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Southern Italy March 2025

We will be in Italy in mid-March to watch grandson play golf in Rome and thought what the heck, we are there so lets explore southern Italy. As I am trying to research and plan, I am noticing a trend of hotels, restaurants and other attraction not open until April 2025. Almost everything that Rick promoted on his Sicily videos is not open till April. I did notice that cruise ships don't start until mid April, so that may be why everything is closed.

So this begs the question, can we just wing it and not plan so hard (like we do in high season). We love just exploring and seeing where the day takes us, but I don't know if this is a good idea in today's travel world.

Anyone have tip and suggestions for a late March trip to southern Italy? Sorrento, Sicily, Capri are all on my list

Posted by
2108 posts

Well, here's the thing...

We will be arriving in Florence April 2, then traveling by train south to Rome, Salerno and finally over to Sicily, leaving there on April 17. Because of the year-long Jubilee 2025 and the potential added tourists, we have decided to book virtually everything in Florence & Rome in advance--tours, museums, activities, restaurants. In Salerno (Amalfi Coast) and in Sicily (Taormina) we're booking tour guides & excursions in advance but leaving restaurant reservations up in the air.

As far as places being open down south in April...it depends. Salerno, Naples are year-round. The Amalfi Coast is not--it wakes up mid-to-late March. Except for Sorrento (not technically on the A.C.), which is year-round. We won't get to Sicily until April 13, and we'll be staying around Taormina, and that seems to be wide open at that time.

Our trains for all legs are booked to get the deep discounts.

Enjoy your planning!

Posted by
328 posts

I just returned from a month in Southern Italy. Sorrento, AC, Maratea, Tropea, Matera, Polignano a Mare, Lecce, Naples. Did Ischia and Procida by ferry by most everything was closed. Capri ferry runs on but Blue Grotto has a different schedule. I usually rent apts and book 6-9 months out so not your kind of traveler. I saw a lot of signs on restaurants, Pensions, Hotels, etc, closed till...

What I actually found is that probably virtually all guidebooks are for high season travel, so suggestions about taking this bus or visit this site does not apply outside of the summer months except in large cities.

It might be more of a headache and hassle to try to find a place to stay, so I would at least have a number of options available if you want to wing it. I would also never be without snacks as depending on where you roam, open restaurants may not be plentiful AND southern Italy religiously adheres to the 12-4 or 1-5 closures.

Posted by
5 posts

Ive been working all day and I think I have figured this out. We will fly in to Palermo from Naples on March 22 and drive west, go around the island based on RS Sicily itinerary. We will adjust it slightly because we don't have 11 days (only 9 days). I will post our itinerary and travel adventures as I get them confirmed. thanks for letting me brain storm out loud.