Italian islands

Panarea, the smallest island of the Aeolian Islands Panarea is the smallest and lowest of the 7 Aeolian islands, but also the oldest, geologically speaking. With its rocks and islets, it forms a kind of “archipelago within an archipelago” in the stretch of sea between Lipari and Stromboli. An unspoilt paradise in the Sicilian sunlight, at sunset becoming the queen of nightlife, epicentre of Aeolian social life. Exclusive destination with an ancient heart Discovered in the 1960s by a large community of artists and intellectuals in search of a lost Eden, a set celebrated by legendary films, over the decades the island has become a popular destination for tourism and the international jet set, attracted by its black beaches, thermal mud baths, whitewashed houses overlooking the sea, amidst patches of bougainvillea, capers and prickly pears. In the small town of San Pietro, the centre of the archipelago's summer nightlife, among clubs and discos to dance until dawn, among boutiques and restaurants, you can also visit a small branch of the Lipari Archaeological Museum: it preserves artefacts that testify to the island's ancient history, from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age, almost all from the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese. The fumaroles, the breath of the ancient volcano Traces of the ancient volcanic activity can still be found in the vapours of a series of fumaroles, which emanate from the cracks between the rocks of the Calcara beach and from the sea, where the gas escaping from the seabed forms columns of bubbles visible on the surface. In contrada San Pietro, a thermal spring also gushes out at a temperature of 50°C, used by the island's inhabitants for therapeutic purposes. A single concrete strip crosses the island: no cars are allowed here, but scooters, bicycles and Piaggio Ape cars can be hired to get around. Everything is so cosy that you can reach the other two hamlets on the island, Drautto and Ditella, directly on foot or, if you are tired or laden, aboard the Aeolian taxis, charming little gigs on wheels designed to transport people and luggage. The beaches: beautiful and all to conquer Most of Panarea's coastline consists of high, jagged cliffs, from which it is difficult to access the sea. The beaches here are few and not all within walking distance; however, they are among the most beautiful in the entire archipelago. Only a couple are accessible by land: Cala Junco, along the southern coast of the island, an enchanting natural pool with crystal-clear turquoise waters, protected by high cliffs, also famous for the prehistoric village of Punta Milazzese behind it, consisting of the remains of 23 oval huts. Along the same path, you will also come across Cala degli Zimmari, in a bay backed by a cliff and Mediterranean scrub, the only sandy beach on the entire island, known for its characteristic red colour that, by contrast, gives the sea that washes it a unique cobalt blue hue. Sea excursions and romantic traditions In Panarea, the most popular sport is to rent a boat and head out to sea, to discover the many little-visited coves nestled between its cliffs, islets and seascapes. If you reach Panarea in sweet company, one destination is a must: just 3 kilometres from the east coast is the islet of Lisca Bianca. Formerly exploited as an alum quarry, it houses among its ravines the famous Lovers' Cave: according to legend, lovers who kiss under its rocky vault will remain united for life.

Sea, beaches, nature, history and culture off Sicily The Aeolian Islands are a corner of paradise in the middle of the sea off the northern coast of Sicily. They are one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites that contribute to making Italy one of the most visited countries in the world. It is impossible to remain indifferent to the beauty of this volcanic archipelago amidst the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Always at the centre of myths and legends, the Aeolian Islands owe their name to the wind god of Greek mythology, Aeolus. There are 7 main islands: Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Panarea, Alicudi and Filicudi. But they are also surrounded by several small islands of particular charm, such as Scoglio Faraglione and the island of Basiluzzo. Why choose the Aeolian Islands for your holiday in Sicily? Easy: year-round temperate climate, breathtaking beaches, a sea suitable for diving and snorkelling, many magical places for trekking, and two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano, which make the landscapes even more evocative. Which island to choose? Difficult, they all have something unique to offer. Diving enthusiasts can go to Filicudi, where a large underwater archaeological site can be explored. Those who instead aim for excursions can try their hand at a climb to the crater of Vulcano or hiking up Stromboli.

