Istria and northern Croatia OR Calabria and Sicily
Mar 21st, 2017, 07:09 PM
#21
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For extensive information about travel in Croatia and Slovenia, so tailor-made for your specific interests as to be nearly unbelievable, see
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...in-16-days.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nd-trieste.cfm
Interesting that SoFarAway says that she visited Istria in 2013, given that she asked for advice about whether to visit Istria in 2016. But maybe SoFarAway now has AirBalloon’s difficulty with memory? So sad….
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...r-vacation.cfm
And BTW, I am not stalking – as already mentioned, I respond to many posts each day. I happen to have a very good memory for posters who feel free to insult Fodorites who try to help them (especially if not just me) -- there are so very few of you! AirBalloon, MyBeautifulBalloon, SoFarAway... I think that about does it! And as already noted, I get to choose which posts I respond to and which I don’t.
Because I hate to see my fellow Fodorites asked to provide the same information over and over again, when they are at risk of insult, I choose to respond.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...in-16-days.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nd-trieste.cfm
Interesting that SoFarAway says that she visited Istria in 2013, given that she asked for advice about whether to visit Istria in 2016. But maybe SoFarAway now has AirBalloon’s difficulty with memory? So sad….
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...r-vacation.cfm
And BTW, I am not stalking – as already mentioned, I respond to many posts each day. I happen to have a very good memory for posters who feel free to insult Fodorites who try to help them (especially if not just me) -- there are so very few of you! AirBalloon, MyBeautifulBalloon, SoFarAway... I think that about does it! And as already noted, I get to choose which posts I respond to and which I don’t.
Because I hate to see my fellow Fodorites asked to provide the same information over and over again, when they are at risk of insult, I choose to respond.
Mar 21st, 2017, 07:20 PM
#22
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Are you still answering? What part of "do not answer my posts any longer" do you not understand?
You have gone from a nuisance to a scary, stalking psycho.
Your fellow Fodorites do not need you to defend them. They seem pretty content to offer important information to posters whether similar questions have been asked before or not.
I do not want your advice. Period. Now, please respect that and move on before you make more of a fool of yourself than you already have.
You have gone from a nuisance to a scary, stalking psycho.
Your fellow Fodorites do not need you to defend them. They seem pretty content to offer important information to posters whether similar questions have been asked before or not.
I do not want your advice. Period. Now, please respect that and move on before you make more of a fool of yourself than you already have.
Mar 21st, 2017, 07:40 PM
#23
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So let me see if I understand: If a well-intentioned Fodorite spends lots of time responding to your requests, not realizing that you have previously posted the same questions multiple times under various screen names – that’s a good use of their time? But if I choose to actually pay attention to what you say and choose to respond, then I have too much time on my hands? What an odd argument!
Again, my choice!
And no, I’m not stalking. I'm just responding.
(BTW, I don't think I'm the one making a fool of myself. But we each get to make our own decision about that, don't we?)
Again, my choice!
And no, I’m not stalking. I'm just responding.
(BTW, I don't think I'm the one making a fool of myself. But we each get to make our own decision about that, don't we?)
Mar 21st, 2017, 09:29 PM
#24
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Forum guidelines:
Trolls are posters who comment or post just to provoke a reaction. If you suspect someone is a troll, alert the moderators by emailing [email protected] or clicking the triangle icon (Alert Flag Icon) on the thread or comment in question rather than commenting on the thread itself.
Trolls are posters who comment or post just to provoke a reaction. If you suspect someone is a troll, alert the moderators by emailing [email protected] or clicking the triangle icon (Alert Flag Icon) on the thread or comment in question rather than commenting on the thread itself.
Mar 21st, 2017, 09:53 PM
#25
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@ sundriedtopepo: I am not claiming that this poster is a troll, as I don’t believe her intention is specifically to provoke a reaction. I have reported her violations of Fodor’s rules – including both her insults and her use of multiple simultaneous screen names -- several times, to no effect. And honestly, whatever the protocol – which I have tried to follow – if accusations are leveled against me, and if they are left in place despite my request to moderators for their removal, then I believe I have the right to attempt to defend myself.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 02:10 PM
#30
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Hi ekscrunchy,
Please tell me more. Where did you stay? In what towns and villages?
We would fly into Naples and drive south towards Tropea. How long do you think we need for that drive to be able to explore the Calabrian coast?
We would then drive north east, as we have always wanted to visit the city of Matera in Basilicata and see this magnificent region.
Would 18 days be enough time to do it all?
Thank you.
Please tell me more. Where did you stay? In what towns and villages?
We would fly into Naples and drive south towards Tropea. How long do you think we need for that drive to be able to explore the Calabrian coast?
We would then drive north east, as we have always wanted to visit the city of Matera in Basilicata and see this magnificent region.
Would 18 days be enough time to do it all?
Thank you.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 11:15 PM
#32
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MichaelAndrews We were not enamored with Tropea, although the photos I had seen when researching the trip looked amazing.
Tropea is a beach destination, but the town is full of tacky tourist shops, camp grounds, tourist food restaurants, lots of garbage on the streets, and it is not nearly as picturesque as the photos had shown.
