Tag: Italy

  • 🇮🇹These Are The Top 3 Rising Destinations In Italy For 2024: Where To Go & When To Visit

    🇮🇹These Are The Top 3 Rising Destinations In Italy For 2024: Where To Go & When To Visit

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    The three trendiest destinations in Italy right now are not the places you might expect.

    You won’t find Rome, Florence, or Venice on the list of the fastest-growing destinations in Italy.

    Based on a recent study, there are three particular regions of Italy that are rising to the top for tourism in 2024.

    Many of these regions are already popular among Italians but remain under the radar for Americans and other foreign tourists.

    Woman in Puglia

    Below you’ll find out what the trendiest destinations in Italy are, plus tips for the best time to visit.

    Overall, this year is expected to be a record-setting one for tourism in Italy, but the following destinations are predicted to see the most growth.

    1. Sardinia

    The destination in Italy that’s rising the fastest right now is Sardinia.

    Beach in Sardinia

    This large island in the Mediterranean has long been a popular summer escape for Italians, but it’s just beginning to be discovered by American travelers.

    Sardinia is home to some of the top beaches in all of Europe, with Tuerreda Beach being named among the best. While it’s primarily a beach destination, there are other things to do in Sardinia, including hiking and discovering the island’s small towns and villages.

    Basically, this is the perfect destination for beach bums and nature lovers!

    Since Sardinia is a popular summer destination, I recommend avoiding it during the peak months of July and August. The best time to visit Sardinia for lower crowds is late September and even early October.

    Cala Brandinchi in Sardinia

    At this time of year, the sea is still warm enough to swim in after being heated during the long, hot summer, but the majority of the crowds have gone.

    2. Puglia

    Another trending destination in Italy right now is Puglia.

    If you look at a map of the country, Puglia is the heel of the boot of Italy.

    This southern region is less visited by foreign tourists mainly because it’s not as well connected by trains as the larger cities.

    Trulli houses in Alberobello, Puglia

    Renting a car is your best bet for exploring Puglia, but it’s worth it!

    This underrated region has gorgeous beaches as well as beautiful historical towns like Alberollo, famous for its trulli, whitewashed stone houses with cone-shaped roofs.

    Puglia is the number one vacation destination in Italy for Italians themselves, so it’s hardly a hidden gem — you just won’t find many American tourists there yet.

    Much like Sardinia, I would recommend waiting until the fall to visit Puglia for far fewer crowds and milder weather since summer can be scorching. May is also a lovely time to visit.

    Beach in Polignano a Mare, Puglia,

    3. Campania

    Finally, Campania is another region in Italy that is expected to grow in popularity this year.

    Campania is a region in southern Italy, and its largest city is Naples.

    You’re probably already familiar with another famous destination in Campania: the Amalfi Coast.

    This stunning stretch of coastline is a coveted destination among travelers, known for its beautiful cliffside villages, great beaches, and dramatic vistas.

    Amalfi Coast at dusk

    Although the Amalfi Coast is gorgeous, it’s very expensive. I personally prefer the underrated island of Ischia, a one-hour ferry ride from Naples.

    When is the best time to visit Campania?

    It depends on where you’re going. Naples is a large city with over a million people, so it’s a year-round destination, along with nearby Pompeii, which is a popular day trip.

    On the Amalfi Coast and islands like Ischia, Capri, and Procida, summer is peak season, and during the winter many hotels, restaurants, and shops close.

    I recommend visiting in late May to beat the summer crowds or waiting until after they’ve dissipated and coming during mid to late September.

    Castello Aragonese in Ischia

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • These Are The Top 3 Most Popular Destinations In Italy According To Locals

    These Are The Top 3 Most Popular Destinations In Italy According To Locals

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    With its Tuscan sunsets, UNESCO-listed Renaissance cities, turquoise coast, and award-winning cuisine, which currently ranks number one in the world, Italy is the quintessential Southern European experience and every American’s dream destination.

    Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Adriatic Coast Of Italy, Mediterranean South Of Europe

    Interestingly, while we tend to flock to Rome, Florence, Venice and the like, drawn to their monument-packed historic centers and invaluable cultural heritage, and understandably so, Italians themselves have other destinations in mind.

    Based on a new study published by Vamonos Vacanze, a tour operator based in Rome, in partnership with Icrm, a lesser-known region on Italy’s sunny Adriatic side is in fact the leading tourist hotspot for domestic tourists in 2024, followed by two Mediterranean islands.

    Trulli Houses In Alberobello, Puglia, Adriatic Coast Of Europe, Mediterranean South Of Europe

    So why are these local favorites, and what are Americans who haven’t yet explored Italy beyond the Venetian canals or the overtouristed Amalfi missing out on?

    As the famous travel saying goes, ‘go where the locals go‘:

    Sardinia

    The third most popular destination for Italians is Sardinia, concentrating 10% of all domestic tourism.

    A large island in the Mediterranean, it boasts almost 1,242 miles of pristine coastline and a sparsely-populated hinterland traversed by mountain ranges.

    Historic Town Of Castelsardo In Sardinia, A Mediterranean Island In Italy, Southern Europe

    Italians love Sardinia for how distinct it feels from the mainland: it has its own ‘Sardo’ language, a unique culture, and rich cuisine, best represented by signature dishes like fregula cun còciula (a type of pasta that’s only found on the island served with clams) and su porcheddu (roasted suckling pig).

    Sardinian autonomy stems from being geographically isolated, as it was historically disconnected from the mainland, so in many ways, it almost feels like a separate country, though everything tourists would expect of an Italian island getaway can be found here:

    Ancient City Of Alghero Pictured During Sunset In The Island Of Sardinia, Italy, Mediterranean Europe

    Sandy beaches hugged by a teal-colored sea, rugged hikes, ancient towns nestled atop limestone hills, and even a culturally-charged regional capital in Cagliari, a bustling port city built across seven hills, as Roman city-building dictated.

    Top attractions in the island include the nuraghi, a series of Bronze Age stone ruins resembling beehives that date back thousands of years, the pale-sand ‘White Queen’ beach, the colorful riverside town of Bosa, where building facades are painted in bright colors, and the walled Alghero.

    Sicily

    View of the Levanzo island, smallest of the Aegadian Islands in the Mediterranean Sea in Sicily, province of Trapany, Italy

    Italy’s second best-loved destination, attracting 11% of Italians, and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is similar to Sardinia in many ways, having developed a clear dialect, gastronomy, and a culture that’s markedly different from that of mainland Italy.

