Summer

We are talking about Venice, of course: a great little jewel of architecture and tradition that harbours some of the most photographed views in Italy. The secret to experiencing the most authentic aspect of this metropolis on the water, however, lies in moving away from St. Mark's Square and venturing further afield, through the most out-of-the-way streets, or landing on one of the 118 islands that make up the Lagoon. This is true for tourists, and it is also true for those who are in Venice for work and decide to treat themselves to a little free time away from the more conventional tourist routes. The Venice Lagoon encompasses art and history, with ancient palaces, splendid works of art and a landscape that is unique in the world. With a vaporetto, or better still, a taxi with Hollywood glamour, the smaller islands of Venice can be reached very quickly, turning them into places of choice where one can take a trip or, even better, decide to stay in an unrivalled setting. Tours of the islands of Venice to visit at least once in a lifetime

A necklace of precious pearls surrounds the entire peninsula of Italy, linked by transparent, astonishingly colourful water lapping dream-like beaches, sunshine and vivid traditions to be enjoyed to the full. If you are looking for complete detox and sheer beauty, then Italy's smaller islands are the perfect choice.

'Mens sana in corpore sano' said the Romans, perhaps thinking of Ischia and its thermal baths. As the thermal properties of the island were known as far back as the Roman Empire, water and mud were likely already used for creams and cosmetics. Ischia offers various options for those in need of specific cures or treatments or, more simply, for those who have made wellness their philosophy of life. Here then is an itinerary among the colourful thermal gardens, natural springs and the magic of fumaroles. From Molo Beverello in Naples, boarding a ferry or hydrofoil, it takes less than an hour to reach Ischia, an island that from the sea reveals itself as a block of rock and Mediterranean scrub and that contains within itself a microcosm of environments with a character that is anything but homogenous. The climate is mild all year round, the nature lush and untamed, the sea crystal clear, the beaches a dream, the towns picturesque. And if you add to all this the thermal waters, the island's true natural heritage, it is evident why Ischia is at the top of the rankings of favourite destinations for tourists from all over the world.

It is enough to look out over the edge of the ancient volcanic caldera that gave birth to the Valle di Monastero for your gaze to wander over vineyards as far as the eye can see. These are Zibibbo grapes from Pantelleria, a very ancient vine that is still cultivated on the island according to a technique introduced by the Phoenicians. So much so, in fact, that it also merited inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

The itinerary we propose crosses an extraordinary stretch of the Sicilian coastline: the one from Palermo, pearl of the Mediterranean, to Messina, the gateway to Sicily, an important strategic port in the north-eastern corner of Trinacria (the name by which the island was called in antiquity, due to its triangular shape). A 120-mile route to be experienced in one breath, among artistic and cultural heritages, for a journey back in time. All this in a beautiful landscape setting, which with its sea and numerous beaches will give you such a delightful time.

The journey we are proposing is known as the Route of the Gods, because it passes through areas of such charm that can only be described as divine. A 150-mile route to discover an ancient coastline, combining archaeology and nature. A mini-cruise from the Sicilian Sea to the Ionian Sea, which will thrill you with numerous delightful excursions.

'Mens sana in corpore sano' said the Romans, perhaps thinking of Ischia and its thermal baths. As the thermal properties of the island were known as far back as the Roman Empire, water and mud were likely already used for creams and cosmetics. Ischia offers various options for those in need of specific cures or treatments or, more simply, for those who have made wellness their philosophy of life. Here then is an itinerary among the colourful thermal gardens, natural springs and the magic of fumaroles. From Molo Beverello in Naples, boarding a ferry or hydrofoil, it takes less than an hour to reach Ischia, an island that from the sea reveals itself as a block of rock and Mediterranean scrub and that contains within itself a microcosm of environments with a character that is anything but homogenous. The climate is mild all year round, the nature lush and untamed, the sea crystal clear, the beaches a dream, the towns picturesque. And if you add to all this the thermal waters, the island's true natural heritage, it is evident why Ischia is at the top of the rankings of favourite destinations for tourists from all over the world.

As a crossroads of peoples and a treasure trove of ancient traditions, the territory is rich in chestnut and holm-oak forests, streams and hamlets overlooking the sea or built on rocks. Here, we find some masterpieces included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998: the magnificent Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, with the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia and Certosa di Padula. Hidden beaches, small fishing villages, unspoilt nature and rich archaeological evidence make Cilento an irresistibly fascinating destination.

Much of Italy’s Region of Calabria is coastal, a peninsula in itself surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Its southernmost riviera, running along the Ionian Sea between the cities of Riace and Locri, is known as the Costa dei Gelsomini, or Jasmine Coast. One of the wildest coastlines and steeped in history, the magnificent Costa dei Gelsomini winds through 90 km or 56 miles of the Province of Reggio Calabria. As you might have guessed, the Coast takes its name from the cultivation of the fragrant climber plant, rather diffuse throughout the territory. Bays with low, sandy beaches alternate with high and jagged cliffs; meanwhile, all of it is surrounded by green, citrus- and olive-covered hills, all the way to the Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte. The Jasmine Coast is an ideal spot for a simple and peaceful vacation in a pristine environment imbued with beauty, history and traditions.