On the other hand, the staff at the bandb where we stayed were extremely kind and helpful.
We did the drive from Amalfi to Sicily last May. Here is my TR,
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-in-italy.cfm
Scroll down to the January 30th post.
And you will find photos about 3/4 of the way through this album:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/pi_not_me/o88160
Tropea is a beach destination, but the town is full of tacky tourist shops, camp grounds, tourist food restaurants, lots of garbage on the streets, and it is not nearly as picturesque as the photos had shown.
On the other hand, the staff at the bandb where we stayed were extremely kind and helpful.
We did the drive from Amalfi to Sicily last May. Here is my TR,
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-in-italy.cfm
Scroll down to the January 30th post.
And you will find photos about 3/4 of the way through this album:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/pi_not_me/o88160
Mar 23rd, 2017, 05:38 AM
#33
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I will return soon with more details, but yes, I think 18 days would be fine to do the Calabrian Coast and Matera. One beach town that lives up to the photos is Maratea, so I would spend a few days there, eating and going to beach.
Bernalda near the coast of Basilicata is a lovely town and could fit in with Matera.
More later..
Bernalda near the coast of Basilicata is a lovely town and could fit in with Matera.
More later..
Mar 23rd, 2017, 07:02 AM
#34
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MYBB:
Ok: On one trip, I flew into Lamezia Terme (via Rome) and rented a car. Spent two nights in Amantea, which is a lovely old Calabrian port town. I'd recommend staying there. It is hard to offer advice on how long to spend in any one place without knowing how much time you want to allot for the beach. I was there in late September, and the beach season was pretty much over in Calabria. Amantea does have a nice beach, and a very atmospheric old town atop a hill.
There are some interesting places nearby, too.
As in many Calabrian towns, the hotel selection is not so inviting--there are some glossy places with dated decor and we chose one of those..I will give you the name if you want. It was fine, on the main road, with parking.
From Amantea, we drove northeast and inland to Castrovillari, where Ii wanted to lunch at one of the best-regarded restaurants in the south: Locanda d'Alia. Highly recommended.
How interested are you in food? I ask because there is a coastal town, Diamante, famous for Calabrian chilis but I had to skip it cause I was traveling with people with no interest in food.
My next stop was Maratea, in Basilicata. If you want the beach, combined with an old hill town, this place is for you. I LOVED it!! It does not have the tackyness of some Italian coastal tourist towns. We spent some time on one of the most glorious beaches I've ever visited; a private beach club south of Maratea. The swimming was heavenly!
Palinuro was next: Gorgeous beaches but the town is not pretty and very much centered on tourism. Modern hotel, San Pietro. We were there late in the season and it might be more inviting in high season, but beaches are to die for.
Pisciotta, in the Cilento, was next. Glorious hill town marina/beach area below, on the sea. Stay there. Famous for anchovies. Great seafood restaurants.
Next we spent about 3 nights in San Marco di Castellabate, at Hotel Sirio, on the sea. Lovely, small hotel, family owned. Very nice beach adjacent. There is a hill town up high, overlooking the beach and coastal town. Touristed, but without many English speakers. Mainly Italian tourists, witih some German. Nice swimming. From there you can do the daytrip to the mozzarella farms near Paestum, and visit the Paestum ruined temples.
There are some large modern hotels on the beach at Paestum; I toured one but did not spend the night. Big ticket domestic tourism. Again, good beaches and excellent food in the area.
From there we drove through Salerno, stopping at Vietri, which I liked a lot.
Then on to Cetara where I love to eat--best eating on the Amalfi Coast.
Finally, spent a few nights in Ravello.
Then spent one night in Furore, high in the hills overlooking Amalfi Coast. Very rural feeling as compared to the coast itself.
Last stop was Praiano; would not stay here again. From there visited Sorrento Peninsula, various towns including Positano, concentrating on eating in out of the way places when possible. Went up to Montepertuso to eat....total tourist scene up there. Found a great place to lunch outside Massa Lubrense.
Dropped car in Sorrento, took taxi back to Praiano and after a few days, taxi to Naples airport for trip back to NYC.
On a different trip, flew into Bari or Brindisi and drove on to a farmhouse stay near Bernalda. From there drove to Senise, for the peppers, and to the ruined, deserted town of Cracco, a must see. Great restaurants in Bernalda, a town I loved!!
From there we continued on to Puglia (had already been to Matera not long before) but you could easily drive up to Matera from Bernalda. There are also important ruins in nearby Metaponto.
Whew...should have written a trip report or two on those trips. But I am more than happy to answer any questions, and give more detail on where to stay and eat in any of those places I visited.
I have not been to Tropea.
Ok: On one trip, I flew into Lamezia Terme (via Rome) and rented a car. Spent two nights in Amantea, which is a lovely old Calabrian port town. I'd recommend staying there. It is hard to offer advice on how long to spend in any one place without knowing how much time you want to allot for the beach. I was there in late September, and the beach season was pretty much over in Calabria. Amantea does have a nice beach, and a very atmospheric old town atop a hill.
