The Italian Gift Edit

It can be hard to find a gift that throws into the mix a bit of luxury, perhaps a touch of style and something that’s an all round treat. Italia! have investigated all the options and here is the top list, hopefully this will make it a lot easier to choose something perfect for everyone… For Her Spread Eat Repeat Giandiuso […]

Weddings in Italy

If Italy is truly the land of love, then what better place in the world can there possibly be to take your vows and say sì sì? We just love Italian weddings… Creative Wedding The Important details any wedding planner needs to know Britta from Creative Wedding explains what a wedding planner needs to know […]

Southern Italian potato pie

New potatoes are abundant at this time of year and as well as being great boiled, they also bake very well. This layered potato pie will draw all the family round the table … Serves 2 – Preparation 15 minutes – Cooking 35 minutes Ingredients 450g new potatoes, scrubbed salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 onions, peeled, finely […]

La Rocca Calascio – The Highest Fortress

La Rocca Calascio fortress in Abruzzo, L'Aquila province Italy

“He who controls the high ground controls the battle,” goes the old military adage – and it doesn’t get much higher than La Rocca Calascio. Standing at  1,460 metres above sea level – that’s 300 metres higher than Ben Nevis – this medieval fortress provides a vantage point over huge swathes of land… Standing in […]

Grappa

Think of it as Italian firewater? An end-of-meal tipple to be feared as much as revered? Paul Pettengale explains why quality grappa should be sipped and savoured… You know the drill. You’ve enjoyed your welcoming glass of prosecco. You’ve sampled a glass of white, maybe a glass of red with your six-plus course meal at […]

Sacro Monte di Varese

High in the hills overlooking Varese is one of the most remarkable hidden treasures you could wish to behold – the rarely seen frescoes of the Sacro Monte de Varese As far as hidden secrets go, the Sacro Monte di Varese appears like the central plot focus in a sequel to The Da Vinci Code. Situated […]

Homes in Apartments

Well-built, comfortable and great value for money, an Italian apartment can make a wise buy. Whether you’re looking for somewhere urban, coastal or rural, Fleur Kinson guides you through some of the practicalities… Italy’s property prices are lower now than they were eight years ago, and current exchange rates allow non-euro buyers like yourself to get even […]

4 Ways to Use Garlic

In her new book on the subject, Jenny Linford describes every imaginable way of cooking with garlic. Here we present four of her recipes with a distinctively Italian twist… 1. Grilled wild garlic mussels / Cozze grigliate all’aglio selvatico A rich, tasty way to serve mussels, this offers a great contrast of textures between the crunchy […]

Le Marche – Expert advice from Appassionata

If you are serious about planning a new life in Italy, you will need to consider certain factors very carefully. We asked an expert to offer their best advice. After many years of searching for the ideal place to experience la dolce vita, we moved to the stunning region of Le Marche in 2007. We fell in love with ‘real […]

Top Ten Italian Holiday Destinations

Mario Matassa reveals his choice of the top ten holiday resorts in Italy. From the mountains to the sea, for food fans or culture vultures, there’s a destination for everyone… In a country synonymous with history, art, architecture, style, fashion, gastronomy – not to mention seemingly endless golden sands, striking and rugged landscapes, grand historical cities […]