We are travelling to southern Italy after a RS tour of Sicily this October. Tour ends Oct. 18, staying 2 nights more in Sicily with a rental car, then over the ferry to Calabria (Tropea) and on to Matera and Puglia (Lecce). We were wondering in that time period (Oct. 18 - 29) are a lot of restaurants or hotels closed? Are places that are seaside resorts like Tropea really shut up at that point, or is there enough still open? We have some places to stay booked now, but are leaving some nights open so we can be flexible. Thanks!
Posted by
11156 posts
We were in Polignano a Mare in October and traveled around Puglia, Lecce, Ostuni, Trani, Monopoli. Also visited Matera in Basicalata. We didn’t see anything closed anywhere and we were staying in a seaside resort area. Then we flew to Sicily for several weeks.
Enjoy this beautiful part of Italy.
Posted by
76 posts
Tropea might be sewn up. However, there are working towns along the Calabrian Coast too. Reggio is a very interesting working town that is on the sea. Be sure to see the Riace Bronzes if you are there.
Pizzo is a working town with most of the activity NOT on the shore, so it will have some things open as well.
Matera is always open, so that shouldn't be a problem and Bari is delightful to visit with lots to do including a bike tour of the old city, church tours and an opera house with a concert playing during that time - La Voix Humaine - Cavalleria Rusticana - Opera
Music by Francis Poulenc - Pietro Mascagni, Conductor RENATO PALUMBO, 2019 October 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
With the exception of Tropea that lives on summer tourism, the remaining 6,500,000 inhabitants of those 3 regions do not shut everything down on September 15 to move north.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15161 posts
Even Tropea will have something open. Over 6000 residents live there year around and I doubt they go into hibernation like bears.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
The winter atmosphere in Tropea could have inspired many of Sergio Leone's scenes... rolling Tumbleweeds, a Squeaky sign etc. etc.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks for the replies! It seems like there will be enough open in the area, we don't need lots to do and generally like things quiet.
Posted by
Trieste, Italy
170 posts
Matera is magical. It's been named the Cultural Capital of Italy for 2019, so there should be lots of events happening and great food to enjoy. I'd book lodging as soon as possible. Here's a link to the cultural events;
https://www.materaevents.it/events
Enjoy!