Vulcano: the Aeolian island with a relaxing open-air spa If you want to make peace with nature, de-stress and detox from sedentary habits, Vulcano, with its full-of-life, primordial and, above all, healthy elements, is the island for you: its irrepressible volcanic temperament and spectacular, untamed landscape will help you relax and regain your inner balance. Welcoming and friendly Vulcano, a UNESCO World Heritage site less than a kilometre from Lipari, is the closest to the coast among the seven islands of the Aeolian archipelago. On this strip of Sicilian land, under the benevolent gaze of the ancient dormant “Vulcano” volcano, you can delight in the benefits of the thermal and sulphurous waters and an unspoilt seascape, for a holiday far from the masses. The island is very compact, so the best way to travel is by scooter or bicycle. A healthy volcanic vigour According to Greek mythology, Vulcano once housed the forges of Hephaestus, the god of fire and blacksmiths, who was served by none other than the Cyclops. Even though the last eruption on the island, composed of four original craters, was recorded around 1890, the ancient volcano continues to make its presence known through fumaroles, the jets of steam on the crest and on the seabed, and the sulphurous muds renowned for their therapeutic properties. Despite the overwhelming smell of sulphur, if you’re passing by Vulcano, you cannot miss out on the exciting experience of diving into the thermal mud baths, natural volcanic pools with curative properties. It was first made accessible to the public in the 1960s, when the superficial crust covering the pool was removed, without altering the natural habitat. This open-air spa offers remarkable benefits: it can sooth inflammation and pain, heal the skin and is a real pick-me-up for the respiratory system. A hike to the summit with breathtaking views Why not follow your mud bath with a dip in the island's crystal-clear waters? Or this might be your final stop for a well-deserved refreshment after a challenging hike to Vulcano’s Great Fossa Crater, at 391 metres above sea level. It is a somewhat strenuous seven-kilometre route, but is suitable for everyone. We recommend hiking during the cooler hours of the day: it is a three-hour round trip, but it is well worth it for the breathtaking 360-degree views of the archipelago at the summit. Jurassic park in lava stone Starting from Porto Levante, in the northern part of the island, you can head along a paved road to the Vulcanello peninsula: one of the three original eruptive craters of Vulcano, whose activity has shaped a surreal landscape known by the locals as the 'Valley of the Monsters'. Here, on a carpet of fine black sand, nature has fashioned a bizarre kind of Jurassic Park out of lava rock. When you let your imagination run wild, in these sculptures eroded by water and wind you will begin to see fantastical prehistoric monsters, crouching beasts and menacing creatures: in reality, nothing but bubbling lava formations solidified by a sudden cooling of the air. Black beaches with reflective natural pools After tackling monster valleys and volcanic treks, you deserve to treat yourself to some seaside relaxation. The shores of Vulcano are famous for their dark beaches and seabeds, where the lava stone plays with the sunlight’s reflections as it filters through the water, creating striking effects, especially at sunset. You can get a great picture of this at the Sabbie nere (Black Sands) beach, in the bay of Ponente, perhaps the most famous beach on Vulcano. From here, you can hire a boat and visit the enchanting Cavallo cave. Then there is the nearby Pool of Venus, which can only be reached by sea but is well worth the effort: also known as Bagno delle Vergini, it is an immense natural pool of tuff and basalt with inviting turquoise waters. Relaxation and nightlife: all in one beach If, on the other hand, you want to pamper yourself with a dip in bubbling water heated by sulphur vapours, you should stop by Fumarole beach, protected by a wall of rocks and Mediterranean scrubland, nestled in the bay of Ponente. Easily accessible by taxi boat or by taking a downhill path from the main road, Asino beach, private and secluded during the day, becomes a popular destination at night: this well-furnished cove hosts a fantastic bar where you can spend unforgettable evenings amid music and cocktails, the sea and starlit skies.

Salina, the greenest of the Aeolian Islands Thanks to its protected central position, Salina, the second largest of the Aeolian islands, is also the richest in vegetation and water of the entire Sicilian archipelago, and certainly the one where volcanic activity is at its quietest. Known as the Green Island, the ancient volcanic origins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, testified by the extinct craters of Monte Fossa delle Felci and Monte Porri, two of the six volcanoes that once set it ablaze, are today nestled in a lush Nature Reserve that covers a large part of the territory and hosts several high-altitude routes for trekking enthusiasts. A scenic tour of the villages In another fascinating anomaly, Salina is the only Aeolian Island not administratively dependent on Lipari. It has three autonomous municipalities: Malfa, Leni and Santa Marina – well connected centres accessible by car, scooter or an excellent bus service that runs late into the night in summer. On the slopes of Monte Fossa delle Felci, lively and bustling especially in the evenings, Santa Marina is the place to be, criss-crossed by narrow streets full of bars and boutiques, with its iconic 18th-century church with twin bell towers. Perched on what remains of an ancient volcanic crater, the hamlet of Pollara is also a picture-perfect destination. It is guarded from the sea by an immense sea stack, probably a slab of its own rock that once fell off. Valdichiesa, an enchanted mountain village If you prefer the mountains to the sea, you will find cool respite from all the seaside shenanigans in the village of Valdichiesa, a small hamlet in the municipality of Leni, definitely the most “mountainous” on the island: it looks like an enchanted village, framed by mountains and vineyards. Here you will find the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Terzito, a pilgrimage destination, especially during the traditional celebrations on 23rd July: it is said that the Madonna has appeared in this area three times. A journey through the island's history Along Salina's historical-artistic itinerary it is worth visiting the Saracen caves, a series of interconnecting tunnels dug into the tuff and used as a refuge during the Saracen invasion in 650 AD. You can also reach them at the end of a rather long and demanding trekking route that starts in Santa Marina, among olive and fruit trees. Or why not take a journey back in time, visiting the beautiful, well-preserved archaeological site of Portella, between Santa Marina and Capo Faro? The ruins of the village here date back to the Bronze Age, and the Roman baths sit on the promenade from Santa Marina, now partially eroded by sea storms. An arch with a view If panoramic views are more your thing, keep an eye out for the “Castello” on the road between Pollara and Malfa, which will lead you to a small World War I fort. The square in front of it is a panoramic terrace overlooking the volcanic crater that houses Pollara, its beach and its private stretch of sea. Punta Perciato in Salina is undoubtedly the best place to admire the sunset, one of the most beautiful in the world, they say! This spectacular natural volcanic rock arch lets you watch the sun plunge into the sea next to Filicudi and Alicudi against a bright red sky. Stairway to the beach The best way to explore the sea of Salina is on board one of the many fishing boats that tour the island daily, though there are at least a couple of beaches accessible by land that are well worth a visit. The first is the beach at Pollara, the setting for many of the scenes in Il Postino, the last film starring Massimo Troisi: a gravel cove, dominated by an imposing cliff, creates a natural amphitheatre of tuff overlooking the sea. The nearby Punta Scario cove is also a wonderful place to spend a day in the sun. Immersed in the Mediterranean scrubland, at the bottom of another long flight of steps, it is a true paradise, though the pebbles can be a little uncomfortable under a towel after a while. Not to fear, the little cafe at the bottom of the slope is there to come to your rescue with airbeds for hire!

