Renowned for its art, history, and gastronomy, Italy is equally a haven for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers. From meticulously designed Renaissance gardens to rolling meadows dotted with wildflowers, the country is a true haven for those who cherish the beauty of nature.
Italy’s gardens are more than mere landscapes; they are living works of art. These spaces reveal the nation’s rich history and its love affair with beauty. Whether you wander through the geometric elegance of Renaissance gardens or find peace in secluded botanical havens, Italy’s greenery is a feast for the senses.
Here’s a glimpse into some of Italy’s most enchanting gardens and where you can stay nearby to fully immerse yourself in their charm.
The Boboli Gardens - Florence
A masterpiece of Renaissance landscaping, the Boboli Gardens are adorned with grand fountains, historic sculptures, and centuries-old trees. Overlooking Florence, this iconic green haven offers a harmonious combination of natural beauty and art, along with panoramic views of the city.
Stay Nearby:
Gallery Hotel Art, just an 8-minute walk away, this hotel combines traits of luxury and art.
The Gardens of Villa Rufolo - Ravello
Set high above the Amalfi Coast, the Villa Rufolo gardens in Ravello offer some of the most spectacular views in all of Italy. With lush terraces, beautiful flowers, and an open-air concert hall, this garden is a true gem.
Stay Nearby:
Hotel Villa Maria, a charming retreat just a 6-minute walk away, promises elegance and spectacular coastal views.
Radicepura Horticultural Park - Near Catania, Sicily
Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, this horticultural park celebrates Mediterranean biodiversity with over 3,000 plant species. It's an ecological treasure trove perfect for plant lovers.
Stay Nearby:
Donna Carmela, a short 6-minute drive away, offers luxurious lodges surrounded by lush gardens and tropical plants.
The Orto Botanico Di Palermo - Sicily
This historic botanical garden in Palermo is home to rare and exotic plants, making it a serene escape in the bustling city.
Stay Nearby:
Hotel Porta Felice, an 8-minute walk from the garden, offers a blend of modern comfort and Sicilian charm.
The Isola Bella Gardens - Lake Maggiore
A gem of the Italian Lakes, the terraced gardens of Isola Bella captivate visitors with exotic plants and breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore.
Stay Nearby:
Hotel La Palma, a quick 5-minute ferry ride away, combines lakeside luxury with impeccable hospitality.
Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, is not only known for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for its unique and healthy cuisine. The Sardinian diet has been linked to the island's exceptional longevity trend, with a high number of centenarians. In this blog, we'll delve into the secrets of Sardinian cuisine, exploring its connection to longevity, and we'll even share a recipe for a traditional Sardinian flatbread.
There’s something deeply stirring about a sunset—it’s nature’s daily masterpiece, fleeting yet profound. As the sun begins its descent, the sky transforms into a symphony of colours, blending soft pinks, fiery oranges, and rich purples that seem to melt together on the horizon. The fading light creates a golden glow that bathes the landscape, turning everyday scenes into something extraordinary.
Although the sunset can be viewed from everywhere in the world, there is something truly amazing about the sunset in Italy. Imagine standing on a hillside in Tuscany, with rolling vineyards stretching out before you, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. The sky transforms into a vibrant canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a warm glow over the rustic farmhouses and olive groves.
Now, picture yourself at the ancient ruins of Rome, where the Colosseum stands majestically against the backdrop of a fiery sky. As the sun dips below the horizon, the weathered stone of the ruins is illuminated, highlighting centuries of history. The soft evening breeze carries the scents of lavender and rosemary, and the distant sound of church bells echoes through the city. It's a moment of pure serenity, where time seems to slow down, and you're left with nothing but the beauty of nature, the weight of history, and the peaceful stillness that envelops these iconic sites.
If you're looking for the perfect spots to watch the sunset in Italy, these extraordinary locations are a must-visit!
Perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, this picturesque village offers incredible views as the sun sinks into the Mediterranean Sea. The vibrant colours of the sunset reflect off the colourful buildings, creating a stunning scene that feels like a living postcard. Visitors often gather at beachside cafes or along the shoreline, gelato in hand, to soak in the magical atmosphere. Positano’s charm and beauty become even more pronounced as the day turns to night, making it an unforgettable sunset destination.
Watching the sunset in this Sicilian town is often regarded as a must-do experience for travellers, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled on a hillside, the location provides unrivalled views. As the sun sinks into the Ionian Sea, the silhouettes of nearby mountains and the ancient Greek Theatre create a breathtaking backdrop. It’s a moment to reflect on the day’s adventures and embrace the serene beauty surrounding you, making it a truly memorable sunset experience.
It has finally happened. The first city in the world has started charging visitors to enter its premises. Venice has long grappled with the challenges posed by mass tourism and it currently welcomes an estimated 30 million visitors per year, far above the 50,000 population who actually live there. And the vast majority of the visitors just come for the day.
Trieste, a vibrant port city in northeastern Italy, is renowned for its rich coffee culture which is deeply embedded in its daily life and social fabric. Coffeehouses in Trieste are not just places to grab a quick caffeine fix but are integral to the city's social scene, serving as meeting points for friends, intellectuals, and artists. The city's historical cafes, such as Caffè San Marco and Caffè degli Specchi, offer a glimpse into the past where influential writers and thinkers like James Joyce and Italo Svevo once gathered. The Trieste coffee culture is distinct, characterized by its unique coffee terminology and variety of preparations, including the "capo in B," a macchiato served in a glass, and the "nero," a simple espresso.
Trieste's Crossroads of Coffee Culture
For centuries, Trieste has served as a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange, thanks to its prime position on the Adriatic Sea. As a vital maritime hub, the city welcomed merchants, sailors, and travellers from far-flung corners of the world, each bringing their unique customs and tastes, including a penchant for coffee.
