Every year I visit Italy, several times a year to be sure. Just the name conjures images of architecture, culture, history and language unsurpassed anywhere else in Europe. Indeed, ask just about anyone where their dream vacation is and Italy will always top the list. So for travelers on a first time or tenth time to Europe, Italy is still the place to see and be seen.
There are many reasons why Italy is such a popular destination however, according to UNESCO, more than 40 to 50% of the world’s art treasures and cultural assets are located here. Overall, this means that Italy is a wonderful place for people from all walks of life to experience not only academics, but also a unique culture and a lot of the “la dolce vita” attitude.
While the most famous sites are Rome and Florence, absolute musts, in fact, you also have Pompeii, which is a very famous archeological site all its own. Then there is the island of Sicily, important because of the various civilizations that are represented from the Greeks to the Romans, to the Normans and Arabs and the list goes on.
Don’t get caught up in too much history however, because Italy nowadays, is all about romance – think of those handsome Italian lovers. For that you can either travel the Amalfi Coast, head south to Sicily and Taormina or visit Tuscany’s Punta Ala, it’s up to you.
Amalfi Coast’s Ravello
Considered one of the most romantic drives in the world, the Amalfi coast road offers a breathtaking coastline high on the cliffs above the Mediterranean Ocean. There are many
stops along the Amalfi coast road, but the real jewel is Ravello. The town sits 1,155 feet above the sea and offers amazing views of the entire Amalfi coastline.
The two romantic villas in town are a must see called Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Expect gardens, arbors and terraces at Cimbrone and an older villa dating back as far as the 11th century at Rufolo.
The Duomo, an 11th century church is also a great find with 54 scenes from the Passion. However, the best thing about Ravello is that is clears out in the evening after the tourists have gone back to the more crowded towns below. This alone makes Ravello one of the most romantic spots along the coast.
Sicily’s Taormina
Taormina is considered Sicily’s most beautiful town and rightly so since the backdrop is
Mt. Etna rising regally in the distance. From just about anywhere in Taormina you can look up and see the smoking mountain waiting for the next eruption. For brave souls take a drive to Etna and climb to the top.
Taormina’s vegetation is semi-tropical with palms, bougainvillea and orange trees high on the cliffs offering sweeping views to the beaches below. Whether you stay below on the beach, which is recommended or find a small bungalow among the tiny streets of the town center, you won’t be disappointed with the food, the sights or the overall experience.
If you do stay on the beach level there is a cable car that will take you the center of Taormina in three minutes. Find a quiet piazza for lunch or dinner and take a trip to the Teatro Greco built by the Greeks in third century B.C. and remodeled by the Romans when they came through.
Tuscany’s Punta Ala
Tuscany is usually the first place on the list when couples think of visiting Italy. Punta
Ala is a chic resort town with good beach line and excellent restaurants and shopping.
From my hotel at Cala del Porto I was able to experience a hillside retreat covered with pine trees and sitting on the south edge of the Bay of Follonica and the small port of Punta Ala. From the hotel’s terrace there is also an excellent view of the island of Elba in the distance. For a trip into a larger town try Groseto, but be sure and spend your nights in Punta Ala where the pace is much slower than in other parts of Tuscany.
If that is still not enough then remember that a trip to Italy can also include such diverse stops as Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy; Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; Sienna, another destination for artistic masterpieces; Rome, where history dates back thousands of years and Venice, where you can tour the city via the Grand Canal.
Since Italy is one of the southernmost western European countries it doesn’t get as cold in the winter as say, England or France, another good selling point. In fact, the off-season from November to April is less touristy and less expensive, which adds up to a more positive experience.
When in Rome
In Rome, where history truly is around every corner a morning excursion might mean a trip to the seaport of ancient Rome, Ostia Antica. If you can’t make it to Pompeii on your visit, Ostia might be a good second choice since there are well-preserved ruins that were covered with mud and sand instead of lava. Here you will have the chance to trek from Porta Roma (the Roman Gate) along the Decumanus Maximus (the main road) to the Terme di Nettuno (baths of Neptune) ending at everyone’s favorite, the Roman Forum.
So whether it’s a stop for an espresso in Rome or a day driving along the coast or even getting lost in Tuscany, remember when in Rome…live la dolce vita.
Places to Stay:
Ravello
Hotel Palumbo
Via S. Giovanni del Toro, 16
84010 Ravello (SA) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0898 57244
www.hotel-Palumbo.it
Taormina
Hotel Lido Mediterranee
Via Nazionale (Spisone)
98030 Taormina Mare
Sicily - Italy
Tel.: +39 0942 24422
www.taorminahotels.com
Punta Ala
Hotel Cala del Porto
Via del Pozzo
1-58040 Punta Ala, Toscana – Italy
Tel.: +39 0564 922 455
www.relaischateaux.com/delporto
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