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Category Archives: Italy
Orosei is located on the Gulf of Orosei, part of the Tyrrhenian Sea on the east coast of Sardinia.
Orosei is located on the Gulf of Orosei, part of the Tyrrhenian Sea on the east coast of Sardinia. Larger than its neighbor Cala Gonone to the south, it’s a lot less “sea town” and more of a community with homes, jobs, shops, and restaurants. Like Carbras, it’s in a bit of a revitalization and still has some improvements to go, but it really is a gorgeous town, on the sea, with lovely buildings, streets, and the kindest residents. Continue reading
Located about 100km south of Alghero, the tony village of Cabras is charming and in a state of regrowth and development
Located about 100km south of Alghero, the tony village of Cabras is charming and in a state of regrowth and development. There is a sense of pride and community here that reinforces my love of Italy. It was eerily quiet on my many mornings, and even evenings, which wasn’t something that I was prepared for but sometimes you just need a place to recharge and unwind. Continue reading
Posted in Cabras, Cabras, Sardegna (Sardinia)
Tagged Cabras, Is Arutas, Mari Ermi, Portu S'Uedda, San Giovanni di Sinis, spiaggia
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Cala Gonone is THE place to go! Don’t miss it!
So, if you plan to go to Sardegna for a bit of sun and relaxation and aren’t sure where to go, without a doubt, I have to tell you to go to Cala Cogone. It truly is heaven and there is enough to do there to keep yourself occupied and happy for quite some time! Enjoy! Continue reading
Posted in Cala Gonone
Tagged beach, boating, food, gulf of orosei, gulfo di orosei, hiking, microciera, orosei, sardinia
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the best hotel in the world is in Alghero if you ask me
The cross-cultural aspect between Italy and Spain is really quite cool and unique in this lovely town! Continue reading
Rome, Italy – My home away from home
I will tell anyone who asks: Rome is to me what the sun is to Superman. It is my home, my love, and my return. If you must, take a map but “flying blind” really is part of the fun of Rome: getting lost, finding little cafés, little shops, or just watching people go about their business. Continue reading
Posted in Rome
Tagged architecture, Chapter Roma, colosseo, colosseum, de'ricci, Flavio al Velavevodetto, food, foro italia, Italia, italy, peace, people, Roma, Roman Forum, rome, Trastevere
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Venezia, Italy – a place of quiet and intrique around every corner
No place in the world calms me like Venice. There are no cars, no motorini, and not even bicycles… just the sounds of everyday life happening. Continue reading
Torino – Italian with a hint of Swiss mixed in
When I think of how to describe Torino, I constantly think of it as a hybrid between Italy and the Swiss: the locals have all of the traits that I love in an Italian but there is something a bit more Alpine – I truly don’t mean that offensively – about them that really does make this place absolutely unique. And the Alps in the distance don’t hurt things either! Continue reading
Burano – the colours, the solitude, and the tranquility calm me and inevitably bring a smile to this sometimes-hardened face.
Just walk, and walk, and walk, and when you find a canal that looks intriguing, take it. Continue reading
Pavia, Italy – an amazing college town in Northern Italy with so much to see, and amazing places to dine, all while only be an hour outside of Milano.
Like so many cities in Italy, Pavia is filled with unparalleled history: from the likes of famous scientists to artists like DaVinci who spent time in this gorgeous city and contributed to the design of the stunning Duomo (or should I say, lay out). But it is also home to a world-famous university which is part of what brings this little city such charm: it is a college town but it is also a humble town of amazing and kind people who welcome these tourists with open arms. Continue reading
Vignacastrisi – a tiny village of remarkable strength and beauty
So, why you ask, should you go to Vignacastrisi or any of the surrounding villages? Because it’s a part of Italy that if you really want to know more about, it is integral to the fabric of this culture, and these people, that I so dearly love. Italy is more than Milano, Firenze, or Roma but small communities that exist and even thrive on their uniqueness. Continue reading
Firenze, Italy
Most people fall in love with Florence the first time they visit. For me, it’s taken a while but I am finally starting to see the beauty and energy that is Florence. Continue reading
Milano – unlike much of Italy but still quintessentially Italian
Most people I know either love Milano or hate Milano: I’m still not sure why because I think it a fascinating, multi-cultural place with so much to see and do that I just can’t get enough. But, perhaps, in retrospect, people don’t like Milano because it isn’t like the Italy we grew up with in our heads: little streets, little buildings, and lots of ruins. But these are, in all honesty, what makes Milano such a fascinating destination. Continue reading
Posted in Milan
Tagged Duomo, fashion, Last Supper, Milan, Milano, milano centrale, slow food, ticinese, townhouse
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Craig’s 50th Grand Tour
For as long as I can remember, I’ve known that I would celebrate my 50th birthday, in Italy, and with my friends. Over time, bits and pieces would form in my head and ultimately become reality: once I knew what I was going to do, it never changed. And once I realized, years ago, where it would be, I never wavered on the location or anything else. Continue reading
Posted in Burano, Murano, Rome, Torcello, Venice
Tagged Burano, cacio e pepe, carciofi, Cima Rosa, Da Fiore, Flavio al Velavevodetto, hyatt, Hyatt Centric, LaGare Hotel, Locand Cipriani, Murano, Sora Margherita, Torcello, travelwithcraig, Venezia, Venice, Venissa
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Bordighera, Italy – An amazing little town on the Ligurian coast, and close to the French boarder
Posted in Bordighera, Italy
Tagged Balzi Rossi, French boarder, Liguria, San Remo, Villa Elisa
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Torcello – during the day it is a day-tripper’s dream and a night it is calm oasis of nature sounds and the occasional lapping water along the canal sides.
