I'm traveling to the south of Italy in the beginning of August. We are starting in Amalfi and will be there for 7 days and nights. We have access to a boat and are looking for the best places to visit. We are up for anything, site seeing, water activities, beaches, hiking, wine tours, restaurant suggestions, cooking classes, etc. We are hoping to find a few hidden gems and really get the full Italian experience. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8053 posts
We stayed at the Mami Camilla B&B in Sorrento over New Year's 2013, and ate at their excellent sister restaurant several times. They also provide cooking classes (for 1 session to many days), which we didn't attend, by Chef Longo is a master -- www.mamicamilla.com.
If you're heading farther south than Amalfi, an outstanding restaurant is Locanda di Alia in Castrovillari, Calabria -- www.alia.it . We ate there & stayed there for a night on the way to Sorrento, and they're inland, not on the water.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Tropea, far down the coast in Calabria, is unique. Paestum is only an hour or so from Amalfi. Inland and further south, Matera. Not sure if you plan to base in Amalfi or move around.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
Puglia is great. Try a few days in Polignano al Mare.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Boating along the coast sounds like a lovely way to discover new places on your own, if you're ready for freedom. Are you experienced sailors? Can you sleep on the boat? I'm afraid traditional research will take more digging, since most guidebooks only cover a bit of this area, even when they are called "South Italy." I saw an Eyewitness guide on Amazon Kindle for $4 and Lonely Planet sells PDF chapters for $5, both 2014 editions. Here's a yacht-focused guide, too.
Posted by
Arlington, TX
15 posts
Kelly,
My Italian instructor recently returned from Matera in Basilicata. She and her husband rented a car and drove from Amalfi. She is a veteran traveler and commented that this is one of the most magical places she's ever been to. Quite a statement coming from someone with her travel expertise. The movie, Passion of Christ, was filmed here. Google Matera. It has a fascinating history.