Top 5 Great Lakes

Italy is blessed with several spectacular lakes that are beloved worldwide. So many lovely destinations to choose from – which is the best? Italia! picks five favourites… Lake Maggiore Piedmont & Lombardy Peeking into Switzerland and bridging the Lombardy-Piedmont border, Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s beloved northern lakes. Traditionally the uglier sister of Como, but […]

On the wire – Italy’s highest and fastest zip wire

High in the mountains of Basilicata, the world’s highest and fastest zip wire gives fearless travellers the ride of their lives. Fleur Kinson straps on a helmet and prepares to launch… Forget lazing by the pool reading the latest blockbuster novels, or nosing round museums, strolling the seafront or relaxing at sunny cafés. Surely there’s […]

6 reasons to visit Umbria

The only Italian region with no coastline and no bordering countries, Umbria, sitting at the heart of the boot, is picturesque, green and unique. Slowing right down to walking and cycling pace is the perfect way to fully appreciate the charms, hidden treasures and distinctive character that makes this timeless part of Italy a mediaeval […]

Viewpoint: Ponte Sant’Angelo

This iconic view of St Peter’s Basilica and the Ponte Sant’Angelo that leads towards it is instantly recognizable as Rome, but 500 years ago this view began to change significantly… There are several reports of Roman travellers of the 16th century returning home after some time abroad to find a city they said they barely […]

Le Marche Regional Guide: Part 2

Le Marche lies on the eastern side of Italy, east of Umbria, between majestic mountains and inviting sea. The region is split into five provinces: Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, Macerata, Ascoli Piceno and the recently constituted Fermo. Its proximity to both mountains and sea makes it very appealing to prospective homebuyers. The Adriatic coastline stretches some 180km […]

The best events in Puglia

No matter what time of year you visit Puglia you are sure to find something exciting to do and Puglia Holiday Rentals have the best advice An unplanned visit to a town often reveals streets hung with bright lights and stalls laid out with local food and crafts in celebration of some event or another. Early in the […]

Now you can get your favourite Italian wine delivered straight through your letterbox

The wine bottle has been through many changes since it was first developed in 3,000 BC – but today not one rivals a new design for sheer 21st Century convenience. Mail-order subscription service Garçon Wines have been in the process of developing a flattened 750ml bottle that can be delivered straight through your letterbox and now it’s here. You can […]

Italia! February Issue 147 is on sale now!

The latest issue of Italia! is on sale now, available to buy online and from stores across the UK! You can also download the digital edition for Apple devices or online /Android/ Windows 8 devices. February always feels like a bit of a watershed month to me: the post-Christmas slump has been and gone in the dull days of January, the new year is well and […]

Top Picks this month

From a unique Italian art exhibition and ancient maps to a gourmet ski trip, giant chocolate bars, jumbo hampers and last-minute gifts in this month’s round-up… All wrapped up Take a look at the stunning hampers from La Vialla in Tuscany which come in varying sizes. The bountiful Grande Famiglia Natale hamper costs £253.73. Order […]

Le Marche Regional Guide: Part 1

Le Marche lies on the eastern side of Italy, east of Umbria, between majestic mountains and inviting sea.  The region is split into five provinces: Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, Macerata, Ascoli Piceno and the recently constituted Fermo. Its proximity to both mountains and sea makes it very appealing to prospective homebuyers. The Adriatic coastline stretches some 180km […]