The Teramano Coast, the longest riviera in the Region of Abruzzo, is an oasis of art, relaxation, and natural beauty fronting the Adriatic Sea. Just imagine miles upon miles of golden, sandy beaches, equipped for every want and need, and you have the idea.

The Jasmine Coast is a beautiful mix of villages perched on rocky outcrops and magnificent beaches, ruined cities from the era of Magna Grecia and the magical fragrance of bergamot. And jasmine, of course, which finds its ideal habitat here. But there are plenty of other fabulous aromas! The culinary delights that this little strip of land has to offer include ‘nduja sausage, “sazizza”, Mammola stockfish, pecorino cheese and ricotta. After all, we are in Calabria: there's a delicious recipe around every corner! Other sensory delights await the visitor: the unspoilt tranquillity of the Aspromonte massif, an invitation to meditate, relax and breathe in the clean air of the Ionian sea, calling you to adventure. Why not start your journey at Pentedattilo, a little village clinging to "five fingers" of rock. Continue to Bova, where you can discover all the secrets of Greek culture. The excavations at Locri Epizefiri will take you to the heart of Magna Graecia, while in Gerace, "City of 100 churches" you can enjoy the breathtaking views. Your itinerary ends at Stilo, with its five famous brick domes.

Large beaches of golden fine sand, with a clear, quiet sea and a shallow seabed, where the little ones can safely play in the water and on the water’s edge: In Italy, there are many – and beautiful - child-friendly beaches with full facilities from the north to the south of the Boot.

In this lush area is an adventure park sure to take the breath away of all who visit... quite literally! We’re talking about Adrenaline X-Treme Adventures, Europe's largest zip line. Ready to get your heart pumping and feel that rush of adrenaline?

Valcamonica holds one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the world and was the first of the Italian sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to fits timeless enchantment. The “Valley of Signs” is an unprecedented plunge into the past, and beyond. An excursion that means culture but also nature. If you head towards the North on the left side of the valley, you will come to Adamello Park. Acknowledged as a UNESCO Global Geopark, its rare geological and morphological heritage is of great scientific interest. It is home to no fewer than 1,300 different species of plants and flowers of rare beauty, numerous wild animals, both small and large, glaciers, coniferous forests and many Alpine lakes. Lastly, ski enthusiasts should put Valcamonica on their to-do list of places to visit in winter. Stopping at Ponte di Legno, you can take advantage of the fantastic slopes of the Ponte di Legno-Tonale ski area.

Tuscany, the pearl of central Italy on the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast, is a trove of unique historical treasures: from cities of art to picturesque villages, breathtaking panoramas, pastoral countryside and magnificent islands. Rich and surprising, Tuscany can enchant like few other places can.

Aosta Valley is the smallest region in Italy. Dotted with the highest peaks of the Alps such as the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and the majestic Mont Blanc, it has great grappa distillery traditions. An ideal digestif after rich meals based on local specialities, Aosta Valley grappa is distinguished for its production quality and superb taste.

They are so imposing that no one region alone can contain them: once known as the “pale mountains”, the Dolomites bring the Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia together. And it is along a journey through these three regions that we invite you to get to know the Dolomites at first hand, thanks to the many experiences to be enjoyed among the valleys and peaks of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Concerts and performances at high altitude in natural hollows and meadows reached along mountain paths for a festival that has by now become a tradition. A plunge into the crystal clear waters of the natural pools along the River Meduna or one or more safe driving lessons for motorcyclists over the hairpin bends of Cadore. For people who have enough time, one way to get close to the Dolomite habitat and the customs of everyone living hereabouts is to travel for more than 200 km over one of the High Altitude Treks winding through these white giants. Taking the time to do so on foot, to grasp all the different nuances and enjoy breath-taking views.

Recoaro Terme, thermal baths in the province of Vicenza, is nestled in the beautiful Conca di Smeraldo, at the foot of the little Dolomites. It is the ideal location for a relaxing day trip dedicated to outdoor activities, health and wellbeing. The magic of this place is due to its well known healing waters, which flow from various springs that are used for healing thermal baths, in the historic complex of Recoaro thermal baths.

In the Monti Sibillini National Park, the natural scenery for this sport is practically perfect, and this is thanks to the meeting of the Velino and Nera rivers, which myth has it were two lovers, from whose tormented and endless love the Marmore Falls, among the highest in Europe, would be created. Fun is guaranteed by the natural springboards that invite you to dive in.

