My GF and I are planning a trip to Italy. This is our first trip to Italy. We can go anytime in late May or June and we're not too interested in hanging out in any of the big cities. We're want to primarily enjoy the coast.

We're looking at a 9 day trip and have considered the Rivera/CT, Amalfi Coast, Lake Como or a combo of two if there is time.

We really want to be able to enjoy some time sun bathing at the beach and would enjoy seeing some other cool sites at the same time.

Soooo, what areas do you suggest and when do you suggest, late May or June? Any help is appreciated!

June will be warmer, late May the Italians are still working.

When in June would you recommend?

If the choice is Amalfi Coast, IMO, late May is quite better than June because of less crowd, less expensive and sun is already warm enough.

Vincenzo

I think CT and then a lake would make a lovely combo - I'd probably go in June.

Would it be plausible to do both Rivera/Cinque Terra and Amalfi? If so, what form of transportation would we take to get in between them?

Also, I keep hearing that May 25ish may not be warm enough for the beach and that June will be too crowded. I also heard that there are some holidays that may interfere with our plans at the end of May and begging of June.

June 2 is a holiday. The roads are jam packed - stay off them that weekend if you can.

June in CT the water and the air will still be cold. June in Como also cold. June in Amalfi water will be cold air could be cold.

Italy is not the best country for a beach vacation. Have you considered Florida? Greece?

Cool sites in Italy are everywhere. Amalfi offers far more in the way of culture and history as Naples, Pompeii, Capri, and the amalfi Coast are all there.

Near CT we enjoy Pietrasanta, Forte di Marmi, Lucca, Pisa, Portovenere, and other Tuscan coastal towns. We also enjoy Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Genoa in Liguria.

If you decide on CT area, look around Lerici for more sand than rock beach.

lol....I live in Florida and my girlfriend is Greek....we've both been to Greece so we'd like to do Greece but I have to go before July.

I am concerned that it won't be warm enough in June though....that is a good point.

If this is all about swimming, forget it. It will be too cold everywhere you are considering.

Not about swimming, just about lounging on the beach.

So it seems like the Amalfi Coast is where we need to be in June to be able to get some warm weather.

What would be the best place to fly into if we wanted to also check Rome out for a couple of days. I guess fly to Rome and then out from Naples? What would be the best way to get from Rome to Naples?

isnoface,

For what you havein mind, I would fly in to Naples and go straight one of the towns on the Amalfi Coast. Laying in the sun and relaxing for the first day or so will be a nice way to get over your jet lag - if coming from the US, or further.

Neat things to see, Capri, Pompeii, Paestum.

Then head to Rome for 3-4 days and fly out of Rome. Know what this will only be a teaser, allowing only the highlights.

I'm one of those who fully believe in combining cities and countryside. I'm a nature lover, but Italy's cities are fantastic - especially Roma!

Buon viaggio!

= Although there are some very small beaches in all of the places that you mention being interested in, most of these beauty spots are surrounded by rocky coast. The beaches are pebble, at best.

June will be better than May, and south better than north.

There are fast direct trains between Naples and Rome.

If you are really looking more for beaches and warm weather, but in a new place with beautiful scenery and great food, you might consider Sicily or Spain.