Nobody really needs an excuse to visit Italy, home of some of the most iconic destinations in the world. Rome, Milan, Venice in Veneto are places that everybody should try to visit at least once in their lives. Roman architecture abounds. The works of great masters adorn churches and galleries, and the rich culture of this ancient country has touched much of the civilised world. Italians feel part of the same country only when it comes to soccer.
The best time to visit Italy is April to June or September to October.
Even a month or two won't be enough. For that reason, you should choose to visit only the best Italian tourist attractions.
1. Amalfi
Amalfi is one of the most beautiful place to visit in Italy. On of the best way to visit Amalfi is to take a road trip from various cities of Italy. Wile on the drive to Amalfi you will get to experience the scenic beauty of Amalfi with it’s beautiful roads valleys and many more. One of the best places to visit in Amalfi are the Villa Rufolo which is one of the best places to visit in Italy.
This attracts tourist from all over the world for it’s natural beauty. Carved into cliffs that are already cut by deep ravines, the road clings high above the Tyrrhenian Sea in a series of breathtaking views and curves bounded by almost vertical mountains rising on one side and long vertical drops on the other.
Italian salsa verde, or bagnet verd, is a hot and sour sauce made with parsley (lots of), anchovies, garlic, egg yolks (optional), bread crumb, capers, salt, pepper, and quite a lot of vinegar, and usually served with boiled meats, local cheeses, boiled potatoes, or simply spread on bread.
2. Bergamo
The traditional dish of the area, tortelli cremaschi is completely unknown to people living outside of the Crema area. The dough is the standard one for all Italian dumplings (made with flour, water and salt), but what makes tortelli cremaschi so weird is the stuffing. Yep, you guessed it—this sweet, high-calorie dish is strictly a main course, and not a dessert as anyone would have thought.
You could always be eating pizza, pasta and ice cream without getting tired, because in Italy there are a thousand and one possible combinations of all of them. In Italy, each region has its own variation on the classic Italian cuisine.
Italy borders on the Mediterranean and has ideal growing conditions for all kinds of vegetables and spices that do not grow in northern Europe. As a result, its cuisine is much more varied. Italian cuisine has a great variety of different ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, sauces, meats, fish, potatoes, rice, corn, sausages, pork, and different types of cheeses.
Now, a pizza for dinner is a must and you can always look around and go for a place that is the oldest in town. Perks of getting a table booked (yes, always book tables) at such places are: best food, amazing location (prolly historic) and there are high chances that you might be eating the unaltered recipe of the owner’s decades-old bloodline. Well, the taste depends upon your choice. Pair it with a glass of red wine and you’re set for a treat after dinner.
Pizza is a thin layer of bread dough made with flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt, topped with a large tablespoon of tomato sauce (made with tomatoes and that’s all), a few pieces of fresh fiordilatte cheese (cows milk mozzarella), a teaspoon of extravirgin olive oil and a few leaves of basil.
The pizza Margherita is said to be the mother of all pizzas, and when it comes to Italian wine, there are over 350 approved grapes in the country. Visit a winery or attend a cooking class so you can relive the good flavors when you come home. If you are passionate about pizza you must make a mandatory stop at one of the best Neapolitan pizza houses in the city.
Traditional Italian recipes are simple and tasty, but varies greatly depending on the region you are visiting. Bring someone you love to travel and experience the earthy Italian culture. Eat delicious pasta, pizza, and cheese with good wines. You can accompany them with tasty starters such as carpaccio with arugula and cheese, pasta, gelato!
The baci di giulietta or Juliet's kisses, is the most representative sweet of the whole city, which, as it is more than evident, has created a whole business around the history of Shakespeare lovers. But the best part is that they are delicious! It is a recipe that can be found in most bakeries in Verona made from almonds and hazelnuts. If you are a sweet lover, you cannot leave without trying it.
Gelato! Yes, yes, yes! Wander a bit and you will see the best gelato shops usually have a queue outside, waiting for their turns. Some fancy places have a seating area and the rest are walk-in shops. Italy has such varied cities that the differences between all the Northern Italian cities, starting from Trieste to say, Torino, are comparatively small if one compares it with say, Trieste and a city like Bari or other Southern cities.
In the far north-eastern part of Italy there is the small region of Friuli and Venezia Giulia, actually similar to Veneto but with some differences such as the language (people speak Italian, Friulian and some Slovenian too) and some influences of the Slavic culture. Famous cities are Trieste and Udine, but also the little town of Palmanova. It is very nice to see the Collio area with the enormous vineyards.
Trieste is full of buildings that could as well be in Vienna. That gives Trieste a very distinct look, but still as one of the many varieties of a beautiful Northern Italian city.
3. Trentino-Alto Adige
There is a montainous region between Lombardy and Veneto: it is Trentino-Alto Adige, with its spectacular mountains (the Dolomites), breathtaking views, mysterious lakes and nice chapelles. The biggest city is Trento - capital of the Trentino - and the second is Bolzano - capital of the Alto Adige.
And while you are there, stop in at the Osteria Gatto d'Oro for a meal. This quirky dining establishment is not to be missed. It is compulsory to study German, which is the second official language.
Even the cuisine is highly inspired by Austria. This is for saying that you shouldn't expect to eat an authentic pizza over here. One of the typical meal is Strudel. Basically, it is a cake roll with apple.
The horizon of the Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige is dominated by the impressive chain of the Dolomites, the friendly face of the Alps. The region confines with Switzerland and Austria. There is a continental and alpine climate and winters are very cold. It is known for its mountains (Alps and Dolomites) and its lakes.
Its wide valleys covered with forests and meadows open to the south, so they are warmer than those of the north, warmth that is reflected in the character of those who attend the bivacchi, typical mountain huts that serve meals to skiers in winter and hikers in summer.
Head to Bolzano, the main town in the Italian Tyrol, where you can admire part of the Dolomites, beautiful views, and the journey will become less heavy seeing that you already entered the Alps (South Tyrol) Austria by the Brenner pass, where you can see the fascinating bridge of Europe, immense viaduct that offers unique views.
The central part, the Brenner Pass proper, occupies the land between Sterzing and Matrei, through the village of Brenner itself. But above all, the route from Trento to Bolzano means knowing two cultures, since here the airs of the Mediterranean and the Tyrol mix.
The beautiful and characteristic Merano is a city of different denominations. It is a city of gardens, city of well-being, historical and modern city, mundane but at the same time calm. After Bolzano, it is the second largest city in the Trentino Alto Adige region. The name of Sissi, queen of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is linked to the story of Merano.
Enjoy your skiing adventures at Val di Fassa with your friends and family. Italy with its vast culture and culinary delights is a popular destination for spending your holidays with your family and loved ones. Very important is also the wonderful Trauttmansdorff Castle, where the empress stayed twice during her stay in the area. Merano is an excellent city to stay to visit the Christmas markets of the area, to enjoy the thermal baths, to see Bolzano, Trento, and the Dolomites, including Val di Non and Val di Sole (if you travel by car).
Merano is a lively city, of international events of great importance with the horse tours, the Merano Forst Grand Prize, the Merano Jazz Festival and also the Musical Weeks of Merano, international symphonic music event, the traditional Grape Festival and of course the Christmas markets. In other words, the city is enriched throughout the year with cultural, sporting, enogastronomic and traditional events.