A fun activity for everyone, suitable for all levels of athletic ability and all ages: nowadays, many see kayaking as an alternative way to discover an area, on a par with walking or going for a bike ride. Routes often overlap, so it may also be an option to pick up your kayak after cycling or walking along one of Italy's many uniquely stunning trails. Natural, wild landscapes, or rivers running through cities: Italy offers plenty of routes that are suitable for everyone, with excursions lasting for a few hours or - for real enthusiasts - several days.

The popularity of this sport has grown exponentially in recent years, from those who decide to practice it regularly, attending courses and obtaining certifications, to those who consider it a holiday activity along with other watersports. Fitting yourself out with a wetsuit, board and sail and following the wind - literally - along the Italian coasts or lakes in search of the best kitesurfing beaches is guaranteed fun. If you are wondering where to go kitesurfing in Italy, by the sea or a lake, we have great news: the wide beaches and climate make the Italian landscape from north to south very conducive to this sport, all in breathtaking locations.

If that weren't enough, the boot of Italy is dotted with blue pearls, small and large lakes in the plains areas or high in the mountains that characterize our landscapes. Finding out what's under that delicate line separating water from sky is an impulse that encourages more and more people to have a go at diving. Many courses are available in Italy, even during a short stay, to get closer to this experience in many places where sea-beds are home to wonders. All designed by Mother Nature, of course, with the colours of gorgonian corals home to a rich variety of marine fauna, as well as homo sapiens over the centuries. Under the water, just off the coastlines, evident traces of human evolution emerge which, in Italy as in few other parts of the world, bear witness to an indissoluble bond with our past.

The date to mark in your diary is 4 September, when the Grand Canal becomes the stage for the famous Venice Historical Regatta, an event not to be missed, for enjoying the city at one of the liveliest times of the year. Here are all the places to get a front row seat to watch the race.

At the end of June 2023, Genoa will host The Grand Finale, the finish of The Ocean Race, the most famous and gruelling round-the-world crewed race. It is an extraordinary sporting challenge that is also a sustainability project.

If you know by heart the unforgettable exploits of cycling champion Marco Pantani, you've probably already heard of Campo Imperatore. Just in Abruzzo, “il Pirata” flew in 1999 towards the first of his four stage victories of that Giro d 'Italia. Campo Imperatore is mainly known for its ski area, among the best known and equipped in central Italy. The town of Abruzzo is today a point of reference also for bicycle tourists. In addition to having cable cars, chairlifts and cranks, in fact, Campo Imperatore has a long tradition as a stage venue for the main cycling stage races, which have always attracted a festive crowd of cycling enthusiasts and which still today, in spring and summer, welcomes a constant flow of cyclists and bikepackers, arriving from Italy and abroad.

What does it take to soar through the blue sky aboard a hang glider? Naturally, a hill or a slope where to launch and then take off from with favourable currents, suitable weather conditions, a good dose of courage and the irrepressible desire, which man has cradled since the dawn of time, to observe the world from above. If you are looking for the place where all these conditions come together to create the perfect free flight experience, welcome to Umbria, where you will also have the opportunity to explore one of Italy's sweetest and most prized natural and artistic landscapes from a different point of view (from above). Umbria offers several flight centres for beginners and experts where you can experience the thrill of tandem flying with an experienced pilot for the first time, or get personally involved if you are already good, surrounded by enchanting natural scenery.

Visiting Campania by paraglider or hang-glider is like nothing you could have imagined and yet harbours unforgettable emotions. In fact, for free-flying enthusiasts, who love to take to the skies and explore the Italian landscapes from above, exclusively aboard unpowered aircraft such as hang-gliders or paragliders, the varied territory of Campania is an air park that offers formidable panoramas, whether maritime or mountainous. Those who are new to the sport can find an opportunity here to indulge in a baptism of the air in a two-seater aircraft, driven by the expert hands of a professional pilot.

Soar through the sky surrounded by nature, enjoying breathtaking views of mountains and valleys, seas and lakes, quaint villages and islands, as you glide along steel cables in complete safety, all harnessed up and protected: six spectacular zip lines for an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled experience.

Practised on a roller board of various sizes, skateboarding is not just an extreme sporting activity, but a real lifestyle. It makes use of benches, steps and handrails, as well as specially designed spaces such as skateparks. Rome, between one archaeological site and another, is home to numerous spots, but two locations deserve special attention: the Bunker Skatepark and The Spot Skatepark Ostia. Let's find out together.

Flying over the mountainous landscape of the Veneto Pre-Alps is a spectacular sight, to then glide over the hills of the Veneto foothills, with its hilltop villages, cities of art, and the valleys of the Brenta and Piave rivers. Thanks to its natural updrafts, the climate, the accessibility of the take-off and landing areas and the still scarcely urbanised nature, the area lends itself very well to this pursuit. The Grappa massif, a mecca for free flight, located between the provinces of Vicenza, Belluno and Treviso, is the ideal place for hang-gliding and paragliding.