    It’s been heavily influenced by foreign powers over the centuries, having lived through consecutive periods of Greek, Roman, Arabic, and even Spanish domination.

    Other than being jam-packed with heritage sites, the ace up its sleeve is its breathtaking nature.

    View Of The Greek Theater In Taormina With The Snow-Capped Mount Etna In The Background, Sicily, Italy

    It is home to Mount Etna, the tallest volcano in Europe, and an active one at that, with its occasional spewing of ash providing an unlikely backdrop for the sprawling urban chaos that is Catania, a large city concentrating some of Italy’s most exuberant Baroque art.

    We could write a whole feature article on Sicily and all its architectural gems and natural wonders, but you’re eager to scroll down to the bottom of this page to find out what’s number one, our four best Sicilian spots are:

    Cefalu, medieval village of Sicily island, Province of Palermo, Italy

    Palermo, a vibrant capital teeming with busy street markets, Taormina, the White Lotus-featured, iconic hilltop comune best known for its Greco-Roman theater, the Valley of the Temples, a Hellenic complex that rivals the Parthenon in beauty, and the terracotta-roofed, whitewashed Cefalù.

    Puglia

    With 13% of Italians claiming this is their favorite holiday destination, Apulia (most commonly known by its Italian name Puglia) is officially Italy’s darling, even though it is largely overlooked by foreign visitors, who flock instead to the Amalfi Coast on the opposite side of the peninsula.

    Aerial View Of Bari, The Capital Of Puglia, Adriatic Coast Of Italy, Bounded By The Mediterranean Sea, Southern Europe

    Puglia is what we’d call the heel of Italy, referring to the country’s boot-like shape, and it’s characterized by its whitewashed towns, hugged by a rugged Adriatic shoreline, and impressive wealth of Baroque monuments.

    Lecce, one of the Puglia gems Italians love best, is called ‘Florence of the South’ for a reason, with its ornate duomo and winding Roman-era streets; Alberobello, on the other hand, is distinct for its distinctive trulli, Puglian houses topped with conical roofs.

    The Iconic Conical Houses Of Alberobello, A Puglian Town That Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Italy, Southern Europe

    In Polignano a Mare, a white-pebble beach flanked by low cliffs awaits vacationers, while in Bari, the metropolitan capital and cultural heart of Puglia, the ocher-colored winding alleys of the Old Town and picture-perfect hidden courtyards make the trip worthwhile.

    According to the survey, 13% of Italians will pick Puglia over any other Italian destination, and it’s not like it doesn’t face tough competition from other regions: I mean, this is probably Europe’s most historically-charged nation, literally littered with both manmade and natural wonders.

    Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy, Southern Europe

    We’re normally suspicious of unofficial surveys ourselves, however…

    Based on the fact that this one derives from a sample of 4,000 individuals, equally split between men and women, aged 18-65 and distributed across Italy, and how Italian families have always chosen the Adriatic side over American-ridden Amalfi, we’re inclined to say it paints a pretty accurate picture.

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit This Authentic Underrated City In Italy

    7 Reasons Why You Should Visit This Authentic Underrated City In Italy

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Italy is indisputably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

    Home to numerous iconic landmarks, including Rome’s ancient Colosseum, the UNESCO-listed canals of Venice, and the leaning Tower of Pisa to name a few, it attracts tens of millions of visitors every year.

    Aerial Panoramic View Of Old Town Naples, Campania, South Italy, Southern Europe

    Nonetheless, this authentic cultural city continues to be bypassed by visitors due to its proximity to the trendy Amalfi Coast, which typically captures nearly all tourism revenue in the region.

    Here are 7 reasons why you should visit criminally-underrated Naples in 2024:

    It Is One Of The Most Culturally-Charged Cities In Europe

    Naples Cathedral, Old Town Naples, Campania, South Italy, Southern Europe

    First and foremost, we must reiterate that Naples is simply the third-largest city in Italy and its largest coastal metropolis.

    Needless to say, there is no shortage of fascinating landmarks scattered around its historic center—and beyond, even.

    This is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with a recorded history dating back as early as the second millennium BC, and from the monumental fortresses to the underground maze of Roman catacombs to the ornate chapels, there’s a hidden gem to be discovered in every corner.

    When exploring this UNESCO-listed city, make sure to add the historic Piazza del Plebiscito, flanked by the majestic Royal Palace and a colonnaded basilica, the 13th-century Castel Nuovo, and the medieval Naples Cathedral to your list of places to visit.

    It’s Not Your Average Open-Air Museum

    Aerial View Of Old Naples, Campania, Italy, Southern Europe

    Naples has developed a reputation for being grittier than your average Italian city.

    It certainly looks less ‘polished’ and glamorous than the touristy parts of Rome, Florence, or Venice, but this is exactly why it is unique and why it shouldn’t be so easily scrapped from your itinerary.

    It feels distinctly Italian, or more specificially, Southern Italian: this is far from being another open-air museum for Ancient History-aficionados, and though there are plenty of cultural sites listed, it is still somewhere Neapolitans actually live, work, and socialize.

    In sum, Naples is a sprawling metropolis with a big heart, but it won’t bow to a visitor’s every whim: locals are likely to not be proficient in English, Old Naples is not your typical postcard-ready, colorful Mediterranean port, and not everything revolves around tourism.

    It’s Full Of Character

    Narrow Alleyway In Old Town Naples, Southern Italy, Southern Europe

    While it’s true certain neighborhoods in Naples look less clean and, to some, less beautiful than your typical Italian tourist hotspot, how spotless or aesthetically pleasing do you expect an ancient maze of winding alleys approaching a 3,000-year-anniversary to be?

    Where tourists are likely to see ruined buildings and underdevelopment, however, travelers will find a city full of character instead, with streets so narrow clothes are hung out to dry between opposite houses, hidden bookshops-turned-bar in the evenings, and local pasticcerie.

    In all honesty, yes, it is overwhelming at first, but it only takes a couple of days exploring a vibrant Quartieri Spagnoli or watching high-spirited Neapolitans go about their daily affairs, rarely, if ever, registering the presence of Amalfi-bound Americans to fall in love with the organized chaos.