The period of the Christmas markets is one of the most exciting in the city. In the air you can smell the perfumes of the hot wine (Vin Brulé), the spices and the typical pastry. The Christmas songs are heard through all the downtown streets. The Merano Christmas Market is the largest in the area, with its 83 exhibitors.
Another particular drink of Merano, which is also typical of the German Christmas tradition, is the Feuerzangenbowle, a sugar loaf soaked in rum, which is dripped in a copper pot filled with red wine!
Time to hit the east coast. From Merano you can take a pretty scenic drive through Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo and S. Daniele to Trieste. From there, if you really want want to avoid Venezia, you can at least walk around the small village of Burano in the Laguna.
Corvara, situated in a sunny plain at the foot of the Sassongher mountain, can be defined as the cradle of tourism in Alta Badia. Pastry shops, after dinner bars and pubs and fashionable shops offer enjoyment and variety without altering the calmness and pleasantness of the small Alpine town.
In summer several lifts allow you to easily reach altitudes of over 2,000 meters where you can enjoy incomparable panoramas - the view sweeps from the Dolomites peaks of Alta Badia up to the Marmolada glacier and the Austrian Alps. Trails, from the easy ones at the valley bottom and on the plateau of Col Alto-Pralongià, up to the longer excursions in the Puez-Odle natural park or the more difficult ones on the Sassongher peak and Piz Boè are the joy of excursionists and climbers alike.
4. Milan
Arguably the cultural hub of not just Italy, but all of Europe, Milan is where trends are set and fashion is pushed forward. While it might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of must-see cities for your first time in Europe, perhaps it should be, particularly, if you enjoy being on the leading edge of fashion. The café and restaurant scene of the city is also world leading – foodies and coffee lovers will be in heaven.
Go to Milan if you’re a fan of coffee, you like to keep up to date with the latest fashion, you want the Italian experience without the hordes of tourists.
The elegant Milan is a city with an important cultural heritage that goes far beyond fashion. Italians have a keen sense of fashion. For the uninitiated, bella means beautiful and figura means figure. Bella Figura is a way of life in Italy, and they take their style and grooming really seriously.
Fashion metropolis of Milan is perhaps best known for shopping, but also to all football fans bucket list. Probably the design week is when Milano is most crowded. On the other hand, though, it’s when Milano is at its best, not only because the city is literally dusted with art and design installation, but also because that’s when many spaces of the city that are usually not open become visitable.
Make sure you haven’t forgotten a bottle. Milano is dotted with potable water fountains. Just refill your bottle there and drink the water if you are thirsty. Save on traveling by walking to places. Now, if you are short of money you will probably be sleeping at a place like Ostello Bello on via Lepetit 3.
From there take a walk (that’s free) to Piazza Duomo along via Tenca, piazza Repubblica, the “Giardinetti”, piazza Cavour, via Manzoni (walking under the Medieval Porta Nuova), through piazza della scala and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and finally to Duomo. It takes around 40 minutes time to see around and take some pics.
Keeping the Duomo behind you, turn right and go through Palazzo Reale, down via Pecorari and via Palazzo Reale, via Bergamini and to the Statale building (it’s about 5 minutes of walking).
Lose yourself in the medieval cloisters (closed in August and on Sundays). Leave the Ca' Granda from the back exit and pop into the Guastalla gardens, the prettiest in Milano, which is right in front. Spend some 15 minutes there, then turn back to via Francesco Sforza, left on via Laghetto, and stop at Antica Salumeria Laghetti for a panino, a glass of wine, and a cup of espresso, and some rest should set you back by some 8 euro.
Walk along via Laghetto and piazza Santo Stefano, then turn left at via Larga, along piazza Missori, down via Zebedia, right on piazza Sant’Alessandro, up via del Bollo. Pop into Piazza Affari to check out Il Dito by Maurizio Catelan, right in front of the Stock Exchange. Continue along via Santa Maria Fulcorina, left on corso Magenta and see the former church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, the most stunning of the churches of Milan.
Walk along via San Marco, checking out the remains of Conca dell’Incoronata. Turn right on via Melchiorre Gioia a d immediately left on via Viganò and up to Piazza Gae Aulenti to see the newer face of Milano. If you are feeling tired, have a rest on the benches on the side of the fountain. But don’t stay too long.
Leave piazza Gae Aulenti walking along the elevated walkways and through the “Tree library” garden. Turn right on via De Castlia, again on via Sassetti and via Pirelli to Stazione centrale. Walk along the left side (on your right, though) of the Station along via Soperga, turn right on via dei Sauli, and left again on via delle Leghe and enjoy an aperitivo at Tempio d’Oro.
A very interesting Museum, which also happens to have free entrance, is Casa- Museo Boschi Di Stefano. In a relatively unassuming building on via Jan (designed by Portaluppi, who also designed the apartment), Antonio Boschi and his wife Marieda di Stefano collected works that tell the history of Italian art in the XX century. Inside the apartment you can also see period furniture. On the ground floor, Marieda Di Stefano’s old pottery lab hosts temporary exhibitions.
Art Nouveau (here called Liberty) is a major architectural style in central Milano, and Palazzo Berri-Meregalli, designed by architect Arata, mixes elements of Art Nouveau and Eclectism to create this modern castle. It is a private building and you may not be able to visit even the monumental entrance, but if you can don’t miss the Victory, a winged head by Wildt.
Rotonda del Besana or, as it is best known, “la Besana” is a former graveyard in central Milano. The area is surrounded by a quatrefoil-shaped portico which surrounds a garden (the corpses have long been removed) and a central former church that now hosts MUBA, the Children’s Museum of Milano. On via Mozart, a second casa Berri-Meregalli is also worth a look.
If you like contemporary architecture, take a stroll across the Maggiolina and Villaggio dei giornalisti neighborhoods in Northeastern Milano. Here in the first half of the XX century a number of buildings, often pretty unique like Villa Figini above or the Igloo houses, were created for Milan’s upper classes.
From rationalism to brutalism, the buildings in this area illustrate all of the best (and maybe the worst) of the early XX century architecture. A drink and a generous plate of food will cost you 9 euro. If after dinner you still have some energy, walk 5 minutes to cinema Beltrade. A ticket costs 7 euro, and this little cinema often offers original language shows of old and little known films. From either Beltrade or Tempio d’oro you can walk back to via Lepetit in 15 minutes.
Milan has three surviving Navigli: the southern two (Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese) are the best known, and host a lively night life, but in northern Milano you can still walk along the far more placid Naviglio Martesana. You can choose to leave the path where via Tofane meets viale Monza and take the subway at Turro or Gorla or continue all the way to Crescenzago following via Bertelli and via Beccacini. The walk is around one hour long.
The cotoletta alla milanese is a thick cut piece of veal on the bone. Occasionally, cotoletta is served in a pelt, which means topped with a salad of finely diced tomatoes. In supermarket you can find breaded chicken cutlets (which are indeed chicken breast), but they are a recent development. Breaded meat is a traditional dish of Milan.
In no case in Italy meat is served over a layer of pasta (a partial exception is risotto alla milanese with ossibuchi, but even in that case you are supposed to eat the risotto just topped with some of the sauce produced by the ossobuco, and the actual meat as second).
In northern Italy, pasta is made with regular wheat flour and it require egg to stand being boiled. In the south, where durum wheat is grown, fresh pasta is made with durum wheat semolina (not flour) and water. Central Italy is a bit of hit and miss with these two types of pasta. Fresh pasta is then shaped, but this is done differently.
