We are typically off season slow travelers but have an opportunity to spend two weeks in southern Italy. I'm ashamed to admit these two weeks happen to be in August, undoubtedly the most over touristed month of the year. We have already spent ample time in Sicily, Naples and Rome. We don't mind renting a car/driving in Italy. Any suggestions for a home base in Southern Italy? We don't mind renting a car/driving. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
No need to be ashamed, but...I hope you like heat. In August, I would avoid southern Italy and would head for someplace far, far to the north (...like, Scandinavia). You sure you are up for that kind of hot?
Posted by
OP
198 posts
Thanks! I'm sure we will wilt in the heat and humidity. Maybe there is somewhere we can just relax by the seaside? Or even just a pool? I read a book years ago by Tim Parks called Italian Ways, From Milan to Palermo by Train. Maybe I will read that again so I can recall his experiences in the south. Any other advice very welcome, too!
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
I really, really like Puglia, but I made a serious error when I ventured there in either very late June or early July 2015. The heat was something else. I recommend that you not go that far south on this trip.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Look to the Cilento Coast. We visited here 3 years ago in September. Though it was in the high 80s, low 90s the breeze off the sea made it very comfortable. Look to Santa Maria Castelabate both the beach town and the village above. Palinuro has many great beaches, sea caves, sculpted arches, great scuba diving, beautiful clear water, fantastic seafood.
Can't recommend it enough.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Southern Italy in August? Not for me. That's not a vacation. That's punishment. Especially now in the era of global warming.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11315 posts
Just my curiosity speaking, but why “an opportunity...in southern Italy” only? Why must it be the south, and further, what do you mean by “southern Italy?” South of Rome or truly south like Calabria or Puglia? This might allow us to help you in a targeted manner, once we understand the complete parameters.