Traveling to Altomonte, Italy in August. HELP!?

Question

We are going with my husband's family to Altomonte, Italy the last two weeks in August this year. We are staying in a friend's home for the first week and traveling the second week. Does anyone know what there is to do in and around Altomonte? We are very outdoorsy, adventurous, active people and love to experience nature and other cultures. Is there a beach that won't be ridiculously crowded sometime between the 22nd and 27th? (I'm sure I'm asking WAY too much in the month of August) Also, would it be better to travel around by car or rail, or a mix of the two? We'd really like to go to Sicily, Venice and Umbria/Tuscany as well. Any info will definitely help! THANK YOU!!!

Answer 1

Hi

I'm Italian. I can say that in your shoes I'ld forget about travelling to Sicily, Venice AND Tuscany

Better if you decide if you want to visit the south (Sicily) or get to the North (Tuscany and Venice)

Since you'r close to Sicily, I would make a weekly trip in this marvellous Island: Catania, Taormina, Agrigento, Cefalu, Palermo and back.

you can find a list of cheap B&B in Sicily here: http://en.reserver.it/visual/

Regarding the possibility of renting a car... it's all about how good you are in driving!

:)

Everywhere I read that people think that we in Italy drive like crazy!

Hope this helps

Answer 2

I'll tell you what I know, but for the best answer, I would go right to the source (www.inabbondanza.com) and ask them by sending them an email.

You will be traveling during a HOT time. You will be very hard pressed to find an empty beach anywhere. They key is to get to the beach early in the day so that you can be out by the time the sun gets the hottest and just in time for a great big delicious lunch.  

As for the travel, I would recommend traveling by car. Rent one and get to know the region you are staying in. Each region has much to offer and is filled with a grand history that dates back eons.

In terms of visiting other places; you mention Sicily and Venice in the same week (same goes for Umbria/Tuscany). This is very, very ambitious (tiring and time consuming). If it was up to me, and I was going to be in the region of Calabria, I would enjoy Calabria thoroughly during week one - and only then would I consider going to Sicily during week two. However, I warn you now, you will be coming back wishing you had spent more time in both. There is much to experience and enjoy in these areas two areas in terms of outdoorsy activities and events.