Egg pasta is usually rolled in sheets and cut, while semolina fresh pasta is cut in small pieces and shaped by hand, using simple tools like knives or knitting needles. Dried pasta is made in a yet different way. The dough for fresh pasta must be quite soft and pliable, while the dough for dried pasta is extremely tough and can’t be kneaded by hand.
Even in the old days it was kneaded with a wooden machine operated by hand and called gramola. Then this kind of pasta isn’t shaped by hand, it’s extruded. Dried pasta, which was the original product and still is the best quality product, has a completely different texture and flavor from handmade pasta, which was originally the pasta substitute for those families who could not afford the dried pasta.
In the area north of Milan people also used to eat what is called pan giald or pan de mej, which is a bread made with a mixture of wheat and either corn meal or millet flour. This is a proper leavened bread that tastes like bread should, that is not sweet like cake.
Minestrone Milanese, Campari and Gorgonzola all have their origins in Milan. City tour with wine tasting or historical tour with a taste of the top local restaurants recommended. Eat like a local in the Brera area.
Just 20 minutes by train from the center of Milano will take you to this small city. As you land the area around the station is quite disheartening, but in about 300 meters you will be in a quaint historic center.
Fun fact, Monza was a very big place in late antique Italy, indeed it was one of the two most important Lombard cities, and the Duomo (the black and white striped church here above) has in its treasury a crown whose inner band is said to have been made of the iron of one of the nail with which Jesus was crucified (there are actually a few dozens of such nails, just nevermind).
5. Lake Como
Lombardy is the most populated region in Italy (10 mln inhabitants) and overall the economy leader. However, except for the metropolitan area of Milan, Lombardy has spectacular landscapes (Lago di Como, Lago d’Iseo, Lago di Garda, the Alps) and very nice cities (such as Mantova, Bergamo, Cremona).
Lake Como, in the Lombardy region, is one of the most beautiful areas of Italy and also one of the most unknown, although it seems incredible. It is sometimes eclipsed by tourist areas such as Tuscany, Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast in Southeast Italy. Focus on the most touristic towns and places like Lenno, Bellagio, Brienno, Cernobbio, Varenna, Menaggio and Nesso.
There are several historic villas on Como Lake, where they have lived from aristocrats to writers or artists, since the sixteenth century. Today, these villas have been adapted and converted into hotels or museums and many of them can be visited. Fish, pasta and sweets are some of the protagonists of the most recommended restaurants in the area.
Keep going towards Franciacorta and Lago d'Iseo, again less touristy than Lago di Garda. Iseo is much smaller and not as famous as the other lakes, but it’s absolutely stunning, tucked away in the mountains that offer incredible views. Its jewel is Montisola, the large central island (the largest lake island in Europe).
The lake has a rich food tradition, on its shores and in Montisola an excellent (and pretty pricey) extravirgin olive oil is produced, and from Iseo it’s easy to reach the Franciacorta wine area. The Sebino Express is a steam train that connects Milan or Brescia with Paratico and Sarnico with antique cars and steam locomotives.
From Iseo you can also easily reach Capo di Ponte and its suggestive archaeological park full of prehistoric stone carving, and the Adamello peak and the Ponte di Legno-Tonale skiing area, where you can sky year-round. Como is the main town of the lake. It’s a smallish historical town with quite a few things worth visiting, loads of nice shops, restaurants. and it’s also the main transportation hub of the lake.
From Como you can easily reach Milano from the Como Lago station (right in front of the lake) and in one hour you can reach the center of Milano (Cadorna station). Besides, Como is the main hub for all of the bus and ferry lines that connect Como with the various towns along the lake shores. From there it will be easy to pick a different destionation every day and visit one or two villages or enjoy one of the lake’s beaches.
Como is nonetheless a relaxed medium-sized town. But if you want to be closer to nature and relax in a village where nothing will disturb you, there are dozens of options. Villages where you may even be the only tourist.
Near Mantova, Sabbioneta was built by Vesapsiano Ist Gonzaga as his new capital. The small city retains a carefully planned grid and a series of monumental palaces. It’s one of the first creations of the Renaissance.
6. Turin
Piedmont is a big region in north-western Italy. It has multiple and various landscapes, such as Alps, the Langhe hills and the plains of the river Po. Piedmont is famous for its marvelous wines and for Turin. Piedmont was the most important region of the Reign of Sardinia (even if the name tells other tales), so there are lots of royal palaces and gardens. I think that the best place in Piedmont is Lago Maggiore.
Turin, the capital of Italian Piedmont is famous throughout the world for protecting the Shroud and for being the cradle of solid chocolate and Fiat. Let yourself be seduced by this beautiful Italian city, with the Alps always present and the great river Po embracing the center.
Get to know its baroque and modernist architecture, its distinguished boulevards, its charming paved squares, its interesting museums and its cozy cafés. And, of course, do not miss its great nightlife and its transalpine gastronomy.
But there are many Piedmontese towns, full of cultural, gastronomic and historical richness as it happens with the charming town of Ivrea. Ivrea Cathedral (Duomo), crowns the sky of the area, being very visible from almost any point. Ivrea was the headquarters of the Olivetti typewriter company and the mark of this brand in the population is more than remarkable.
The Ivrea carnival is extremely popular as well as its orange festival where people throw oranges. Head on the motorway and take the exit at Finale Ligure, where you shoot up north through the Alta Langa, which is not as packed as Alba and Barolo, but equally beautiful. Murazzano and Dogliani are nice villages you can stop by for some cheese and wine shopping.
Then, take a long drive to the Lago d’Orta, possibly avoiding the motorway until Asti and pass through Santo Stefano Belbo. One of the smallest of the northern lakes, Lago d’Orta has a unique timeless feeling. The village of Orta San Giulio does not allow cars into its center, the nearby San Giulio island hosts a Benedictine nunnery and an imposing church.
Aosta Valley is the smallest region in Italy. It is located in the north-west of the country. It is a typical mountainous region of the Alps. Aosta Valley is hometown to lots of medieval castles and wonderful peaks and cliffs. The only city in the valley is Aosta. Aosta Valley is really famous for its skiing stations, but there is lot of history beyond the wonderful nature. The only town of the San Giulio Island, immediately south of Sardinia, Carloforte is a unique blend of languages and traditions, mixing Sardininan, Genoese, Spanish and Arab.
Grolla is a traditional coffee wooden up with a ring of spouts on the sides. The coffee is enriched with grappa (an Italian high-octane liquor), sugar, and orange peels. Then the alcohol is burned off and when the flames subside the piping hot coffee is drunk in turn by as many people as there are spouts (everyone drinks from the same cup, but each person drinks from a different spout).
7. Genoa
Liguria is the favourite place to stay in holiday for Northern Italians: it is a coastal region with plenty of harbours such as Portofino and the Cinque Terre. It is also nice to see the San Fruttuoso Abbey and the ancient city of Genoa. Even if near to the sea, Liguria is a mountainous region and has lots of little towns such as the gorgeous Apricale. Liguria is highly crowded during the summer but it is worth a visit.
Chiavari was for centuries, a major world-class trading port. The medieval old town is rich in carrugi (narrow streets leading to large squares) and historic buildings. The best way to discover all the treasures of this Ligurian jewel is to walk along the central street, the Via Martiri Della Liberazione or to lose yourself in the many small streets that are home to countless treasures.
