SOUTH – Our Road-Trip to Italy
Why not go to Italy in March to seek the warmth of spring — that’s what we thought, and at the same time we thought of empty beaches and a lack of tourists. The plan was to drive to Matera in southern Italy for two weeks and just stop wherever we wanted along the way. Unfortunately, I fell ill on the day of departure and at the end we would only have ten days left instead of fourteen. Should we cancel the trip? We decided to go after all, even though I was still coughing like a chain smoker. In other words, the trip wasn’t quite so relaxed after all.
Stage one: Stuttgart — Como
We were finally on the road. And we’re glad that it’s not that far from southern Germany to Italy, so the first section is quickly completed. Across Switzerland, over the Alps and to Como. A small aperitivo in the evening and then off to bed, as the remaining days should take us as far as Apulia.
Stage two: Como — Modena — Rimini
Rosso Corsa. We happened to see the sign for the Enzo Ferrari Museum. As it was right on the route, we took a quick look and of course took this photo. I tend to like understated cars, so I’ve never cared much for Ferrari (and since I’m from Stuttgart, a sports car has to be a Porsche). But the architecture was cool. Verena, Jesse and I arrived at our second stopover in Rimini quite early, and it was good to see the sea for the first time. The typical Italian tourist destinations have a very special morbid charm at this time of year.
Stage three: Rimini — Gargano
On the third day, we woke up very relaxed in the best weather in our great hotel “Cobalto” right on the beach in Rimini. A long morning walk with the dog on the beach (no problem out of season, but leave no trace) and then back on the road. First on the coastal road with a few short stops in places whose names I have forgotten and then a few hours on the highway to the southeast. The traffic got less and less until we turned off onto the Gargano peninsula. The day ended with a pretty dramatic sunset. And we’ve reached our destination for now.
Stage four: Vieste — Peschici
We’re staying near Vieste on the Gargano peninsula for a few days, and so we took a first look at the surroundings. The weather is quite changeable and cool. It’s a bit like Scotland in summer. The same weather, the same temperatures, the same windy beach feeling, just even fewer people. Luckily we found a great beach with an access road, which is difficult because it feels like everything here is private. At this time of year, it is our private beach now. Here are some random village photos of Vieste and Peschici. Quite picturesque.
Stage five: Vieste — Monte Sant’Angelo.
A whole day of sunshine and we continued our explorations of the Gargano peninsula. After a lazy morning in the deckchair on our favorite private beach, we took the southern coastal road from Vieste to Monte Sant’Angelo in the afternoon. An absolute dream road with many breathtaking views of white cliffs and turquoise sea. San Michele on Monte Sant’Angelo is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites and all our sins are now forgiven, although some of the street decorations seemed a little strange.
Stage six: Vieste — Matera — Castel del Monte.
Not beach, but sightseeing weather. So we started Ruby for a short ride from Vieste to Matera (well, in the end it was another seven-hour drive, but if we’re almost there). And we had always wanted to visit the third oldest permanently populated city. As always, no tourist crowds at the moment as it’s not the season and we simply parked right next to the Sassi, the famous cave houses. And because it was on the way, we also visited the Castel del Monte on the way back, especially to park decoratively in front of the octagon. The last picture shows the roads here. Kind of like motorways but potholy.
Stage seven: Vieste — Rimini
We already had to leave the beautiful Gargano peninsula, the late start is now paying its toll and we are heading north-west again. The weather was way better than expected, so we made some nice stops by the sea before arriving back in Rimini. I love long drives, but now I’m starting to feel a little tired. It’s a road trip in fast motion. Not boring at all. And Ruby just reels off the kilometres without any problems.
Stage eight: Rimini — Como
Now we are finally on our way back. In Rimini we stayed at the “Cobalto” again. We love these charming, classic and somewhat old-fashioned beach hotels with super friendly staff and great interior from the last century. This time we had sea view and enjoyed every minute. Our next stop is Como again, where we take another break before finally travelling home.
Stage nine: A quiet day at Lake Como
Just relaxing by the lake.
Stage ten: Como – Stuttgart
After a final morning on Lake Como and a coffee at the Aeroclub de Como, we had to head home. Again, no special events. No breakdowns. Just 500 more faultless kilometers. And a little melancholy that our Italian road trip is already over.
Start: March 05, 2024
End: March 15, 2024
Distance covered: approx. 3,200 kms
Stops: Stuttgart — Como — Rimini — Vieste — Matera — Vieste — Rimini — Como — Stuttgart