It was during the 18th and 19th centuries that Trieste's coffee culture truly blossomed. The city's strategic location made it an ideal stopover for ships laden with coffee beans from the East Indies, Arabia, and the Americas. As the coffee trade flourished, so did the local appetite for caffeinated beverages, making it now a city with the highest coffee consumption in Italy with 1500 cups of coffee drunk per person each year.
The Art of Coffee Roasting
But Trieste's coffee prowess goes beyond its historic cafés. The city has also developed a reputation for producing some of Italy's finest coffee roasts. Local roasters employ meticulous techniques, carefully sourcing and blending beans from across the globe to create unique flavour profiles that cater to the discerning palates of Triestini – the city's residents.
Illycaffè
Illy Caffe’s history in Trieste is a tale of innovation and passion that began in 1933 when Francesco Illy founded the company. Trieste, a major coffee port, was the perfect backdrop for Francesco's mission to create the perfect cup of coffee. His invention of the Illetta espresso machine in 1935 revolutionized coffee preparation and his innovative pressurization system for preserving coffee's freshness set new standards in the industry.
Today, Illycaffè is a global brand present in over 140 countries, still family-run and committed to sustainability and quality. The company's deep roots in Trieste are evident in its flagship store, symbolizing the city's rich coffee heritage.
The company's headquarters in Trieste houses a state-of-the-art research and development centre, the Università del Caffè, where coffee enthusiasts and professionals can learn about everything from bean selection to brewing techniques. Illy's influence extends beyond Italy, contributing significantly to the global appreciation of espresso and maintaining Trieste's reputation as a coffee capital.
Stay at Grand Hotel Duci D’Aosta
Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta is a historic luxury hotel located in Trieste, Italy. Situated in Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of Europe's largest sea-facing squares, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Renowned for its elegant architecture and refined interiors, the hotel blends classic charm with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, a luxurious spa, and easy access to Trieste's cultural landmarks, making it a perfect choice for your time in Trieste.
Stay at Savoia Excelsior Palace
Savoia Excelsior Palace is a luxurious hotel that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. Located along the seafront, it offers stunning views of the Adriatic and easy access to Trieste's bustling centre. The hotel's grand interiors, excellent service, and fine dining options provide a perfect blend of comfort and opulence. Whether enjoying a drink at the bar or exploring the city's coffeehouses, guests are sure to have a memorable stay.
Italy's lakes are a hidden wealth of natural beauty, history, and elegance. Among these, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Como stand out, each offering a unique blend of picturesque landscapes and luxurious accommodations. Let's embark on a journey to discover the enchanting tales of these lakes and the splendid hotels that grace their shores.
Italy's captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage have long made it a favourite setting for filmmakers, offering a diverse range of backdrops for storytelling. From classic romance to modern adventure, Italy's cities, towns, and countryside provide the perfect canvas for cinematic tales. Get inspired for your next holiday to Italy with our best film-night picks below.
The Talented Mr Ripley
This psychological thriller is set in the 1950s, starring Matt Damon as the lead character sent from New York City to Italy (Amalfi Coast) to convince Jude Law's spoilt character to return home. The film is one of the best thrillers ever made. It features various locations on the Amalfi Coast including the cliffside resort of Positano and other villages on the islands of Ischia and Procida to represent the fictional town of Mongibello. The film captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast; colourful houses, cliffside views and delicious local food. It's no wonder why Jude Law's character didn't want to leave.
Call Me by Your Name
The film chronicles the relationship between 17-year-old, Elio Perlman, and Oliver, an American grad student who is hired by Elio's father Samuel. The film's prime location is in the city of Crema in Lombardy but Elio and Oliver also take a trip to Lake Garda where they visit the ancient Roman Villa.
Under the Tuscan Sun
This biopic is about Frances Mayes, a divorced writer from San Francisco who takes an unexpected turn and buys a villa in Tuscany. The film is about Frances getting to know new friends, lovers and more about herself. The main location is the small town of Cortona in Tuscany where her villa is based. But the film also features many other gorgeous locations such as the Florence Cathedral, the streets of Rome and the town on the enchanting Amalfi Coast.
No Time to Die
This is the twenty-fifth film in the Bond saga. The most striking location featured in the film is Basilicata's city of Matera which looks like it has been sculpted right into the side of the hill. The city is renowned for hundreds of tiny grottoes which can be well seen in the Bond film's car chase scenes. For everybody looking to experience the famous Matera caves first-hand, SEXTANTIO LE GROTTE DELLA CIVITA needs to be on your list of future hotel stays.
If you're the kind of person who believes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then you're in for a treat when staying at one of our fabulous hotels. Embarking on a delightful holiday is not just about exploring new destinations but indulging in the complete experience, and what better way to start your day than with a hearty hotel breakfast?
Italians call their after-dinner drinks “an Italian digestivo”. They play an essential role in Italy's culinary scene. Just as pasta is revered as a staple of Italian cuisine, so too are digestivos important as the perfect conclusion to a delicious meal. From the herb-infused bitterness of Amaro to the sweet complexity of Limoncello, these post-dinner beverages offer a sensory journey that complements the richness of Italian flavours.
This article explores Italian destinations that offer unique food experiences. From Sardinia's Villa del Golfo with its diverse dining locations featuring local cuisine, to Puglia's Palazzo Guglielmo showcasing Mediterranean-inspired seafood, and Sicily's Masseria Della Volpe where organic farm produce meets Sicilian wines, each location promises a memorable culinary journey. Discover the magnificent dining options of Liguria's Imperial Palace and the traditional Sardinian dishes with a low carbon footprint breakfast at Su Gologone, also in Sardinia.