Alicudi and Filicudi: slow tourism in the wildest of the Aeolian Islands Alicudi and Filicudi offer the chance to lose yourself somewhere new, go off the beaten track, switch off and recharge – the wildest and most authentic islands of the Aeolian archipelago in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, electricity only arrived here 20 years ago. Sharing proximity with each other and elective affinities, these remote islands, are the perfect destination for slow and sustainable tourism, for holidays that allow you to detox as you indulge in pristine nature. Being in tune with nature is so important for the locals that you can only arrive and depart when sea and wind conditions allow. So set aside your planner and get used to sniffing the air and using the sun as a clock and compass, because the weather here has its own rules. The only device you need to carry is a small torch, even an LED one, which you’ll find very useful after sunset, because there is no street lighting on these islands. Alicudi, no taxis but plenty of donkeys Formerly called Ericusa (named after the presence on the island of heather, which you will see everywhere as soon as you step foot on the land), it is the smallest, westernmost and most remote of the Aeolian archipelago. There are no tarmacked roads or cars here, the only means of transport are donkeys, the scecchi, as the locals call them; otherwise, people generally walk, on volcanic stone stairs and alleyways, paths and mule tracks. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and no heels! In Filicudi, you will see no sight of ATMs or banks, nightclubs or discos, just a small post office, a hotel and one cosy little restaurant, which closes in mid-September. All nestled in a village with five hamlets, dotted around the port. All around is blissful silence, or rather, the great symphony of nature. The sea: a treasure to discover Alicudi's coastline is high and rugged, often interrupted by volcanic coves and caves. There are two beaches, but only one, a pebble beach, is accessible by land. Here, you will have to take on the sea, climbing like crabs over rocks and coves, or we recommend renting a boat or setting sail on one of the tours around the island. Or if you like snorkelling and diving, the rocks, reefs and seabed, home to dozens of species of fish, are an enchanting setting. The best way to explore Alicudi’s rugged, wild soul is to hike to the centre of the island, to its highest point, Filo dell'Arpa, home to an extinct volcanic crater, at an altitude of 675 metres. This itinerary takes a couple of hours, along a series of rather steep stone stairs, past the church of San Bartolo. Just before you reach the summit, you will come across the so-called Timpone delle femmine, a fortification of natural caves, where the women of the island apparently once sought shelter during pirate raids. Filicudi and the 7 extinct volcanoes Filicudi, which has a slightly larger surface area than Alicudi, about 9.5 square kilometres, is the archipelago's geologically oldest island. It hosts no fewer than seven volcanoes that have been extinct for years and owes its name to what the ancient Greeks called phoinicussa, the dwarf palm, still prevalent on the island's headlands. Its almost 200 inhabitants live in the southern part, in several hamlets connected by a paved road. In Filicudi, only residents are allowed to travel by car, but you can easily explore the island on foot or by scooter. An ancient history, guarded from the depths Once in Filicudi, you will feel the irresistible call of the sea, the main attraction of the island, which has three beaches: in addition to those at the port and Capo Graziano, the most beautiful is the black pebble beach of Pecorini A Mare, a picturesque village on the southern side of the island, where you can relax among the colourful boats and low-lying fishermen's houses. Just above the beach of Cape Graziano – a beach scattered with grey volcanic pebbles, perhaps the easiest spot to take a dip in the sea – you should definitely visit the prehistoric village, which stands in one of the most scenic spots on the island and is home to what remains of 27 huts dating back to the Bronze Age. If you are experienced in diving, with at least a level 2 diving licence and accompanied by an authorised diving instructor, then your visit can continue below the sea level: the seabed at Capo Graziano cradles the most beautiful underwater archaeological site in the Aeolian Islands, where you can discover the wrecks of nine Greek and Roman ships. Exploring the coast, amid the secrets and magic of the sea The best way to experience the sea at Filicudi is by boat: it is the only way to explore secret coves and caves. Among the most spectacular is the Grotta del Bue Marino, the largest cave in the Aeolian Islands, once home to a thriving colony of monk seals, now a magical place of reflections and surprising plays of light. Continuing along the same stretch of sea, you will come across the Scoglio della Fortuna (Rock of Fortune)—with its concave shape that encompasses a natural pool of crystal-clear water—and the La Canna rock, a giant, 70-metre-high sea stack vaguely resembling the figure of the Madonna and child. Many consider this the guardian of Filicudi and recognise its magical aura: legend has it that if you touch it, all your wishes will come true.

