We have traveled most of Italy, Sardinia, and Sicily. For our next adventure, we want to explore the Southern regions of Basilicata and Calabria, and Campagnia. All tips and information are greatly appreciated. Our ideal travel time is September 2024.
Thank you in advance.
Lorie
I haven't spent much time in those areas--primarily just 7 nights in Naples and 4 in Salerno, and I didn't have a car, so I don't have any unusual sightseeing tips for you. Just this: Check out the 365-day Campania ArteCard, potentially a big money-saver that doesn't require you to run around like a crazy person, trying to see a large number of sights in just a few days. As I understand it, you're limited to a single entry at most sights, but the excavations (Pompeii, etc.) allow two entries. That's the sort of policy that could change, though, so of it would be important to you, you should verify it before your trip.
It's not easy to find a retail location to buy that card, but it is super-easy to do within the ArteCard app. I'm not the only person who ran into a problem getting the app to open at a museum ticket counter at least once, so it's important to document the card/order number when you make the purchase. Put that number in several convenient places; it will get you into sights if the app won't open for you.
If you use the search feature above you can find plenty of past posts on any location. Just don’t enter southern toe or you might just get advice on bunions.
How much time will you have? If it is a long trip (several weeks), I would look into leasing a car.
I am assuming you have driven in Italy before based on past visits--is that correct? The Naples-Amalfi coast area of Campania is preferable without a car and very easy to plan a visit to, and you can easily get to Matera in Basilicata, but beyond that you will want to incorporate a car into your trip.
It is more challenging to get info on Calabria but not impossible. There are a number of national parks and as a hiker, this is an area I hope to get to one day. When doing research, I often use travel blogs and such, and you'll find a lot of accounts of family/genealogy trips in Calabria. European newspaper travel sections are often a good resource, good luck!
Roberto,
At some point I may need info on bunions but so far my feet are able to take me wherever I want, For now I will take your advice and delete requests for toe info.
Thanks
Lorie
Will you have a car?
Some areas I suggest seeing: Matera, Alberobello, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, and Polignano a Mare.
Hi Frank
We have visited Apuglia. Our plan is to visit Calabria any thoughts?
Ty
Lorie
We passed through Calabria on our way from Puglia to Sicily, and on our return from Sicily to Rome.
These were one night stops.
Westbound, we spent one night in Pizzo, a charming waterfront real working town with gorgeous views and a wonderful passagiata in the evening. Wished we could have given it more nights. We stayed at "Timpa B&B" which was not really a B&B, more like a hotel room with nearby cafe breakfast included. The views were outstanding, and the people watching from our balcony was great. I highly recommend spending a couple of nights in this town.
Northeast bound, we stayed one night in Maratea, at a hotel called Il Gabbiano. Spectacular setting right on the sea, with cliffs all around. We did not explore, because there was no real town without getting back into the car, but I understand there is a giant statue of Christ, and it's called the "town of 44 churches" (ha! did they ever visit Scicli in Sicily? they may have this record beat!). Anyway, cannot tell you much about Maratea except for the spectacular setting.
Have fun exploring!
P.S. There are a few trip reports over on Fodors forums that may help with your research.
P.S. again. This trip was September 2022. Swimming weather!
It can be difficult to get info on Calabria (web is more fruitful), but Basilicata is fairly well covered in books. You might be interested in the Cilento portion of Campania, just south of Salerno--might be a good stop for you on either end of your trip if traveling round trip from Naples.
In Basilicata, Matera is quite stunning, and there are some more low-key towns near there that are lovely. I've long had Maratea on my list for when I get further south!
Oops. Sorry, I misread your question.
Not much on Calabria as I passed through from Sicily enroute to Matera.
