10 best things to see and do in Tropea, clifftop resort town in Calabria

Explore Tropea town, the Coast of the Gods and the surrounding countryside with Kate Wickers. Sitting pretty on Italy’s Calabrian toe sits southern belle Tropea. This seaside resort town remains delightfully off the tourist map (compared to other coastal beauties such as Amalfi) and is still more popular with holidaying northern Italians than it is […]

Top 20 things to see and do in Rome

Aerial view of Rome city skyline from Castel Sant'Angelo

Overwhelmed by the endless options in Italy’s capital? Narrow it down with the top 20 essential things to do in Rome, whether it’s your first visit or your twenty-first. Italy’s capital is so full of treasures, you could spend years here and not manage to see them all. So what hope is there for the […]

5 best Venetian islands you need to visit

Colourful Burano island in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy

From idyllic trails to picture-perfect towns, discover the most beautiful Venetian islands you won’t want to miss on your next Venice trip. 1. Burano: Best for postcard-perfect views A vibrant, picturesque island which, in the 16th century, began to flourish through the rise of its lace-making traditions, Burano is truly captivating for its colourful fishermen’s […]

The history of San Marino: Stamps, coins, and Abraham Lincoln

Guaita Tower view from san marino

If you’re planning a stay in Rimini, don’t miss a day trip to San Marino, Italy’s closest neighbour and the world’s oldest surviving republic. If you think the Italians are a proud bunch, you haven’t met the Sammarinese. “We’ve not been to a war since the 15th century,” said Maria Sara Forcellini, my tour guide, […]

5 best hot springs in Italy

Montecatini Terme Hot spring in Italy

Relax and recharge in these amazing hot springs to visit in Italy, from pampering sites in Ischia to the healing waters of Fiuggi. 1. Poseidon Thermal Gardens, Ischia Ischia lies in one of Italy’s most volcanic regions: the Bay of Naples in Campania. The hot waters here have been used for treatment since the 8th […]

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

Taranto swing bridge

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 […]

Top 5 reasons to visit Valle D’Aosta

The Aosta-Pila gondola lift in summer arriving at Pila

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 […]