_ WHERE TO STAY

They were built starting from 1561 by the Republic of Venice in order to face enemies attacks, but History was kind with them: maybe due to their stunning beauty, they never underwent any siege. That is why they remained almost intact to the present day.The Walls consist of 14 bastions, 2 platforms, 100 embrasures for cannons, 2 armouries, four gates, not to mention the underground structures featuring sallies, passages and tunnels: don't miss the chance to walk inside the Walls and to visit the casamates of San Michele and San Giovanni. 

The construction of the Walls required the destruction of more than 250 buildings, including 8 religious properties such as the Sant'Alessandro Cathedral and the Dominican convent of Santo Stefano: that's the reason for the 8 excommunications occurred during the works. 

Lots of workers were employed to raise them, directed by Venice and Bergamo architects, due to the dimension of the project. The Unesco World Heritage nomination enlists the Walls within the serial and transnational site named "Venetian fortifications between XVI and XVII Century". The purpose is enhancing all the defensive system built by the Republic of Venice between the XVI and the XVII, in order to connect them by an ideal thread.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and Vinci's Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is a wall oil painting on plaster which was made between 1492 and 1498.  Leonardo made the painting using a revolutionary mixture of Florentine spatial perspective and that obtained through chiaroscuro.One may observe how three windows open behind the apostles, through which a landscape may be glimpsed, shining a light on the back and sides of the protagonists, thus lending a unique character to the painting. 

Leonardo painted the Last Supper by mixing oil and gouache and overlaying it all onto two layers of plaster to obtain a smooth and level surface. An innovative but risky technique: over them to high degree of humidity in the room altered the colours and caused the paint film to detach. The restoration lasted about 20 years with the most state-of-the-art techniques in the field and has allowed the work to be significantly restored.

Booking.com
 

Rock Art of Val Camonica

Crossed by more than twelve thousand years of history, the so-called Valley of the Marks holds a collection of over 300 thousand engravings, at times enigmatic, other times simply moving, that are the most exemplary representation of the strong bond and pleasant interaction between man and nature over the centuries. 

On the rocks smoothed by glaciers, prehistoric men engraved the essence of their culture, their customs, but above all their day-to-day live from the post-ice age, through the Neolithic, until the Copper Age and the Bronze Age. You will find engravings of hunters, warriors and peasants, carts and ploughs, horses, deer and birds, huts and medieval towers. 

There are many engraved symbols, among which the Camunian Rose from which the brand of Lombardy Region is derived, but they are outnumbered by the theories concerning them, enveloping them in a halo of mystery and legend.

Monte San Giorgio

The site, where thousands of fossils have been found, thus allowing the evolution of some animal and plant species to be studied, represents the best evidence to a period dating back to 245 million years ago. 

At the Besano Fossil Museum, set up inside a typical house of the end of the 19th century, which has preserved the original fireplaces and floors, you can see a collection of these fossils, the highlight of which is a large female specimen of Besanosaurus, a perfectly preserved, 6 metre-long ichthyologist. A really fascinating museum for adults and children alike.

Worker's Village of Crespi d'Adda

Crespi d'Adda is the ideal workers's town and it was built between the 19th and 20th centuries by the Crespis, Lombard cotton entrepreneurs to house the workers and their families. Only those who worked in the factory resided in the Village, and the life of the entire community revolved around the factory, its rhythms and its needs. 

The owner catered for all the needs of the workers and their families, and they were provided with a house and many state-of-the-art facilities such as a school, a hospital, a theatre, a gym and food and clothing shops.

Longobard power and worship centres in Italy

Two of the seven sites making up the serial site "Longobard power and worship centres in Italy" are in Lombardy. The first site is the San Salvatore - Santa Giulia Monastery Complex in Brescia, a beautiful architectural complex that represents one of the most important testimonies of religious architecture of the High Middle Ages, and which in the Longobard age was an important landmark also at political and social level. 

