calabria

Calabria: Uncrowded Beaches and Coastal Train Rides

Imagine a place where the sea meets dramatic cliffs, dotted with colorful villages that seem to spill down to the water. This is Calabria, the “toe of Italy’s boot,” a region often overlooked but brimming with authentic beauty and experiences. It offers a slower pace, stunning coastlines, and a rich history that echoes from ancient Greek settlements to more recent past generations. For your 2026 travels, consider this region for a trip that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, away

Read More »

Reggio Calabria’s Riace Bronzes and Coastal Wonders

We found ourselves at the southern tip of Italy, in a region called Calabria. It’s the very toe of the boot, a place separated from Sicily by a narrow stretch of water. The land here is shaped by the sea and by the mountains, offering a unique mix of natural beauty and fascinating history. I’d heard about the dramatic landscapes and ancient stories, and I was eager to explore what this lesser-known part of Italy had to offer. Exploring Mountain

Read More »

Escape Positano with Tropea’s Peaceful Beaches

I stood on the balcony of our apartment in Tropea, coffee in hand, watching the sun hit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola. Down below, the water was that impossible shade of turquoise you usually only see in edited photos. A few minutes later, Lily and Ethan were already begging to go down the 200-plus steps to the beach. Tropea, a town of roughly 6,500 residents on Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, sits on a cliff that drops straight into the sea.

Read More »

Italy’s Art Cities and Harvests Await

This autumn, I found myself drawn to Italy, a country that truly shines when the summer crowds dissipate and a softer light bathes its historic cities and rolling landscapes. Traveling during this season offers a sweet spot of pleasant temperatures, fewer queues, and a chance to connect with places on a much deeper level. It’s the perfect time to explore the rich tapestry of experiences Italy offers, from vibrant cities to tranquil mountain retreats and, of course, its renowned culinary

Read More »

Visit Italy’s Coast of the Gods

Italy holds a special place in my heart, but I’ve always been drawn to places beyond the usual tourist trail. While Rome and Florence are undoubtedly magnificent, I often find myself searching for those quieter corners that reveal a different side of a country. This year, my journey took me to the southern region of Calabria, specifically to a stretch of coastline that truly lives up to its divine name: the Coast of the Gods, or Costa degli Dei. Discovering

Read More »

Italy’s 487 Blue Flag Beaches in 2026

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

Read More »

Italy’s Loveliest Beach Towns

Italy’s coastline is a dream, especially when the Mediterranean climate coaxed bougainvillea into bloom. The sea offers a perfect escape from the summer heat, and along these shores, you’ll find charming towns where the rhythm of life is set by the tides. Beach clubs offer loungers, and restaurants serve up fresh seafood, from classic spaghetti alle vongole to fried fritto misto. I’ve explored many of these coastal treasures over the years, and I’m excited to share some of my absolute

Read More »

Italy’s Loveliest Rail Routes: A Scenic Guide

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

Read More »

Puglia: Italy’s Whitewashed Hill Towns & Handmade Pasta

Puglia, often overshadowed by the more famous Italian destinations, truly felt like uncovering a cherished secret. Situated in the southern “heel” of Italy’s boot, this region offers a unique blend of rustic charm and refined elegance that surprised me at every turn. It’s a place where the landscape itself tells a story, from its sun-drenched farmlands to its dramatic coastlines. I had heard whispers from friends about its rising popularity, a destination favored by Italians for their summer breaks and

Read More »

Italy’s Shoulder Season: Hike Dolomites Peacefully

I’m standing on a trail in the Val Gardena valley, and the only sound is the crunch of my own boots on gravel. No chatter in English or German. No line of hikers ahead. Just the pale grey peaks of the Dolomites rising against a deep blue sky, and the faint smell of pine in the air. It’s late September, and I’ve just discovered what the shoulder season in the Dolomites actually feels like — peaceful, open, and entirely mine

Read More »
Load More