I stood in a lemon grove above Amalfi holding a fruit that weighed as much as a small grapefruit. It was lumpy, pale yellow, and when I scratched the skin with my fingernail, the air filled with an almost floral scent. Back home, a lemon is a lemon. Here, the Sfusato Amalfitano is something else entirely. It’s not just bigger — it’s bred differently, grown on cliffs, and protected by law. Here’s why these lemons dwarf every other lemon in
Getting to Italy’s cruise ports can sometimes feel like part of the adventure itself, especially when your planned embarkation point has changed. That was certainly the case for us this past summer when we discovered our Royal Caribbean cruise would be departing from Ravenna, Italy, not Venice as we had initially booked. While the cruise line now refers to Ravenna as the “Venice” cruise port, it’s important to know that the historic city of Venice is about a 90-mile drive
The rolling hills of Central and Southern Italy hold a special kind of magic, far removed from the predictable tourist trails. Imagine waking up to rows of vineyards stretching before you, the scent of herbs from a garden infusing the air, and the promise of farm-to-table dining. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the essence of Italy’s agriturismo trend, particularly the luxurious farmstay resorts that offer an authentic escape. These properties, often rooted in ancient farm estates called masseria, have
Italy is stepping into a new spotlight, shifting focus from its iconic big-hitters to the quiet charm of its lesser-known historic old towns. This movement is part of a broader European trend, where places like Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia are also highlighting their compact centers with cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and stunning natural settings. It’s a smart move for travelers, offering a more relaxed and often more affordable alternative to the usual crowded city breaks. For 2026,
My first visit to Rimini felt like stepping into two distinct worlds, each with its own unique charm. One moment, I was on a vast, lively beach, the next, I was wandering through ancient streets. It’s this fascinating duality that truly makes Rimini a special place to explore. The city is bisected, quite literally, by a railway line, and this division highlights the contrast between its modern seaside energy and its deep historical roots. You can easily spend your days
Planning a trip to Italy with teenagers can be a balancing act, aiming for relaxation for the adults and plenty of engaging activities for the younger crowd. It often means finding places that offer more than just a pretty view and a sunny beach. My recent travels to Italy revealed some fantastic spots that truly cater to this dynamic. These locations managed to keep everyone happy, from kids glued to their phones for Wi-Fi to parents craving a break. Northern
Italy always leaves a lasting impression, doesn’t it? It’s a country that pulls you in with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and incredible food, making you dream of returning before you’ve even left. If you’re like me and find yourself wanting just a little more time to explore, adding an extra weekend or choosing a destination off the beaten path is a fantastic idea. This year, I’ve been planning some truly special short trips, and I’m excited to share some
Italy’s coastline is famously beautiful, and it’s always exciting to discover new places to explore. This year, spotting that prestigious Blue Flag is a great way to find beaches that meet high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental care. It means you can arrive knowing the water will be clean, there’s good supervision, and the facilities are top-notch. For anyone planning a summer trip to Italy in 2026, looking for these flags is a smart move for a truly
Italy truly is a country that welcomes families, making it a fantastic destination for a trip with young children. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to embrace the chaos and joy that kids bring, and where embracing local life feels wonderfully accessible. From rolling vineyards to ancient farmhouses, the opportunities for discovery are endless, offering a refreshing alternative to predictable tourist resorts. Exploring Tuscan Charm Tuscany, with its iconic landscapes, offers so many delightful family-friendly spots. I found myself drawn
Italy’s rail network offers some of the most breathtaking journeys imaginable, weaving through diverse landscapes from rugged coastlines to majestic mountain peaks. It’s a way to truly see the country unfold outside your window, a moving panorama that can be as much a destination as the cities and villages themselves. I’ve found that embracing the train, especially for longer distances or scenic routes, allows for a more relaxed pace and a deeper appreciation of the regions you’re traversing. For my
For inquiries:
The Sentiero dei Limoni connects Maiori and Minori with roughly 400–800 stone steps, climbing through terraces where the sfusato amalfitano lemon has been grown for centuries. – Amalfi Outdoor Experience I was standing in the main piazza of Minori, coffee in hand, staring up at the hillside behind the Basilica di Santa Trofimena. Terraced rows of green and yellow climbed the slope in tight lines, held up by dry-stone walls that looked older than the church itself. A few minutes earlier I had asked a local shopkeeper about the lemon groves visible from town. She pointed to a narrow
I first heard about Marina del Cantone from a friend who grew up going to the Sorrento coast long before the influencers arrived. She described it as the place her family went when they wanted to escape the crowds, a little fishing village with a pebbled beach and a pasta dish so good it has its own name. I’d been to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, and loved them, but I also felt the strain of the crowds. So when I finally made it to Marina del Cantone, I understood exactly what she meant. Marina del Cantone is a refuge
I stood on the pebble beach at Marina del Cantone, squinting at the water. It was a shade of blue so deep and vivid that I thought my eyes were playing tricks. I pulled out my phone, lined up the shot, and watched the screen turn the color into something flat and ordinary. The water in Nerano simply does not photograph correctly. That’s not a complaint — it’s a challenge. Nerano is a tiny fishing village in the municipality of Massa Lubrense, about 70 km from Naples, tucked between the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula. Nerano is a
Cava de’ Tirreni has reinvented itself. It is no longer just a beach destination. It is a place where people come for the art, the history and the peace.” – Pasquale Schiattarella, local tour guide, via The New York Times I stepped out of the car in Cava de’ Tirreni and the first thing I noticed was the air. Cool, clean, carrying pine instead of salt. After days on the Amalfi Coast, where heat bounces off limestone and the sea breeze is a constant companion, the shift felt immediate. This town sits on the steep slopes of the Lattari
I stood on a terrace carved into rock so steep I had to brace myself with one hand. Below me, the Mediterranean glittered. Beside me, vines twisted out of soil that barely looked deep enough for a houseplant. In August 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization added Amalfi’s terraced farming system to its Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems list — recognizing that these stone-walled plots let people grow food on terrain most would call impossible. – lavocedinewyork.com Emily’s Take Yes, the vineyard terraces of Furore are worth a detour — but only if you’re okay with steep roads, manual
I stood at the edge of the path in Bomerano, looking down at the terraced lemon groves and the sea stretching toward Capri, and I finally understood why they call it the Path of the Gods. The Sentiero degli Dei runs 7.8 km from Bomerano (in the municipality of Agerola) to Nocelle, a hamlet above Positano, and it’s the kind of walk that shifts something in you. Most people start from the other end, but the real magic happens when you go this way. The trail runs 7.8 km from Bomerano (Agerola) to Nocelle, mostly downhill, with views of
