Best Places For Backpackers In Italy | Travel Blog

Beyond Trevi and Colosseum: Rome like a Local

Rome – the Eternal city – is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Over 7 million travelers visit the metropolis at the Tiber each year; most of them just stay for a short trip spending their time between the Colosseum, Forum Romanum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps and the Vatican and complaining that it is ‘such a touristy place’. Italy’s capital however has so much more to offer. If one dares to take a look at things that lie beyond the typical attractions, Rome is a young, exciting and colorful city full of people actually spending […]

A tour around Bergamo: a local’s guide

When I get asked ‘where are you from’, and I reply Bergamo, Italy, the comment is: ‘upper town or downtown?’ (Respectively, in Italian, called Città Alta and Città Bassa). Maybe you don’t know, but Bergamo is divided into two parts. Upper town The old part is the upper town, surrounded by walls built in the XVI century and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. In a warm and autumn day, having a walk around the walls is regenerating. You can admire Bergamo’s downtown and if you are lucky, you can see the skyscrapers of Milan. How to reach […]

A Complete Guide to Procida, An Island in the Bay of Naples.

Capri is the most famous island in the Gulf of Naples, precious and charming but, to be honest, a way too touristic. If you are looking for a more relaxing and picturesque spot, Procida is your place. In its 4,26 km2, you will find stunning views, history, amazing people and delicious food and I assure you, it will be love at first sight! How to reach Procida: There are daily boats everyday running between Naples and Procida. The timetable depends on the season, but you can check it on the web. You can take two different kinds of boat: […]

is Pisa a city worth visiting?

The first time I was in Pisa was on a rainy March when I was 18 years old. I remember that for arriving at this great touristic city I took a train in the city of Florence, Florence was a hub for me where my hotel was located. Pisa is a city located in the Tuscany area, Tuscany is one of the 20 areas that compose the wonderful country of Italy. I guess you have heard about Tuscany, probably is the best well know area of the whole Italian peninsula. On a map you will see that Pisa is in […]

City Break – Walking around Torino

Once an industrial city and way before the first capital of Italy, Torino surprises with its elegance, breathtaking architecture, historical imprint and definitely a strong cultural vibe. It is the capital of the Piedmont region, situated in the north-west part of the country. Must say that before my first visit I was a bit sceptical – I did not want to spend too much time in yet another big city. However, even if in the middle of a metropolitan city as Torino, you will love its parks and gardens, and then there is the river Po that brings a most […]

Italy: Milan and surroundings – places of interest and lifehacks

When we hear the word “Italy”, we, first of all, represent Venice, Florence and the capital — Rome. For many people, it is a secret that in Italy there is another capital. It is the “fashion capital” Milan. And the North of Italy, where this city is located, is no less worthy of a visit than the cities known to all. So you’re in Milan. First, solve the issue with transport. Lifehack: if you come to Milan for a couple of days — buy a ticket for 48 hours (8.25 euros). If you have 8-10 days, the best option is […]

Italy: Bergamo — the secret heart of Lombardy

If you are in the North of Italy, in Lombardy, and you want to feel its spirit, then do not limit yourself to visiting Milan. Very close to it (less than an hour by local train), at the foot of the Alps, you will find the ancient city of Bergamo. Opposite Bergamo train station — the bus station with a tourist office. Here you can take a map of the city. Bergamo is divided into the Lower (New) and Upper (Old) town. The Old town is located at an altitude of 380 m above sea level. So, if you are […]

The Dolomites: Northern Italy's incredible mountain range

The rugged Dolomite’s Mountain beauty This indomitable mountain range in the north of Italy is spectacular; a place where nature, adventure sports, jagged peaks and pretty mountain villages mix with diverse landscapes. Breathtaking beauty arises from the 250 million-year-old history of well-preserved geological formations. In 2009, the Dolomites were named a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’. An alpine house in the green meadows in the Dolomite’s Cortina d’Ampezzo Driving from the south, we entered the foothills passing through a tangle of tunnels which bypassed towns and small lakes; until, with gasps of delight, we reached our destination of Cortina d’Ampezzo sitting […]

