10 reasons to visit Taranto: Puglia’s ‘City of the Two Seas’

Looking for things to do in Taranto? Val Nicastro introduces us to the hidden delights of Puglia’s second city… Despite being Puglia’s second-largest city, Taranto often slips under the radar of travellers, overshadowed by its industrial reputation. Yet it is a city rich in beauty and history. Dubbed the ‘City of the Two Seas’, it […]

10 must-visit locations in western Sardinia – from the natural magic of Santa Cristina to the traditional crafts of Bosa

Penny Wainwright steps back into Sardinia’s rich and fascinating past as she heads to the wilds of western Sardinia… With its beautiful sandy coves and turquoise sea, Sardinia is already well known as a beach destination. And yet, there is so much more to discover, not least around Oristano and the Sinis peninsula. Here, in […]

Step-by-step focaccia with cherry tomatoes and herbs

Want to make the perfect Italian-style focaccia? Mario Matassa shows us how in this step-by-step recipe, enriched with cherry tomatoes and herbs To say that Italians take their focaccia very seriously would be a simple understatement. Once, a dentist friend asked me if I’d like to take a quick drive with him as he had […]

5 reasons foodies love to visit Parma

Parma is a food enthusiast’s heaven. Here are five reasons to make it your next destination for a foodie holiday: 1. Parmigiano-Reggiano One of Parma’s most popular exports is Parmigiano-Reggiano, the grainy cheese named after the area in which it is produced. The cheese, which is often aged for at least two years, is popularly […]

Top 5 reasons to visit Valle D’Aosta

From snowy slopes and mountain peaks to ancient ruins and traditional cheese, here’s why a visit to Valle D’Aosta should be on your agenda: 1. Mountain adventures all year round The sloping mountains of the Aosta Valley make for good skiing conditions in the winter, but the same tracks are just as popular for mountain […]

8 of the best markets in Rome: a local’s guide to the city’s historic stalls

There is a side of Rome that many visitors never see: the one-of-a-kind markets in the outskirts of Rome. For an authentic slice of life in the Eternal City, let Elisa Colarossi take you on a tour of her favourite mercati romani. Welcome to Rome, home to timeless history, stunning art, and mouthwatering dishes. But […]

Penne with Porcini Mushrooms and Peas

This simple and satisfying penne and mushroom dish is the perfect solution for a tasty midweek meal. Try it tonight! In Italy, porcini mushrooms reign supreme, but this pasta dish can also be made with other varieties, depending on what you have on hand (skip the soaking step if using fresh rather than dried). Penne […]

Spaghetti with crispy breadcrumbs and anchovies

Spaghetti with crispy breadcrumbs and anchovies is a simple, coastal Italian pasta that lets fresh anchovies shine. Sweet cherry tomatoes, golden breadcrumbs and good olive oil turn a modest catch into something spectacular. There is something about fresh anchovies that invites company. Perhaps it is their abundance, arriving by the kilo in crates packed with […]

Top 10 things to do in Liguria

Looking for things to do in Liguria? You’ll be spoilt for choice with ten good reasons why it is a favourite destination for all the family Home to the ancient Liguri and, later, the maritime Republic of Genoa, Liguria’s spectacular coastline, pastel-coloured villages, well-equipped beaches and mild climate have been loved by many. In 1866, […]