Torcello is not a large island, and not a lot of people live here, but during the day it is a day-tripper’s dream and a night it is calm oasis of nature sounds and the occasional lapping water along the canal sides. Continue reading
Murano – stunning glass work and so much more!
I have been visiting Venezia on a yearly basis, and every year includes a day in Murano: a day of strolling the canals, looking at the glass work, and occasionally strolling in to a church. But it wasn’t until this trip that I realized that there is so much more to this wonderful island and I am smitten!
Nights
Sometime in 2016 (I think), the Hotel Le Gare (http://www.lagarehotelvenezia.com/en/) opened on Murano and I have been dying to stay there since. It did not disappoint! The hotel is modern, but mixes in the famous glass of Murano, the architectural details and structures from the original building (an old furnace), and is just so welcoming and inviting that you may not want to leave.
I will also tell you that Murano is an island of two faces: during the day, it is overrun with tourists looking for that special gift to take home. But at night, when the tourists leave, this is a wonderland of solitude, and quiet, and even reflection like few other places I have ever been.
Bites
If you only have one night in Murano, be sure to book the Osteria Aquastanca (http://www.acquastanca.it/homepage-en/). It’s only a short walk from the Le Gare and the food is absolutely divine! When I arrived, the entrance was full of locals talking to the owner and the barman. And immediately after sitting down, the restaurant was joined by 2 other guests, at separate tables: one, a local woman having her dinner and another man, just returning from business, who stopped in hoping to have meal. And given that they kindly made vegetarian options for me – carcioffi (in season!) with fresh mozzarella – I knew I was in love.
Sites
At the time of this writing, I have been visiting Venezia on a yearly basis, and every year includes a day in Murano: a day of strolling the canals, looking at the glass work, and occasionally strolling in to a church. But it wasn’t until this trip that I realized that there is so much more to this wonderful island and I am smitten! Lose yourself. Wonder around. Get lost. It’s an island after all so when you see water, and if that’s not where you want to be, then turn in a different direction.
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Posted in Murano
Tagged Accor hotels, acquastanca, canals, glass, italy, Le Gare Venezia, Venezia
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Otranto – the furtherst point east in all of Italy
Otranto may not be for everyone as there really isn’t a lot to do other than to go to the beach or rest at a pool until night falls and you begin your evening with a passeggiata, and perhaps a drink at any of the many cocktail bars popping up around Puglia, and then dinner, and another post-meal stroll. It’s the way life should be, if you ask me: relaxing, with friends, and good food, and good wine, and a true respect for that which has preceded us. Continue reading
Posted in Otranto, Puglia
Tagged Adriatic, antiques, Apulia, castle, cathedral, Chiesa San Pietro, greece, passeggiata, pasta, Puglia, Sorrento, vino
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Lecce – The so-called Florence of the south
Halfway down the heel that is the book of Italy, you’ll find the most charming, and welcoming, city of Lecce. It’s been years since I’ve been to Lecce and upon my return, fond memories flooded back as if only a few months had passed. Often referred to as “the Florence of the south”, I think it has more to offer and is a monument of civic pride, and beauty, all unto itse Continue reading
Posted in Lecce, Puglia, Uncategorized
Tagged Adriatic, Apulia, Burrata, greece, nouvo Italiano, pasta, Puglia, Sorrento, vino
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Asolo – a small Italian town of calm reflection
I’m not sure what drew me to Asolo – as I could honestly spend the rest of my life in Venice or one of the smaller islands – but there was something about Asolo that brought me to this small town at the foot of the Dolomites and brought a calm over me that was much needed. Asolo is only about 1 hour away from Venice (by car or train) and for a short get away, you really can’t go wrong this tiny little hamlet. Continue reading
Sanremo, on the Ligurian coast: an era of days gone by
Sanremo is an interesting town along the Ligurian coast that I had always wanted to visit. For a short visit, it’s a lovely place. Continue reading
Cortona Italy – Cortona and the villa near it are truly one of the most amazing finds I have ever made.
Cortona and the villa near it are truly one of the most amazing finds I have ever made. Continue reading
Posted in Cortona
Tagged best hotel, cortona, hiking, italy, linden, mountain biking, relax, tuscany
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Porto Cervo – If money is no object, this is the place for you. But you should still go, if even on a budget!
Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda is a stunning and enchanting place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. Continue reading
Posted in Porto Cervo/Costa Smeralda
Tagged people watching, port town, porto cervo, relax, sardinia, short trip
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Bergamo Italy – A tranquility and joy of life that we should all aspire to
To say that I am enamored with Bergamo is an understatement. There is tranquility, a vibrancy, a friendliness, and a peacefulness in this hilltop town that no one word can adequately describe. Continue reading
Costa Rei has the charm that Villasmius doesn’t because it’s small and quaint
When you only have so many days to explore, sometimes a little more money is worth the pain to your bank account so you might consider Costa Rei Continue reading
Lovely town that is probably the most “cosmopolitan” in Sardegna
Cagliari is probably the most metropolitan of the cities on Sardegna. But don’t come here looking for fantastic shopping, an abundance of ruins, or anything else of that nature; it’s the capital, and a port, and that’s it. Continue reading