sundriedtopepo

We are driving from Amalfi to Taormina in May. We will have two overnight stops, one in Maratea, other in Tropea.
I have always wanted to drive down the Cilento coast, and after having a look at the map, I see that it is totally doable timewise, but looking at the various stops, Maratea looks like the most picturesque.

So, we could meander down the Cilento coast and get to Maratea rather late, or take the highway to Maratea and get there earlier with enough time to enjoy it. Again, it's just an overnight stop.

Does this sound like a fair assessment? Should we hurry to Maratea, or should we enjoy the Cilento drive?

yorkshire

Any plans to visit Paestum?
Without ample time to visit the pretty little towns, I think I'd carry on to Maratea, as I have heard the drive into Maratea would be better with daylight.
If it's late May and you take the inland A3 route, you might consider stopping in Sassano to see the orchids--something I have longed to do!
If you do take the coastal route, Angiolina in Marina di Pisciotta would make a great lunch stop.

sundriedtopepo

Thanks for the tips yorkshire. We will not stop in Paestum, as we will be visiting Agrigento and Selinunte when we arrive in Sicily.

kja

I haven't driven the stretch from Amalfi to Taormina, so perhaps I shouldn't comment, but:

If it matters, my impressions were that Paestum is so different from Agrigento and Selinunte as to make the comparisons moot. Paestum's 3 main temples are extraordinarily well preserved -- far better than anything you will see in Sicily. Some claim that they are the best preserved Greek temples ANYWHERE, and although I haven't yet been to Greece, they certainly beat those I've seen in Sicily or Turkey. They are truly awesome. Do consider giving them a visit!

And if you do, note that the small archeological museum at Paestum holds some unique items, and it's a small enough that you can visit in just an hour or so.

Paestum is also known for its fresh buffalo mozzarella -- easily obtained at one of the on-site restaurants!

Salerno itself has a wealth of riches. As one example, its Duomo has some truly outstanding features. Have you considered including it?

I'm sure you have reasons for routing as you have -- it just seems to me that you are missing some incredible highlights, so I wanted to make sure you had considered them when finalizing your plans. JMO, of course, and YMMV!

You'll see some wonderful things no matter what you decide!

sundriedtopepo

Yorkshire I just found and read rose travels' excellent reports. Now I want more than ever to do that drive! We will definitely have to go next trip and spend some time.

Did you ever find the answer to your request for more details about the orchid festival in Sassano? I can't seem to find details or anything current.

yorkshire

Yes, rose is who led me to Pisciotta, a gorgeous town. We especially enjoyed the scenery at the southern coastal tip of Cilento, past Marina di Camerota.
I know Sassano's orchid festival occurs in May--I would check with the commune to see if you can find out if there are blooms when you are near enough for a visit. enjoy!

sundriedtopepo

Thanks Yorkshire.

Kja we might have a look if we have time, thanks. I'm sure we'll be trying the buffalo mozzarella

Boolanger

sundriedtopepo,

Looks like we will be doing the same trip around the same time. I am interested in how you decided on Tropea? I have seen a few pictures on Pinterest but I was curious why you chose Tropea from all the choices available?

sundriedtopepo

Boolanger it is about the right travelling distance for a leisurely drive from Maratea. I love those beautiful old coastal towns, and in mid-May it should not be mobbed yet with beach tourists.

I have the guidebook DK Eyewitness Travel-Backroads Italy, great for road trips. Tropea is featured in the chapter Echoes of Greece.
Other than that there is not a lot of information on the web.

Have a look at this,

http://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/calabria/tropea

We did a stop in Scilla a few years back, which is also a very picturesque spot, with reportedly good seafood restaurants. Seafood is so fresh and delicious in the south.

sundriedtopepo

I like this website too

http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas...ea/tropea.html

Boolanger

Thanks for the additional information sundriedtopepo. I will continue my research and let you know if I find anything which may be of interest to you.

toledodd

we spent a week in Pisciotta last may and ate at one of our favorite restaurants every - Osteria del Borgo. i still dream about the 2 meals that we had there. although getting to Pisciotta is a little out of the way if you are looking to make time on the way to sicily.

sundriedtopepo

Thanks for the tip toledodd. Did you enjoy Pisciotta? I've read it's quite a nice town.

yestravel

Also thanks to Rosetravels TR we spent a few days at the end of April last year in Pisciotta & loved it. We took the train from there to Paestum and enjoyed our time there. Can't recall where we ate, but had great, reasonably priced food.