The village a stone’s throw from the Aeolian Islands Nestled in the beautiful scenery of the Tyrrhenian coast, a few steps from the Aeolian Islands, is Capo d'Orlando Marina. Legend has it that the site was founded at the time of the Trojan War. Originally a fishing village, it has now become a modern, lively destination with strong tourist appeal. The “Capo” is a sheer cone of rock on the coast, punctuated by beaches of fine, white sand that alternate with bizarrely shaped rocks. According to tradition, it was Emperor Charlemagne who named it “d'Orlando” in honour of his famous paladin. The “Cave del Mercadante”, circular carvings made in the sandstone emerging from the water, are very impressive. In 2017, the area was enhanced by the Capo d'Orlando Marina, a modern space of over 180,000 square metres, with infrastructure inspired by modern bio-architecture. Between the exclusive suites, the Yacht Club, the restaurant with outdoor spaces and the transparent dome, it will be a pleasure to stroll among the shops along the quayside, perhaps at night under a starry sky.

La Fontelina, a dream location on the legendary island of Capri At Capri, a magical island in the Gulf of Naples, the blue sea and the waves caress the tall “Faraglioni” sea-stack formations, a symbolic feature of one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the world. At La Fontelina, the rocks of the high coastline form a series of small coves offering natural pools where diving into the sea is a marvellous experience. In particular, the historic village and the Mediterranean maquis dotted with lemon trees are very attractive features of the island. A natural paradise Lying at a comfortable point on a bed of rock, you will feel as if you are in heaven. La Fontelina is an unforgettable location enhanced by the bright colours of its environment and offering an opportunity to achieve a state of total relaxation. You will arrive there after a lovely walk along the Belvedere di Tragara, and it is certainly worth returning to this viewpoint shortly after sunset. At La Fontelina you may also decide to spend some time at the Beach Club, a very famous bathing establishment with a private restaurant. The Italian place-name – “Fontelina” - literally means “source of linen” and derives from the fact that women on the island would come here to steep their flax leaves in brackish pools of water to produce linen, a fundamental fabric for the production of fishing nets and clothes. Guardians of the island The three sea stacks have always had the role of “guarding” the island and these imposing rocks rising out of the sea have become a representative icon. The first spur of rock, still joined to the coast, is known as Stella, the second is the Faraglione di Mezzo, which presents a magnificent natural arch, and the third is the Faraglione di Fuori; the solitary rocky islet called Monacone is only a short distance away. The 100-metre high spurs of rock will always be there in the background during your period of relaxation at La Fontelina, but for a closer view you might treat yourself to a sea-tour. An infinite number of excursions are offered on the island. Under the arch of the Faraglione di Mezzo it is a romantic custom to kiss one’s partner, and it is thought that the gesture will definitely bring good fortune. It is possible to enter the Grotta Azzurra only by lying down inside a rowing boat as it enters the hollow because the point of access is very low and narrow. A marvellous setting will then suddenly appear before you: the sensation is that of floating in a totally dark space, barely illuminated by shimmering light reflected on the surface of the water, reflecting an iridescent blue glare. Some boat rental services also propose fascinating sunset excursions. The rich nature of the seabed If you are passionate about snorkelling and diving or in any case interested in this kind of sporting activity, you are in the right place. There are a lot of diving centres. The deep sea and the rugged and indented coastline provide an ideal setting and magical seabed environments. Here you will discover a colourful dimension in the midst of red and yellow Gorgonia “sea fans”, the Posidonia seagrass and coral species of various colours, while dense shoals of orange Anthias, sunfish and pelagic fish will be swimming all around you. Beneath the surface of the water you will find submerged rock walls enveloped by beams of light that appear before you like shining blades. Around the rock stacks, using your fins, mask and a snorkel, you will become familiar with grouper fish and prawns. A never-ending story At this site we can reflect on prehistoric ages and periods when it was dominated by the presence of the Greeks and Romans. Many traces of historical events that have unfolded on the island of Capri are still present and evidence of past eras is carefully preserved. An early admirer of the island was the Roman Emperor Augustus. Roman patricians were enchanted by the beauty of the area and began to have villas and adjoining local water cistern systems built here over 2,000 years ago. Their sea vessels loaded with provisions would arrive here, passing by the gigantic Faraglioni rock stacks. Since that time Capri has never ceased to attract and enthral visitors and since the 1900s it has become a favourite destination for the international jet set. Roaming around the town Situated on a prominent rocky hill, the historic municipality of Capri is simply a delightful venue. The main square, Piazza Umberto I, is the heart of the village and most residents would simply refer to it as the “piazzetta”. You will enjoy having a coffee here in an open-air lounge; you can admire the view from the terrazza belvedere and then wander through the maze of narrow streets. You may decide to visit some of the beautiful churches and then the Certosa di San Giacomo, a Carthusian monastery with internal cloisters, the construction of which was completed in 1371. You should also walk through the Gardens of Augustus, where flower-covered terraces overlook the Faraglioni stacks on one side and the Marina Piccola bay on the other. The gardens are filled with a lot of indigenous vegetation, including holm oaks and cypress trees, mimosa plants and flower beds covered with gorse, dahlias and daffodils. Go for a leisurely walk among the lemon trees. Afterwards you may decide to use the chair-lift facility to reach Anacapri or, farther on, Monte Solaro, where you will enjoy extraordinary panoramic views at these high points.

