Tuscan Coast or Puglia
Aug 6th, 2008, 02:24 AM
#1
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Tuscan Coast or Puglia
I'm planning a last minute trip and can't decide where to go. While I have been to Tuscany and love it, I have not been to Maremma or the coastal areas and it has been a long time since I have been in the hilltowns. I have never been to Puglia and am interested to know more about it. I was also interested to know more about Lecce. If you could go to one or the other of these areas which would it be and why?
Thanks for any advice.
Thanks for any advice.
Aug 6th, 2008, 03:19 AM
#2
Puglia, far less spoiled, ancient cities, fantastic undiscovered wines, great food.
Tuscany is more modern, very comfortable and has two of the big 4 (Florence and Siena) but search on this site for Puglia and Apuglia or is is Apulia and go South
Tuscany is more modern, very comfortable and has two of the big 4 (Florence and Siena) but search on this site for Puglia and Apuglia or is is Apulia and go South
Aug 6th, 2008, 04:29 AM
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I've been to the Maremma but not Puglia and Lecce so I can't compare. But I think that the unique and stunning part of the Maremma is just inside the interior, not along the coast. In between Massa Marittima and Capalbio there is a very unspoiled landscape, yet the hilltowns within are sophisticated and fascinating with almost no tourists, and there are such memorable sights as San Galgano.
The only part of the southern Tuscan coast where I spent any significant time was around Orbetello, Porto Santa Stefano and Porto Ercole. I wouldn't go out of my way to return and would never make any of the towns a base for touring the Maremma. They are mostly about boats and holiday fun, and just don't have the romance and scenery of the Ligurian seaside. Castiglione della Pescaia looked more appealing from the distance, but even it is not really conveniently located to anything else. Next month I am going to take a trip to Piombino, much further up the coast, but that is really for the history. If I wanted to enjoy the beach as part of a vacation in southern Tuscany, I would probably just spend a few days on Elba or one of the islands but otherwise base in the interior.
The only part of the southern Tuscan coast where I spent any significant time was around Orbetello, Porto Santa Stefano and Porto Ercole. I wouldn't go out of my way to return and would never make any of the towns a base for touring the Maremma. They are mostly about boats and holiday fun, and just don't have the romance and scenery of the Ligurian seaside. Castiglione della Pescaia looked more appealing from the distance, but even it is not really conveniently located to anything else. Next month I am going to take a trip to Piombino, much further up the coast, but that is really for the history. If I wanted to enjoy the beach as part of a vacation in southern Tuscany, I would probably just spend a few days on Elba or one of the islands but otherwise base in the interior.
Aug 6th, 2008, 05:17 AM
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Oh these are two such different areas, it is hard to make a decision. It depends on what you are looking for and when you plan on going.
I have been to both areas, extensively in Toscana, once about a year ago in Puglia. You can read my trip report on this board if you check under my screen name, it is called My Party in Puglia. It will give you details about things you ask and then if you have more questions, I shall be happy to try and help.
I have been to both areas, extensively in Toscana, once about a year ago in Puglia. You can read my trip report on this board if you check under my screen name, it is called My Party in Puglia. It will give you details about things you ask and then if you have more questions, I shall be happy to try and help.
Aug 6th, 2008, 05:47 AM
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Hi Jes - The Gargano peninsular in northern Puglia is more scenic than any of coastal Tuscany IMO.
Have a look:
http://www.pugnochiuso.com/component...d,202/lang,it/
There are several trip reports on Puglia if you do a search.
Hope this helps ...
Steve
Have a look:
http://www.pugnochiuso.com/component...d,202/lang,it/
There are several trip reports on Puglia if you do a search.
Hope this helps ...
Steve
Aug 6th, 2008, 08:19 AM
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We love Puglia. Much to do, much to see. The coastline is quite dramatic. Otranto video here:
http://www.webvisionitaly.com/catego...p;ref_item=310
It is a magical place, clearly nothing like Tuscany. You'll love it, we did!
http://www.webvisionitaly.com/catego...p;ref_item=310
It is a magical place, clearly nothing like Tuscany. You'll love it, we did!
Aug 6th, 2008, 08:13 PM
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Well it seems like puglia is the preferred area and the photos really look spectacular! Steve, do you have a hotel recommendation in that area? Nice place that won't break the bank? Thanks for all of the great advice so far
Aug 7th, 2008, 01:43 AM
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Jes - I haven't got a hotel recommendation unfortunately, as we stayed in a timeshare apartment at Pugnochiuso resort.
There were hotels in the resort (- see link above). Otherwise if you prefer to stay in a town, Vieste or Peschici might be a good choice.
You might want to start a new thread for hotel recommendations in Gargano.
Hope this helps ...
Steve
There were hotels in the resort (- see link above). Otherwise if you prefer to stay in a town, Vieste or Peschici might be a good choice.
You might want to start a new thread for hotel recommendations in Gargano.
Hope this helps ...
Steve
Aug 7th, 2008, 05:45 AM
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So glad you are thinking about Puglia...don't stop with just Vieste, Vasto and the Gargano, though...do think of something further south as well.
In fact, you actually may be able to swim in May if you play your cards right (and, if, like our family, yours thought that swimming off the coast of Maine in July was the height of vacationing!) Try this place for a base for southern Puglia.The owners, Connie and Gianni are from the area but spent many years in Canada, speak excellent English and really understand the needs of their guests.
www.masseriasanmartino.com
We spent time there and loved it!
In fact, you actually may be able to swim in May if you play your cards right (and, if, like our family, yours thought that swimming off the coast of Maine in July was the height of vacationing!) Try this place for a base for southern Puglia.The owners, Connie and Gianni are from the area but spent many years in Canada, speak excellent English and really understand the needs of their guests.
www.masseriasanmartino.com
We spent time there and loved it!
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