Cet été nous restons en Europe et aimerions découvrir le sud de l'Italie. L'idée de depart aurait été d'aller dans les Pouilles, mais je me rends compte qu'en plein mois d'août la région sera bondée et archi touristique et que donc un séjour en septembre serait préférable.
Du coup j'ai pensé à la Calabre, ou la Basilicata toute proche qui me paraîssent être des regions peut être moins courrues en plein été et peut être plus préservées ? Pour ceux qui connaissent les lieux qu'en pensez vous? Cette région d'Italie est elle une belle region à découvrir ? On aime les petits villages paisibles, les ambiances locales, les paysages montagneux et aussi la bon petits restos dans leur jus et les plages bien sûr ^^
J'ai visité récemment la Calabre, enfin surtout sa partie nord et un petit bout de la Basilicata. Il est évidemment difficile de présumer au début du printemps de ce que peut être la fréquentation touristique au plus fort de l'été, mais les constructions en bord de mer sont un bon indice. Une zone littorale qui m'a semblé pas trop défigurée par le tourisme de masse se situe dans le nord-est, du côté de Sibari. Vous pouvez séjourner dans l'arrière-pays, vers Civita par exemple, et vous êtes alors à deux pas du parc national du Pollino, sans trop vous éloigner de la côte. Un peu plus au sud mais pas trop loin, il y a aussi le parc national de la Sila. De quoi faire de superbes randonnées. Si vous aimez les vieilles pierres, les nombreux châteaux médiévaux de la région feront votre bonheur, ainsi que les vestiges grecs et romains. Question restauration, la Calabre est un vrai paradis pour les bons mangeurs. Je vous conseillerais de commander d'abord un antipasto pour voir venir, et si vous avez encore faim vous pouvez encore commander la suite 🙂 Souvent les établissements qui ne paient pas de mine sont les meilleurs, et les plus clinquants les plus décevants. Vous pouvez évidemment vous renseigner sur des sites d'avis gastronomique bien connus, mais aussi vous laisser guider par votre flair ou par les locaux. La Calabre n'est en tout cas pas d'un charme aussi évident que d'autres régions du sud de l'Italie comme la Sicile ou la Sardaigne, mais elle a des côtés attachants. Soyez en tout cas très prudent sur les routes, car elles sont souvent en très mauvais état : très nombreux nids de poules, affaissements de chaussée, accotements non stabilisés... et conducteurs téméraires pour ne pas dire inconscients. Les panneaux Stop et les lignes blanches sont purement décoratifs. Les radars, un peu moins.
On a deux vies. La deuxième commence le jour où on réalise qu'on en a juste une.
en italie on peut doubler un vehicule lent ( et comme il n'y a aucune définition du vehicule lent ....) sur une bande blanche , ce qui interdit de doubler , c'est le panneau interdiction de dépasser ; un belge qui parle du mauvais état des routes en calabre , vu l'état des routes en belgique , c'est à mourir de rire .Et au final , 67 morts par an sur les routes par million d'habitants en belgique , 55 en calabre.
J'étais sûr que j'allais vexer un Calabrais (?) en parlant de l'état des routes, et ça n'a pas manqué d'arriver. Effectivement l'état des routes n'est pas bon en Belgique, et je ne suis pas le dernier à m'en plaindre, mais il est pire en Calabre, surtout au niveau des affaissements de chaussée qui ne sont pas habituels chez nous. Je pense qu'il vaut mieux en avertir les voyageurs. Je suis content qu'on meure malgré tout moins sur les routes calabraises que sur les routes belges, les chapelets et les prières doivent être efficaces 😉. Salve !
On a deux vies. La deuxième commence le jour où on réalise qu'on en a juste une.
J'étais sûr que j'allais vexer un Calabrais (?) en parlant de l'état des routes, et ça n'a pas manqué d'arriver.
Ne t'inquiète pas, Giorgio se vexe aussi quand on dit que la conduite est "sport" en Sicile ou que les maisons ne sont pas forcément bien isolées en Italie, nord et sud confondus 😉 et même lorsque ça vient d'une Italienne... 😏
J'ai remarqué cette tendance à travers les forums (et pour certains pays c'est une forte tendance) de certains à vouloir imposer une vision idéalisée de leur pays (d'origine). C'est compréhensible si on a la fibre patriotique, mais pas très objectif. Il faut savoir accepter les critiques (je ne parle pas de jugements péremptoires) et réfléchir à ce qui peut être amélioré - même si on n'a pas vraiment le pouvoir de faire changer les situations préjudiciables. Quand je parle du mauvais état des routes calabraises, je me réfère intrinsèquement à quelque chose que je connais bien, les routes belges... et leur mauvais état. La personne qui a posté le message original est belge aussi, elle comprendra dont très bien qu'elle doit s'attendre à quelque chose de pire que ce qu'elle endure déjà toute l'année, mais elle aura au moins déjà l'habitude d'éviter les nids de poules autant que faire se peut. En revanche pour un conducteur venant par exemple de France, où l'état des routes est généralement excellent, les routes calabraises peuvent vraiment se révéler extrêmement dangereuses.
