Giulia Conti

Via Francigena of the South: From Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca Among Shepherds and Norman Cathedrals

The southern stretch of the Via Francigena crosses Campania, Basilicata and Puglia for 900 km to the tip of the Salento, almost unknown to northern European pilgrims.

Jul 9, 2026

Bologna - Florence

Via degli Dei: Seven Days Through Etruscan Forests and Silent Apennines

From Bologna to Florence on foot, along ancient Roman roads and nearly deserted Apennine ridges. A 130-kilometer trek that few still know about.

Jul 9, 2026

Basilicata

Melfi: The Norman-Swabian Castle and the Secrets of the Vulture

An ancient Norman capital dominated by a formidable castle and surrounded by Aglianico vineyards, Melfi is the gateway to Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano and cradle of biodiversity.

Calabria

The Hidden Coast of the Gods: From Pizzo to Capo Vaticano Without the Crowds

Between Pizzo Calabro and Capo Vaticano lies a coast of secret coves, Saracen towers and authentic fishing villages living in the shadow of nearby Tropea. A slow itinerary along the Tyrrhenian.

Friuli Venezia Giulia

The Collio Goriziano: Vineyards and Border Flavours

Gentle hills blanketed in vineyards, cellars producing Italy's finest Friulano, silent borghi straddling the Slovenian border. The Collio goriziano is Italy's answer to the Langhe — without the crowds.

February Weekends — Italy's Forgotten Carnivals

Beyond Venice and Viareggio, Italy hides ancient, barely-touristed carnivals: hand-carved wooden masks, orange battles and age-old rites waiting to be discovered.

Spring on the Minor Islands — April and May, Away from Everything

Italy's smaller islands in spring: from Ventotene to Marettimo, the Mediterranean's hidden gems before summer crowds arrive and prices climb.

June in the Mountains — Alpine Pastures and Refuges Before the Crowds

June is the mountains' secret season: freshly opened alpine pastures, half-empty refuges and wildflower meadows. Here's where to go before everyone else does.

September in the South — When the Mediterranean Belongs to You Alone

In September southern Italy offers warm sea, silent villages and lower prices. From Calabria to Puglia, here's where to live out a crowd-free summer's end.