The island of Capri Opposite the Sorrento peninsula, in the Gulf of Naples, there is a world-famous pearl: the island of Capri, known for its beauty and its worldly atmosphere that has enamoured writers, artists and show business personalities. The island has a lush and unique nature, even hosting some animal and plant species that only exist here today. Capri is a mix of history, culture, landscape and art, a mix that has made it the protagonist of legends and tales, many of which have a place that unites them: the world-famous Piazzetta, the fulcrum of the island and the village, the essence of its identity. All around, immense and mighty, the splendid sea that frames this marvel, a sea of travellers and fishermen, of tourists and explorers, a sea that has contributed to making Capri the myth it is.

The colourful, picture-perfect Parthenopean Islands Procida is a true Italian jewel. The island, with Ischia and Capri, dominates the Gulf of Naples. It makes for the perfect photo for a postcard: the colours of the houses, once home to fishermen, are captivating. Along the coast, yellow, blue, red and orange are reflected in the clear waters of the sea, creating striking views. A fascinating legend surrounds the origins of its name: the Greek historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus traces it back to Aeneas’s nurse, Procida, although there are several theories about it. The island contains villages, abbeys and palaces all waiting to be discovered: such as Marina della Corricella, the island’s oldest fishing village, or the Palazzo d’Avalos, an imposing 16th-century structure dominating the village of Terra Murata. The Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, also within Terra Murata, is worth a visit. Those who enjoy long walks can take the footbridge that joins the island to the islet of Vivara, a nature reserve of incredible beauty. Procida was the setting for the film The Postman, directed by Massimo Troisi. When you visit Pozzo Vecchio beach, or Postino beach, you will find one of the film’s iconic locations.

Idyllic holidays in the pearl of the Mediterranean Off the Gulf of Gaeta, dominating the Pontine Islands archipelago, is the majestic island of Ponza, one of the pearls of the Mediterranean that has been known about since Phoenician times. With its sandy coastline, coves, sea stacks, crystal-clear sea and fantastic archaeological sites, it is the ideal destination to enjoy holidays and short stays surrounded by idyllic locations. Conveniently accessible all year round from Formia and Terracina, and in summer also from San Felice Circeo and Anzio, you can explore the island far and wide by car. But it is by boat that you can fully appreciate the splendour of this crescent-shaped strip of land. A sea tour is a must even for returning visitors, perhaps after a morning relaxing at the beach and a rich lunch in one of the restaurants crowding the Ponza harbour area. Trekking enthusiasts can spend hours at Monte Guardia, Punta Fieno and Frontone, while diving enthusiasts are sure to enjoy admiring the remains of a ship that sunk during World War II at Punta Papa. Not forgetting the beaches: it is impossible to choose the most beautiful, but you can’t go wrong among Cala Feola, Cala dell’acqua, Chiaia di Luna and Capo Bianco, which between them offer some of the most picturesque and photographed spots on the island.