The site continued being important in later ages too, and was involved in extensions thanks to the rich donations. After wonderful restoration and enhancement work, the site is currently the seat of the City Museum, which houses the highest artistic evidence of the long history of Brescia and its area. 

The second Longobard site is Lombardy is the Castrum of Castelseprio-Torba, consisting in the remains of the ancient castrum and the Holy Mary Church Foris Portas, and authentic jewel on whose walls is preserved one of the most interesting pictorial texts of the whole High Middle Ages.

Mantova and Sabbioneta

The two towns that have most contributed to spreading Renaissance ideals within and beyond Europe have been part of a single Unesco site since 2008. In Mantua you can go on routes devoted to Renaissance architecture and town planning such as the "Prince's Route" that includes the visit to Casa del Mantegna, Palazzo San Sebastiano and Palazzo Te. In Sabbioneta you should not miss the Palazzo Ducale, Teatro all'Antica and "Corrider Grande".

Booking.com
 

Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy

The Sacro Monte of Varese and Sacro Monte of Ossuccio are the two Holy Mountains in the Lombardy region. Jewel of sacred art immersed in nature, the former located near Varese, the latter in the Como province. They can be reached on foot through the beautiful votive chapels located on the route leading to the respective Sanctuaries.An experience worth having to fully appreciate spirituality and harmony.

The Bernina Rhaetian Railway

Also called the Little Red Train, it is known as the most beautiful train in the world ar also the "train that climbs the mountains". Tackling gradients of 70 per mile, it almost touches the sky, at 2,253 metres of altitude, the highest point reaches its destination: Saint Moritz.Each stopover is a unique opportunity to wonder and be amazed, because the landscape is always spectacular and never the same.

The Bernina Express railway meanders along an itinerary of great tourist and environmental worth through the Alps and was therefore registered in the UNESCO world Heritage List in 2008.

Stilt Houses of the Alpine Arc

This is a transnational site that spans six countries: Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Slovenia and Italy.Lombardy holds two important records: it boasts the most ancient stilt house that has ever been acknowledged, located on Lake Varese, dating back to 5000 b.C., and the highest concentration of stilt houses, more than 30 dwellings, in the Lake Garda region.

 
In this village the evenings are lively, it is the most frequented place on the island, there are many tourists.
I recommend Es Pujols to those who do NOT want to be too secluded.

 
Favorite area for VIPs in Formentera (footballers and celebrities): you can find them in June, hardly in August, when there is the peak of the flow of tourists.

The Balearic Islands are not an economic destination in the summer months especially in Es Pujols you risk not to find anything, if you don't book early.
Es Pujols is close to the 2 most popular beaches of the island that extend into this isthmus (they are really suggestive):

TO GET TO FORMENTERA: 

☑️ Formentera does NOT have an airport. Book a flight to Ibiza by Ryanair.
☑️ From the port of Ibiza you can reach Formentera by hydrofoil or ferry.
☑️ Book a hotel or apartment by Booking.com 

FORMENTERA BEST BEACHES

Platja de Llevant and Playa de Illetas are the best beaches of Formentera.

Best beaches in Formentera

If you want to stay near this area/beach, I suggest:

👉 Hotel Rosamar Playa de Llevant

San Antonio de Portmany, if you want to stay in a tourist area cheaper than Palya d'en Bossa. Here are many clubs, it is not unusual to see many young Brits drunk, after a certain time. One of the best known places to watch the sunset which attracts many tourists.

Better San Antonio or Playa d'en Bossa

Read the full article:

Listed below you can see the offers for accommodation in San Antonio. Prices for 7 nights, per accommodation, NOT per person. Booking.com Booking.com

• Viareggio
• Forte dei Marmi
• Marina di Pietrasanta
• Lido di Camaiore
• Elba island

Best seaside resort in Tuscany

Tuscany destinations, where to stay: beach towns, best coastal towns. What are the best beach resorts in Tuscany? Are there any beaches in Tuscany? What is the best area to stay in Tuscany? Is Tuscany near the coast? Is there a beach near Pisa Italy? 