You can buy and enjoy a wide variety of Ligurian specialties, enter the antique shops and also go shopping even in bad weather in famous fashion or design shops nestled under the ancient arcades of Caruggio Dritto.
Sanremo is located on the west coast of the picturesque Italian Riviera in the blue Ligurian Sea and is surrounded by high mountains. The classy seaside resort on the famous Riviera dei Fiori, has a large marina and can absorb Nice in terms of glamor. In the charismatic historical center of the city, let yourself be lost by La Pigna in the labyrinth of narrow streets.
Above the old port you will find the Corso Matteotti shopping district with its elegant boutiques. In the flower shops of the dawn they sell fragrant and carnations. Close to the market you will find the Corso degli Inglesi, a street where elegant villas and a Russian Orthodox Church decoration can make you enjoy a pleasant walk.
At night, its inhabitants go for an aperitif or a drink in restaurants, inns and bars or play their luck in the casino. Drive to Mortola and Giardini Hanbury. You can also take a detour to Dolceacqua. In general, the inland of Liguria is beautiful and forgotten by the masses of tourists.
Seborga is a small principality in nortwestern Italy. When Italy was united in the 1800s they missed out on some paperwork and Seborga was never properly incorporated into Italy. It is still there, a micronation with 300 inhabitants.
8. Cinque Terre
If you are someone who would rather spend their vacation by the sea than in the center of a crowded city, Cinque Terre is the place to visit in Italy for you. Truly one of the most beautiful places by the sea in Italy, it consists of five seaside villages on the Italian Riviera coastline. It is centuries old but colorful houses make it look very new.
If you want to relieve some stress, Cinque Terre will be the perfect place to do just that. You can spend a few days enjoying the view and the sunny warm weather and you will be as good as new once your trip is over. It is a very romantic place and the prices aren't even that high, so this also makes a perfect place for your honeymoon on a budget.
Levanto, an Italian coastal city, is pleasant, although it lacks the charm of its illustrious neighbors. In May the Festa del Mare is celebrated, which pays homage to the sea through numerous activities. Levanto is located a few kilometers north of the Cinque Terre National Park, composed of five historic towns anchored on cliffs located on the edge of the Mediterranean.
Although some tourists take advantage of the somewhat lower prices of Levanto, most of them head a little further south when they visit this region of exceptional landscapes. Among all the towns of Cinque Terre, Monterosso is the one with the largest accommodation offer. One of the activities that you can not miss if you visit Cinque Terre is a boat trip along the coast to enjoy the wonderful views of the villages from the sea.
The boat makes a stop in each of the towns, with the exception of Corniglia which has no port as it does not face the sea. This seaside destination known for it’s hills and hiking trails can fine you anywhere from €50 to €2,500 for wearing flip-flops. Apparently the villages got bored of having to rescue tourists from footpaths without proper footwear.
9. Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare, is the largest town with more services, restaurants and hotels of the 5 that make up Cinque Terre. It is also more aimed at sun and beach tourism because it has the best in the region. At the end of the beach, there is Il Gigante, an enormous sculpture that represents Neptune the god of the seas.
10. Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the most beautiful villages of Cinque Terre and the one that has best preserved the appearance of a marine citadel. Another place to visit in Vernazza is the Doria Castle, an imposing bastion that extends at the end of the town and ends with a long boardwalk from which you can see the entire citadel. In the highest part of the castle is the Belforte, an imposing cylindrical tower from where you can get a panoramic view of the whole town.
11. Padua
Instead of Venice try Treviso. Treviso offers lovely water canals, beautiful churches and cobblestone lanes. The city is less crowded than Venice. To protect public security, the coastal city of Eraclea (near Venice) has made building sandcastles on it’s beaches a criminal activity. So if you’re planning a beach holiday with your kids, you might want to go somewhere else.
12. San Gimignano
Dreaming of Tuscany for honeymoon! The big stars of Hollywood choose Tuscany for their honeymoon. The magnificent natural landscape, the magnificent Tuscany in the high castle will surely win your heart. Among the places to visit are the Leaning Tower of Pizza, the Uffizi Gallery, Lucca, Cartana, Florence, etc.
With a capital city that was founded in 753 BC, it's obvious that this nation has a deeply-rooted history that permeates through in everything that makes it what it is today. Beyond the awe-inspiring ancient Roman ruins and mouth watering foods, is a nation of absolute beauty, both naturally from the earth and artistically through the many creative geniuses that have emerged over the centuries.
Probably the most famous region in Italy, Tuscany is famous for its marvelous Renaissance art and stunning countryside. You have to see Tuscany once in your life: wonderful cities such as Florence and Siena, the leaning bell tower of Pisa, Elba island are only some of the multiple attractions over there.
Hidden between Florence and Lucca, Pistoia does not get as much tourism as it should diserve. This quaint town has an intricate medieval center, churches with unusual ceramic decorations, and a handful of small but interesting museums and a relaxed lifestyle that contrasts with the more hectic Florence.
For a break on the beach Monte Argentario is an Island that is not really an island. Extremely close to the mainland, it’s connected to it by a bridge and two strips of sand (with wide and long beaches) that surround a lagoon. The island has also a number of smaller coves where to relax.
Try Tuscia, the land of the Southern Etruscans, nowadays divided between Southern Tuscany, Northern Lazio and Western Umbria. Within little more than a hundred miles you have hot springs, lakes, medieval hill towns, Etruscan archeological sites, forests and wild rivers, Renaissance cathedrals and stately houses/gardens, vineyards, WWF protected wetlands, a 1700m high mountain and some of the best beaches in central Italy.
13. Tuscany
Do you also want sun and beach? The beach town of Viareggio and the exclusive Forte dei Marmi is only 1.5 hours away by train. For so many reasons, this is a place that you cannot leave off of your travel bucket list.
Italy is a fashionable place so their shopping districts must look good, but shopping in Italy surely isn't for those who are traveling on a budget.
Florence is smaller, but it possibly offers even more daytrip options. It alone will still keep you busy for a lot of days. But then you can grab a train and easily reach Bologna, Lucca, Pistoia, Montecatini (for the spas), Arezzo, or catch a bus to Siena. Do not forget to rent a car for a few days to explore Chianti, the Appennine mountains.
From Florence you may consider taking a train to visit Lucca (about one hour by local train, no need to reserve) and renting a car to drive across the Chianti area, which is hugely popular, or Casentino. If you feel like having an extra daytrip there are many destinations you can consider, like Arezzo, Pistoia, Siena, or even Bologna or Ravenna for an out of region trip.
Constricted between the big tourist magnet of Florence and the smaller tourist magnet of Lucca, Pistoia really receives little love. But this small medieval city deserves some attention. The city is relaxed, has a medieval center made of narrow streets and buildings with the stone “tables” where meats and vegetables used to be exposed do that they remained cool. At the same time the center has lots of nice shops and restaurants or cafes where you can hang out. Getting to Pistoia is an easy train ride from Florence.
14. Bologna
Between the hills and the sea, near the wonderful towns of Emilia Romagna, also full of tourist and cultural attractions. Emilia-Romagna is a big region in Northern Italy, famous for its cuisine (tortellini, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano come from here) and its art cities such as Bologna, Ferrara, Parma. It is nice to see the Comacchio Lagoon, at the border between Romagna and Veneto. Romagna is famous for its beaches and nightlife. Visit the Byzantine churches in Ravenna.