    A Gastronomy Mecca

    Pizza Overlooking Naples, Southern Italy, Southern Europe

    Other than being considered Rome’s edgier southern sister, Naples is a gastronomy mecca of the first order, being the birthplace of pizza, caprese salad, buffalo mozzarella, and other world-famous foods you’re likely to have grown up loving, yet didn’t know originated here.

    Whether you’re actively looking for MICHELIN-star restaurants, or you feel your happiest sightseeing while grabbing street snacks to go, Naples and its varied selection of fine-dining eateries, street markets, and family-owned, rustic trattorie will simply blow your expectations.

    You can’t go wrong with a classic, and it’s no wonder Naples’ signature Neapolitan pizza, most commonly made with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, is officially the fourth-best dish in the world (there’s no way you’re leaving the aptly-nicknamed ‘City of the Sun’ without trying it).

    Naples Has Perfect Weather

    boats and mt vesusis in naples italy

    This leads us straight to point number five: Naples is perfect for sightseeing regardless of season, as it is located so far south the Italian peninsula the weather remains pleasant year-round, unlike Milan, Turin or Bologna, where freezing temperatures are common.

    Naples’s current temperature is a pleasant 79°F, and it will only get warmer as we approach summer, before a scorching 100°F (or higher) is recorded; if we may offer a suggestion, March to May is the best period to be in Naples.

    Days are long and sunny, with limited rainfall expected, there are no heatwaves, and you’ll find it is less busy as the vast majority of tourists heading to the south of Italy – more specifically, the neighboring Amalfi Coast – will be doing so from June onward.

    The Gateway To Beautiful Campania

    colorful buildings line the Amalfi Coast

    Of course, no visit to Naples would be complete without adding a day tour to one of the many points of interest around the wider region of Campania, and if you’re staying longer than three days, we would highly recommend you pay a short visit to either one of these spots:

    • The Amalfi Coast: where your Italian dolce vita dreams will materialize, riding vespas down a beautiful, rugged stretch of coastline interspersed with charming hillside villages and eating lemon gelato as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
    • Capri: an island easily distinguished for its jagged peaks and pebbly beaches, which can be seen from the mainland in Sorrento, and an upscale leisure destination home to small-scale, chic hotels where you can escape the Amalfi crowds.
    • Pompeii and Herculaneum: these formerly-bustling Mediterranean towns were buried under volcanic ash following a devastating eruption in the 1st century AD, and with their preserved villas and temples, offer a glimpse into life in an ancient Roman city in the 1st century AD.

    Naples Is Safer Than The Media Portrays

    sea and city of naples italy

    It only takes a quick search on Google to pull up numerous articles describing Naples as unsafe and dangerous for tourists.

    There may be some truth to those statements, but there are also a lot of overstated risks and fearmongering.

    Crime is slightly higher than in other Italian, but Naples remains a fairly safe destination for a cosmopolitan hub of its size: on Numbeo’s World Crime Index, it ranks as the 95th most-dangerous city in the world, only 15 slots above Rome, at 110.

    Additionally, Statistica reports there are 3,500 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, including all crime, from the petty type to full-blown violence, which is unlikely to affect tourists and is mostly restricted to mafia wars in peripheral districts.

    At the end of the day, urban issues are bound to be more noticeable in Naples, which has a population of 3 million, than in smaller towns. Like any other big city, Naples has do’s and don’ts tourists must adhere to protect themselves, and their primary concern remains being pickpocketed.

    Beginning May 23, Delta Air Lines will launch nonstop flights from New York (JFK) to Naples for the first time, proving there is growing demand for South Italy vacations among American travelers.

    Learn more about the new service, and starting planning your trip here.

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Why These 3 Cities Are My Favorite Destinations In Italy During The Winter  

    Why These 3 Cities Are My Favorite Destinations In Italy During The Winter  

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Italy had a record-breaking summer. More visitors than ever headed to the land of pizza, pasta and piazzas so far this year.  

    But if you think that the vacation season in Italy is over, then you’re mistaken.  

    There’s never a bad time of year to visit in Italy, but it is a particularly great destination to visit during the winter months.  

    Woman in venice in the winter

    When you visit Italy during the winter months you’ll feel like a local. The main attractions aren’t overrun with tourists, and there’s very little queuing. Low visitor numbers mean that prices are much lower too. 

    The weather is cold and wet in the north but still relatively mild in the south. Meaning that you can enjoy both snow sports and a glimpse of the Mediterranean winter sun on the same trip.  

    Here’s why these 3 cities are my favorite destinations in Italy during the winter months:  

    Rome

    Rome is considered to be Italy’s cultural heart as well as its capital city, and the whole city feels like an open-air museum.  

    Some of the top historical sites in the city include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. While you can visit these attractions no matter what the time of year, you will find that the weather is much more comfortable for exploring in the winter. 

    The Forum in Rome in the snow

    Tourist numbers are lower anyway during the winter months but you’ll find that there are much fewer tourists again if you visit early in the morning. Some days it feels like you’ll have the whole place to yourself.  

    Because the attractions are quieter in the winter, you can see so much more of the city, which is great if you want to cram as much as possible into a relatively short trip! 

    My favorite month to visit Rome is in December when the city has a special kind of magic. Cool but not uncomfortable. Christmas is in the air all month, and it feels like everyone is in a good mood.  

    Colosseum in Rome at Christmas during sunset, Italy

    The nativity scene and Christmas décor in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica are my favorite in the city, and the Piazza Venezia is also famed for its beautiful Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere. 

    Visit the Roman Christmas market in Piazza Navona which feels like an immersive winter wonderland. You’ll find traditional gifts in wooden huts, delicious traditional foods, and twinkling lights.  

    Venice

    Venice is one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy: and also one of the most popular.  

    During the summer months, visiting Venice can be very stressful. The canal paths are crammed with people. Queues for Bato buses can be incredibly long. And the temperatures mean that much of the city has a very unpleasant smell.  

    Channel in venice with boats

    By contrast, the winter months in Venice are quieter, easier, and feel so much more romantic. The whole city is often covered with a lingering fog and during the coldest month of January it sometimes snows which makes the city look especially beautiful.  

    Winter in Venice can be very cold, but that just gives you a great excuse to stop for coffee and pastries in one of the many cafes along deserted alleyways as you watch the world go by.  

    On December 8 the city’s Christmas lights are officially lit. This day is also the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the whole city has an air of celebration. Even the famous gondolas will be decorated with lights for the festive season. 

