I'm planning a trip to Italy, probably next spring. I've visited Italy several times, Padova, Firenze, Venice, Siena, & this time I'd like to try something south of Rome. My usual practice is to settle into a rental in a small town or village, central to the area I want to explore, & take day trips (renting a trusty Panda). I'll be there a full 7 days. In this case I'd like to find a village within an hour or so of the Napoli/Pompeii/Amalfi axis. I would like to explore the area in day trips, but retreat at night to a village that's quiet & small that I can get a real feeling of "living" in. I've done this with great success in Tuscany, Provence, & the Mosel, but I'm having trouble finding a suitable little village within an hour's drive of the Bay of Naples. Anyone out there with some familiarity with the area who can steer me to a quaint small town, ideally with old architecture, a good bakery, & a cafe for morning stimulus?
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Take a look at the town of Pozzuoli. It's 25-30 minutes from Naples. Cute harbor with plenty of restaurants. Good transportation into Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Good beaches, ferry to Ischia, lots of historical archeological areas. You'd never cover it all in a week. My daughter has lived in the area for 15 years so I visit often.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Bacoli or Torre del Greco might be good options, too.
Posted by
Alexandria, VA
771 posts
I certainly defer to Gerri and Zoe who have vastly more experience in the area than I do, but I spoke with a few people on our two trips to Itay who stayed in Vico Equesne, a bit above Sorrento, for extended stays, and loved it as a base for exploring other areas and its small town feel.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Vico Equense is lovely, but my impression was that the OP wanted something closer to Napoli.