Italy for six months?

Question

Any advice re staying in Italy is appreciated.
I'm thinking of going with my partner to Italy [from Australia] to stay for an extended "year-off". I realise that Rome, Florence and Milan are too expensive but thinking of a smaller city or town not too distant from a centre, so that side trips can be arranged. I'm planning for March to October 2008 or so.

Thanx
JC

Note: six months. Hotels won't be appropriate, I'm looking for longer term accom. like aapartment to rent.

I have been to Italy a few times before so I have a general idea about what kind of living I'll pursue [smaller city, apartment etc].
Visa - if we need to go elsewhere then return, that's fine.

Answer 1

You would be wise to try to find a small apartment rather than a hotel. It would be much less expensive in the long run, and you'd be able to keep expenses down by eating in the apartment. It's true that Milan, Florence, and Rome would be the most expensive to find a place You might consider Naples, which is within good striking distance of Rome and other interesting places, or Siena (outside Florence), or Mestre, across the causeway from Venice. Good luck.

Answer 2

Hi,

I would sercah for an appartment in Umbria.
This is an ideal base if you want to investigate mid- and northern Italy.

Nice surroundings, top food and a lot of lovely and not too expencive towns to chose from.

Have a look at this site and try the TripAdvisor link and make a search for "apartments" and see if you find something interesting:
http://www.italyexposed.com/bookings.shtml#accomodations

Hope this can be of any help.

Answer 3

First, are you aware that you will have to leave Italy after three months unless you are an Italian citizen or from the EU. You can return again for another three months. As for places, there are so many, I suggest you go and explore and see what calls to you.
Ya know, the whole, different strokes for different folks thing.

Answer 4

Well, the period (March-October) is the better one to choice a place next to the sea on to the mountains.
If you prefer the sea, disco and night life you can go in Rimini or Riccione (Adriatic coast) or near Naples (Paestum, Agropoli, Salerno), or Liguria (next to Genova, Savona,...), or Sicily (Palermo, Messina,...)
If you prefer mountain you can search in Trentino (Carisolo, Pinzolo, ...)
If you like Toscana you can search in the little towns next Siena or Florence
There are other regions really nice: Umbria, Abruzzo.

Answer 5

Forte Dei Marmi is great for a quiet time, and its close to a lot of centers. 2 hr drive from Florence.

Answer 6

Pompeii would be fun, although I don't know about the price. Its cool, they have this hotel right outside the walls of the ancient city.

Answer 7

I like Perugia. It is a distance from Rome, but train service is great.