I was standing at the Belvedere di Santa Croce on the Path of the Gods, watching the sun slide over Positano in that soft September light. A dozen people jostled for space to take the same photo. I loved the view — but the experience felt manufactured, like a queue for a scenic elevator. That’s when a older Italian man walking a dog pointed to a narrow stone track heading down toward Nocelle. “That’s the real path,” he said with
Pogerola is what happens when a place decides it does not need to be pretty for anyone. It just is. – emilyinitaly.com The first thing I noticed in Pogerola was the smell. Not the sea — that came later, when the path opened and the whole Amalfi Coast dropped away below. No, the first thing was woodsmoke and baked dough, coming from an alley so narrow my shoulders almost brushed both walls at once. I had come to this tiny
Florence, a city that breathes history, offers hotels that are more than just places to stay; they are destinations in themselves. These establishments often occupy historic buildings, blending the grandeur of the past with the comforts of the present. You can find accommodations that once housed noble families or offer views of iconic landmarks like the Duomo. Emily’s Take Staying in a landmark hotel in Florence feels like stepping back in time, but with all the modern conveniences you need
The Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs, dotted with terracotta-hued villas, have drawn visitors for centuries. Once a strategic hub for the Roman Empire and later the maritime Republic of the Kingdom of Naples, this stretch of Italian coastline became a celebrated retreat for European travelers in the 19th century. By the 1940s and 1950s, its glamour had attracted the attention of Hollywood and its elite, who sought the essence of ‘la dolce far niente’ in towns like Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento.
The first time I stepped out of Bergamo’s lower city and watched the funicular glide upward, I felt like I was leaving the 21st century behind. The Funicular Città Bassa–Città Alta has been hauling passengers up the steep hillside since 1887, and it still runs on a simple cable system that feels wonderfully old-school. It covers a vertical rise of about 85 meters in just a couple of minutes, and for anyone visiting Bergamo, it’s the most direct way to
Verona, a city in Italy’s Veneto region, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for a city break or as part of a broader Italian itinerary. The city is famously known as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” with Juliet’s House and its iconic balcony drawing visitors. Beyond its literary connections, Verona shines with its vibrant festival scene, particularly its renowned opera performances. Emily’s Take Verona truly surprised me with its
Venice—a city synonymous with romance, art, and unparalleled history—is embracing a new chapter of commerce and culture. The historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a landmark on the Grand Canal, has been reimagined by DFS Group as a destination that blends luxury retail with cultural experiences, reopening its doors in October 2016 after extensive renovation. This ambitious project transforms the 800-year-old building, once a trading post for German merchants and later a customs house, into T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS. The
Rome has so many layers, and I always find something new to explore. This trip, I was drawn to the history of coffee houses. Antico Caffè Greco on Via dei Condotti is considered the oldest in Rome, opening its doors in 1760. It’s right near the Spanish Steps, making it a natural stop after enjoying the view. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time, with its dark wood paneling, marble counters, and red velvet seating. You can feel the
You might have heard about the Antico Caffè Greco, once Rome’s oldest coffee house, located near the Spanish Steps. It has a rich history, attracting famous writers, artists, and even movie stars over two centuries. While it faced closure due to a rent dispute, the spirit of these historic Italian spots lives on, offering you a glimpse into a past filled with culture and style. Exploring Historic Cafés in Rome The Charm of Rome’s Oldest Coffee House For over two
Discover the magic of Florence from a historic palazzo that feels miles away from the city’s energy, yet is just a short walk from its most iconic sights. This exceptional hotel offers a unique blend of centuries-old character and modern luxury, making it a truly memorable place to stay in Italy. Imagine stepping into a former noble residence, where every corner tells a story, and then finding yourself surrounded by extensive gardens and world-class amenities. A Grand Historic Setting The
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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
