kingster

Dear Friends:

We are considering a birthday celebration in the Sorrento/ Amalfi Coast area in late October, thinking the crowds would be low but temps still reasonably warm. Can anyone offer an opinion on the Massa Lubrense area or specifically Casa Lubra Relax Villa (Schiazzano) as a base to tour the area? http://www.lubracasarelax.it/en/index.php

We are planning on hosting a group of 5-7 couples and want a nice place, good locations. We plan on renting cars. This place in not on the water, but looks like a super property for the money--more like a boutique hotel than typical rental. We are open to suggestions re: location logistics, time of the year, property, options, etc.

Many thanks, King
Orlando, FL US

bobthenavigator

www.summerinitaly.com

kingster

:/ LOL. Maybe I should be more specific. Trying to decide on this place and location. Trip Advisor gives great reviews, but points out that there's not much to the village. If the location is primo for tourning, then it's a good option. I wish it would overlooking the ocean.

bobthenavigator

It would not be my choice of locations--hence the above link.

txhomes

We rented a villa mid Oct located between Massa Lubrense and the start of the Amalfi coast road and loved the location. We were 4 couples and also rented cars, explored the Amalfi coast area during the day and went to the local restaurants at night. We really liked going to the local places, we felt like we were the only tourists. The weather was perfect. Driving the Amalfi coast road at this time of year was not crowded. We even rented a boat for the day for a trip to Capri. The location does not have to be on the water but you must have a view. This is one of the most beautiful places and I cannot imagine going without a view of the sea. If you are only 4 couples I highly recommend this villa.

http://www.villeinitalia.com/houses/VillaLamaro.jsp

Have a great time, we all considered this vacation one of the best ever.

hamlet

Massa Lubrense is slightly off the beaten path and could be a good base if you'd like to daytrip to Amalfi Coast environs, Capri, Naples, Pompeii, etc. Casa Lubra looks great and like an ideal setting for a group of friends to share a vacation place. I know ML fairly well, but I don't know this place specifically. You aren't really in walking distance to the main villages of ML or Sant'Agata where parking can be difficult, but you may have some restaurants nearby. Not sure about the closest bus stop, in case you plan on taking buses at all.

However, the thought of having to move in a group of 10-14 people might present challenges. Consider how long is your total stay and how many times will you want/need to drive somewhere. And when you go touring, will you do so with a caravan of 2-3 cars? Or do you think there will be smaller groups doing different things? What is your plan for eating each day, are meals are part of the package or will you have to go out every time?

Yes, crowds and traffic will be thinner in late October. However, you have less of a guarantee of sunnier and warmer weather, the days are also getting shorter by then. I am usually there in late Sept to early Oct when the days can be hot and evenings on the cool side (sweater or light jacket needed).

I think it's a good idea if you'd like to be away from tourist central, but can be complicated if your friends will need to go touring en masse.

Hope this info helps.

kingster

All great info and food for thought. When we did Tuscany with an even larger group than this, everyone made their own choices for touring each day. It's difficult to move in a group in and around villages anyway and impossible to eat together. We would return home each night to the safety of our own chef and wine stash! I was thinking of handling this the same way, find a good chef to cook for us most nights and drive ourselves each day for touring. Do you think the beaches will even be open in late Oct?

Weather is my only concern, and I am not opposed to other suggestions/ locations, not limited to southern Italy.

King