Italy is a country that holds endless possibilities for visitors, offering everything from ancient history to stunning coastlines. When planning a trip, deciding on the perfect base can make all the difference in how you experience different regions. I’ve found that choosing a strategic location often leads to more relaxed and rewarding journeys, especially when traveling with family.
Finding Central Bases for Northern Exploration
When I wanted to explore the Veneto region, I decided to base myself in Padua. It’s a fantastic starting point for venturing into Venice, with trains to Venezia Mestre running frequently and at affordable prices, provided you avoid the express services. Booking tickets is straightforward if you use the Trenitalia app.
Choosing Padua as a base can significantly reduce accommodation and dining costs compared to staying directly in Venice, while still offering full access to the city.
Beyond Venice, Padua itself is a city worth exploring, rich with its own history and attractions. The convenience extends to other nearby cities as well; you can easily reach Vicenza, Verona, Bologna, and Bassano del Grappa by train. For a public transport-focused trip in northeastern Italy, I found it to be an ideal hub.
During a recent break in Turin, a short trip to the mountain town of Susa proved to be a delightful excursion. Situated in a picturesque valley along the ancient Roman road to Gaul, Susa’s historic center blends medieval and Roman architecture with a backdrop of alpine beauty. The Arch of Augustus, dating back to the 1st century BC, is remarkably well-preserved. It was built to signify the loyalty of local tribes to Rome, and in a very Italian way, the modern road passes directly beneath it.
As you travel back towards Turin, keep an eye out for the impressive Sacra di San Michele abbey perched on a mountaintop. This abbey served as an inspiration for Umberto Eco’s novel, The Name of the Rose, adding a layer of literary intrigue to the scenic journey.
Tranquil Escapes Near Famous Landmarks
Even when visiting incredibly popular sites, finding moments of peace is possible. In Rome, while the Colosseum is an undeniable draw, the area around the Colosseo/Fori Imperiali Metro Line C station offers a unique experience. The station itself doubles as an underground museum showcasing ancient lead pipes and Roman saunas for a minimal fare.
📍 The Casina del Salvi provides a serene spot with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Colosseum, accessible for the price of a coffee.
After experiencing the crowds at the Colosseum, I sought refuge at the nearby Casina del Salvi. This spot, located on the edge of Parco archeologico del Celio, is a true local secret. It offers a tranquil sun terrace with stunning views of the Colosseum. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an espresso or a light meal, providing a peaceful panorama just a stone’s throw from the main tourist paths.
Exploring Coastal Beauty with Family
The Cinque Terre villages are undeniably beautiful, but they can also be overwhelmingly popular. For a more relaxed experience, I recommend staying in Levanto. From Levanto, you can easily take trains to visit the five famous towns.
A fantastic way to explore the area, especially for families, is by bicycle. Renting bikes in Levanto allows you to cycle along the resurfaced old train routes, known as the Maremonti path. This path, stretching for about two miles, is delightfully shaded and offers access to beaches that are otherwise only reachable on foot or by bike.
We cycled this path with Lily and Ethan, which was manageable and enjoyable for everyone. The route leads to Bonassola and then continues to Framura, where you can find a lovely spot for lunch at the tiny harbor. The joy of this journey is its combination of natural beauty and quietude, a welcome change from the busier Cinque Terre villages.
Adventures Off the Sicilian Coast
The island of Vulcano, part of the Aeolian archipelago off the coast of Sicily, offers a unique adventure with its volcanic landscapes. I embarked on a sea kayaking trip here with Sicily in Kayak, led by a knowledgeable guide named Eugenio.
Sea kayaking excursions in the Aeolian Islands can range from half-day trips to multi-day adventures, often including hiking and snorkeling opportunities.
Eugenio expertly guided us through sea stacks, arches, coves, and caves along the rugged coastline. We enjoyed playing in the swells on the deep blue sea and even experienced the warmth of fumaroles on a black sand beach. A memorable highlight was the delicious home-cooked lunch Eugenio prepared and stowed on his kayak, complete with biscotti dipped in local malvasia wine—a perfect reward after a morning paddling.
Discovering Riviera Charm on the Adriatic
On Italy’s Adriatic coast, in the Marche region, Grottammare presents a classic Riviera atmosphere. The town boasts beaches that stretch along its length, complemented by a palm-lined promenade filled with bars and restaurants.
