks for the help! Do you have any suggestions for which towns to stay at on the Amalfi Coast? We will be there for a couple of days, mostly to relax and enjoy the scenery, walk around the town and eat! Sara
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
With a 3-week vacation, you ought to consider more than a couple of days on the Amalfi coast. There is way more to see in that area than you can cover in that small amount of time. Sorrento is the best town to stay in as a base, it has ferry and bus access to everything in the area and the widest choice of places to stay - as well as being very charming in its own right. Sorrento also has the advantage of local rail service which you can use to see places like Pompeii, Herculaneum, or Naples.