    Venetian,Gondolier,Punting,Gondola,Through,Green,Canal,Waters,Of,Venice,

    Take the time to visit the Venice Christmas market and indulge in the traditional Italian food stalls. 

    Alternatively, visit after Christmas where the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6 is celebrated with a boat race that is unique to Venice. Members of the city’s rowing club with dress up as witches and race from San Toma to the Rialto Bridge.  

    It’s a big celebration and there are fairs and festivals throughout the city. This unique experience is well worth visiting Venice for.  

    Turin

    If you’re visiting Italy during the winter months for the snow sports scene, then Turin is a great place to visit. Turin acts as a gateway to Italy’s best ski resorts and is close to the slopes of both Switzerland and France too.  

    But if like me you’re more interested in après ski than in hitting the slopes, then this is still an incredible city to visit in the winter months.  

    Italian Alps

    Turin is often overshadowed by the nearby northern city of Milan, and its beautiful historical attractions and high-fashion scene means that Milan is a great place for solo travel.  

    But Turin deserves to be seen as a top destination in its own right. The breathtakingly beautiful Royal Palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and looks particularly beautiful when dusted with snow.  

    The historic 18th and 19th-century cafes in the city are an attraction in their own right, thanks to their flamboyant decoration and abundance of gold, marble, and chandeliers. They look more like museums (or Liberace’s living room) than cafes, but they are a great place to stop and warm up with an indulgent hot chocolate or rich coffee.  

    church of Monte Cappuccini in Turin, Piedmont, Italy, surrounded by snowy Alps mountains

    My favorite attraction in Turin is the city’s Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) which is considered to be the best Egyptian museum outside of Cairo, and its sheer size is overwhelming.  

    Add in the open-air ice skating in the city center during the winter months, the beautiful skyline, and some of Italy’s best markets, and you have one of the best Italian winter destinations.  

    Read More:

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Why This Underrated Region Of Italy Is One Of Its Best-Kept Secrets

    Why This Underrated Region Of Italy Is One Of Its Best-Kept Secrets

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Home to some of the continent’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Venice’s picturesque canals, it draws in tens of millions of visitors every year.

    Aerial View Of Polignano a Mare, A Whitewashed Historical Town In Puglia, Southeastern Italy, Southern Europe, Mediterranean Europe, Adriatic Sea

    Unsurprisingly, it has been battling overtourism for decades now, and while a majority of the country has succumbed to the concerning trend, with some cities going as far as threatening to introduce a ticketing system, other lesser-known spots are still not as badly affected.

    That is the case with Puglia, an underrated region in Italy that is not as crowded as the Amalfi Coast and where consumer prices are not as inflated:

    Welcome To Puglia

    Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy, Southern Europe

    If traveling to Italy is non-negotiable to you, irrespective of price surges and the surging crowds, but you’re not exactly keen on joining the long lines of tourists for that Instagrammable Colosseum-shaped ice lolly in Rome, then maybe you should consider spending more time in Puglia.

    If you’re not familiar with Italy’s boot-like map, Puglia sits right on the heel, or the Southeastern peninsula of the country, bounded by the Adriatic Sea.

    Looking over the ocean on a clear day from certain points, you may even get a peek at Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    Stacks Of Torre Sant Andrea, Salento Coast, Italy, Southern Europe, Mediterranean Sea

    The sweeping ocean panorama is not the only thing that makes Puglia great, though. Home to about four million people, it is one of the most unique and certainly fascinating historical regions of Italy, famous for its olive oil production, Adriatic beaches, and ancient towns.

    One Of Italy’s Most Fascinating Historical Regions

    Unlike other towns in Italy and their traditional pastel colors, Puglia’s are normally whitewashed, and they can be much more quaint.

    There are beautiful bucolic settlements like Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-listed ‘Trulli’ stone huts and cobbled streets, comparatively less crowded than Positano, Sorrento, and the like, especially in the fall, and Lecce, a Baroque gem jam-packed with much older Roman ruins, including an amphitheater.

    The Iconic Conical Houses Of Alberobello, A Puglian Town That Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Italy, Southern Europe

    Polignano a Mare is also a popular destination, best known for its white-pebble Lama Monachile beach, nestled between two cliffs upon which centuries-old houses are perched and connected at a narrow point by a Roman-era bridge, still in use today.

    The beach is particularly scenic and certainly one of Puglia’s most famous postcards, with waters that are bright blue and that stay warm long after summer is over.

    The lesser-known Gallipoli is well worth a visit, as well, what with its offshore Old Town, sitting on an island, and imposing Gallipoli Castle.

    Of course, we shouldn’t forget Bari, the regional capital and largest city, with a metropolitan population of over a million residents and a surprisingly vast historic center dotted with medieval structures.

    Aerial View Of The Historical Center Of Bari, A City In Puglia, On The Adriatic Coast Of Italy, Mediterranean Europe

    Alongside Bergamo, it is a seriously underrated Italian city break.

    Using Bari as a base to explore Puglia, you should expect to find a myriad of traditional Italian restaurants and world-class museums, as well as the Adriatic’s liveliest nightlife.

    There is a never-ending list of world wonders and beautiful sights here, and you might need more than a single week to tick off all of the main landmarks.

    Italians Themselves Prefer Puglia Over Amalfi Or Liguria

    A Young Similing Woman Wearing Sunglasses And A Summer Dress As She Takes A Selfie In Italy, Southern Europe

    It’s no wonder Puglia was the favorite destination of Italians themselves in 2022, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this post-pandemic scene, where mass tourism is back with a vengeance, is that we should follow in the steps of locals, not go where other tourists are going.

    Natives tend to favor destinations that are not yet completely overrun with foreigners and where their traditions and customs are maintained, and the fact that Puglia is surging in popularity with Italians is a strong indicator it has not yet been lost to the Instagram hordes.

    That’s not to say it is not crowded.

    A Crowded Beach In Stintino, Italy, Southern Europe

    Regrettably, nowhere in Italy is not crowded these days, but Italy’s favoritism for Puglia could mean it has not been converted into a mere development zone with less-than-stellar restaurant options and polished towns serving as mere tourist playgrounds.

    According to Puglia Tips, the region is the number one in Italy for seawater quality, having reasserted its status as a national leader in ‘water healthiness’ last year.