There are some interesting places nearby, too.
As in many Calabrian towns, the hotel selection is not so inviting--there are some glossy places with dated decor and we chose one of those..I will give you the name if you want. It was fine, on the main road, with parking.
From Amantea, we drove northeast and inland to Castrovillari, where Ii wanted to lunch at one of the best-regarded restaurants in the south: Locanda d'Alia. Highly recommended.
How interested are you in food? I ask because there is a coastal town, Diamante, famous for Calabrian chilis but I had to skip it cause I was traveling with people with no interest in food.
My next stop was Maratea, in Basilicata. If you want the beach, combined with an old hill town, this place is for you. I LOVED it!! It does not have the tackyness of some Italian coastal tourist towns. We spent some time on one of the most glorious beaches I've ever visited; a private beach club south of Maratea. The swimming was heavenly!
Palinuro was next: Gorgeous beaches but the town is not pretty and very much centered on tourism. Modern hotel, San Pietro. We were there late in the season and it might be more inviting in high season, but beaches are to die for.
Pisciotta, in the Cilento, was next. Glorious hill town marina/beach area below, on the sea. Stay there. Famous for anchovies. Great seafood restaurants.
Next we spent about 3 nights in San Marco di Castellabate, at Hotel Sirio, on the sea. Lovely, small hotel, family owned. Very nice beach adjacent. There is a hill town up high, overlooking the beach and coastal town. Touristed, but without many English speakers. Mainly Italian tourists, witih some German. Nice swimming. From there you can do the daytrip to the mozzarella farms near Paestum, and visit the Paestum ruined temples.
There are some large modern hotels on the beach at Paestum; I toured one but did not spend the night. Big ticket domestic tourism. Again, good beaches and excellent food in the area.
From there we drove through Salerno, stopping at Vietri, which I liked a lot.
Then on to Cetara where I love to eat--best eating on the Amalfi Coast.
Finally, spent a few nights in Ravello.
Then spent one night in Furore, high in the hills overlooking Amalfi Coast. Very rural feeling as compared to the coast itself.
Last stop was Praiano; would not stay here again. From there visited Sorrento Peninsula, various towns including Positano, concentrating on eating in out of the way places when possible. Went up to Montepertuso to eat....total tourist scene up there. Found a great place to lunch outside Massa Lubrense.
Dropped car in Sorrento, took taxi back to Praiano and after a few days, taxi to Naples airport for trip back to NYC.
On a different trip, flew into Bari or Brindisi and drove on to a farmhouse stay near Bernalda. From there drove to Senise, for the peppers, and to the ruined, deserted town of Cracco, a must see. Great restaurants in Bernalda, a town I loved!!
From there we continued on to Puglia (had already been to Matera not long before) but you could easily drive up to Matera from Bernalda. There are also important ruins in nearby Metaponto.
Whew...should have written a trip report or two on those trips. But I am more than happy to answer any questions, and give more detail on where to stay and eat in any of those places I visited.
I have not been to Tropea.
Mar 24th, 2017, 04:07 AM
#35
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Hi ekscrunchy,
I so appreciate your post. and I am now more confused than I was before on where to travel, but in a very good way
I have read and heard that Calabria, being one of the poorer regions of Italy, is not as prepared for tourists as other regions are, but I think that makes it even more interesting and authentic.
For us, it is important that our meals be good and reasonably priced. We are not "foodies" but enjoy quaint, small restaurants that serve authentic dishes.
If I read your post correctly, you did not do Puglia in the same trip as Calabria, which makes sense. The trip of Calabria and Basilicata sounds wonderful.
We do not want to move around as much as you did, so if you had to choose four places to stay (in 18 days), which would they be? We would want two of them to be near the sea and two to be more inland, with all of them in areas where interesting day trips are possible.
sundriedtopepo, thank you for your post and links. Tropea is a wonderful name, for sure, but I think the allure is more propaganda than reality. What we do not want is touristy shops and pictures of food on the menus.
And there is still the option of driving south from Naples, through Calabria, then crossing into Sicily.
I so appreciate your post. and I am now more confused than I was before on where to travel, but in a very good way
I have read and heard that Calabria, being one of the poorer regions of Italy, is not as prepared for tourists as other regions are, but I think that makes it even more interesting and authentic.
For us, it is important that our meals be good and reasonably priced. We are not "foodies" but enjoy quaint, small restaurants that serve authentic dishes.
If I read your post correctly, you did not do Puglia in the same trip as Calabria, which makes sense. The trip of Calabria and Basilicata sounds wonderful.
We do not want to move around as much as you did, so if you had to choose four places to stay (in 18 days), which would they be? We would want two of them to be near the sea and two to be more inland, with all of them in areas where interesting day trips are possible.
sundriedtopepo, thank you for your post and links. Tropea is a wonderful name, for sure, but I think the allure is more propaganda than reality. What we do not want is touristy shops and pictures of food on the menus.
And there is still the option of driving south from Naples, through Calabria, then crossing into Sicily.