The two towers of Bologna, the tower Garisenda and the tower degli Asinelli, are the great icon of the city, although they are only two of the more than one hundred that came to be in the Middle Ages.
Bologna is most likely one of the most outstanding medieval cityy in Italy. You will adore its Museo Civico Medievale and the two archaic pinnacles, which assumed a part in putting Bologna on the map. Stroll alongside the braced doors of the urban communities and respect the metropolitan middle age construction of a city loaded down with history.
Step in the main college of Europe - Alma Mater -, established in the eleventh century. Notice the intricacy of the Basilica of San Francesco in Piazza Malpighi and Piazza San Domenico.
What's more, from that point forward, don't miss the event to eat in probably the best cafés in Italy! The second largest city of Emilia Romagna and seat of one of Italy’s oldest universities, Parma is known to food and opera lovers alike. The center is compact and easy to walk and hosts some stunning works of art. In the surrounding area lots of very interesting small towns and villages and a lush agricoltural scenery.
Tigelle or crescentine are a flatbread from the Appennines over Modena, in Emilia Romagna. Tigelle are kneaded with flour, water, milk, lard, yeast, and salt. The dough is kneaded until smooth, proved for 11–12 hours, then divided in small balls.
Traditionally, the flatbreads are roasted beside the fire with the aid of a series of clay disks also called tigelle, which on one side bear the design of the flower of life, headed on the coals and coated with leaves to prevent transferring dirt and soot on the flatbreads.
Traditionally, crescentine are sliced in two and stuffed with cunza or pesto modenese, which is lardo (not lard, rather a very fatty pancetta) finely minced with a hint of garlic or shallot (the local variety is more pungent than onion and less than garlic), and lots of rosemary, plus a dusting of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
As tigelle don’t require an oven, they were also made by hunters as a side to rabbit or hare “alla cacciatora” (hunters’ style) or also to wild boar dishes. Today they are also served with prosciutto, salame, coppa, cheeses, and a variety of sauces, just like gnocco fritto. Tigelle are also available in supermarket, already baked and vacuum-packaged.
All you need to do is warm them up in a pan, slice them, and serve them with your favorite sides. Unfortunately, most commonly they are made with olive oil instead of lard.
15. Riccione
The oldest that can be visited dates from the 13th century, it is the Agolanti Castle. It is currently dedicated to various exhibitions. Another place of interest is the so-called Museo del Terreno. It is a geological museum that illustrates the transformation that the Misana coast has undergone until it becomes what it is today. It is very entertaining, since it uses interesting didactic methods.
An interesting collection that you can see in the gallery consists of objects from World War II and later. And the Riccione theater is also worthy of one of the unique places to visit in Italy. There is a water park for nature lovers. This is the Oltremare dolphinarium, but in addition to dolphins you will have the opportunity to observe all kinds of birds and aquatic animals, such as the curious seahorses.
It is amazing to see the shows starring birds of prey, most surprising reptiles and various exotic animals. Aquafan and Indiana Golf are also famous parks for receiving thousands of visitors each year. The shows are also an integral part of life in Riccione. In the Odeon the cinema and the theater come alive every night.
16. Siena
Then there is Tuscany. It is hard to avoid anything touristy, but maybe you can drive to Volterra through La Spezia, Forte dei Marmi and Lucca. It skips Firenze and Siena, but with a short detour you can visit either.
Volterra, nestled in the Tuscan landscape, is a captivating town that beckons with its medieval charm. The Medici Fortress stands proudly on a hill, offering not just historical significance but also panoramic views that will take your breath away. Wandering through the Piazza dei Priori feels like a stroll through the past, especially with the imposing Palazzo dei Priori at its center, a testament to the town's rich history.
Venturing further, the Roman Theatre unfolds, a well-preserved amphitheater steeped in ancient stories. As you explore, you'll encounter the soul of Volterra in its Alabaster workshops. The craftsmanship here is an art form, and watching artisans shape intricate pieces from this unique local stone is a captivating experience.
What sets Volterra apart is not just its historical treasures but the overall atmosphere. It's a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor the essence of Tuscan life. So, make sure to include Volterra in your itinerary for an enriching journey through time and culture in this picturesque corner of Italy. On a tour of this region of Italy it is mandatory to travel to Siena. Among the most visited Italian cities as a tourist destination is Siena. Located centrally in the attractive region of Tuscany, it brings together art, history and nature in a powerful combination difficult to resist. In this post we will tell you the things to do in Siena and how to get there from Florence.
Abruzzo is a region located in the east of Italy, about 2:30 hours from Rome. Abruzzo is more or less the Trentino-Alto Adige of Central Italy: it has undoubtedly the best - and highest - mountains of the Appennines and some nice lakes, for example Lago di Barrea. There is a lot to discover, from the gorgeous medieval villages - such as Scanno and Santo Stefano di Sessanio - to the coastline. Visit the Caldoresco Castle in Vasto.
The villages are usually located high up in the mountains which makes some spectacular photos. Each one is more photogenic than the previous one.
To eat San Vito Chietino is very good and it is the cheapest in Italy. There are bars next to the sea where you will find pasta dishes. They also make grilled fish. Coglioni di mulo are a traditional dish from Umbria, Marche, Lazio and Abruzzo. In fact this dish is just a salami with two pieces of lard inside!
Pajata is a typical dish in Lazio, especially in Rome. It's usually eaten with pasta. Go for a walk in the area of the Fossacesia abbey. It is a very quiet place with a nice view of the area.
After a short walk relax with a spritz in a bar just in front of it. Definitely try Spritz. It is alcoholic and you will get various options to try from. If you opt for a good bar, you will be served with small snacks like sandwiches/nachos/cheese/grilled veggies etc with the drink for free. Have your first contact with the arrosticini, lamb skewers that are very typical in the area. It is best to give yourself a treat and go to a Trabocco. You have to book in advance because they are always filled but we are sure that it is an experience that you do not forget.
Visit a town like Roccascalegna, a small town like Sulmona. In the month of August there are some medieval whips in the Garibaldi square that make the city wake up a little and fill with people for a few days. From Sulmona take the road (do not go on the highway) to Scanno. On the way you will stop a few times as the landscapes are spectacular.
Anversa degli Abruzzi is a village town that you cannot resist having a beer. Just after leaving Anversa degli Abruzzi you will pass through the Gorges of Sagittarius, from where there is a beautiful view of the town. It is the typical town of the area, with brown houses and (almost) always on top of the mountain. A little further on you will find lake Scanno that at sunset gives you some beautiful colors.
Once you have visited the town, take the little walk called Sentiero del Cuore to take your picture with the lake in the form of a heart in the background. It can be done from the lake in an hour and a half and from a road that is on the way out of the town itself in only half an hour. If it is summer we recommend that after the walk you have a good swim in the lake.
Go to Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano de Sessanio, two towns that are very close to each other. Go hiking through Campo Imperatore. It is an idyllic place where many films have been filmed and where Benito Mussolini was imprisoned even after his fall from power until being released by the Germans a month later.
Today there is a ski resort, famous as it is only an hour and a half from Rome. The place is also known in the world of cycling since it has been several times final stage in the Giro d'Italia. As a part of a clampdown on inappropriate behavior or noise pollution in Rome, the council has prohibited singing on the city's buses, metro and trams.