    Puglia Is Somewhat Cheaper

    Don’t Expect Eastern European Prices, Though
    Couple Of Travelers Pictured Beside Their Luggage As They Withdraw Money From An ATM At The Airport, International Travel

    Though Puglia is certainly not Albania or Montenegro, it can be relatively more affordable to visit than other parts of Italy, with Budget Your Trip noting tourists should plan on spending, on average, $123 per day vacationing in Bari.

    In Florence, the average cost of a vacation is a relatively higher $168 per day, toppled by Milan’s $181, Rome’s $185, all surpassed by Venice’s shocking median cost of $250 per day.

    Puglia may still be somewhat expensive, at least by Eastern European standards, but it can be a fairly cheap vacation within Italy, particularly in the fall, when prices go down along with visitor numbers.

    Happy Man Exploring Italy With A Map, Unspecified Location, Southern Europe

    Puglia Will Stay Warm This Fall

    In September, the maximum daily temperature in Puglia averages 26.2 degrees Celsius, or 79.16 Fahrenheit, with lows of 17.°C or 62.78°F in the evenings, making it the perfect off-season Transatlantic getaway.

    It’s not too hot you can’t stand to be outside for longer than two hours, like in June, but not chilly enough so you need to pack winter coats.

    Find more hidden gems of Italy, and start planning your fall trip here.

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 6 Reasons Why This Underrated City In Italy Is The Next Big Tourist Destination 

    6 Reasons Why This Underrated City In Italy Is The Next Big Tourist Destination 

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Italy is a must-visit bucket list destination for many travelers. Big-name cities such as Venice and Rome attract millions of tourists every year.  

    But what if you want to travel somewhere a little less packed full of tourists and a little more under the radar? 

    Bologna Italy two towers in the historical heart of the city

    CNBC surveyed 175 travel experts and found that Bologna was the best-underrated city not only in Italy but in the world. The list was intended to highlight the cities that are less crowded and more affordable, but just as interesting as their more popular neighbors.  

    Here are six reasons why Bologna is the next big tourist destination:  

    A Mecca For Foodies

    One of the most popular nicknames given to Bologna by Italians is La Grassa, which means ‘The Fat’, thanks to the rich and plentiful cuisine in the region. 

    Of course, Bologna is best known for the Bolognese pasta that it has exported around the world, but foodies will find a whole host of other delicious dishes here.  

    A happy woman taking a selfie with a meat platter and a cocktail in Bologna, Italy.

    Parma is easily accessible from Bologna, meaning that prosciutto (often referred to as Parma ham) is plentiful here. Tiny restaurants selling plentiful bowls of pasta or rich scoops of ice cream can be found at every turn.  

    And if you just can’t get enough of food? Believe it or not, Bologna is also home to a 20-acre theme park dedicated to Italian cuisine called FICO Eataly World! 

    Small And Easy To Navigate

    Cities that you can explore without the use of public transportation, or having to take expensive taxis, are incredibly underrated.  

    Bologna is a city that is small but perfectly formed, meaning that it’s easy to get around on foot.  

    You can walk from one end of the city to the other in just a couple of hours: unless you get distracted and stop to eat or look at something beautiful!  

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    A skyline view of Bologna Italy

    There is an abundance of self-guided walking tours available in the city, and it’s a very pleasant city to walk around because there are very few hills.  

    If you’d rather save your energy, there is an affordable city bus service, with tickets starting from just 1.30 euros per journey.  

    A City Rich With Culture

    Bologna city canter has been designated UNESCO heritage status, naming it the ‘City of Porticoes’ thanks to the many porticoes the city contains.  

    A portico is a porch that sits at the entrance of a building, usually supported by columns, and you will find dozens of these in Bologna.  

    Small Secret Window Called Finestrella Opening Onto A Quaint, Colorful Canal In Bologna, Italy

    But it is not just these architectural curiosities that attract visitors to Bologna. The Piazza Maggiore sits in the heart of the city and is a cultural and social hub: there’s no better place to go to people-watch.  

    The Two Towers of Bologna are also a unique focal point, both leaning as the more-famous tower at Pisa does and dominating the skyline of the city.  

    The Active Bar and Cafe Culture

    You would be forgiven for thinking that because Bologna is a small city, it is a sleepy city, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

    Bologna is a city with a bustling bar and cafe culture: whether you want a morning latte, an afternoon cocktail, or a beer or two at night, you’ll always find somewhere to go and a room full of locals.

    A woman drinking coffee in an outside square in Bologna Italy

    Take time to visit Caffe Pasticceria Gamberinini: one of the oldest coffee shops in Italy, and still decorated in the same style as it was in 1907, meaning you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    If you’re looking for a big night out, then you’ll find that there are plenty of energetic and vibrant clubs if you look for them. Most of the nightclubs here are underground and are packed full of well-dressed 20-somethings at the weekends.

    An Art Lovers Delight

    Florence may be the epicenter of Renaissance art in Italy, but art lovers will find just as much to appreciate in Bologna.

    Bologna boasts over 30 museums and more than as many art galleries. The jewel in its artistic crown is MAMbo: The Museum of Modern Art of Bologna which opened in 2007 and is one of the best modern art galleries in Italy.

    The entrance to the Museum of Modern Art in Bologna Italy

    If you’re more interested in classical art, then your appetite will be quenched at the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna: a gallery devoted to Italian art from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

    With a real focus on art from all periods of history, there’s something for everyone in Bologna’s many art galleries.

    A Fantastic Base

    Not only is Bologna an incredible tourist destination in its own right, but it also makes a great base if you’re interested in taking a bigger trip and exploring wider Italy.  

    boat going under bridge in venice canal italy

    From Bologna, you are just 70 miles from Florence. You could reach Venice by traveling just 95 miles. And the larger transport hub of Milan is only 135 miles away. This means that when you travel to Bologna, the whole of Northern Italy is at your fingertips! 

    But with so much to see and do in this small but activity-packed city, you might find that you don’t have the time to go anywhere else.  

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Top 6 Underrated Alternatives Instead Of Visiting Italy This Summer

    Top 6 Underrated Alternatives Instead Of Visiting Italy This Summer

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    This summer travel season is meant to be an extremely busy one, and people are planning on traveling in record numbers to popular destinations all around the globe.

    One region that is bracing for some large crowds is Europe, with major hotspots such as Italy, Greece, and Spain gearing up for record tourism numbers. 

