48 Hours in Cefalù and the Aeolian Islands

With nothing particular to do except enjoy the sun, sea and scenery, James Miller spent the weekend ambling around Cefalù and venturing out to the neighbouring islands… Here are countless reasons why visiting Sicily is a good idea: natural beauty, historical and cultural interest, food, even romance. As a regular visitor I’m no stranger to […]

Cannelloni with Ricotta and Cherry Tomato Sauce

This cannelloni combines a creamy sharp ricotta filling with slightly bitter greens and a sweet tomato sauce. The contrast between the sauce and filling is amazing Method To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a saucepan, add the garlic and cook until just turning golden. Add the halved tomatoes. They should hiss as […]

Appassionata Boutique

With a new collection for Spring/Summer 2016, Appassionata Boutique has the handbag for you…   Combining our love for Italy and handbags, Appassionata Boutique designs and creates luxury handmade Italian leather handbags for a global market. Like most women, our love for handbags started at a young age. We set up Appassionata Boutique so women […]

Creative Holiday

Have you ever wanted to combine a holiday in Italy with a real learning experience? Then a creative holiday is just what you are looking for… Life Holidays Experience a luxury Pilates holiday in Italy with Life Holidays, May to October every year Life Holidays is an experienced holiday specialist, unique to Italy and Sicily.  […]

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 […]

United Colours – Equality for Women across the Globe

Italian fashion brand Benetton is now 50 years old, and it is still campaigning for a better, more caring, more sustainable world, writes Gilly Turney. But it is no longer out to shock; but taking a gentler, more mature approach. The year 2016 is going to be all about equality for women across the globe… […]

Wines of the Veneto

The northeastern region of the Veneto combines gentle plains in the south with mountains in the north. From robust reds to subtle prosecco wines, it really does have it all… It’s the largest-producing region of DOC wines (accredited wines by law) in all Italy. Although not vast in size, being the eighth-largest region in land […]

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 […]