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.

Ariel, the feisty, rebellious red-haired mermaid from The Little Mermaid, is one of the best-loved Disney princesses among children (and former children) all over the world. And while the 1989 animated classic depicted an entirely fictional underwater world, the beauty of its 2023 live-action remake is very real – and it’s Italian, too. The new blockbuster film starring Halle Bailey is set among the crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches of Sardinia, the perfect backdrop to bring a modern fairy tale to the big screen with a decidedly warmer – almost “Caribbean” – feel than the original. As director Rob Marshall put it: “It was important to find a location that conveyed the epic quality and drama that the story needed, and Sardinia had everything we needed.” It’s hard not to agree, given the beautiful locations selected on the northern coast of Sardinia. These range from the unspoilt landscapes of the island of Asinara, now uninhabited and protected by the National Park of the same name, to the authentic Mediterranean setting of the village of Castelsardo, dominated by the remains of a fortress built by the Doria family. We continue towards the municipality of Aglientu, with its stunning beaches of Rena Majori and Rena di Matteu, before arriving at Golfo Aranci, with the islet of Figarolo and the secluded beach of Cala Moresca. Our tour of The Little Mermaid’s locations concludes with a visit to the Protected Marine Area of Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, a natural sanctuary located between the sea and islands in the waters of Olbia.

Rich in history and beauty, the stretch of Calabria's Tyrrhenian coast stretching from Baia del Tono to Santa Maria is a succession of breathtaking views. We propose a trip to Capo Vaticano to discover its enchanting beaches and crystal-clear sea, to be explored by boat trips and scuba diving. An itinerary that also stops at the local cuisine.

Nature and art meet in this 5-stage itinerary offering fabulous views of Cagliari: it will bean unforgettable experience of your trip to Sardinia. Cagliari is a city with a constant buzz of excitement. Set between white limestone rocks and blue sea, with colourful houses perched on the cliffs, bastions flooded with golden light and the pool of the salt pans just beyond the beach: this is Cagliari. Enjoy the pleasant climate, discover the city's uniquely diverse heritage and take photos of stunning views and sunsets. On this itinerary, we start at the top of the city, where the beautiful panoramic views provide a foretaste of what awaits you in the lower part of the Sardinian capital.

Endless beaches, crystal-clear water and a soft coastline. These are some of the distinguishing features of the northern coast of Sardinia and, more specifically, of the Gulf of Asinara, a corner of paradise envied throughout the world. From Porto Torres, with its glorious past, to Castelsardo, an enchanting medieval village, visitors will be fascinated by the natural beauty and artistic treasures of a land with traditions dating back thousands of years and where there is so much to discover.

'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.

Jagged coastlines and cool golden sand, lively beaches and quiet lidos, but also a nature characterised by mountains and forests, rich in plant species and unique fauna in a natural habitat inhabited by deer, chamois, wolves, bears, foxes and lynx.

At the point in which Italy, Austria and Slovenia meet, majestic mountain peaks lie in wait, proffering up innumerable paths that unwind for miles and miles and sometimes run through a forest of 23,000 hectares. From the heights of these peaks the topography swoops down into an extreme dip, that is into Val Resia, inhabited by an ancient Slavic community as well as by curious myths and luminous lakes. An itinerary that begins in the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia's northeast makes stops in the towns of Moggio Udinese, Malborghetto, Pontebba, and Tarvisio, and arrives in Carnia, brushing past the slopes of Jof di Montasio and the summits in Val Resia.

From being an abandoned land, Basilicata today is a national and international destination, one that can surprise with its great hospitality and unexpected and enthralling experiences. Today's region is only a part of ancient Lucania, whose borders reached further west, but the name Basilicata also has a history stretching back thousands of years, allegedly of Byzantine origin. However you want to call it, this land in the very heart of the South, contained within a few kilometres, has outstanding historic centres, landscapes of sea, mountains and hills, and spectacular countryside that will conquer you with its variety and intensity. In Basilicata you will be breathing tradition, distinctively experiencing those flavours and scents that are a true gift for those in search of authentic places.

A 14th-century Romanesque bell tower stands alone in the middle of a blue lake. Its height has allowed it to remain the sole protagonist of a place submerged and out of time, which answers to the name of Curon. Legend has it that you can even still hear the bells ringing, at least on windy days.

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.

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.

Whether you love speed or slow rhythms, whether you are contemplative or reckless, it will be easy to practise your favourite activity in the nature of Friuli - Venezia Giulia. Countless types of landscapes and natural environments await you for walking or cycling, flying or sailing, with one great advantage: the possibility of quickly changing scenery and activities, because in just over 100 km, Friuli Venezia Giulia offers daring peaks and tranquil lagoons, spectacular caves and silent woods. There is no shortage of major sporting events either, such as the Barcolana, the famous regatta that fills the Gulf of Trieste with sails every October, or the many skiing events set against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Lussari, or the cycling races on Mount Zoncolan, a stage in many editions of the Giro d'Italia.

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.