Originally Posted by
kazza
DH and myself are off to Italy in a fortnight for 7 nights on a spur of the moment trip. We're flying into Naples and then staying 3 nights in Sorrento. During that time we hope to see Pompeii, Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast and possible Capri.
Then we are considering travelling a bit further off the tourist track to see some of the rest of Southern Italy for the remaining 4 nights (although we need to be within striking distance of Naples on the 4th night for our flight home). Is it worth the trip to Puglia or are Calabria and Basilicata better bets? We prefer scenic vistas to visting museums and churches.
I've tried researching the area further south on the internet but to be honest I haven't managed to find too much useful info so recommendations on where to go / stay are very welcome. We have hired a car so public transport is not an issue.
Puglia certainly is a beautiful region, although other that the Trulli in Alberobello, the main attractions are the beaches and outstanding baroque architecture of the southern region towns. Also, the Gargano peninsula (northern Puglia) is a conservation area and worth visiting. Calabria is mainly a montainous region, and an area of interest is Tropea, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Beware though that Calabria is a big region and the motorways aren't the best in Italy. Basilicata is an 'arid region', very poor, and other that Matera' Sassi, there nothing more to see. If I were to pick out of these three I would certainly go for Puglia. Just my two cents though...Enjoy!