The old town, Grottammare Alta, is a designated one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Its honey-colored stone buildings and medieval alleys adorned with colorful plant pots are truly charming. From Piazza Peretti’s loggia, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the town and out to the sea.
⚡ Quick Tips
- Choose Grottammare for a relaxed beach holiday feel on the Adriatic coast.
- Explore the charming old town, Grottammare Alta, for its medieval character.
- Enjoy local cuisine at the numerous restaurants along the promenade.
- Take short train trips to larger towns like Ascoli Piceno and Pesaro for day excursions.
Grottammare offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding. For those who wish to explore further, larger towns like Ascoli Piceno and Pesaro are easily accessible by train, providing diverse experiences within the region.
Exploring Lesser-Known Archaeological Wonders
While Syracuse in Sicily has its own impressive amphitheater, a truly special find for me was the Akrai archaeological park, located about 45 minutes inland. This site, though smaller in scale than some of the more famous Italian ruins, offers a more intimate experience.
At Akrai, you can wander freely around the amphitheater and catacombs. Because it’s off the beaten track, it attracts fewer visitors, making it a beautifully calm and serene place to explore, especially compared to the larger, more crowded archaeological sites.
After visiting Akrai, the nearby village of Palazzolo Acreide is also worth a visit. It’s a pleasant place for a stroll and offers some delicious lunch options, rounding out a day of historical discovery.
Florence’s Summer Riverfront Life
Florence is often associated with its iconic Renaissance art and architecture, but I discovered a different, more local side to the city during the summer months. If you head east along the banks of the River Arno, beyond the usual tourist areas, you’ll find a slice of authentic Florentine life.
Among the trees, pop-up bars and food stalls appear, often accompanied by live music. This is where the city’s residents gather to socialize at the end of the day. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, bringing together a mix of generations.
The riverfront east of Ponte San Niccolò transforms into a lively local hangout during summer evenings, offering a relaxed vibe with food, drinks, and music.
I started my explorations near the Ponte San Niccolò and walked east towards Lungarno del Tempio. It’s a wonderful area to grab a drink, enjoy a pizza, and simply relax like a local. After a day of intense sightseeing, this part of Florence provided the perfect environment to unwind.
Modernist Architecture in Milan
While Italy is most famous for its ancient structures, a highlight of my recent trip to Milan was the Villa Necchi Campiglio, a stunning 1930s villa. This Italian rationalist masterpiece showcases a fascinating contrast between elegant, spacious modernist design and more elaborate rooms styled after the 18th century.
The villa also boasts Milan’s first private swimming pool, a testament to its forward-thinking design. Film enthusiasts might recognize the villa from movies like I Am Love or House of Gucci, yet it remains remarkably under the radar. It was a pleasure to discover this striking gem and share it.
📍 Villa Necchi Campiglio offers a journey through different architectural eras, from rationalist modernism to classical influences, set within its own grounds.
A Brutalist Masterpiece Above Trieste
During a walking tour of Trieste, my attention was drawn to a distinctive building visible in the distance: the Temple of Monte Grisa. This brutalist cathedral sits dramatically on the edge of the Karst plateau.
The journey to Monte Grisa can be an adventure in itself. You can reach it via a steep hike, or by taking a bus, through the village of Prosecco. The ascent offers magnificent views of the Gulf of Trieste, providing a scenic preamble to the destination.
Inside, the cathedral’s architecture is truly breathtaking. It features a repeating M-shaped pattern constructed from concrete, alongside gigantic modernist representations of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Visiting on a sunny day maximizes the dramatic effect of the shadows and light playing across the concrete structure.
⚡ Quick Tips
- The Temple of Monte Grisa is best admired on a sunny day to appreciate the interplay of light and shadow.
- Consider the hike through Prosecco village for scenic views, or opt for the bus for easier access.
- The modern, minimalist interior offers a unique spiritual experience.
- Allow time to soak in the panoramic views of the Gulf of Trieste from the approach to the temple.
Choosing a central base or focusing on a specific region can really shape your Italian experience. Whether you’re drawn to the art of the north, the ancient history of Rome, or the coastal beauty of Sicily, there’s always a way to see a different side of Italy, even in its most famous locations.