    Hierapolis ancient city Pamukkale Turkey, young woman with hat watching sunset by the ruins Unesco copy

    With this influx of visitors comes the side effects that over-tourism can bring.

    Not only is massive overcrowding, higher prices, and lack of accommodation an issue for travelers but local residents and the local environment are greatly affected as well. 

    Some popular tourist destinations have begun to work to counter the effects of over-tourism by adding tourist fees, reservation systems for popular attractions, and other restrictions and rules for this year. 

    One such country that has made some changes that travelers need to know about is mega-popular Italy, which is anticipating a record number of visitors this summer. 

    Tourism in Malta. Back view of tourist girl holding hat descends stairs in the old town of Valletta, UNESCO World Heritage, Malta.

    Luckily for us, there really is no shortage of amazing places to visit in Europe, and while Italy is very much worth a trip, it might be better to hold off until everyone else goes this year and enjoy it after the post-pandemic crowds have thinned out (hopefully). 

    While there are many reasons to visit Italy, most come for the beaches, the history, the nature, and of course, the food and wine.

    These alternative options will have you exploring 6 countries that pack just as much natural beauty, history, sunshine, and amazing food and wine as Italy, with a fraction of the crowds, and not to mention a lower price tag as well. 

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    Celsus Library in Ephesus at sunset - Selcuk, Turkey

    The 5 countries suggested for Italian alternative this year include Turkey, Georgia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, and Albania. Let’s explore why these make great substitutes for an Italian trip this year.

    Here Are The Top 6 Underrated Alternatives Instead Of Visiting Italy This Summer:

    Traditional eyed colorful boats Luzzu in the Harbor of Mediterranean fishing village Marsaxlokk, Malta

    Instead Of The Dolomites: Visit Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains

    Those who are interested in getting outside and into nature might be surprised to find out that Italy has recently needed to implement reservation systems, visitor caps, and traffic restrictions on its popular mountain region in the north.

    While these measures are undoubtedly necessary to help the effects of overcrowding on the local environment, they can make travel plans a bit more complex for travelers. 

    Atskuri Fortress Ruins, Georgia, view from the fortress to the valley

    If you are looking to explore some mountains, why not check out Georgia’s Caucasus Range?

    Offering hiking, camping, skiing (ok, maybe not in the summer), and a variety of outdoor activities, this underrated eastern European country is worth a visit.

    With a fraction of the crowds that you will see in Italy’s popular Dolomites, the Caucasus mountains offer something more unique, cheaper, and quieter for travelers who are willing to go off the beaten path a bit. 

    Gergeti Trinity Church infront of the Kaukasus Mountains in Georgia

    Instead Of Lake Como: Enjoy Lake Ohrid, or The Bay of Kotor

    You will find the tiny Balkan country of Montenegro twice on this list of Italian alternatives, and for good reason.

    The county’s most popular destination is Kotor, which was founded by ancient Romans, but shows strong Venetian influence in its design.

    The bay itself is stunningly beautiful, vast, and surrounded by mountains and little towns around every bend.

    While the area does get busy in the summer months, it’s nowhere near as busy or pricy as Lake Como. Although unfortunately, you are not likely to spot George Clooney there. 

    Kotor, Montenegro. Bay of Kotor

    In addition, those looking for some lakeside lounging can enjoy North Macedonia’s Lake Ohrid.

    Another late and impressive (and lovely for swimming) Balkan lake bordering Albania and North Macedonia.

    The town of Ohrid draws a bit of a crowd, but the smaller villages around the lake make for some peaceful lake days, and P.S.: North Macedonian wine is very good and very cheap! 

    Colorful fishing boats on the shore of Ohrid lake in North Macedonia on a sunny day

    Instead of The Italian Riviera: Try The Albanian Riviera

    The Italian Riviera is stunning; there is no question about it. However, the summer months bring traffic to a halt, and with more traffic restrictions and parking issues, the task of zipping around to take in the sites becomes a bit of a nightmare.

    Not to mention the mega-popular Portofino has just instituted a selfie and loitering ban for tourists, with heavy fines for those who take too long to get their photos. 

    Dhermi, Albania in the sunset

    Want to explore a stunning coastal region with significantly fewer people and much more laid-back and less expensive villages?

    The Albanian Riviera is for you then!

    Drive along the coast and check out popular Saranda and Ksamil, but if you are really looking for fewer crowds, head up further north and explore the smaller villages such as Dhermi and Himare. 

    Port Area In Sarande, Albania, Albanian Riviera, Southeastern Europe, Mediterranean Sea

    Instead Of Venice: Visit Malta, or Old Town Kotor

    Here we see Montenegro’s Kotor again, this time not so much for the lake but for its compact and ancient old town. Here is where you will notice the Venetian influence in every piazza you stumble across.

    While you won’t see any canals running through town, you will be serenaded by live musicians, enjoy great food and drink (Montenegro wine is also a must-try, not to mention the fresh seafood!), and enjoy verandas offering stunning views of the mountainsides.

    P.S.: you also won’t have to pay a tourist fee to enter the town and be greeted with dried-up canals

    Clock Tower inside Stari Grad. Kotor Montenegro

    In addition to Kotor, Malta makes an ideal substitute for a Venice trip. Again, you won’t see canals cutting through the old town here, but wandering the streets of Valletta or the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, you might have to remind yourself you are not in Venice.

    Perhaps it’s the hundreds of colorful boats called Luzzus, the water taxis, the blue water lapping at the docks, or the architecture, all of which win over everyone who visits. 

    Insider Tip- Happy hour drinks in Valletta almost always include some fabulous snacks, usually homemade bread and tomato jam. Come hungry! 

    many beautiful boats in Valletta harbour with cityscape on the background, Malta

    Instead Of Italian Ruins: Explore Turkey’s Ancient Ruins

    Ok, Turkey is not exactly a secret. This is another country that is also expecting many more visitors this year than in previous years.

    However, Turkey is large and full of things to see, and the crowds will not feel nearly as pressing when you venture out and explore some of the county’s ancient ruins.

    With its location bridging the east and the west, Turkey has historically been a hub for ancient civilizations; therefore, you can find ruins from many ancient Greek and Roman cities and monuments. 

    Family Taking A Selfie At The Ancient Theatre Of Side, Antalya Province, Turkey

    Rivaling any of Italy’s historic ruins are the ancient structures that you can find throughout Turkey.

    Some notable sites inlace the Roman theatre in Aspendos, The ancient cities of Aphrodisias or Hierapolis, or the famous and striking Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis.