Around Napoli in One Day

Italy is a wonder and I say that because of its historical heritage, arts and culture, spectacular cities, dream-like beaches and imposing mountains. I say that also because yes, Italy is undoubtedly a complex country that definitely made its mark. You probably might not know but it actually has more historical sites than any other country in the world! From the Nordic Piemonte, Aosta Valley, down to the coastal Liguria, Toscana, Puglia, Calabria and Campania – it is a real spectacle to actually observe how the different dialects, cuisine and ways of living are joined together into such an enriching […]

3 Days in Rome: the Eternal City

If you’re reading this chances are that you will be in Italy this summer! Visiting a big chaotic city like Rome could be disarmingly, there so much to see that you don’t know where to start. And mostly you don’t want to miss anything! But the truth is..you cannot see it all! Not in one trip at least, i have to tell you that! I never met a roman who have seen it all.. so don’t be discourage and take in as much as you can of the italian culture while you’re in the Eternal City. Besides the classic itineraries, you can try […]

Why You Should Visit Trapani, Sicily

Trapani is often overlooked in favour of Sicily’s capital Palermo but it is getting increasingly popular as a tourist destination. It is well served by Trapani Airport with regional flights on budget carrier Ryanair making this is an excellent base to explore western Sicily. Follow my journey to discover the cradle of civilisation that is Sicily. What To Expect “Mi Scuza! Non-capisco Italiano. Parla Inglese?”, is one of few Italian sentences I memorized by heart. Except this time, it was not directed at a waiter or retail assistant but instead at a group of raucous youths. These youths have never […]

Five Things You Must Know About Italy

Deciding to move to Italy for a year was not an easy choice since well, I have to admit that I haven’t been steady for the past six years. Been travelling and exploring for quite a while, so after having a study experience in Poland for half a year – I must say I started to see that understanding the language of the place where you are about to spend a couple of months is a definite must. Let alone the fact that Polish is not the easiest language to learn hehe. That is why, when having to decide […]

Where to eat in Florence Italy

During my first clinical experience I had the privilege to learn about physical therapy at an inpatient rehab facility outside of Florence Italy. During my 10 week stay I frequently went into the city of Florence to sightsee, shop and try various types of Italian food. Despite the small size of the city, Florence is a clean and beautiful place with many delicious places to eat fresh Italian food, relax, sit down and enjoy a drink. The restaurants I visited consisted of various pubs, pizza shops, smoothie and sandwich shops, local bars and markets. Three places which I found to […]

Citta del Tufa: Stunning ancient Etruscan heritage

Guide book in hand at Pitigliano, Citta del Tufa, Tuscany, Italy Triangle of ancient Etruscan towns Settling into our vacation in Southern Tuscany was a pleasure and a delight. Staying at the beautiful hilltop town of Monticello, we ventured south of Monte Amiata towards the border with Umbria and the triangle of ancient towns in an area called the Citta del Tufa (interchanged with Tufo). The Etruscans have left their mark on the landscape with a particularly rich repository of their heritage. Picturesque Pitigliano and neighbouring settlements of Sorano and Sovana house the Etruscan necropolises where you can visit archaeological […]

Around Monte Amiata: A touch of rural Tuscany

Monte Amiata from Montepulciano Quintessential Tuscany Leaving the beautiful village of Monticchiello, in the heart of the ‘UNESCO world cultural landscape’ of the Val d’Orcia Siena region, we made our way to the old volcanic lava dome of Monte Amiata. Our drive took us through the quintessentially beautiful countryside for which Tuscany is well known. Sunflower fields, golden grain swaying in the warm but gentle breeze making patterns on the fields, and rolled bales of hay presented a relaxed vacation feel to the countryside. The breathtaking scenes combine on a colourful canvas which includes small villages dotted among the rolling […]

7 Things You Did Not Know About Genova

Some of you might know already that I have been living in Genova for almost a year now. Before deciding to move here, I have travelled throughout Italy quite a lot and the thing that felt different here was the impression it left upon me from the first moment. As generally understood, Italy is mostly about history, art and beauty – while here I saw a city of contrasts. Among the multitude of cultures and influences, the contrast between the noble and the outcast, the luxurious palaces and the anti-system street-art and social activism, the sea and the mountains, […]