Urban island on the Tiber It is 300 meters long and 90 meters wide and it is the smallest inhabited island in the world, originating from volcanic rocks and accumulated fluvial deposits. Also named "inter duos pontes” because it is connected to the city by two bridges that make it easy to cross the Tiber: towards Trastevere from the Cestio bridge and in the direction of the Ghetto by the Fabricio bridge. Tiber Island has gone through different phases and stories, made of sacredness, legends and myths. Its sacred function is thanks to the building of the Roman temple of Aesculapius, god of Medicine, on whose remains was then built the church of San Bartolomeo all'Isola. Today, its function of "welcoming" is evident thanks to the hospital "Fatebenefratelli", founded in 1584 and still active, alongside the Israelite hospital. In the summer the island changes and turns into an open-air cinema, becoming one of the traditional Roman Summer events.

Experience a fairy tale in the garden of Isola del Garda In antiquity, a terrible cataclysm detached part of the dry earth, letting it float on the waters. Thus Isola del Garda was born, an enchanted place on the Brescia side of Lake Garda, open to tourists for guided tours and interesting experiences. St Francis of Assisi, St Anthony of Padua and Dante Alighieri passed through here. The owners are now three sisters and four brothers of the Cavazza family, who look after the residence and the park with love and dedication. Passionate people, who have decided to open their treasure chest, the green gem of the lake, to the public. Unspoilt nature The disembarkation takes place in the intense scent of citrons and lemons. The air is clear and the special microclimate provides mild days for several months of the year. As soon as one lands on the scenic green cliff that is Isola del Garda, it is the centuries-old cypresses that strike one. Majestic, they provide a dignified setting for the splendid villa in Venetian neo-Gothic stylebuilt in the early 20th century to a design by architect Luigi Rovelli. At its feet, terraces and gardens slope down to the placid, crystal-clear waters of the lake. The large park is an absolute marvel in every corner, a result of the endless care and centuries-old research. When Duke De Ferrari of Genoa bought the island in the late 19th century and had the mansion built, his daughter Anna Maria wanted to plant flowers and exotic essences. Later, his daughter Livia, consort of Count Alessandro Cavazza, who was motivated by the same love of gardening, took care of it. The show we can see today is the result of the action of many skilful hands and a great passion. From a design point of view, the entire park was conceived to be admired from the water, as you approach on board the boats. On the central terrace the garden is in classical Italian style while in what used to be the orchard garden, organised on the lower terrace, is an English-style garden. Here thrive persimmons, lemons, pears, pomegranates, oranges, grapefruits, prickly pears, jujubes and capers. In another area, palm trees from the Canary Islands stand out. Roses and bougainvillea make the colours explode. Oaks, poplars and pines are great. Myths and magic It is not only the extraordinary natural setting that captivates, because the Isola del Garda park has other surprises in store. The hedges are modelled to represent various figures, in plays of geometry, including the reproduction of the coat of arms of the De Ferrari family, who first gave life to the garden. While strolling, one also encounters mysterious presences, somewhere between the human and the mythological. They are called “the guardians of the garden” and are wooden sculptures created by artist Gianluigi Zambelli. There is a young boy sitting on a bench, pensively observing a chrysalis: it is about to hatch and inside can be glimpsed the beautiful face of a young girl. There's a dragonfly emerging from a pond, and a horse emerging from the green. Then fauns, nymphs and sprites, populating a fairy tale that is pure reality. Her Majesty the Olive Due to its favourable climate and geographical position, Lake Garda constitutes the ideal habitat for the cultivation of olives. This island is no exception and boasts 50 varieties of cultivars, some of which date back to ancient Roman times. Among the varieties are Leccino, Frantoio, Pendolino, Casaliva and Gargnà. The owners, with their farm Azienda Agricola Borghese Cavazza, produce various types of Garda PDO olive oil of excellent quality. Light and with fruity notes, it is an essential ingredient in the local cuisine. In this regard, it is worth mentioning a small, indispensable ritual, poetry for the palate in its simplicity: to savour all the aromas it releases, oil should be enjoyed on bruschetta. Other products, equally “children” of the park, can also be purchased: lemon liqueurs and cosmetics made from extra virgin olive oil. One trip, many possibilities The guided tour of Isola del Garda, which includes the park and the Villa, is already a remarkable experience in itself. On certain dates of the year, however, it is possible to combine a tasting of the local wines, which are as renowned as the oil. Or you can opt for an extraordinary observation of the celestial vault, when the stars fall, on the days from 10 August, the night of St Lawrence, to the 14th of the same month. If, on the other hand, it is the water that attracts you, seize the following opportunity: a cruise on a sailing ship.