    With numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, not to mention the 9,000-year-old city of Çatalhöyük, it’s no wonder this country has been referred to as the world’s largest museum.  

    The ancient city of Ephesus Turkey.

    Disclaimer– Again, we can’t stress enough that we are not suggesting people SKIP Italy forever. Italy is a country that deserves all its popularity and accolades, and there really is not a proper substitute for the dolce vita.

    However, it would absolutely be best to wait it out this summer and let the masses do their thing. Explore these totally underrated places instead, and then head to Italy another time!

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • New High-Speed Trains Are Connecting Top Cities In Italy

    New High-Speed Trains Are Connecting Top Cities In Italy

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Italy’s primary train operator, Trenitalia, recently launched three new high-speed rail services connecting Rome-Fiumicino’s International airport to main train stations in Naples and Florence. 

    Trenitalia started serving these new routes on July 11 and new train schedules were designed considering air travel to synchronize comfortable connections between air —arrivals and departures— and train travel. Great news for international travelers!

    The new routes will connect the Frecciarossa—the name of the fast trains in Italy— and will allow tourists who arrive at Rome’s airport to go straight to Napoli to taste the original pizza. And those exploring charming Florence will now also be able to take a fast train to Rome’s international airport. These are the new services:

    • From Naples —Napoli Centrale (central station), and Napoli Afragola (high-speed trains station)— to Fiumicino Airport. 
    • From Fiumicino Airport to Naples: Napoli Centrale and Napoli Afragola.
    • From Florence’s train station, Florence Santa Maria Novella, to the Fiumicino Airport.

    American travelers will benefit from the new routes. The Aeroporti di Roma stated in the official announcement:  “With these connections, passengers can be in New York in the early afternoon, leaving early in the morning from Naples or Florence.”

    The alliance between the Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane and Aeroporti di Roma hopes to keep improving schedules and connectivity and allow passengers to register and carry out baggage check-in from train stations in the near future.

    These new routes go hand in hand with the Italian Government’s strategy to facilitate connectivity and help travelers visit different destinations in this country. They recently also launched a campaign to promote 1,000 off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy.

    More Routes And Connections For Travelers

    The new services will improve connectivity between central and southern Italy, enhance the integration between rail and air service and also comply with the European Union’s sustainable strategies in transportation.

    The new connections will include the Leonardo Express route, which is the fast train service from Rome’s main station to the International airport, which is the quickest way to get to the airport and it takes 32 minutes. This airport shuttle usually offers travelers train services every 15 minutes. 

    Now international travelers will not only get the fastest services to Naples and from Florence to the Airport, but they will also have many more options to visit other fascinating destinations in Italy faster and easier. 

    The Florence Skyline

    The routes of the Frecciargento trains —the high-speed train services in Italy that go up to 250 Kilometers per hour (around 155 miles per hour)— also provide services that, with the new connections, will be more accessible for travelers. 

    The Florence route will allow passengers who visit iconic destinations like Venice or Padua, and Bologna, to get to Rome’s international airport faster and plan exciting routes while they visit this fascinating country. 

    About Naples and Florence

    Travelers from all over the world will now be able to land at Rome’s main international airport and quickly arrive in the south of Italy to taste the original pizza. Naples is known as the “Home Place of Pizza”, where it was created, but it also hosts fascinating architecture, landscapes, and fascinating activities. 

    From Florence, travelers will also be able to reach very social-media-trendy getaways at the moment like the beautiful Amalfi coast or the fascinating Capri, an island located in the Bay of Naples.

    For travelers looking to discover more about Italian history and art, Florence will definitely satisfy their needs. Visitors can explore the most fascinating museums and worldwide famous art galleries. Unique pieces from Brilliant artists like Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo are located in this city. 

    Italian Coffee With Blurred Florence Dome In The Background, Italy

    Venice is also a trendy and iconic destination —travelers must remember that next year visitors will have to pay a fee to visit for the day—  famous for its beautiful architecture, bridges, and gondolas. Those visiting Venice will also benefit from the new route and access to high-speed trains that will connect them quickly to Rome. 

    Read More:

    Italy Launches Campaign To Promote 1000 Off The Beaten Path Destinations

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    3 Mediterranean Destinations Without Crowds You’ll Actually Want To Visit

    ↓ Join the community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Italy Launches Campaign To Promote 1000 Off The Beaten Path Destinations

    Italy Launches Campaign To Promote 1000 Off The Beaten Path Destinations

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Italy has become a very popular destination for summer vacations, especially for Americans. A recent report published by Airbnb revealed that US travelers are highly interested in visiting destinations like Venice, Capri, and Florence this year.

    The Italian government is aware of the popularity of the country for international travelers, and —while it helps the nation overcome the pandemic and the Ukrainian war crisis— it’s also worried about overtoursim. 

    The Italian Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Board have recently worked together on a solution and launched a new campaign to promote spectacular off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

    “This was part of the strategic plan by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to better connect the well-known areas with those less known,” says Maria Elena Rossi, head of the tourism board, as reported by Euronews.

    The new initiative is called “Viaggio Italiano” (Italian journey) and hopes to show travelers unpopular destinations with high tourism potential. This project has been described on the official website as “an unforgettable journey through villages, landscapes, paths, and foods”. 

    Over 1,000 fascinating villages, 100 landscapes, and 100 walking routes are being promoted with this new campaign. In the press release it was stated: “Today, Italy is more desired than ever. Precisely for this reason, it is the ideal moment to intercept visitors, Italian and non-Italians, through a clear and evocative insight: ‘A lifetime would not be enough to discover all of Italy”. 

    Now travelers have a fascinating guide created by experts to discover “the real Italy”, avoid large crowds, and still experience the fascinating Italian culture.

    Hidden Gems In Italy

    The Italian government has developed a platform visitors can use to discover exotic and special landscapes. Users can try the interactive map and plan a route or use a filter to choose a destination within a specific region. 

    Travelers will discover charming short videos and even historic quotes related to the location. These are three examples of the fascinating destinations promoted on the website:

    Abruzzo: Not Just Mountains

    According to the information featured, in this region Travelers will encounter friendly people and can learn about local ancient festivals. Visitors can also taste the delicious local wine and explore its rivers, coast and green mountains and meadows.

