Explore Italy

Take your pick from mountain biking, paragliding, wild swimming, and horse riding through miles of forests and green lands. You can hike for miles or days, with many rifugi - high-elevation mountain huts - available along the trails.

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, the area is home to a spate of new wellness-first eco-spas, and one of the highest densities of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. Wherever you eat, be sure to try the canederli. These round dumplings, often served with broth, are a regional speciality.

Another local symbol to keep an ear out for is the Ladin language. In addition to Italian and German, Ladin is one of the three languages spoken in South Tyrol. In ancient Rome, the inhabitants of the region embraced the colloquial Latin used by soldiers and officials. The language evolved over the years but remained true to its Latin roots and is still spoken today.

The Dolomites are the alternative Alps for a new kind of skiing holiday.

Unlike the rest of Italy, there are no crumbling ruins or Baroque masterpieces to see here. However, that doesn't mean the Dolomites don't have an otherworldly atmosphere. Quite the opposite. When the sun hits the rocks, the mountains take on colors ranging from yellow to fiery red, with shades of pink and purple.

Few ski areas create such an all-encompassing sense of being in nature, with the Dolomiti Superski pass giving you access to 16 ski resorts and 1,200 km of wide and open slopes. Back-country skiing (or ski touring), cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are super popular given the panoramic views.

It’s not all go-go-go though. There is a slower, more meditative side to the Dolomites. This is thanks to the region’s food and wine, forest and wildflower backdrops, and luxury spa and wellness-focused hotels and lodges.

Despite the crowds, Venice remains unparalleled. It clings steadfastly to its traditions, creating an atmosphere where nothing truly changes yet there is always more to experience.

Venice's charm lies in its elusive nature, grand palazzi and quiet alleyways - elements difficult to capture in a mere list of recommendations but best seen via a wander across the city during the calmer moments of dawn and dusk.

Winter brings misty romance, gallery visits, and hot chocolate. Summer offers sunshine, boat rides in the lagoon, and blush-pink peach Bellinis.

Uncover hidden gems like Libreria Acqua Alta - the self-proclaimed ‘most beautiful bookstore in the world’ - or architectural treasures such as Scala Contarini del Bovolo and the church of San Pantalon. But never forget the fan favorites: nothing quite compares to an early-morning stroll through Piazza San Marco for a sunrise over Venice’s still waters.

Built around the legends of Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta, Milan is famous for its exceptional fashion scene. However, it is also a city steeped in rich history and the perfect spot for connoisseurs of culture and cuisine.

Stop in for freshly baked pastries at a local tabaccaio - literally, the ‘tobacco seller’. Stroll along Via Montenapoleone for up-scale shopping. Drop into the elegant Brera neighborhood or the historic Duomo di Milano. Walk around Navigli at aperitivo time. Then finish the day at the historic opera house that is La Scala.

Milan never sleeps. The city is home to an enormous range of restaurants that go from traditional to fusion, and to numerous acclaimed artworks that include Sandro Botticelli's Madonna of the Book, Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo's The Fourth Estate, and Michelangelo's Rondanini Pietà.

The town of Bra is a global epicenter of the Slow Food movement, where masters grade the quality of Parmigiano-Reggiano and produce the very best olive oil.

Nearby is Alba - one of the region’s many UNESCO-listed sites - which hosts a renowned annual truffle fair and is a poster child for the good life. The meticulously groomed vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco produce some of Italy's most coveted red wines, marking Alba as the gateway to the Langhe and Roero wine regions.

The area’s crown jewel? The Tartufo Bianco d'Alba which is often referred to as the world's most famous white truffle. This elusive truffle cannot be cultivated, only grows underground at the roots of hardwood trees, and requires patience to unearth.

Similar to the truffle, Piemonte’s best bits sit below the surface. Despite its allure, the region remains a hidden gem that maintains its local authenticity and charm. This makes it a less explored but deeply interesting destination.

In the words of D.H. Lawrence, “Sardinia is out of time and history; this land resembles no other place.” Given that Sardegna is one of only five ‘blue zones’ in the world - areas in which people live exceptionally long lives - Lawrence was not wrong.

