Presided over by mighty Mount Vesuvius, with the remarkable archaeological site of Pompeii on its doorstep, the historical Mediterranean city of Naples has a long and fascinating history. Naples predates the Italian state and the Roman Republic by centuries, resulting in a virtually unrivalled bounty of Greek and Roman artefacts. Naples is unlike any other Italian city - it is huge, edgy, and disorderly, and yet this contemporary mayhem carries on against a backdrop of some of Italy’s grandest and most impressive historical squares, world-class museums, and breathtaking Baroque masterpieces. As the birthplace of pizza and home to arguably the most sumptuous culinary scene in a country famous for its excellent food, Naples boasts numerous gastronomic establishments to thrill food lovers with all manner of tasty delights.
The peaceful resort town of Amalfi makes an ideal base for travellers looking to explore the numerous natural wonders and the lovely little towns dotted along the famed Amalfi Coast. The town begins right at the water's edge with a picturesque promenade along the Mediterranean and a marina full of colorful boats. Narrow streets wind up the hillside featuring a cluster of distinctive white houses connected to one another by covered alleys and stairways. The heart of the town is the Piazza del Duomo where you will find sidewalk cafes and elegant shops as well as the beautiful Cathedral of St. Andrew, with its impressive staircase, a bell-tower in Arab-Norman style and the charming Cloister of Paradise. Other must-see sights include The Paper Mill Museum and The Museo Arsenale Amalfi, a medieval shipyard-turned-exhibition space.
Carved out of rocky mountain slopes in the Basilicata of southern Italy, the ancient town of Matera is a tightly knit cluster of layered stone dwellings twined together by a labyrinth of steep winding staircases and flat dual-purpose rooftops that act as the streets of the level above. The houses, known as the Sassi di Matera, invoke images from the nativity, an impression well-utilised by famous filmed director Mel Gibson as a substitute for Bethlehem in the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it boasts a wealth of historic landmarks, such as the Civita district, a natural fortress home to a Romanesque Cathedral, which houses many works of art, including a 13th-century statue called Madonna della Bruna. The Park of the Rupestrian Churches spans over 8 000 hectares and counts over 150 churches, including the impressive Santa Maria de Idris.
Situated in Italy’s breathtaking Apulia region, an hour’s drive southeast of Bari, Alberobello is a charming and wonderfully picturesque destination famous for its unusual and extraordinary ancient buildings. Known as ‘trulli’, the whitewashed, conical dwellings that cover the town’s landscape offer the chance to see a well-preserved example of a specialised prehistoric building technique, which has earned the town a UNESCO listing. The gnome-house-like structures are now used as houses, bars, restaurants, and hotels, but the area has preserved its authentic charm and is still inhabited by many local Italians. The food on offer is of a high standard, including excellent traditional meals, and is well-priced. Excellent views of the entire sprawl of the village can be seen from the Piazza del Popolo Belvedere Trulli.
Savelletri is a pretty port town idyllically set along the coast of Italy’s Puglia region. It boasts a traditional fishing village atmosphere, beautiful beaches and great dining options. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities, including strolling along the scenic waterfront, enjoying the vast array of fresh fish and seafood, and taking a refreshing dip in the inviting azure waters of the Mediterranean. Stay in one of the many converted old olive oil farmhouse-turned-luxury villas, spend an afternoon at a beach club or a beach shack, and explore the charming streets of this quaint seaside village.
Constituting the toe of Italy’s ‘boot’, Calabria is famous for its enthralling beaches but offers plenty more to see. Its gorgeous sands, pretty coves and striking cliffs provide everything from sunbathing hotspots to dramatic camera-ready locations. Tropea’s Cannone Beach, under the watch of the impressive Benedictine Sanctuary, Santa Maria dell’Isola, is a wonderfully serene and unusual shore. Phenomenal natural attractions, including three national parks, provide for outdoor enthusiasts with magnificent canyons, waterfalls, forests and ski slopes. Unique Medieval villages dot the region, and Gerace, the most well-preserved, is home to the largest cathedral in Calabria and the stately Porta del Sole overlooking the Ionian Sea. A wonderful cultural diversity prevails, as the land has been occupied over the centuries by various nations, and the region has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. It is also known for being laid-back and relatively tourist-free.
