In the southwest of Italy there is a perfect holiday destination – Campania region. Most famous for its ancient ruins of city Pompeii and stunning cost line of Amalfi Coast. Regional capital is Naples, the city to avoid, when there is 40C degrees (104F) outside.
To get there by car (till Napes, one way) will cost you around 67 euros, if you are coming from Austrian side. Motorways are paid in Italy. The road is quite pleasant, modern and you are guaranteed to have a great view on the way.
Small shops and cafeterias at gas stations are first gateways where you start to notice Italian temperament and manners. After overly calm and slow Austria and very similar Italian side of Zillertal region the further you go south, the more you start to notice that people talk and explain with hand gestures better than the actual words.
And it’s not about the language differences, this is cultural thing. And I really loved it!
Airbnb is one of the best and cheapest ways to stay in Italy. We found the nicest apartment in Meta, with parking spot (believe me this is even more important than the view and beach access if you are traveling by car) and the best view ever! Just look at the photos!
For 4 people we payed 35 euros per person/night. Apartment was close to the beach and had all essentials: kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, living room and Wi-Fi. Internet connection wasn’t the best, but manageable. The host, Rossana, very nice lady and here is the link to her Airbnb.
And now let’s talk about how not to get f&%ked in Italy. Well, I mean financially :)
Italy is the place where I had both: the best and the WORST pizza in the world! When we just arrived, we were so hungry. But still needed to bring luggage to the apartment, unpack, take a shower. So decision was made to buy a take away pizza. When we took it at nearby pizza place it never occurred to me to look inside the box (photo above)… That place was right at the beach and had a good rating on a tripadviser.
Next interesting thing was, that you really need to look at is your receipts when you eating out. In some places you will noticed added extra beer, wine, cola or salad, that you never ordered.
Have in mind, that Italy might seem confusing and funny at times, but this country is absolutely beautiful. Stunning view everywhere you turn, amazing architecture and delicious food, I loved every aspect of this trip, all ups and downs. Everything.
The food. I gained almost 5 kilos (11lbs) there and never regretted it! If you are planning to stay in Meta, Patty Pizza is the place to eat your dinner. They have many great pizzas to choose from, nice wine, pasta, must try gnocchi (traditional dish, something like dumplings/pasta, but made from potatoes. Italians please don’t hate me for this explanation). Really the best quality for price!
Sweets, oh sweets. Just go to almost any Pasticceria and try everything. Sweets were great everywhere we tried them. And Nutella lovers will enjoy Italian food shops.
Wine, Vino Novello to be exact, was the best. Funny thing, that the best one is to be found at local butchers! As well I really enjoyed pourable wine from the big barrel (like beer at the bar). There are few shops in Meta where you need to come with your bottle (for example from the water) and they will fill it up with wine. That was weird for me, but very good :)
And in Italy even lemons are sweet, for real!
One of my favourite memories from this trip is our almost every evening routine. When we were extremely tired after excursions and long day of walking and just sitting on the balcony, watching sunset, drinking Vino Novello, snaking prosciutto, olives, trying different types of local cheese and fruit… Wonderful, and really if you are planning to go there all of it is must try!
Will always remember my last gorgeous sunset in Italia, send you my love and hope to come back!
In some-think I will use only my pictures and videos. Otherwise disclaimer with source will always be provided.
BTW English is not my mother tong language, so pardon my grammar.
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Soon I will cover Sorrento, Positano, Pompeii and Capri from boat.