We're planning a trip to Italy, ideally to the Amalfi coast, in early November (only time we can go). Any advice on whether that's too late in the year to visit, from a weather perspective? Many, but not all, hotels seem to be closed, as do the ferries. (We won't be turned off by lack of crowds, but don't want to find the towns essentially closed up.) If Amalfi coast is not recommended, any other recommendations outside the large cities (which we've done)? Ciao!

It's low season, which is both good and bad. Amalfi might actually be a better choice than Positano, since it's a little more of a "regular" town. There won't be ferry service, but the SITA buses will operate hourly from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (to Salerno, Sorrento and Ravello).

Also consider Paestum as an overnight destination, which might work very well in November.

www.sitabus.it

I'm never sure what people mean about towns being "closed up." I'll leave that to others. What you should be aware of is that November is often the only time that hotels and restaurants, and even towns, have time to do maintenence and construction work. If you do end up going, ask your hotel if any of it will be under repair.

You have to ask yourself how you will feel if you are rained out and can't see any of the views -- and really have nothing to do. It is not easy to reach interesting places from the Amalfi (like say, museum in Napoli). Driving into the city is difficult, and public transportation is not swift (private taxis are astronomical, even off season).

If you are comfortable taking a flyer on being in the rain, or scrambling at the last minute to rent a car in Salerno and, say, head to Puglia -- then plan accordingly. (Make only hotel reservations you can cancel).

If that sounds too iffy, you might consider Taormina and other Sicilian destinations.

FYI there is direct SITA bus service between Amalfi and Naples four times daily except Sundays. The trip takes two hours each way and costs 6.60 Euros round trip. You can also connect in Salerno if the direct bus service is not convenient. You should also not overlook the city of Salerno as a destination worthy of a half-day trip.

But the weather is really the great unknown. If you run into a three-day rain spree, you might become frustrated on the Amalfi Coast.

Besides Taormina, I would also recommend Palermo in November. The resort of Mondello Beach is a half hour away by city bus. And the temples at Agrigento are a mere two hours away by train or bus. Cefalu is 45 minutes by train, Trapani 100 minutes by bus. Monreale is 25 minutes by city bus, just up the hill. Siracusa could also be considered.

I would have no hesitation visiting the Amalfi Coast in November. Many hotels will still be open..remember that there are locals living in towns such as Amalfi. The owner of the hotel I visited last year told me that she, and many other hotels, do their renovations after the New Year. I would think that there are many more closings in January than in November.