Help for Southern Italy in Winter?
 

Hi,

My wife and I are going to Southern Italy for 10 days at the end of December. We plan to start in Naples, see the sites around there, and go South. I'm deciding whether to go through Calabria and into Sicily OR going through Apulia (Tulli, Gallipoli, Lecce). Right now the Apulia path seems more appealing since we like to get off the beaten path. But, I'm concerned that many things will be closed in the winter and for Christmas.

Can anyone suggest places that I should stay away from in the winter or places that would be good in the winter? (Note, we're not looking for skiing or winter sports.) Any recomendations on whether we should do Calabria/Sicily or Apulia? (or any other suggestions...)

Thanks a lot,
Al

Don't worry at all, december is a touristic season in the south as well, because of religion-related festivities. I strongly suggest Palermo, Taormina and expecially Syracuse, where on 1-20 december the Santa Lucia of Sweden festivity is under way, that's a really must see- don't worry anyway, you won't ever end up in front of a closed church, cathedral or restaurant during december ;)

I have yet to go to Sicily, but I HAVE visited Puglia, and I would recommend it whole-heartedly. Lecce is completely breathtaking with it's baroque buildings, and there are some great cities like Ostuni (bleach-white Greek island type of city), Trani, the Gargano penninsula, and of course Gallipoli as you have mentioned. Also, make sure to visit Frederick's castle (that you will find on the back of the 1 cent coin) which is supposedly just magnificent.

I would definitely recommend Puglia over Calabria, but since I can't make the Sicily comparison, I will at least say that Puglia is a fantastic place: great for off-the-beaten-path adventures, fairy-tale like in a lot of ways (read: Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello) and the food is wonderful. the people are extremely friendly as well.

Either way, you have a delightful decision ahead of you! Good luck!

Jackie

This past May was our first trip to Calabria and I find it magical. So much in fact, that we'll be returning again this year. But, I've never been in the winter months, so I would imagine that most of the beaches and related resorts will be closed. Calabria does have ski resorts that are favored by the Napolitanos. I'd check those out. There's not a lot of "touristy" stuff/accomodations/shopping, etc. in Calabria. There are great little museums on Calabrian culture (Palmi), the fabulous Riace Warriors in Reggio Calabria, upcoming wineries, and a host of other interesting sites.

A book that I plan on buying is the "Blue guide to Southern Italy," it looks like something that may help you with your decision. I was in Calabria in September to visit family, and the only towns I went to that seemed the least bit touristy were Stilo and Gerace, both beautiful hill towns. I never got to Capo Vaticano and Tropea which look stunning.

Check out:

http://www.virtualitalia.com/travel/calabria.shtml

I've heard great things about those Blue Guides--for off-the-beaten-path stuff. I wonder, is there a good Central Italy Blue Guide?

No. These are the available Blue Guides:

1. Northern Italy
2. Southern Italy
3. Tuscany
4. Umbria
5. Venice
6. Florence
7. Rome
8. Sicily

I agree with Jackie--Puglia[Apulia] is unique and worth your time. Lecce is a good base for day trips.