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 […]

5 reasons foodies love to visit Assisi

various wines outside small village restaurant store umbria nr Assisi

In the heart of Umbria, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Assisi may be small, but it has plenty to offer any visiting food fan. Here are the top reasons foodies love Assisi: 1. Perfect pasticcerie Those with a sweet tooth will be glad to hear that Assisi is blessed with many tempting pasticcerie. A […]

5 reasons foodies love to visit Parma

Prosciutto di 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 […]

Gazzetta: Music among the ruins

ancient Roman Arena set up for an outdoor concert in the historic centre of Verona, Italy

In this edition of our bilingual feature, Tom Alberto Bull discusses the trend towards using historic buildings for modern-day music events Key words Useful Italian words and phrases to add to your vocabulary. Ha suscitato molto scalpore Has caused quite a stir Intelligenza artificiale Artificial intelligence Scatenando un putiferio Causing an uproar Non sarebbe la […]

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 […]