Top 5 seaside towns in Tuscany

☑️ You can reach Tuscany by car, train or plain. The closest airport to Viareggio, and other coastal towns in Tuscany, is Pisa Airport (PSA), about 34 km away by car or about an hour by train.
☑️ Elba island can be reached by ferry from Piombino and there is also the option to bring its own car or rent a scooter on arrival.

Nice memories! How many beautiful summers I spent in Tuscany with my parents when I was a child.

Forte dei Marmi

If you are looking for a seaside resort in Tuscany that have a lively nightlife but also a beautiful and long beach perfect to sunbathe, Forte dei Marmi is perfect place for you.

Since the post-war period, this seaside town has been a meeting place for celebrities and aristocrats who came here for the spacious beaches, the exclusive services, activities, events.
Here the disco concept was born with the famous Capannina in Forte dei Marmi which still attracts fans of all ages.

Nowadays Forte dei Marmi is the destination of a elite tourism, especially of Russian tycoons who have chosen this district as their meeting point.
However there are numerous accommodation options that allow you to find a cheaper hotel or private apartment close to the beach.

Shopping is certainly the strenghts of this location. The city center of Forte dei Marmi is a succession of luxury boutiques and trendy restaurants. It is an ideal destination for group of friends because there is always something to do, both during the day and the evening and it also ideal for couples who like to spend time in a lively place.
See accommodation In Forte dei Marmi

Lido di Camaiore

Lido di Camaiore is a quiet but at the same time lively resort, full of clubs, restaurants and close to Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio and finally with very beautiful equipped beaches.

Near the promenade there is also the cycle path suitable for people who love walking, cycling and also skating.
On the waterfront there are many restaurants, clubs and every type of water activity for adults and children.

There is a beautiful pier on the sea, called Bellavista Vittoria, where you can walk or sunbathe and in the summer season many cultural events and shows are scheduled.
Closer to the most important Tuscany touristic places, Lido di Camaiore is also a perfect starting point to visit the region.
See accommodation in Lido di Camaiore

Viareggio

Viareggio is known for its famous Carnival with the final parade of allegorical floats, but it is also a place that offers several kind of activities, shops, restaurants in a very lively place.

Photo credit by Google

Marina di Pietrasanta

In the city center there are several kinds of restaurants and taverns as well as a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to informal b&b.

One of the symbols of this place is the Pontile di Tonfano, a structure on the sea where you can sunbathe or dive directly into the water.
See accommodation in Marina di Pietrasanta

Elba island

Isola d'Elba hotel near the beach


if you have found valid ideas in this article, I would be pleased if you shared an article on your social pages. Thanks! :)

Best places to stay in Puglia

Booking.com

Good to know: In August many hotels offer weekly stays only, especially in seaside resorts where a lot of Italians spend a week on the beach.
Usually, Italians book their summer holidays by Easter (except this year under Covid-19 pandemic) so if you want to be sure of finding the best, or cheapest, accommodation, it is better to reserve in advance.

Best time to visit Puglia: in May, June, September and October while in July and August the beaches and resorts are very crowded and accommodations more expensive. An ideal solution when deciding where to stay in Puglia is to choose a base and visit the nearby villages.

The Apulian coast is very varied. They range from the high cliffs of the Gargano and Mattinata to the small beaches nestled in the rocks of Monopoli, Ostuni, Otranto and Marina di Marittima until to Salento coast with the long and Caribbean Ionian beaches of Gallipoli, Porto Cesareo and Pulsano.

Most beautiful seaside resorts in Puglia

• Mattinata

The city of Mattinata has some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia, protected from the north-west winds thanks to the high cliffs of Gargano.
Booking.com Baia delle Zagare is the most famous beach in the Gargano coast and can be reached only by a pass from the Municipality of Mattinata or by staying in one of the hotels located in this village.

