I’m standing on the black sand of Maronti Bay, watching a chef bury a tray of chicken and potatoes directly into the steaming ground. The heat rising from the volcanic sand is intense enough to cook a full meal, and the smell of garlic and herbs mixing with the sea air is something I still think about months later. Ischia, the largest island in the Bay of Naples, is home to over 100 natural thermal springs, more than any other
Ischia, a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples, offers a more tranquil alternative to its famous neighbor, Capri. Its affordability, lush landscapes, and charming seaside towns make it a worthwhile destination in southern Italy. Emily’s Take For a memorable two-day visit, focus on the stunning gardens, historical sites, and natural thermal springs that Ischia is known for. Reaching Ischia involves a ferry or hydrofoil journey, as there are no air or land connections to the island. Hydrofoils from Naples
Forget the usual Italian hotspots; some of the most rewarding trips involve venturing slightly off the beaten path. For a dose of that sought-after feeling of uncovering a true local treasure, with fewer crowds and a gentler price tag than nearby Capri, I found myself drawn to Ischia. This volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples truly retains a rustic soul, offering a rich blend of culture, incredible food, and stunning natural beauty. Exploring Ischia’s Timeless Charm Ischia presents a
When you need a break from crowded cities and the relentless sun, an island escape offers a unique kind of peace. Imagine swapping the hustle for the gentle sounds of nature, where luxury is defined by space, quiet, and the unspoiled beauty surrounding you. For a truly restorative experience, consider the island of Ischia, a gem in the Bay of Naples that offers a more tranquil alternative to its famous neighbors. Discovering Ischia’s Serene Interior My journey began with a
You absolutely must visit Ischia, a stunning island off the coast of Naples. It offers a wonderful blend of chic modern touches and a deeply authentic Italian feel, unlike some of its busier neighbors. The island is like a perfectly hidden spot, offering so much more than just beautiful beaches. Exploring Ischia Ponte One of the first places you should go is Ischia Ponte, home to the impressive Castello Aragonese. This historic castle, with its ramps and courtyards, feels like
Stepping off the ferry onto Ischia felt like entering a different era, a world away from the bustling energy of Naples. Just a short ride across the Gulf, this island offers a slower pace and a connection to a more traditional Italy. It’s a place where the scent of bougainvillea hangs heavy in the air and the rhythm of the waves seems to dictate the day’s pace. Exploring Ischia’s Coastal Charms The island’s main towns, while offering modern amenities, still
The Amalfi Coast is undeniably stunning, but if you’re yearning for an Italian island escape that feels a bit more grounded, I recently discovered Ischia. It’s often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbor, Capri, but for those who appreciate volcanic landscapes, incredible food, and a more relaxed pace, Ischia is a true gem. It’s the kind of place where Neapolitans themselves vacation, and after visiting, I can see why they keep it a bit of a secret. A Quieter Mediterranean Charm
Italy often conjures images of grand cities and iconic historical sites, but stepping onto the island of Elba offers a different kind of Italian experience. Located off the coast of Tuscany, it’s a place where rugged natural beauty meets charming coastal villages, providing a refreshing escape from the mainland’s hustle. I recently found myself drawn to its serene atmosphere, seeking a destination that felt both accessible and a world away. Discovering Elba’s Coastal Charm Elba, the third-largest island in Italy,
Naples serves as an incredible launching point for exploring the Campania region of Italy. This exciting part of southern Italy offers a stunning mix of dramatic coastlines, ancient history, and island beauty, making it a dream for any traveler. While the city itself is brimming with life and character, the surrounding areas beckon with unforgettable day trip possibilities. Getting around can be a bit of an adventure, especially if you choose to drive in Naples itself, which many describe as
Europe is a continent that truly overflows with variety—manageable distances connect a dizzying array of languages, cuisines, and landscapes. For a quick escape, many vibrant cities and breathtaking natural wonders are just a short flight or train ride away. Planning is key to making the most of a short break, whether your heart yearns for culture, delicious food, natural beauty, seaside relaxation, or lively nightlife. This guide offers a starting point for exploring some of the continent’s most inviting weekend
For inquiries:
On Via della Chiesa 29R in the Oltrarno, Ginevra Gemmi works in the studio where she was born — handcrafting jewelry without moulds or reproductions, in gold, silver, bronze, and natural stones, on a street she grew up on. That kind of continuity isn’t rare in this district. Bottega Conti has been producing traditional paper marbling since 1786. Some furniture restorers on Via Maggio work in the same rooms their grandparents occupied decades earlier. The Oltrarno’s artisan identity didn’t develop to serve tourists — it predates the tourism industry entirely, and that sequence matters for understanding what you’re actually
On Via della Chiesa 29R in the Oltrarno, Ginevra Gemmi works in the studio where she was born — handcrafting jewelry without moulds or reproductions, in gold, silver, bronze, and natural stones, on a street she grew up on. That kind of continuity isn’t rare in this district. Bottega Conti has been producing traditional paper marbling since 1786. Some furniture restorers on Via Maggio work in the same rooms their grandparents occupied decades earlier. The Oltrarno’s artisan identity didn’t develop to serve tourists — it predates the tourism industry entirely, and that sequence matters for understanding what you’re actually
Walk into Cavalli e Nastri on a Tuesday morning in Brera and you’re surrounded by silk Pucci prints from the 1960s and Versace jersey from the 1980s, each piece tagged and documented. This isn’t a thrift store in the conventional sense — it’s a deliberate archive, and the price tags make that obvious. What separates Milan’s vintage scene from most European cities is that access to fashion-industry supply chains is built into the city’s fabric. According to Milan Tourism, fashion houses regularly pass samples and archive pieces to dealers they’ve worked with for years, while wealthy Milanese residents direct
I was driving the SS163 Amalfitana, the road that snakes along the coast between Positano and Amalfi, when I passed a bridge and caught a flash of blue below. I pulled over where I could, walked back, and looked down — a narrow gorge dropped straight into the sea, with a tiny pebble beach at the bottom. That’s how I found Furore’s fjord, a place I’d read about but wasn’t prepared for the scale of it. The SS163 bridge crosses 30 metres above the water — and most people drive right over it without stopping. – thewomtravel.com Emily’s Take
I stood on the pebbles of Fornillo Beach at 5:45 AM, the sun not yet over the cliffs, and watched the water turn from grey to gold. No one else was there except a fisherman checking his boat. That moment alone made the early alarm worth it. Fornillo is Positano’s second beach, reachable by a 300-meter cliffside path, and it’s about 30% less crowded than the main Spiaggia Grande, according to local guides. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Positano’s coastline without the chaos, this is it. Fornillo Beach sees roughly 30% fewer visitors than Positano’s main
I stepped off the bus onto the SS163 and the first thing I registered was the smell. Not the floral perfume of lemons that hangs over most of the Amalfi Coast. Something saltier. Sharper. Anchovies. Cetara makes no apologies for what it is — a working fishing village where colatura di alici has been pressed from fermented anchovies for centuries. In 2020, that amber liquid earned EU protected designation of origin status, legally tying it to this single stretch of coastline. Colatura di alici di Cetara is the liquid from fermenting salted anchovies in wooden barrels (terzigni), legally protected