Discovering some of the best panoramic views in Calabria

Italy has a hidden secret rich in history, panoramic views and natural beauty. This secret is Calabria. Yet to be discovered by many. Once you see what it has to offer, you will not want to leave. Scilla is the jewel of Italy and a place of legend and beauty When I saw this picturesque village for the first time, I was absolutely spellbound by its natural beauty, colours and deep blue sea. It is located close to Reggio Calabria in Italy. I could not wait to explore this delight. I was full of joy when walking around and discovering […]

The Amalfi Coast: Experience Southern Italy

Amalfi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cultural and historic significance. Small, pretty and colourful towns sit neatly on dramatic cliffs, offering scenic coastal views. It’s also very romantic: from the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea and colourful towns tucked into the steep hills; to the classic music concerts held at Ravello (if you’re a fan of Wagner, check out the annual outdoor concerts); to the delicious, authentic pizzas (try pizza al taglio) and gelatos; to the chic fashion boutiques (visit Positano); to the homely, traditional pottery and other mementos you can pick up to remember your trip […]

The best hiking routes in Italy: Dolomites, Como, Camogli, Amalfi

Simple, but very scenic routes throughout the Apennine Peninsula – no more than one day is required to go there and back! In Italy, a lot of great places for hiking. Choose the best among them – not an easy task even for an experienced traveler. The website WhyGo Italy turned to Madeline Javar, who worked as a guide on hiking routes in this country for several years, with a request to choose five best tracks. If you are going on a trip to Italy and love hiking, you should set aside at least one day for this activity. The […]

Visit Italy’s San Marino, the World’s Smallest Country

If you’re planning a trip to the Mediterranean, or Italy, then definitely take a road trip through to San Marino while you’re there – the world’s smallest, and oldest, country. For the most part, San Marino is an unexplored gem in the middle of the Italian countryside, often ignored, overlooked, or visited just for the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the capital city. About San Marino San Marino is officially known as The Most Serene Republic of San Marino, and it’s one of the most intriguing countries in the world. Something of an enigma thanks to its off-the-beaten-track status […]

Practical tips for traveling in the Amalfi Coast and region

The Amalfi Coast and the cities nearby were my favorite place to visit in Italy, the perfect combination of good food, beautiful beaches, and a bit of culture and history. There are so many things to do and see there and besides saying that it so worth it going, I’m giving you a few practical tips: Transportation The main way of moving thru the cities is by train (Naples to Sorrento) and by bus (Sorrento to Ravello). The train is very good and cheap to go to one city to the next, so if you are in Naples and want […]

A day trip to the ruins of Pompeii from Naples

Pompeii is one of the most important and famous part of Italy’s history. The city is situated at the bottom of the Italian volcano which is called Vesuvius (Vesuvio in Italian). Nowadays Pompeii is divided into two parts: the ancient one is the ruins after the eruption, while the modern one is placed under the hill. In the past Pompeii was one of the ancients cities of the state. It was big and rich, thanks to the trade with the Greeks, but the volcano erupted and covered all the city with its inhabitants. It was a shock for the people […]

Best things to do in Palermo besides visiting churches!

Of course, Italy is known for its beautiful churches and architecture, but for me, visiting buildings all day would get boring after a while. If you agree, continue reading and I will tell you what else you can do in the city of the godfather. I am going to help you to find the best markets, food and places to relax! 1. Mercado delle Pulci Most of the markets in Palermo are about food and groceries, for tourists and also the locals. If you are looking for antiquities and old books or you just like to rummage through all […]

Ancona travel guide: An Italian pitstop worth visiting

Situated on the eastern coast of Central Italy is the small port town of Ancona, whose name is ancient Greek for elbow given its interesting shape and location on the Adriatic sea. For many tourists who arrive at its famous port, this ancient city is often just a travel pitstop on their way to explore other parts of Europe. But take it from an American expat who lived in this capital city of Italy’s Le Marche region, there is so much more to explore below the surface and many reasons to stay and visit. Why visit Ancona: Top attractions Chances […]

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