The city is huge and it could be enough to keep you busy for the whole month. But you may also make easy train daytrips to Naples and Pompeii (or maybe make it an overnight stay in Naples and visit Pompeii too), to Bracciano (if you like cycling consider renting bikes and going all around the lake), to Florence, and to Ostia antica.
By bus you could visit Tivoli with its stunning Villa Adriana, Villa Gregoriana, and Villa D’Este. You may work in an overnighter in Venice too. Then you may consider renting a car for a daytrip to Calcata, and maybe for a couple of days on the coast at Argentario.
Molise is the second smallest region in Italy. Curiously, it is famous for being not famous, since lots of Italians cannot localize it in the maps and don’t know what are the attractions in Molise. This is due to the fact that Molise has been for a long time under the “Abruzzi and Molise” region: it was not independent.
There is not a lot to see, but some monuments are of course underrated, such as the Basilica of Castelpetroso, the Saint Vincent on Volturno abbey, the towns of Termoli and Agnone, then some of the best mountains of the Appennines such the Mountains of La Meta.
Have you ever wondered where Romans went to see gladiatorial games and other ‘blood sports’ before the Colosseum was built? Well, there were actually several amphitheaters in Rome that existed before the Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum) was completed circa 80AD. The Amphitheater of Statilius Taurus was probably the first built of stone, and opened in 29BC on the Campus Martius.
Prior to this, the city’s amphitheaters were built of wood, and were usually temporary structures that were demolished after the games were done. But Statilius Taurus, a Roman general and politician, built his using his own funds. Then, around 41AD, emperor Caligula began construction of yet another, but it was never completed before his assassination, and his uncle Claudius had it pulled down in 46AD.
In 57AD, emperor Nero built another one close by Statilius Taurus’s, though it too was a wooden structure. Both it and Taurus’s structures were destroyed in the great fire of 64AD, and their exact locations on the Field of Mars are uncertain, though Taurus’s may have been northwest of the Theater of Marcellus, near the Tiber. Today, the only surviving example of another amphitheater in Rome, aside from the Colosseum, is the Amphitheater Castrense.
Built in the early 3rd century AD, it is considerably smaller than the Colosseum. By 275AD, it was no longer in use and was incorporated into the city’s Aurelian Wall. Its remains, with its lower tier of bricked in arches, can still be seen west of the city center, next to the ‘Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jeursalem’.
The small, circular Church of Santa Costanza outside the city walls, was built in the late 4th century AD by emperor Constantine as a mausoleum to one of his daughters, either Constantina or Helena. The structure is almost entirely preserved intact from antiquity, and was later converted to a church. A mass was held here in 865AD by Pope Nicholas I, though its consecration as a church didn’t happen until 1254.
The church’s apse and ambulatory contain many original mosaics, making the somewhat out of the way journey to the intersections of Via Nomentana and Via di'Santa Costanza, well worth it.
Located south of the city center, on the right bank of the Tiber sits a rather nondescript hill of about 35 meters in height. What could possibly be interesting about this, you might ask? Well, the Monte Testaccio hill is composed almost entirely of broken amphorae, the clay vessels that Romans used to transport olive oil, wine and other precious liquids across the empire.
During ancient times, Romans used olive oil for lighting, cooking and even bathing, and the city’s vast warehouses, including the Horrea Galbae, were located close by. Barges from the port of Ostia, loaded with amphorae, would deliver their cargo, in this case olive oil, upriver where it would be decanted into smaller containers for storage, distribution and sale.
It’s estimated that as many as 53 million amphorae were broken up and laid here over many centuries, in a systematic, terraced process to ensure the mounds stability. In the mid 3rd century AD, the city’s wharves were moved and dumping at the site came to an end. Vegetation eventually covered the site and it remained undeveloped into relatively modern times, thus ensuring the mounds survival. Monte Testaccio is located just a few hundred meters west of Porta San Paolo (and the pyramid tomb of Gaius Cestius), and is an ancient spoil heap to behold!
If you happen to be in Rome for a few days and want a day off in a beautiful countryside, or enjoying some quaint slow village life, the Bracciano lake is a good destination. Look for a rental that is already in the north area and get a car for one day and head towards Lago di Bracciano. It’s a small volcanic lake just off Rome, around 7 km across, with a tinyer lake (lago di Martignano) right by its side. The lake has three main towns, Bracciano, Anguillara, and Trevignano.
All three have pretty ancient centres (Bracciano is significantly larger than the other two), and a beautiful countriside all around the lake. There are beaches, restaurants, activities, etc. I bet you will be able to find a nice, relatively secluded place for the proposal. The lake is actually tiny and has just three small towns around it, Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano, all three with nice centers (Bracciano is dominated by a castle that is where a lot of famous people got married at).
Rent a car and drive out of the Prati neighborhood in Rome, then spend one day driving around the lake, stopping when you see something you like. It’s a great daytrip. And in summer you can also sunbathe and in some areas also swim in the lake (there are a few areas where swimming is forbidden).
17. Assisi
Umbria is one of the best regions with its luxuriant green countryside and its awesome medieval boroughs, Umbria is one of the most stunning and underrated areas in Italy. Umbria is famous for being the region of lots of saints. The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi is worth a visit, but also the city of Perugia and some towns as Trevi and Orvieto. Excellent the Marmore Waterfalls.
Coratella is eaten in Umbria and is made with lamb’s lungs, heart, guts, liver and spleen.
In the Marche the landscape is always green and full of nice medieval towns. One of the best churches to see is the hilltop Ancona Cathedral. Visit the cities of Ascoli Piceno, Macerata but most of all the wonderful little city of Urbino, one of the best in Italy.
The hill town of Orvieto harbor is a medieval residence of the popes. It is situated in Umbria. Its cathedral has an amazing facade, inlaid with mosaics and unlike any other in Italy. To the right of the alter is a large mural by Luca Signorelli depicting the Last judgement.
There are few places to see a painting of this size and significance in Italy or much of Europe without being surrounded by other tourists. It makes a difference. The facade of the cathedral also evokes an imposing picture when the setting sun highlights the colors of the mosaic. However, beyond the cathedral there are other imposing buildings in Orvieto.
The palazzo del popolo is an example of Thirteenth century architecture. This was a time when people had to choose sides between the guelphs (papal supporters) and the ghibellines (supporters of the Holy Roman Emperor). Then, as now, compromises were made, often according to the personalities involved and their predilection to respect local liberties. There is an Etruscan cemetery that inspires some interest in pre-Roman history.
The streets of Gradara are perfectly conserved as well as the castle. Basically you will breathe real medieval atmosphere for some hours. In the castle occurred one of the most famous passional murder of Italian history, gifted to time thank to Dante who wrote about it in the Divine Comedy.
18. Capri
A beautiful island located in the Tyrrhenian off the Sorrento peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples in the Campania region of Italy. Major attraction of this island includes marina piccola an harbor of an island, Blue Grotto an sea cave in the cost of Capri, sunlight passing through the cavity and shining through sea water creates blue reflection.
Monte solaro an mountain in Capri which is the highest point in Capri and it gives panoramic view of Capri being at an elevation of 598 meter. Many tourist visiting Capri are fond of wearing Capri pants named after Capri.
