We are looking to travel to Italy this September. We are interested in southern Italy. We were looking at Sicily tours, but they covered too much ground and were too scheduled for us. Then we started looking at Amalfi coast. Staying in Sorrento for 4 days and 3 days in Amalfi with visit to positano, ravello and capri. We have read that Amalfi coast is very crowded. Any suggestions for where to go? We like the mediterranean and want a laid back trip with some half day tours.
Posted by
5253 posts
To make sure we all grasp it: You are looking for something coastal but where you can use public transport, and which might be a bit less crowded than the AC, right? What do you mean by half day tour?
I would say a week in Puglia or a week in Liguria would be nice. In Liguria, the train goes all along the coast so you have many options. In Puglia, transport is a bit more tricky, but it is definitely possible to fill a week and avoid a car if you wish.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
we are looking for something coastal. we have been to liguria region. We have never rented a car, but would consider it -if in a area that is safe to drive in.
Posted by
5253 posts
Everywhere is safe to drive. It is ill advised to drive in large cities, but otherwise it would make for a nice a Puglia trip.
South of the Amalfi Coast, the Cilento coast is lovely and I long to get back with a car (did a dip into it without one but would be far better with).
A week would also be a nice time for the Marche coast, which is nice in the vicinity of Pesaro and at Monte Conero (south of Ancona).
I've gone on enough about the Tuscan coast this week, but those are all of the coastal places we have especially enjoyed in Italy.
You might also look at Croatia too--seriously easy driving.
I love the Mediterranean too--I call it my "spirit habitat!"
Posted by
11672 posts
Why not do Sicily on your own? We spent two and a half weeks there, traveling independently. It was easy to do and we will return there.
We love Sicily . However, we have no desire to ever return to the crowded, touristy Amalfi Coast.
I also recommend Puglia which we combined with Sicily.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Can you share how you did sicily on your own. I assume you rented a car. we only have 10 days for this trip. And we have never rented a car in europe Is it easy to drive in sicily?
Posted by
Atlanta, GA area (USA)
94 posts
I haven’t been south of Campania but I suspect driving in Sicily is like driving in other parts of southern Italy - little roads, curves, hills, some small cities that may have ZTLs to consider, but none of the chaos of Rome or Naples.