Hotel Baia Delle Zagare | This hotel is immersed in the Gargano National Park, set on a cliff overlooking Zagare Bay.

Mattinatela Bay is another fabulous area to relax and its long pebble beach, surrounded by the white cliff, is ideal for lovers of underwater activities.

Where to stay in Mattinata, best view?

Hotel Residence Il Porto | is perched on a hill overlooking the Mattinata Bay.

• Polignano a Mare

Polignano is a famous city on the Adriatic sea, its views of the historical center overlooking the sea are among the most photographed and beautiful landscapes in Puglia. Here the singer Domenico Modugno was born.



If you are looking for something of familiar and characteristic, I suggest you to stay in one of the houses with a terrace overlooking the sea in the center of old Polignano.

Where to stay in Polignano best view?

 Dimora Talenti Guesthouse with an amazing view of the ocean. 

During the summer the nightlife in the center of Polignano is very active, so it is recommended for people looking for a lively place: there are many pubs, restaurants and discos frequented by VIPs and influencers.

Lama Monachile is the closest beach to the city, small and very popular both for tourists and locals.

Another area that I recommend where to find more privacy is San Vito beach, just 2 km from Polignano, where you can swim in front of a beautiful abbey founded in the 10th century.

Where to stay for the summer holidays in San Vito area?

Casale Porto Contessa is situated in a strategic area, in the hamlet of San Vito, distant almost 2.5 km from the town of Polignano a Mare

Monopoli

Less known than Polignano, but equally romantic and characteristic is Monopoli.
Its historical center is one of the jewels of Puglia with a view of the port and the liveliness of the city. It is very frequented by local people, ideal for enjoying your holiday like a true Apulian.

To enjoy the city, I recommend staying in one of the B&B or guesthouses located in the historical center.

Which hotels in Monopoli have nice views?

Palazzo Indelli, got great room view-related reviews from travelers in Monopoli.

If you choose Monopoli as a destination for your summer holidays, do not miss the Capitolo beach: a resort with many beach clubs ideal for families with children. In the evening is good for the night life lovers.

To stay near the beach of Capitolo: Torre Cintola Natural Sea Emotions.

Some tourist residences offer also luxury and exclusive experiences in a beautiful Caribbean sea with maximum comfort and relax.

Ostuni

Ostuni, the famous white city of Puglia is 7 km away from the coast, so if you want to stay near the sea it is better to book an accommodation in Marina di Ostuni, Villanova and Costa Merlata.

Ostuni

Where to stay in Ostuni?

La Piana Degli Ulivi located 2 km from Ostuni, with an amazing view.

This part of the coast is formed by many rocks and there are sandy coves called "the beaches of Costa Merlata".
You can choose from several coves, often uncrowded.


For people who love unspoiled nature, they will enjoy to stay in the natural reserves of Torre Guaceto or the park of the coastal dunes: crystal clear sea and white beaches chosen by the Caretta Caretta turtles as nesting places.

You will spend magnificent days in absolute symbiosis with nature, lulled by the sound of the waves.

Where should I base in Puglia?

Otranto

Arriving in Salento, you will leave your heart among its beautiful medieval alleys and its towers of this fascinating city.

Otranto, Salento | Puglia

Otranto overlooks the sea and it is possible to participate in one of the many cultural and naturalistic activities organized to discover its suggestive landscapes and surrounings.
Don't miss the Bauxite quarry, trust me! ;)

Where to stay in Otranto best accommodation?

The Hotel Miramare is set in an unbeatable location right in the heart of Otranto just a few metres from the golden sandy beach

Baia dei Turchi, 7 km from Otranto, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. A corner of paradise with white sand and crystal sea.
A wide range of resorts are located near the beach and in the Alimini Lakes area: a brackish lakes ideal for spending a relax day with the family.