The Capri island is one of the best summer destinations on the coast of Naples, can reach from Positano, Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Sorrento, Salerno, Naples, with ferry or private excursions. It is one of the most beautiful islands of this coast, with its famous Blue Grotto. Vietri sul Mare is the village of the Amalfi Coast closest to Salerno.
Versailles of the south, the Reggia di Caserta was built as the residence of the Neapolitan royal family. It also includes an interesting collection of paintings and Terrae Motus, a collection of contemporary art
19. Sorrento
The first town that appears in the Sorrento Peninsula is Castellammare di Stabia, located a few kilometers south of Vesuvius, at the southern end of the Gulf of Naples. Castellammare di Stabia is defying fashion by banning miniskirts, low-cut jeans as well as too much cleavage.
Next to this town are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Stabiae. Take your first bath in one of the magnificent lidos or Palombara beach.
20. Naples
Known in all the world for pizza, Campania is one of the most representative regions of Southern Italy. There is the breathtaking Costiera Amalfitana, the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia. You have then to visit of course the crowded and funny Naples, the Royal Palace of Caserta and then the archaeological site of Pompeii. You will not be disappointed.
21. Ischia
Italy has many famous beaches which seem to be very often Caribbean beaches, while remaining in the Mediterranean. The most beautiful beaches are generally in Sardinia and then in southern Italy (Puglia, Calabria and Sicily).
Eclipsed unjustly by its neighbor Capri for years, the Ischia island is one of the tourist treasures best kept by the Italians. Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea and only 30 km from Naples, Ischia is an island of volcanic origin that has become in recent years one of the largest thermal centers in the Mediterranean. Ischia is undoubtedly a movie spot in Southeast Italy.
To get to Ischia, you have to take an aliscafo (motor boat) from Naples or from Sorrento. Those who seek well-being and relaxation can discover the incredible thermal offer that Isquia offers, following an itinerary that runs through the best thermal centers of the island.
The Giardini Poseidon Terme, located in the suggestive bay of Citara, is the largest thermal park on the island, with 22 thermal healing pools whose waters emerge at constant temperatures between 16 and 40˚. Another feature of this park is the abundance of water, which allows a continuous renewal of them. The Negombo Hydrothermal Park is located in the splendid bay of San Montano in the town of Lacco Ameno.
Negombo offers 15 thermal pools at different temperatures, hydromassage, a plantar massage pool, a private beach, beauty and health center, and an aesthetic center. In the month of August, the nights in Negombo are animated with musical and cabaret shows in the company of great Italian artists. It is worth to savor a dish of pasta ai Frutti di mare or a variety of fried fish, all washed down with a delicious white Ischitano wine.
22. Positano
There is no direct ferry from Palermo to Salerno, so you can head towards Milazzo, embark to Lipari, tour the beautiful aeolian islands, and from there take another ferry to Salerno. Salerno is the best option to base if you want cheap hotels.
From Salerno, the Costiera Amalfitana and Pompei are a must see, even if they are not exactly off the beaten track. Positano is one of the most internationally known towns on the Amalfi Coast. You can get to Positano by car, bus or public and private ferry. Praiano is a small fishing village, lies between Positano and Conca dei Marini, and is usually ignored by most tourists.
23. Bari
Bari is a magnificent base of operations to get to know the north of the region, including the essential Matera - although it is in Basilicata and Alberobello. The ideal is to take as strategic bases Bari to the north and Lecce, the Florence of the south. With a rental car everything becomes easier. Drive along the coast of Puglia to Lecce, passing through Trani and off to the Ionian cost, passing by Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo all the way to Matera and its Sassi.
The distances are short and allow to make day trips to see several of the suggested points and explore the interior of the region, famous for its olive groves, its orchards and its charming villages. Lumache crude are a typical dish in Puglia and Sicily and sometimes they are cooked just a little. Pulpo crudo is generally slammed up against a rock and then washed, before it's eaten.
Bari is famous for holding the body and relics of St. Nicholas in a majestic church in the center, and for this reason it attracts many worshipers from East Europe. Puglia also boasts of being the Italy's second largest wine production region. If you want to vacation in Apulia, popular destinations are the Salento area (the southernmost part of the Region) and the Gargano (the spur of the Italian boot). Apulia is also famous for its masserie, old farmhouses that have been converted into fancy hotels. Some are really beautiful.
Apulia is one of the nicest regions: its countryside, full of little white-tarred towns such as Locorotondo, Polignano a Mare and the wonderful Alberobello (with its trulli, typical apulian huts), is fantastic, awesome. Apulia, the region without rain, the heel of that geographical Italian boot was for centuries, an inhospitable and distant region. The southernmost city of Apulia has an incredible baroque center built in white and light cream colored stone. The uniqueness of the urban scenery served as the set for a number of films.
The baroque city of Lecce is breathtaking. Lecce which is often called the Florence of the South due to the heavy presence of the baroque style (it’s also known as the capital of Baroque). You have beautiful beaches that go from deep blue water and rocky ones all the way to turquoise water and sandy ones.
There’s the town of Ostuni (North of Salento) which is known as the white city due to its buildings being completely white. Castel del Monte is also a very interesting castle which is a UNESCO site.
Visit the capital city of Bari and then Castel del Monte. There, the cuisine is simply excellent! Southern Italy transcends the concept of a getaway and is one of the great journeys that still persist in Europe. If you go by flight, Brindisi and Bari are the gateway to the region.
24. Calabria
Time to head south to Calabria. The highlights are Santa Severina, Tropea and Scilla. You have Matera, next to Puglia, which is famous for its Sassi (ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Palaeolithic) and it's also another UNESCO site.
Torre Guaceto is a small watchtower located next to a lush forest underbrush and old farmland. Otranto has a small but impressive historic center around its Aragonese Castle. Ostuni is a beautiful white city. The city of Gallipoli is, in fact, a small island defended by impressive walls and another of those castles that the Crown of Aragon planted throughout the region to shore up its dominion over southern Italy. Taranto is another of the interesting points of the region.
Calabria is the southernmost peninsular region of Italy. Famous for its chili peppers, the Tropea red onions and the ‘Nduja sausage, Calabria has also beautiful cliffs and coastlines, such as the one in Le Castella and Marasusa - in Tropea - but also some nice cities such as Cosenza and towns like Morano Calabro and Scilla. Another nice thing to visit in Calabria is the byzantine Cattolica di Stilo.
Palmenti Pietragalla is a little-known treasure in Italy, hidden in the Basilicata region. This quaint village is celebrated for its unique historical wine-making structures called 'palmenti'. These are ancient, carved stone basins dating back centuries, once used by local farmers to crush grapes and produce wine.
The charm of Palmenti Pietragalla lies in its landscape filled with these old stone troughs, often set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush Italian countryside. Visitors can wander through this open-air museum of sorts, where each palmento tells a story of traditional wine-making techniques, passed down through generations.
Beyond the palmenti, the village itself exudes a serene atmosphere, with its cobblestone streets and rustic architecture. For those seeking an authentic slice of Italian heritage and the tranquillity of rural life, Palmenti Pietragalla is a gem worth discovering.
25. Palermo
The Aeolian Islands deserve an exclusive week-long trip. Pretending to go and return in a day does not make much sense. Halfway between Europe and Africa, and bathed by calm and turquoise waters, Sicily is a world apart. Despite the attempts and plunges of modern life to erase the customs and traditions that have covered the Italian way of life for centuries, Sicily remains firm to its principles.
