marnie1

My husband wants to spend a month there writing his dissertation some time next year. He is not totally fluent in the language but knows a lot and he is currently working with a tutor. I do not speak Italian but have time to learn some. We want to stay somewhere within walking distance to a beach and near a market and restaurants as we will not be getting a car. Any suggestions? What month would be ideal? We are going to look for a long term rental. Any help is greatly appreciate.

Marnie

jelopez33

Hi Marnie!

The need for a beach, discards two great places, Rome and Firenze.

But I suggest Amalfi, Positano, Tropea. Or. Somewhere in Sicilia.

Just to start thinking.

Peter_S_Aus

We have just returned from a month in Venice. There is a beach on the Lido, a farmers market at Santa Marta, fish market at the Rialto.

Bars on every second corner, which sort of anchor the life in each area.

HappyTrvlr

The Italian Riviera , Santa Margherita Ligure.

Blueeyedcod

Suggestions will depend solely on the month. If you're thinking of the summer months then get booking quickly as resort areas near the beaches are expensive and fill up fast.
I would suggest one of the Campanian islands - Procida particularly because of its unique feel and local life - it is not packed to the gills with tourists (like Positano and Amalfi). It is an hour on the ferry from Naples, has its own markets and no car is needed.

xhoana

Hi Marnie,

Tuscany will be great. There are a lot of elegant accommodations with garden in front of the beaches and near markets a restaurants.
Have you already find the accommodation? If not this may be helpful:
http://www.italyvacationvillas.com/t...rte-dei-marmi/

or try also:

http://www.italyvacationvillas.com/t...i-pietrasanta/

Regards,

Xho

Fra_Diavolo

I'd suggest one of the towns in Calabria, perhaps Amantea, Tropea or Pizzo. These will be less expensive than the resorts further north, and very likely less crowded.

pariswat

My italian friends from the north say that Italy stops somewhere north of Rome.
Purer italian would be spoken in northern cities, Sicily would be one of the worst (they still speak a lot of dialect there) - on the matter of language only.

Now, I have loved every place I've been in Italy, so...

marnie1

Thank you for all the great responses! I have got my homework cut out for me!

We will most likely go next summer yet will try to avoid the hottest months.

tuscanlifeedit

Is there a budget? I think avoiding heavily touristed places might save money.

Calabria sounds best to me for lots of beaches and not huge prices.

Maybe early June or late May?

ekc

Cetara on the Amalfi Coast (small fishing village with easy access to Salerno)
Bari in Puglia

marnie1

We are willing to spend about $6000 on accommodations for the month. I do agree avoiding heavily touristed places would be a plus. We have been to Italy before and saw most of the hot spots.