My tip to stay Baia dei Turchi:Aparthotel Agriturismo Vigna Corallo. The sandy beach could be reached after a short walk through a wood. 

Marina di Marittima / Castro Marina

We conclude the overview of the places on the Adriatic coast with Marina di Marittima and Castro Marina.
You can choose Marina di Marittima, if you want to stay far away from the tourist circuits where you can breathe the atmosphere of the most authentic Puglia, without artifice and frills.

There are not many accommodations here.

Relax and peace are assured and the location of the town is excellent for visiting the whole Salento peninsula. Suitable for travelling holidays.

Where to stay in Castro Marina?

 Hotel Degli Ulivi overlooking the Gulf. Ideal as a base to make a tour to the southern area of Puglia.

Things to see: Cala dell'Acquaviva (photo below), a wonderful inlet inserted in the wild nature with cold springs ideal for cooling off during the hot summer days.


Palombara cave:  small suggestive cave located in a rocky coast. If you like a Caribbean sea with its amazing colours, I recommend this boat trip.

Gallipoli

We arrived on the Ionian Sea, on the other side of the "heel of Italy", where Gallipoli is its most popular area.

WHICH IS THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN LIGURIA?

Best area to stay in Liguria

Portofino

Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets

From Portovenere start the Path of Poets (about 45 km), you must follow the white and red sign of the Alta Via del Golfo. The path is suitable for all trekking lovers who want enjoy magnificent views.

Another ideal place to stay in Liguria: Sestri Levante which has a hollow beach surrounded by colorful historic buildings that make it suggestive.

From the railway station it is possible to take a train to visit Monterosso and the other villages included in the "Cinque Terre".
Trains are direct and frequent every 20 and 30 minutes.

Which hotels are the best ones to stay at in Sestri Levante?

Villa Agnese, Hotel Genova, and Relais San Rocco are some of the popular hotels in Sestri Levante.

If you are looking for a nice place, with a relaxing beach, a well-preserved historical center and quite affordable prices, you can choose Rapallo as a base for your trips in Liguria.
Outside the historic center the city is quite urbanized but the pedestrian area full of historic shops and the promenade worth a visit.

Which hotels in Rapallo have nice views?

Hotel Vesuvio, Hotel Primo Sole, and Excelsior Palace Hotel got great room view-related reviews from travelers in Rapallo.

Rapallo credited by Tripadvisor.

Santa Margherita Ligure

A few kilometers from Rapallo there is Santa Margherita Ligure, an elegant seaside resort between Rapallo and Portofino.

The historical houses surround the stony beach and there are good level of restaurants and shops.
If you love walking, you can easily get to Portofino (about 30 minutes on foot): the coastal road offers breathtaking views.

Santa Margherita Ligure by Tripadvisor

Lerici

Another seaside resort stormed in summer but ideal to visit in other periods mostly during the spring.

Questa foto di Lerici è offerta da TripAdvisor

I point out that in the summer months arriving by car in Lerici can be a problem since there is a ZTL (transit ban). If you go by car to Lerici, you can park in the large car park of the Venere Azzurra or La Vallata (both for a fee).

From Lerici there is a beautiful promenade that runs along the sea from which it is possible to admire the castle of San Terenzo in the distance. The fine sandy beach and the gently sloping sea make it an ideal place for tourists traveling with children.

Which hotels in Lerici have nice views?Piccolo Hotel Del Lido got great room view-related reviews from travelers in Lerici.
Which hotels in Lerici are good for families?Many families visiting Lerici loved staying at Hotel Il Giglio.

Cinque Terre

This short stretch of coast called "Cinque Terre" is made up of five famous villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. They can be visited by train or ferry  buying a single ticket valid all day long.

These villages are different to each other but with a common charm: coloured buildings, nice small squares, typical shops, wondeful landscape and small characteristic beaches.

I visited them a torrid day in July and I must say that it was really full of tourists. I think it is better to visit these villages in May, June, September and October.
To see the famous "Cinque Terre" you can stay in Monterosso as a base that has a beautiful beach.

