A Sicilian escape

Swimming pool at the Verdura Resort

Sarah Rodrigues discovers a world of relaxation and hospitality at the Verdura Resort near Agrigento in Sicily… Photos by Verdura Resort and Sarah Rodrigues   Standing atop a look-out point surveying the Verdura Resort, it’s striking how insignificant the construction seems in the context of its expansive, 230-acre grounds; the roofs are a mere smudge […]

Lake Garda travel guide

alliums in italy

Jon Palmer shares some highlights from his e-biking trip to Lake Garda – there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy! Read on to get inspired for your trip… Photos by Parco Natura Viva, Verona Garda Bike & Getty Images What to see & do Gardaland Lake Garda’s best amusement park (and Italy’s first) has fun and […]

E-biking in Italy, part 1: Lake Garda

If you really want to experience the beauty of a natural landscape there’s no better vehicle than the bicycle. And it needn’t be an exercise in strength and endurance. Jon Palmer goes e-biking in Italy… Photos by Getty Images & Verona Garda Bike The hills of Valpolicella, which rise in an uncoordinated eruption of undulations […]

Courmayeur travel guide

Auberge de la Maison

Make the most of your travels with Rachael Martin’s tips and advice for anyone travelling to this spectacular part of Italy… Photos by Rachael Martin and Auberge de la Maison What to see & do The Skyway The Skyway (left) offers breathtaking and emotional views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. It’s Italy’s extreme […]

At the foot of Il Bianco

Auberge de la Maison, Mont Blanc, Italy

Rachael Martin spends a weekend exploring the alpine splendour of Courmayeur and its environs in the mountainous region of Valle d’Aosta Photos by Rachael Martin and Auberge de la Maison   What Cortina is to the Dolomites, Courmayeur is to Valle d’Aosta. It’s desirable, often exclusive, with fantastic skiing opportunities right next to the Mont Blanc […]

Florence travel guide

Florence

Amanda Robinson shares her pick of the best places to eat and stay in Florence – plus a few special spots to visit on your next trip to this Renaissance treasure… Photos by Amanda Robinson & Lungarno Collection What to see & do Piazza del Duomo  The complex of Santa Maria del Fiore is the […]

Past Italia: Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica, Italy

The Mithraic Mysteries was once the predominant religious practice in Rome, and some archeological remains of this pre-Christian religion still survive… Photo by Getty Images Before Constantine converted to Christianity and changed Europe for ever, the most worshipped figure in Rome was Mithra, a divinity of Persian origin about whom little history remains. By the […]

Sardinia regional property guide

Porto cervo, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Find out which part of this beautiful island is the best place for you, with Fleur Kinson’s guide to Sardinia’s property market… Photos by Getty Images Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, and only marginally smaller than Sicily. In contrast, however, its population is not much more than 1,500,000, making it comparable […]

Homes in Sardinia

Bosa, Sardinia

White beaches, turquoise water, pristine landscapes… Sardinia offers a fat packet of charms. Surprisingly, there’s property here to suit every budget, says Fleur Kinson Photos by Getty Images   Italy certainly has no shortage of beautiful places, and if you were asked to come up with its top ten, you’d struggle to make so short […]

Gualdo house, Le Marche

Gualdo house

A three-bed, stone-built farmhouse with lovely rural views, within walking distance of a small medieval town. The property was restored ten years ago by the current owners, retaining many of the original materials including oak beams and lintels. On the ground floor is a living room opening onto the south-facing terrace and garden, an open-plan kitchen […]