Porto Venere, in the park where nature is poetry. The name of a goddess is fitting: Porto Venere rises from the waters in a splendid position at the southern end of the peninsula in the Gulf of Poets. For lovers of the sea, this is a true paradise, among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Porto Venere Regional Natural Park includes the ancient village, the Protected Marine Area to protect the purity of the waters, and the three nearby islands: Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. The joys of the sea Regular ferries departing from Porto Venere land on the island in front of Palmaria, a splendid marine oasis. You could be content with just a panoramic sea tour, admiring the other two islets in the archipelago, Tino and Tinetto, but it is worth stopping on Palmaria to enjoy an amazing day at sea. The beaches here are among the most beautiful in Liguria. Once on Palmaria, the ferry stops at Cala Pozzale and Cala Fornace, beaches that cannot be reached in any other way. In the first, the tongue of pebbles and small rocks is framed by pine and myrtle trees and the water is emerald, as it is also in the second, a bay with a cliff behind it. Larger is the Spiaggia del Secco, on the tip of the same name, equipped to provide every comfort. For divers, the wonder continues in the seabed, a diverse world of sheer cliffs that continue into the depths and submerged caves. Seahorses, starfish and the Poseidonia prairie of aquatic plants are just some of the surprises you will encounter while diving. And all it takes is a simple mask to get lost among the fish. By boat, you can visit the Blue Grotto, so called because the reflections of light paint a palette in all shades of blue. If you wish to explore the interior of the island, you can set off along the well-maintained paths organised in loops for a total walking time of about 3.5 hours, with dry stretches alternating with patches of Mediterranean scrub. Nature and architecture, allies in a magical setting Porto Venere boasts a prestigious history, dating back to the 6th century BC, in Roman times. Here, nature meets architecture, because among the alleys and houses with their typical pastel colours are ancient testimonies of the many peoples who have passed through this strategic military and commercial port. At St Peter's Church you will appreciate the two buildings, one more recent in Gothic style, the other Romanesque, and you will be amazed by the location. The complex is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, the Promontorio delle Bocche: a place surrounded by an atmosphere of spirituality enhanced by its natural setting. Look out from the loggia outside for a view of the coastline framed by the arches. The Sanctuary of the Madonna Bianca, in the old town, is an imposing Romanesque masterpiece, and after visiting it, go up again to the highest point of Porto Venere with the Doria Castle, the fortification that watches over the sea. An inspiring place: Byron's Cave Without moving too far from the old town, Porto Venere offers small beaches to cool off with a dip. The place not to be missed, however, is Byron's Grotto, near St Peter's Church, so named because the British poet found inspiration for his writing there. You can get there on foot via a footpath or by private boat. Jump in equipped with a mask and let yourself be captivated by this deep cavern carved out of an impressive cliff. Also observe the cave walls, rich in fascinating concretions. In the evening, shopping and the pleasures of the table A walk through the village is also an invitation to go shopping. You will be attracted by the hand-painted silks and shawls of ancient tradition, the precious “mezzari” once used by local women to cover their heads and now reinvented in fashion. Also interesting are the vibrantly coloured majolica tiles on sale in the many ateliers. Then choose a restaurant, either with an intimate and romantic atmosphere in the old town or in movida style on the promenade characterised by the Palazzata: the row of tower-houses built on several floors clinging to each other against the rock. When ordering, remember that Porto Venere is famous for its mussels, oysters, sea bass and sea bream, plus a species of shellfish named after the place. The mussels of Porto Venere, similar to mussels, are delicious fried or as a condiment for a dish of spaghetti.

In Liguria, the wonder of the Gallinara Island Nature Reserve Ladies and Gentlemen, the Gallinara Island Nature Reserve. A protected marine area that on maps is just a dot: yet, on what is Liguria's only true island, wonder is in every corner. One only has to look around to see a still unspoilt environment of incredible historical, environmental and cultural value. For diving enthusiasts, then, this is a true paradise where they can look for the wrecks of ancient shipwrecks and caves guarding an incredible biodiversity. A boat trip to see it up close Located opposite Albenga, this jewel of the Riviera di Ponente is private and, therefore, tourist visits are not possible. However, it can be admired from close range by taking a boat trip, during which you can perhaps explore the seabed by snorkelling: you will come face to face with the rich and varied marine fauna. The reserve is one and a half kilometres away from the coast, from which it is separated by a channel of about 12 metres. A legend that may be history Legend has it that St Martin, Bishop of Tours, found refuge on the island of Gallinara. He settled in a cave facing the open sea, which for this reason still bears his name. This was a thesis that the Authority for Archaeological Heritage of Liguria advocated in the 1990s, conducting excavations along the south-eastern slopes of the island and in the San Martino cave that yielded important answers. This area was certainly used both as a burial ground and as a place of worship from the 4th century AD onwards, and hermits stayed on the island for a long time. History suggests that a Benedictine monastery existed here in 500 AD and during the 8th century, the monks made it the seat of a powerful abbey. After a period of prosperity between the 10th and 12th centuries, decline began in 1473 and from the mid-1800s it became a private area. It has been part of the Protected Areas system of the Liguria Region since 1989. Herring gulls and land tortoises On theIsland of Gallinara, herring gulls nest, especially on the high southern cliffs, and there are colonies of land tortoises. Among the seabed, however, it is possible to see yellow sponges, sea daisies and, among the rocky cliffs, formations of the Coralligeno. The northern part of the island is rich in Posidonia oceanica. Where to experience the most spectacular dives There are two diving spots on the island. The first is Punta Falconara or Christ the Redeemer: a second name that has existed since 1998, when a statue depicting a Christ was placed on these seabeds. Amidst sea daisies and benthic fauna, it is an easy dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres. The second dive site is Punta Sciusciau: more exposed to currents, this dive will allow you to admire groupers, moray eels, octopus and scorpion fish. If you go deeper, around 30 metres, you will instead find numerous sea sponges.