Which hotels in Monterosso al Mare have nice views?

Hotel Meublè Agavi, Stella Della Marina, and Albergo Suisse Bellevue got great room view-related reviews from travelers in Monterosso al Mare.

Seaside resort with beautiful beaches and its own railway station.
You can stay here if you are looking for an area with more affordable prices than other places listed in this article that are more "renowned" and therefore expensive.

Questa foto di Lungomare di Lavagna è offerta da TripAdvisor

It has a beautiful historic center and a shopping street (via Roma). From the avenue that runs along the sea (towards the Cavi di Lavagna hamlet) you can see the promontory of Portofino and Sestri Levante 

In Cavi di Lavagna there is the largest beach in Riviera di Levante. 

In the eastern part of Genoa there is a little knowed place: Bogliasco, a seaside resort surrounded by colorful Ligurian houses. It has small hollow beaches and several clubs and restaurants.
In front of the nautical club of Bogliasco there are 2 beaches, one of sand and one of pebbles, both with free showers.

Country House Agriturismo Le Pale

The Pontetto cliff (town between Bogliasco and Pieve Ligure) is full of tourists during the summer season.

How to reach the Pontetto cliff?

It is necessary to reach the Pontetto railway station, take a characteristic Ligurian "crêuza" (typical narrow path or mule track) that go down towards the sea.

A seaside resort located in the bay of Golfo Paradiso. If you want to enjoy the sea this is the right place: there is entertainment, sports and music for everyone, including the famous Jazz Festival.

In Sori there are some free beaches, equipped with showers and 3 bathing establishments. There is the municipal swimming pool and the Sailing Club.

Sori overlooks a pebble beach and is the second largest beach after Cavi di Lavagna.

For trekking lovers there are two panoramic routes: one path leads to the top of Mount Sant'Apollinare and another to Pieve Alta.

👉 Bed and Breakfast Villa sul Mare Great for Two Travelers. Beachfront

From Sori, the Aurelia state road continues to Recco, a town located west of the Portofino promontory. During the Second World War it was destroyed by bombing then it was rebuilted.

Recco has earned the title of "gastronomic capital of Liguria", with 3,000 seats at the table in restaurants, trattorias and "focaccerie" (similar to pizzerias but selling the typical focaccia). The credit goes to the famous "focaccia di Recco" with cheese, celebrated with a party on the fourth Sunday of May, with free focaccia for all participants!

There are two bathing establishments in the center of the waterfront.

Recco beach is made of pebbles and not of sand.

Do you want to ride the waves? On this beach, with the construction of an underwater artifact, they created special conditions that form waves suitable for surfing.

Hotel Da O Vittorio. Great for Two Travelers. 

From Recco, a road climbs to Avegno (8 km away) is a discovery in the green hinterland.
If you prefer to escape from the coastal crowding of the summer months you can consider staying here.

The climate is mitigated by the sea and the breeze so it is suitable for promenade to the shadow of the olive trees.

Rooms and Breakfast Casa Balin: Less than 1.9 mi from Recco Train Station and the beach.

From Avegno the road continues to Uscio. A hill town known for the Arnaldi colony: a large health and tourist complex with a magnificent view. An idea also for a romantic weekend.

Uscio is located on a tourist route that connects the animation of the coast with the quiet of the hill and offers easy access to peaceful holidays enjoying a good traditional cuisine. Ideal place for those who love to take long walks in nature among the green Tuscan hills remaining a few kilometers from the sea.

Bed and Breakfast La Margherita 2

Well, I hope have helped you in the choice. All the places listed are enchanting, so now you can only depart to discover this part of Italy full of wonderful villages.

If the article is useful to you, or you want to suggest this area to your friends and relatives, you can share the article with them. 

We will update you on the next travel guide. 😉

Updated March 2020

Moira Tips