Garda of Eden

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!

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 […]

48 Hours in Genova

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 […]

Best Spas in Italy: from thermal bathing to wellness temples

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 […]

Four ways to use Asparagus

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 […]

Past Italia – Santa Rosalia

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 […]

School of Wine

Would you want your children to be taught how to drink wine…let us know what your reaction to this news snippet is… Italian school children as young as six could soon be taught how to drink wine. The proposal forms part of a parliamentary bill designed to prevent irresponsible drinking among young people and help them appreciate […]

The Grand Tour – Part 2: Turin, Genoa and Milan

In the second part of our six-part series, Jon Palmer continues on the trail of the Grand Tourists by chasing after a few sedan chairs around 18th-century Turin, Genoa and Milan. Few considered Turin an important destination on their Grand Tour. It just happened to be the first city you came to. Back then, anyone […]

Top Five Bridges

Today, we cross some stunning Italian ponti as we dare to travel a bridge too far with our guide to the top five bridges in Italy for romantics to meet on. Ponte di Rialto Venice With a wealth of Venetian bridges to choose from, the Rialto Bridge, which is situated in the heart of Venice, remains […]