Six Italian places to visit this fall

 

Six Italian places to visit this fall

Today is my birthday and what better way to celebrate it than sharing with you my favorite places in Italy?

Italians do it better as they say. And I couldn’t agree more. Exquisite wine and tasty pasta – this sure sounds like the perfect mix! And I didn’t even mention “gelato” yet! Italian cuisine topped with an amazingly beautiful landscape make me come back again and again. And autumn is perfect for visiting because you can enjoy it to the fullest without fainting from heat. So what are you waiting for?

1. Cinqueterre marvel

Cinqueterre is one of the most beautiful places I have seen in Europe, a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera.It is in the Liguria region of Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia, and comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Colorful houses and vineyards, sea food trattorias and luxurious yachts are part of one of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet.

!Tip 1: Traveling by train is the easiest way to visit the five villages, running all year round during the day. I recommend purchasing a Cinqueterre Card with unlimited runs on the line La Spezia – Cinqueterre – Levanto.

!Tip 2: For cheaper accommodation, try La Spezia or Rapallo and be sure to book in advance because the area is always full of tourists.

!Tip 3: 40 minutes by train from Monterosso, you find another Italian gem that you should not miss: Portofino. Be sure to sip a glass of prosecco there!

 

2. Beautiful Florence

Florence is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany, well known for its landscape, artistic heritage and stand-out cities. Romantic and full of art and history, this place wins your heart in a second! Climbing to the top of Florence’s Duomo, shopping at Ponte Vecchio or just eating gelato with panoramic view at Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence offers lots of appealing possibilities.

!Tip 1: If you have an artistic soul, Florence is the place for you. Be sure not to miss: Palazzo Pitti and Galeria Uffizi.

!Tip 2: Pisa is a 1 hour train ride away and it will only cost you 8,40 EUR! You should not leave Tuscany without taking the iconic shot with the Leaning Tower.

!Tip 3: Tuscany is known all around the world for its excellent wine. And wine tasting is one of the most popular activities in the area. Choose one of the many vineyards and be a sommelier for a day. I recommend Greve in Chianti.

3. All roads lead to Rome

There is no bad time to visit Rome. I have seen it in every season and its beauty never ceases to amazes me. Imagine yourself wandering the cobblestone streets while enjoying a tasty “gelato italiano” after visiting the ancient Colosseum or eating delicious pasta while sipping a glass of red wine in Campo dei Fiori. Mamma mia!

!Tip 1: You can easily reach Termini Station from the airport by bus and this will only cost you 5-6 EUR.

!Tip 2: I strongly recommend booking a table at That’s Amore!, a little family restaurant 2 minutes away from Fontana di Trevi. The food is amazing! Try the truffle pasta!

!Tip 3: For sushi lovers, I recommend trying Shinto Sushi on Via Ludovisi.

 

4. Lago di Garda and its surroundings

It was love at first sight! Breathtaking scenery of the largest lake in Italy surrounded by morainic hills and picturesque mountains. Should I mention the crystal clear turquoise water? I could have not pictured it this beautiful. And the mild Mediterranean climate sure helps creating the perfect atmosphere.

!Tip 1: Do not miss Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda for the perfect Italian getaway!

!Tip 2: I recommend booking a hotel with lake view. There is no better way to start your day than drinking a ristretto or a cappuccino on the balcony!

!Tip 3: Verona is just around the corner and you should not leave the area without visiting Juliet’s balcony and eating delicious pasta in this amazing place!

5. Positano, amore mio!

Positano is probably my favorite Italian town, although it is pretty hard to decide at only one. Amalfi Coast is dazzling and going for a ride sure is a memorable experience. Situated just 60 kilometers from Naples, where you can find the closest airport, the coast is one of Europe’s most desirable and romantic destinations. Take your loved one and enjoy la dolce vita!

!Tip 1: Cafe Positano is the perfect place to relax in the afternoon while eating excellent Italian food. Do not forget about prosecco!

!Tip 2: Although the beach is not sandy, it offers you a stunning view of the coast with its colorful crowded houses. If you are lucky, you can even relax under the Italian sun in October.

!Tip 3: Even if Amalfi Coast could seem small, the coastal towns have plenty of differences. Be sure to also visit Amalfi, Ravello and  Atrani.

 

6. Be part of the fairytale in Alberobello

I am sure you have seen pictures all over internet with this small town located in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia. Tinny white and grey, cone roofed houses called trulli, make one of the most picturesque landscapes in Italy and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surely the best way to visit Alberobello is by staying in your very own trullo.

!Tip 1: Alberobello can be visited in a daytrip from Bari or can be a good starting point for visiting Puglia region.

!Tip 2: 30 kilometers away from Alberobello, you can find a unique cave restaurant with delicious food and great wine: Grotta Palazzese.

!Tip 3: Maldive del Salento is known as the most beautiful beach in Puglia region and even Italy. Crystal clear water and white sandy beaches.

 

Other amazing places to visit in Italy:

1. Venice;
2. Como Lake;
3. San Marino – independent microstate 22 kilometers away from Rimini;
4. Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda, Sardinia;
5. Sicily;

And if you want to discover more about Sicily, I recommend regarding this post I found on Taormina on Fit Foodprints. Just click HERE and enjoy!

These are my recommendations for Italy and I do hope you will see as many as possible. If you know other Italian places to visit this autumn, please give me some tips as well. I’m waiting for you on Facebook and Instagram.

PS: Today I’m heading to the French Riviera to celebrate my birthday in style so I will prepare some brand new tips for you!!

Till Monday!!

And remember: Life is short and the world is wide…