    Cinque Terre: In Liguria

    In this string of five ancient coastal villages, travelers will find colorful houses, beautiful vineyards, and amazing views from the tops of the cliffs. The website states that nature has a “strong personality” here and visitors will feel happy walking on its paths. 

    La Valle Dei Templi, Selinunte: In Sicily

    The valley of the temples offers visitors a fascinating archaeological landscape with Greek culture and aesthetics. Travelers will find powerful energy and a very Mediterranean charm. “Even after millennia, as products of ingenuity and spirituality impossible to be reduced to a simple ruin or a banal postcard image, but to be understood as a historical landscape that honors civilization.”

    There is also a special category for the “Flavors of Italy” where travelers will find a guide explaining the traditional local dishes, routes with places to visit to taste original local food, and information about food and wine events. 

    For example, if a user wants to know more about food in the region of Puglia, the platform will display information about its wonderful olive oil and wines, details about traditional dishes like the “Panzerotti”, itineraries on the coast, and interesting facts about the “Due Mari wine fest di Taranto”, a gastronomical event in Taranto.

    Those interested in trekking and cycling routes will also find valuable information. The Italian government has highlighted 100 amazing routes to promote “slow travel” and sustainable tourism. Travelers can discover Italy by exploring some of the featured paths like The Mining Route of Santa Barbara in a national park in Sardinia, with different routes that can be explored by walking, bike, or horse riding.

    More information is available on the official website for the campaign viaggio.italia.it.

    Read More:

    Top Summer Destinations 2022 For U.S. Travelers According To Airbnb

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    Italy Vacations Threatened As Airport Staff Announce Strikes Over Summer

    ↓ Join the community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Italy Vacations Threatened As Airport Staff Announce Strikes Over Summer

    Italy Vacations Threatened As Airport Staff Announce Strikes Over Summer

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Europe’s summer travel chaos will only get worse.

    Now that travel demand is back to 2019 levels and most countries have removed entry rules, Europe as a whole is failing to handle higher passenger numbers amid reports of reduced airport staff. In Italy, the situation is particularly concerning, as operators have just announced strikes over summer, casting shadows over the vacations of millions.

    Plane Flying Over The Colosseum In Rome, Italy

    On Wednesday (June 8), several air traffic controllers walked out of their posts for a full 24 hours, seriously disrupting travel to and from Italy and other European countries. The move brought to a halt airport operations in major Italian hubs, leading carriers like ITA Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair to ax a number of flights.

    Unfortunately, this could be replicated in the (much busier) summer months as passenger numbers increase:

    Busy Fontana Di Trevi In Rome, Italy

    Strike Causes Several Flights To Be Cancelled Across Italy

    Earlier this week, millions of travelers faced disruption in Italy after unionized air traffic controllers went on strike. The situation was only aggravated when unions then called on workers from certain budget airlines, such as Ryanair, to join the strike for four hours, resulting in hundreds of delays and cancellations.

    According to UIL Trasporti, the actual Union behind the strike, a whopping 360 flights were axed and 4,000 passengers directly impacted. Those scheduled to fly with Ryanair were most affected, as both UIL Trasporti and FILT-CGIL, another worker’s Union, urged a four-hour strike for the company’s workers in Italy.

    Black Female Air Traffic Controller Holding Tablet in Airport Tower. Office Room Is Full of Desktop Computer Displays With Navigation Screens, Airplane Departure And Arrival Data For The Team

    Their main complaints were centered on cuts to pay linked to on-board sales and tough labor conditions endured by Ryanair staff. The company, Europe’s biggest budget airline serving hundreds of destinations in the continent and beyond, later denied that its crew took part in the strikes – even though their flight scheduled was affected.

    According to a spokesperson, the delays and cancellations customers suffered are linked to air traffic controllers walking out. At least 14 flights set to depart from Milan were grounded, with London-bound passengers bearing the brunt of it. Ryanair has apologized for the inconvenience, but maintained that strikes are beyond their control.

    Passengers Crossing The EGate At Fiumicino Airport In Rome, Italy

    Fellow low-cost carrier EasyJet also blamed their multiple Wednesday cancellations on Italy’s controllers walking out. Passengers scheduled to fly to Bologna, Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice all had their long-anticipated summer vacation ruined. ITA Airways experienced similar disturbances, but managed to re-route most of its passengers to avoid the strike.

    Disruptions To Continue All Through Summer

    Lemons Hanging From A Tree With A View Of The Amalfi Coast In Southern Italy, Mediterranean Concept, Europe

    While air operations have since resumed, the Unions involved continue to list poor pay conditions for their action, as well as ‘arbitrary reductions of paychecks, the non-payment of sick days, the company’s refusal to grant leave during the summer season, and the lack of water and meals for the crew’.

    Signalling they will call more strikes in the upcoming months if an agreement is not reached soon, an UIL Trasporti spokesperson conceded that ‘this will be only the first of a series of protest actions that will make the summer hot‘. Regretfully, it is unlikely airports – and airlines – will manage to overcome their current challenges in the short-term.

    Long Wait Line Of People Queuing At An Airport, Travel Chaos Concept

    Airports in Europe are already struggling badly due to being understaffed at a time when passenger numbers are soaring, and a vast majority of European hubs predict a chaotic summer ahead. With the possibility of further strikes ahead, this will only worsen the 2022 aviation crisis, even after Covid is gone.

    Expect Travel Delays In Italy In The Next Few Weeks

    ITA Airways Concept Image, Fiumicino Airport, Rome, Italy

    Over summer, snaking queues and overwhelmingly busy departure halls will be a common sight across Europe, as the industry goes on a hiring spree to try and save the first post-Covid tourist season. In total, 191.000 aviation workers were made redundant during the pandemic, making it virtually impossible for airports to fill in all gaps before summer starts.

    Italy may have fully lifted all pandemic-related restrictions on June 1, again allowing foreigners to visit regardless of vaccination status, but vacationers may now have more pressing issues – other than Covid – at hand. If you’re flying to Italy soon, check the status of your flight before proceeding to the airport and get insured for cancellations before traveling.

    Read More:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    Spain And Italy Will Not Be Following EU In Removing Masks On Flights This Week

    Why Travelers Should Only Go Carry-On This Summer

    Delta Says Flights Will See Record Breaking Price Increases This Summer Up To 30 Percent

    What Travelers Need To Know About The Monkeypox Virus Spreading In Europe

    ↓ Join the community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

    [ad_2]

    Source link