I stepped into the courtyard off Corso Umberto I and smelled damp clay before I saw the wheel. A woman named Elvira was pulling a pot from a lump of grey earth, her hands moving like she had done it ten thousand times. She probably had — Vietri sul Mare has been the center of Amalfi Coast ceramics for centuries, with roots that go back to the 15th century. Each piece of Vietri ceramics undergoes more than 30 production steps
Ravenna, a city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, feels like stepping into a rich, historical mosaic. Its streets are lined with a blend of ancient churches and modern shops, offering a unique contrast. Imagine wandering through alleys filled with the aroma of gelato and the sight of souvenir stores, only to turn a corner and find yourself face-to-face with centuries-old ochre facades. The true magic, however, is found within these historic walls and domes, where millions of sparkling mosaic tiles tell
Italy might be known for its ancient history and Renaissance art, but as I discovered, it offers a surprisingly vibrant and engaging landscape for families. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Rome, there’s a wealth of experiences that appeal to all ages. This trip, I was looking for destinations that would spark my kids’ imaginations and create lasting memories, moving beyond just the typical tourist trails. Exploring Tuscan Delights Venture into Florence Florence is an
Turin, Italy, feels like a city that’s not trying too hard, yet it delivers an experience that’s rich with history, culture, and a surprising modern edge. It’s a place where grand historical architecture meets a forward-thinking spirit, making it a truly intriguing destination. Exploring Turin’s Historic Heart The Grandeur of Piazza San Carlo Stepping into Piazza San Carlo is like entering a living postcard. This vast, cobbled square, often referred to as Turin’s “drawing room,” is framed by elegant arcades
Sorrento unfolds like a painted scene, its pastel buildings clinging to dramatic cliffs that plunge into the azure Bay of Naples. It’s a town that instantly sets a relaxed rhythm, a place where the scent of lemons hangs heavy in the air and every winding alleyway promises a new discovery. As I strolled through its charming streets, I felt a sense of arrival, a feeling that this was a place designed for savoring life’s simple pleasures, the very essence of
Rome is a city that always promises something new, especially with major events on the horizon. This year, with the ongoing Jubilee festivities and the excitement surrounding the upcoming papal conclave, the Eternal City feels particularly alive. Planning a trip here for 2026 means navigating a popular destination, but with a little insider knowledge, you can make your visit truly exceptional. Forget the overwhelming crowds; focusing on what makes Rome so special is key to an unforgettable experience. Planning Your
Venice truly lives up to its dreamlike reputation. Arriving here, you immediately feel a sense of stepping into another time, where art and history are woven into the very fabric of the city. It’s a place where even the morning rush at a local wine bar feels like a cherished ritual. Navigating the canals and discovering its hidden corners offers a unique perspective, far from the typical tourist trails. Embracing Venetian Traditions My visit to Venice in 2026 felt like
I have to admit, I was skeptical when I first heard people comparing California towns to European destinations. Having spent plenty of time wandering Italian hill towns and French coastal villages, I assumed the comparisons would be a stretch. But after digging into what’s actually there — the architecture, the landscapes, the history — I started changing my mind. Some of these places come closer than you’d expect. Domestic leisure travel spending is expected to climb to $909 billion in
Bringing home a piece of Italy is about capturing those fleeting moments – the scent of lemon groves, the feel of aged leather, the taste of rich olive oil. It’s more than just a souvenir; it’s a tangible memory that can transport you back to sun-drenched piazzas and ancient streets. Forget the generic airport trinkets; the real treasures are found in the bustling markets and artisan workshops, whispering stories of Italian craftsmanship and tradition. As I packed my bags after
Italy truly lives up to its reputation as a land of wonders. It’s home to so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, I lost count, and the scenery shifts dramatically from alpine peaks to sunny coastal shores. For our first grand tour, we decided to hit some of the top spots to really get a feel for the country’s culture, landscapes, and incredible food. From ancient cities to charming seaside villages, these places offered a fantastic introduction. Rome Ancient Wonders Walking
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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
