May in Italy is the month of the rose – and the Italians do like their roses. Gardens up and down the country, public and private, are now coming alight with their odours and blooms… While we in the United Kingdom have to wait until at least June to enjoy our roses – “When summer’s […]
Olives, bread and wine form the ‘Trinity of the Table’ in Tuscany, and there is an impressive supporting cast behind them too. Wanda Djebbar explains just what it is that makes Tuscan cooking so good… With the region’s great agricultural heritage, it is not surprising that Tuscan food is strongly linked to the land. Most […]
Delicious Sardinia is an unspoilt beach paradise where electric-hued water meets pristine clean sand. Fleur Kinson identifies the best places to be… Without a doubt, the island of Sardinia is home to some of the very best beaches in the Mediterranean. Crystalline waters of dazzling turquoise, cobalt or emerald lap shores of white or golden […]
Jenny Crombie takes a relaxing trip to the sunny shores and calm sapphire waters of Lake Garda. The delights of pretty Bardolino tempt her to stay a little longer in paradise… There must be something in the air around Lake Garda. Some other-worldly matter, maybe exuding from the lake itself, that won’t allow any other state but […]
Italia! June Issue 139 on sale now! I’m pleased to announce that 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. In our June Issue, 139, the romantic operatic delights of Puccini are re-explored by Adrian Mourby in Tuscany, we meet with archaeologist Dr Estelle Laser who harbours an enduring passion for Pompeii and what’s more Emiko […]
With its dramatic geography, recent cultural renaissance and fascinating backstreets, Francesca Unsworth explains why it’s time to fall in love with this dynamic city Genova never quite seems to make it onto the traveller’s list of desirable places to visit in Italy. Tucked into the crease of Italy’s northwest coastline, the Ligurian capital struggles to […]
A weekend away in Florence? Summer…boots? The Venice day bed? This just sounds like the narrative to our ideal summer, line up Italia! fans! 1. Italian Summer Boots When the sun comes out, it’s time to make a decision: head to the park, walk along the beach or perhaps grab a spot of lunch at your favourite pavement […]
Seeking out peace and tranquillity, Catherine Sidwell experiences a thermal wellness tour in southern Tuscany… 1. Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort Location: Fonteverde Localita Terme, 1 53040 San Casciano dei Bagni Siena Tuscany www.fonteverdespa.com +39 0578 57241 info@fonteverdespa.com Fonteverde’s philosophy combines physical health, relaxation and beauty. A wide range of spa, massage, yoga, beauty, thermal mud, inhalation and […]
It takes time and space to grow, and its season is short, yet there is nothing quite like the taste of fresh asparagus. Here are four ways the Italians use it to help herald the arrival of summer… 1. Toasted ciabatta with pea and asparagus purée Ciabatta con purè di piselli e asparagi Serves 2 […]
Italia! uncovers the story of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo, travelling through the mists of time to a Sicily under threat from an indiscriminate killer – bubonic plague In 1159 Santa Rosalia or La Santuzza, the little saint, cast off the worldly trappings and moved into this bijou home from home – or cave […]