With its crystal clear waters and beautiful landscapes, including the ever-popular Costa Smeralda, Sardegna is a great spot for families and a place that’s attracting more and more attention.

Places worth visiting include the pretty port of Cagliari in the south, and La Caletta which is a little coastal village with a long and wide beach. In the mountainous province of Nuoro you can explore ancient traditions like Mamuthones (Sardinian marks), the treks of Tiscali, and canyons including Valle di Lanaitto and Gola di Gorropu.

Then there’s the food and wine. Look out for local delicacies including porceddu (roasted suckling piglet) and cazu marzu (a maggot-infested sheep’s cheese), as well as the wines of Vermentino and Cannonau.

The coastline runs from Punta Campanella to Salerno, taking in the picturesque towns of Sorrento, Amalfi and Ravello. Each town has its own unique character, but of course one of the most famous remains Positano. The charms of Capri or the intrigue of Ischia are a short boat ride away for a day trip or overnight stay.

Despite the coast’s popularity and notoriety as a celebrity hotspot, it remains an intriguing mix of sophistication and simplicity. Authenticity still fills the air as farmers cultivate small plots of terraced land, fishermen live off the sea, and vespas slalom through the narrow roads.

The Amalfi Coast is also a food lover’s paradise. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and sea, every menu features an abundance of seafood, fruits, vegetables and limoncello. The liquor originated here with Amalfi lemons being sweeter and bigger than those found elsewhere. Two world-famous types are grown on the Sorrento Peninsula: the Sfusato Amalfitano and the Limone di Sorrento.

Puglia is a collection of Italy’s greatest hits: coast, city life, sweeping valleys, warm temperatures, authentic hospitality and seriously good food (homemade orecchiette is a highlight). It’s less crowded than the Amalfi but just as perfect.

There are numerous towns to tell you about, but three will catch your eye:

1. Alberobello. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its concentration of cone-shaped trulli houses. Dating back to the Middle Ages, these houses helped inhabitants dodge tax from the old king of Naples.

2. Ostuni. Nicknamed ‘the white city’, this former fortress is a labyrinth of colorful alleyways with green and blue wooden doors and pots of red geraniums and cacti. Boutiques and souvenir shops sell local olive oil and wine, while the city’s surrounding masserias (traditional farmhouses) are the best place to stay for local culture and cuisine.

3. Lecce. Head here for a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture and a collection of modern artisanal shops.

Every street tells a story. From the impossibility of historic buildings to the vibrant pace of city life. But with the capital always in motion, it’s easy to get waylaid by the overcrowded sites and sounds. In truth, Rome is more than just its monuments.

Take its local markets which represent the Italian love affair with the slow life. There’s the Trastevere market in Piazza San Cosimato, the indoor market in Testaccio, or the Campo de' Fiori market which is the epitome of Rome’s characters and customs.

Then there’s the Roman food. There are thousands of places to eat and drink so sifting through the overrated tourist traps is a must. Many of the best restaurants remain hidden and are only accessible to the locals, like us.

And finally, for now, due to Rome’s close proximity to Vatican City, numerous religious holidays are celebrated with grand gatherings and street festivals that are worth the airplane ticket alone.

In short, the Eternal City leaves nothing to be desired.

Naples is not for the faint-hearted with its fast-paced chaos fuelling everyday life. However, it’s this buzz that gives Naples its edge and authenticity. Tourists tend to skip the city and head straight onto the Amalfi Coast and Capri but, in our humble opinion, this is a mistake.

Between archeological sites, historical tours and finding the best pizza, there are plenty of things fighting (almost literally) for your attention. For now, let’s focus on the food…

In Piazza San Domenico Maggiore you’ll find Giovanni Scaturchio and his family’s pasticceria which has been in place since 1905. Famous for its Neapolitan pastries, here you can try baba sponge cake, sfogliatella (puff pastry filled with cream and topped with fruit), and struffoli (deep-fried dough balls doused in honey).

Other gastronomic highlights include the city’s fried fresh seafood or a plate of pasta and fagioli (pasta with beans and vegetables).