Blue Guide: Southern Italy

The American traveller to southern Italy should be warned that this region is much different from the more heavily visited and promoted areas of Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and the Amalfi Coast. While those northerly provinces are focussed on tourism and cater to visitors, the south in general can seem almost indifferent. That is not to suggest that it be avoided. The Mezzogiorno is a charming, down-to-earth region that has much to recommend it, particularly to the visitor interested in obtaining a more realistic, everyday sort of insight into Italian life and culture. That said, because most of the larger guidebooks that give an overview of the entire Italian peninsula provide only sparse information about the southern third, I would not recommend venturing there without Blue Guide Southern Italy. This little volume provides invaluable background and detail about the major cities such as Bari and Lecce, and also covers the lesser known, smaller towns, beaches, and countryside. From the Sassi of Matera to the Trulli of Alberobello to Bitonto's beautifully maintained, 1000 year old cathedral, Paul Blanchard's readable, accurate, entertaining text is enriching and invaluable.

is there any mention in this book regarding the region of cosenza in calabria, my mother's hometown? i would be most pleased if i could find anything about cosenza in this book or any other you may know of. in the very near future my husband and i will want to visit and it would be nice if i could get any information prior to our going there. thankyou for allowing me to ask this question. linda tremonti

As an Italian who comes from Southern Italy I found the Blue Guide covering this area to be absolutely on target and extremely detailed. I have been so impressed by the Blue Guides, that it has become the first item I pack when ready for travel