Category: Italy
The region of Abruzzo extends from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. There are three National Parks, a Marine Protected Area, a Regional Park and over thirty Nature Reserves. Abruzzo also consists of golden beaches and some of the most beautiful medieval towns in the country. The cuisine is eclectic and diverse and…
The Pugliese town of Vieste is uniquely located at the end of a beautiful peninsula called the Gargano. The tiny beach town has natural grottoes, sea arches, and white weathered rock formations. The Pizzomunno is a large white limestone monolith on the shoreline that stands alone and reaches heights of over 80 feet tall.…
Matera is one of southern Italy’s most intriguing places. Recently designated as the European Capital of Culture, the community is buzzing with excitement. The unique Unesco World Heritage Site is located in the region of Basilicata. The city of Sassi, literally means “rocks”. The gully is steep. Matera has 1,500 cave dwellings carved into…
Altamura, a town of Puglia, is the ‘City of Bread’. Its bread making traditions and reputation has existed for centuries. Each family used to prepare a large dough of bread at home and take it to a public oven to bake. The baker would mark each piece of bread with family name to avoid confusion. Altamura…
Gallipoli is a fishing village and one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Puglia. The historic old town is situated on a limestone island linked to the mainland by a 16th century bridge. The city center is fortified and surrounded by ancient walls and the sea. The streets are narrow and the architecture is…
The southernmost stretch of Puglia is Salento, the elegant stiletto of the Puglian boot. Santa Maria di Leuca is the furthest point and the last town of Italy. It is the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In the sizzling south, the sandy beaches and the stretches of coastline are dramatic. Exploring “the…
Lecce is the grand dame of Puglia. “The Florence of South” is located in the heel of the Italian boot. The cultural city is extravagant. The rich Baroque architectural monuments are impossibly intricate and unique. There is evidence everywhere of the city’s strong tradition for papier-mâché making. The atmosphere is youthful, exciting, and lively.…
Ostuni is Puglia’s “White City” (La Città Bianca). This sun-bleached medieval town rises on a hilltop high above the olive groves and looks out at the Adriatic Sea. The blazing white houses and churches in the old town spill over the top. The labyrinth alleys are appealing. The cafes are casual. The wine bars…
The ancient whitewashed town of Polignano a Mare in Puglia is dramatically perched on limestone cliffs. It overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. The seaside town is, undeniably, romantic. The shoreline is full of natural sea caves. In addition, Polignano a Mare is famous throughout the world for its spectacular cliff-diving championships.…
Savelletri di Fasano is a laidback fishing hamlet in the region of Puglia on the heel of Italy. The tiny village is tranquil and is ideal for getting away from it all. Most of the coastline is rocky and the landscape is beautiful. The handful of sandy beaches have beach clubs with parasols and…
Alberobello is a small town in Puglia and is famous for its unique and fascinating trullo buildings. The whitewashed stone huts have conical roofs which resemble a magician’s hat. The legend is that inhabitants designed them in this way to avoid taxes. The roof of a trullo is made by assembling stones on top…
Lucca is a city in Italy’s Tuscany region. It is known for its fantastic and well-preserved medieval city walls which encircle the historic old town and its cobblestone streets. Large pathways along the tops of the walls are popular, of course, for strolling, running and cycling. Since 1857, Lucca has been a destination for…
The Cinque Terre is a string of five centuries-old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera in the region of Liguria. Colorful homes and vineyards cling to steep terraces. The coastline is beautiful and the harbors are filled with fishing boats. In addition, the trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the region’s famous…
Known as the “Balcony of the Amalfi Coast”, the Italian village of Ravello is a cliff-top town located above Amalfi. The resort town is one of the quietest along the Amalfi Coast and has been attracting celebrities for centuries. It is the home of iconic cliffside gardens where the atmosphere is cool, serene, and refined.…
Napoli is a city to behold with its unique landmarks. The Bay of Naples and the looming figure of Mount Vesuvius make Napoli a city rich with beautiful views. From seeing the ancient ruins of Pompeii to experiencing the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, there is plenty to do in this old region. The Small List…
Bologna is the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. This lively city in northern Italy lies in between Venice and Florence. It’s rich with cultural jewels and leaning medieval towers. Mortadella and ragù alla bolognese both have their origins in Bologna, Italy! The Small List Best Hotel Grand Hotel Majestic – già Baglioni –…
Located in Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Correggio is the land of Lambrusco, aged balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese. The porticoed streets and the evocative views reveal the historical role of the town. Worth seeing is the well-preserved town center. The Small List Best Restaurant Osteria del Filosso – The kitchen at Osteria del Filosso has…
Modena is the home of fast cars and slow food. The historic city is located in the heart of northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. This storybook destination is famous for its rich cuisine, especially barrel-aged balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese. Liquid and edible gold! This lovely city is also the hometown of Luciano Pavarotti, Enzo Ferrari,…
Surrounded by magnificent, sugar coated mountains, discover the unique and priceless natural spectacle of the mighty Dolomites in Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is enchanting with extraordinary rock formations, breathtaking scenery and very unique views. Ski from Val Gardena to Alta Badia, via The Sellaronda, along side mountain lovers, pleasure seekers and avid skiing…
Surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites, this charming pearl of the Ampezzo Valley is smart, eclectic and fashionable with a cosmopolitan soul. Cortina is Italy’s most chic mountain town where snowflakes twinkle like stars against the exceptional backdrop of the mountains. The Small List Best Hotels Hotel Ambra Cortina – The Queen of Cortina…
Venice is a miracle built on 118 small islands in Northern Italy. It is connected only by canals and lined by glorious Venetian architecture. The bubonic plague struck Venice in the mid-14th century. It was, of course, one of the most famous pandemics in history. Venetians had to quarantine before entering the heart of…