On a deux vies. La deuxième commence le jour où on réalise qu'on en a juste une.
Comparons aussi ce qui est comparable : avec une densité de population 3 fois plus élevée en Belgique qu'en Calabre, il est normal que le nombre d'accidents (mortels ou pas) soit plus élevé. Enfin, il vaut mieux mourir de rire que dans un accident, c'est sûr 😎
On a deux vies. La deuxième commence le jour où on réalise qu'on en a juste une.
Je peux vous assurer que même en Toscane, dans la riche et civilisée Toscane, il y a des routes pires que celles de la Calabria. Il suffit de prendre la Sienne / Florence ou la Sienne / Grosseto pour réaliser leur danger. Pour certaines choses la Toscane, considéré comme une riche région italienne du nord opulent, a des aspects qui la rendent plus comme une région du sud de l'Italie.
Je regrette un peu d'avoir été à l'origine de nombreux commentaires en parlant de l'état des routes en Calabre. Je pensais qu'il valait mieux en avertir les voyageurs, tout simplement. Mais pour recentrer le débat, je dirai que je retiens surtout de la Calabre ses beaux paysages, ses vergers d'orangers, ses châteaux, ses villages perchés dont les maisons sont si rapprochées qu'elles semblent se chevaucher, la gentillesse et la prévenance des hôtes et des restaurateurs que j'ai croisés chaque jour, le délicieux café et la merveilleuse cuisine du terroir. Je pourrais en dire autant de presque toutes les régions d'Italie que j'ai pu visiter jusqu'à présent, mais chacune a son identité et ses charmes propres.
On a deux vies. La deuxième commence le jour où on réalise qu'on en a juste une.
Ce que vous dites c'est vrai: dans toutes les régions de l'Italie il y a une identité différente et aussi une histoire différente. Malheureusement les régions du sud ont souffert pendant tant d'années de la pauvreté économique et corruption mafiosa qui ont déterminé l'arriération culturelle, par conséquent, moins de services et de l'infrastructures.
La beauté de certaines régions du sud, comme la Calabre, les Pouilles la Sicile et la Basilicate fait oublier tout cela. 😉
La route Salerno/Reggio Calabria est tristement connue aux italiens pour plusieurs enquêtes sur l'infiltration de la "Ndrangheta", la mafia locale.
Cela a abouti à de nombreuses années de travail en cours, plus elle est une route dangereuse car elle est pleine de courbes et parfois il n'y a aucune voie d'urgence.
Nous sommes actuellement à Florence depuis 2 jours et jusqu'à jeudi soir où nous retournons à Pise où nous avons déjà passé une journée. Nous ne reprenons…
SAMEDI 6 AOÛT 2011 La journée du samedi 6 août est consacrée à rejoindre Rome, deuxième étape de notre voyage. 3h30 de route pour atteindre Anguillara Sabazia…
Après l'Ouest Américain, les Iles Anglo-saxonne, le Vietnam et la Namibie, nous avons jeté notre dévolu sur l'Italie. On pourrait, dit-on, visiter l'Italie…
Nous avons prévu 15 jours dans la partie nord de L'Italie cet été, avec une destination "maximale" vers le sud qui serait Rome. Que doit-on voir/faire…
Nous souhaiterions aller en aout en italie, mais nous ne connaissons pas du tout, ou y a t il des coins sympas? plages? quelqu un connait Naples? merci bcp!!
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi there, a friend will be visiting Great Britain in August and would like to explore some representative spots in Denmark before heading back to Canada.
What affordable activities could you recommend to him?
He’d really appreciate it, as he has a deep appreciation for Nordic countries—probably because of his own Nordic roots.
Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...
- Discovering the population: very few "native" Icelanders,
and exceptional discretion from the police, who were notably absent from the white vehicle stopped by the roadside that caught us speeding in mid-May...
To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."
Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026.
We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights.
After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions.
Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots.
Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