Many of Sicily's stunning beaches are accessible only by boat or on foot, which means that if you're traveling alone, you'll have a lot of quiet time to enjoy them. The locals here are friendly and will go out of their way to help travelers who need directions, recommendations, or just a chat. If you want to explore the island on your terms but still feel like you're part of a community, Sicily is for you.
Sicily is one of the most famous regions of Italy. Its fame is due to the various and tasty cuisine, the Greek temples in the Temples Valley, the mafia. However, Sicily has more and more things to discover, from the wonderful beach of Scala dei Turchi, to the outstanding baroque cities in Eastern Sicily (for example Ragusa).
There are the marvelous Arabic churches in Palermo (for example the outdoors of the cathedral; the indoors are not arabic), and, about volcanoes, the Aeolian Archipelago and of course Mount Etna. Sicily is probably one of the regions that offers more to the tourists.
Sicily is not an ideal destination for those who want to visit historical remains or great works of art, but for those who want to soak up folklore, fascinating food, an addictive way of life, happy inhabitants and a different way of understanding time. And it is that the clock, in Sicily, slows down, everything goes to half gas, the urgency disappear and the hurry vanishes.
Enjoy the mix of Norman, Arab and other civilizations that fell in love with the city in the Norman Palace and throughout the historic center in Palermo.
The inland of Sicily has more human presence, and you’ll find many interesting towns like Piazza Armerina and archeological sites like Segesta. Coast the southern edge of Sicily and stop by Modica for its chocolate, Agrigento for its temples, then up north all the way to Segesta, and, finally, to Palermo. If you like laying your back on razor sharp lava rock, Pantelleria is heavens for you, and the colour of Favignana’s waters is indescribable.
It is an island at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Winters are mild and summers are extremely hot. It is known for its breathtaking beaches. Capuchin Monastery Catacombs is an unusual place that came about when Palermo’s Capuchin Monastery had maxed out its cemetery in the 1500’s. The Capuchin monks started to excavate catacombs below it.
If you like seeing centuries old dead people, some of whom still have hair and some of their skin, and many wearing their earthly garments, this place is for you. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Sicily.
Far from giving off the grandeur of Palermo, the corners of Catania, or the elegance of Syracuse, Trapani seduces for other reasons. Its pedestrian historic center, its quiet environment, the gastronomic proposal, the famous salt mines, and the proximity to the Egades make it worthwhile to stop on our route through the west of Sicily.
Syracuse is a wonderful destination for those who are interested in history, culture, and architecture. The city boasts a number of well-preserved ancient Greek and Roman ruins, as well as impressive Baroque buildings and picturesque streets. Additionally, Syracuse has a thriving food scene, with plenty of delicious local specialties to try. So, if you are looking for a slightly off-the-beaten-path Italian adventure, Syracuse is definitely worth considering.
Calamosche is a beautiful golden sandy beach and a worthy place for those who seek a peaceful destination to visit. The natural surrounding is the ultimate beauty with Vendicare Natural Reserve on Sicily's south-east coast and next to the archaeological site of Eloro. The beach is one of Italy's best beaches with a calm sea – ideal for swimmers and opportunities for snorkeling and stunning flora and fauna.
Both the Annunziata Sanctuary and the Pepoli Museum deserve to delay the visit to the city center. The historic part has streets of great beauty such as Via Garibaldi with its baroque palaces or Via Vittorio Emanuele with its route of churches, pedestrian routes where suddenly appear wonders such as the Senatorial Palace and the Clock Tower.
One of the southernmost islands of Italy, Pantelleria is easy to reach from Trapani in Sicily. Its rugged volcanic territory, the wite houses, and the panteschi gardens (round walls that protect from the wind the orange trees) makes it one of the most fascinating destinations of the Mediterranean.
Opposite, on the island of Colombaia, the Castello di Mare guards the entrance to Trapani by sea. On the south coast there is the marina and the docks where the excursions to the Egadi depart, while in the northern part we find the beaches, from the urban coves of Porta Ossuna or the Tower of Ligny, to the Litoreana or San Giovanni, immense beaches.
The itinerary called salt road runs along its irregular row of windmills that draw a landscape that Cervantes already evoked. The salt mounds, covered in terracotta tiles, look like blankets that safeguard the salt. In Nubia, in the territory of the salt pans of Paceco, visit the Salt Museum, located in an old mill.
The boat trip to the Egadi that leaves in the morning and returns in the afternoon after visiting Favignana and Levanzo is one of the most popular attractions.
South of Trapani, after leaving behind the pink salt pans that face the Phoenician island of Mozia, the road takes us to Marsala in Sicily. Take the ferry, pass the straight, and land in Sicily, where you continue your journey until the southernmost part of Italy. Do not miss Taormina and Siracusa.
The almost always present sun encourages to buy a piece of cheese, open a good Marsala wine, and eat Lazarillo de Tormes in the quiet Marsala. From Roman times the wall and some porticoes of access to the city are still preserved.
The vines grown there produce white and red wines with an exceptional flavor and aroma. Since the 19th century these wines are exported all over the world. As you can imagine, there are numerous wineries where you can taste this wine jewel.
In the town of Salemi, the dilapidated and often crumbling buildings are put up for sale for 1 euro. The buyers only spend symbolic 1 euro to buy the building, but they need to sign a document in which they agree to fully renovate the building, making it habitable anew.
Just like Navagio, San Vito Lo Capo is difficult to get to, but once you are there you will be so glad you made the effort. It is tucked away in the Zingaro Nature Reserve, and if peace and quiet are your things, this is hard to beat. San Vito Lo Capo is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that has everything a beach lover wants. The beach set against the imposing backdrop of Monte Monaco and its turquoise waters will make you love the place.
If you are not just a beach person and want more, San Vito Lo Capo is also offering some great adventures to climbers as the place is lined with some tremendous stunning cliffs. The adventures while climbing help you witness hundreds of caves and caverns among the peaks. You can also experience the Cous Cous Festival if you visit the place in September. Small in size, Cala Tonnarella more than makes up for that in its charm and beauty.
The gulf that bathes its waters receives the name Castellemmare del Golfo, nestled in a natural harbor between San Vito lo Capo to the west and Terrasini to the east, and about 40 km from Trapani. For the Greeks it was already an outlet to the sea from the city of Segesta, a strategic work continued by the Arabs who erected a fortress on the promontory that juts out from the coast.
The physiognomy of the current castle, trapezoidal in shape, is the work of the Aragonese, who erected a massive building. In addition to the castle, the Matrice church and the walk through the port, you should not miss a visit to the old Scopello tuna factory and the Zingaro nature reserve, and to be able to bathe in its small blue-water beaches.
An interesting aspect of Italy's artistic heritage is represented by the "Scala dei Turchi" in Sicily. The Scala dei Turchi is a unique rock formation that stretches along the coast between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle.
What makes this rock formation special is its bright white color and limestone structure. The rocks, smoothed by the erosion of wind and sea, create a series of natural steps that appear to descend towards the sea. The name "Scala dei Turchi" has legendary origins and may derive from the fact that, at one time, Turkish pirates used to hide along this coast.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Scala dei Turchi is also notable for the spectacular panoramic views of the Sicilian coast and the Mediterranean Sea. This place represents a fascinating example of how nature itself can be an extraordinary form of art.
