Fly with an angel, Basilicata
Visiting Castelmezzano, a town perched against the backdrop of the Dolomiti Lucane, was an unexpected stop on my recent road trip through southern Italy. This breathtaking place is worth taking a detour from the main road in Basilicata, and it is complemented by another stunning town on the opposite mountain, Pietrapertosa. To travel between the two, you can experience the thrilling Flight of the Angel, a high-speed zip line that connects them. While the town itself is mesmerizing, especially when admired from a distance to appreciate its unique location, the surrounding area offers incredible hikes, forests, and national parks.
Cream of the crop, Lombardy
Crema, located near Milan, welcomes you with its charming cobbled streets. The town is adorned with beautiful churches and convents that are a treat for architecture enthusiasts. Bicycles are a common sight, and they are the best way to explore the nearby villages and countryside. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the oddly delicious tortelli cremaschi, and let your taste buds draw their own conclusions about the ingredients. On clear days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains framing the horizon. Crema is also conveniently located for day trips to Milan, Cremona, Bergamo, as well as Lake Iseo and Lake Garda.
Holiday like the Romans in Minturno, Lazio
Minturno, a coastal town between Rome and Naples, is situated north of the beaches of Scauri. In the summer months, you can experience a traditional Italian beach getaway here, with the beautiful Monti Aurunci nature park providing a backdrop as you enjoy the aquamarine shallows. The sandy shore is lined with gelato parlors and beach clubs. For a quieter beach experience, head to Porticciolo Romano on the headland, although it’s recommended for those who prefer a more organized and adventurous beach outing.
Beautiful views with food to match, Friuli
In the lesser-known region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, located in northeast Italy, there are countless opportunities for discovery for lovers of wine, food, nature, and history. Start your day with a coffee in the piazzas of Udine, then spend the afternoon hiking in the Julian Alps before indulging in the Habsburg-era grandeur of Trieste. As you explore this beautiful region, your taste buds will be treated to delights such as melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto di San Daniele and cheese-laden frico (a potato cake), accompanied by a glass of friulano wine.
Double the delight in Bergamo and Lecco
For a cultural and scenic escape without the crowds, consider a twin-center break in Bergamo and Lecco. Begin with the historic Città Alta neighborhood in Bergamo, followed by a visit to the medieval marvels of Città Bassa and the fabulous Accademia Carrara. A short and affordable train ride will take you to Lecco, located at the bottom of Lake Como. Here, you can enjoy the lake by ferry or train, and the town is less touristy compared to the more famous Bellagio. Follow in the footsteps of the characters Lucia and Renzo from Alessandro Manzoni’s novel “The Betrothed” and experience the local food and drinks on an aperitivo crawl.
Apertivo, boat trips, and bars, Liguria
The Italian Riviera offers stunning coastal beauty, with beaches and accommodations to suit every budget. The coast is less crowded than the French Riviera, and you can find lovely beaches to relax on. In the evening, take a stroll up the hill to Bordighera Alta, the old town, where you can enjoy an aperitivo and dinner in the maze of alleys and tiny squares filled with bars and restaurants.
Verdant meadows in the Valtellina, Lombardy
Valtellina, located in the mountains north of Milan, is a hidden gem known for its vibrant meadows and picturesque mountains. The area offers fresh air, blue skies, and sunshine, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities. Don’t miss out on trying the regional specialty, pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta), which is best enjoyed after a morning of walking. Pair it with a glass of regional red wine, Inferno, and finish your meal with a sip of caffè corretto (espresso with grappa).
Try out a trullo, Puglia
Alberobello, located in Puglia, is a charming destination famous for its trulli, small cone-shaped buildings. Take a stroll through the streets of the Monti district, where you’ll find over 1,600 trulli that have been converted into shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Learn about the town’s history and traditions at the Trullo Sovrano Museum, and don’t miss the opportunity to taste local treats such as almond sweets and olive oil.
Rise above the Amalfi coast in Ravello
Escape the crowds and explore the lesser-visited town of Ravello on the Amalfi coast. Enjoy the sound of church bells in the picturesque square surrounded by cafes serving Amalfi spritz or limoncello. Wander through the cobbled alleys and admire the enchanting houses. Finish your visit by reaching Villa Cimbrone, where you can witness the breathtaking “terrace of infinity” overlooking the sea. This unique experience will leave you in awe.
Winning tip: Inspiring Avigliana, Piedmont
Avigliana, a medieval town located near Turin, is perfect for a day trip. Start by exploring the 10th-century San Michele Abbey, which served as the inspiration for Umberto Eco’s novel “The Name of the Rose.” Enjoy the stunning views of the valley from the abbey. Back in Avigliana, take a leisurely walk under the medieval porticos of the centro storico, and if you visit in August, you’ll have the chance to enjoy free concerts during the annual jazz festival. Don’t forget to stop for lunch at Canton Divino and try the typical stuffed agnolotti pasta. End your day at Lago Grande, where you can rent a pedalo and admire the abbey from below.