A small, charming archipelago in Lake Maggiore A small archipelago in Lake Maggiore opposite the Borromean Gulf, between the towns of Stresa and Verbania: the Borromean Islands are among the pearls of Piedmont. Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori are the main islands of the archipelago, joined by Isolino di San Giovanni and Scoglio della Malghera, which are not accessible to visitors. We recommend starting at Isola Madre, accessible in a few minutes by boat from Stresa. You can enjoy a romantic stroll through the large English garden surrounding Palazzo Borromeo. Isola Bella, the second largest island, is home to a large 17th-century palace owned by the Borromeo family. Today, it houses a museum with room after room of paintings and tapestries. Isola dei Pescatori, 100 metres wide by 350 metres long, is the only inhabited island among the Borromean Islands. The small village consists of a main square and narrow alleyways dotted with shops and markets dedicated to local crafts. On Ferragosto, 15th August, don’t miss the procession of the statue of the Virgin Mary, which is carried across the lake waters by boat.

The Gargano National Park, an island full of biodiversity The Gargano National Park is situated in the spur of Italy, the promontory extending into the Adriatic Sea in the northern part of Apulia. It is a unique area, where 35 per cent of all Italian botanical species can be found, reflecting an equally wide variety of landscapes, from the sea of the Tremiti Islands to important wetlands that lap against dense forests. This is an ancient land, rich in culture, art and spirituality, with a diverse beauty. A surprising microcosm of different habitats The guiding thread of every visit to the Gargano National Park is to observe the variety of its habitats, which is reflected in a mosaic of landscapes. In an area no larger than an average Italian province, you will discover fine sandy beaches interspersed with high cliffs with caves and natural archways, coastal lakes and wetlands, stretches of Mediterranean bush bordering on thousand-year-old forest, karstic plateaus with sinkholes alternating with hills and steppe plains on which there are white villages such as Rodi Garganico, Vieste, Peschici on the coast or Ischitella, Mattina or Monte Sant'Angelo, all with sea views. If we add to this the fact that, from a geological perspective, the promontory was originally an island separated from the rest of the Italian peninsula, the variety is further increased by the presence of endemisms, i.e. species that only exist in this region, for example the campanula garganica or the Tremiti cornflower. This explains why the Gargano promontory astonishes naturalists and will amaze you too. The sculpted landscape of the Gargano The high white cliffs of the Adriatic coast seem sculpted, and the karst valleys that the action of rain makes deeper and deeper also appear sculpted. There are at least 4,000 sinkholes, cavities of karstic origin, to be found in the park: the one at Pozzatina, in the municipality of San Nicandro Garganico, is the most impressive. It is 132 metres deep and looks like a basin covered by a dense wood of holm oaks and oak trees. On the coast are several caves and natural arches formed by the force of the sea, which can be visited by boat from the ports of Vieste and Peschici. The wetlands of the Varano and Lesina lagoons The first person to chronicle the wetlands in the Gargano park was none other than the Swabian emperor Frederick II (1194-1250). In his treatise De arte venandi cum avibus (the art of hunting with birds), he describes falconry and the birdlife he observed mainly in Apulia in the marshy areas of Frattarolo and Lake Salso, today in the municipality of Manfredonia, known as the Swamps of Frederick II, which are rich in reed thickets, ideal places for birdwatching. In the northern area of the park, behind the dunes, are the lakes of Varano and Lesina, basins of brackish water that were created by the accumulation of debris that filled in coastal bays. Today, the lakes are considered important wetlands, as resting stations for migratory birds on their way from northern Europe to Africa. The entire limestone area of the Gargano is also rich in springs and pools of water that are vital for amphibians and reptiles. The animals and plants of the Gargano park Among the animals you can see in their natural habitat in the park is the Italian roe deer, an endemic subspecies that only lives here, as well as numerous wild boars, fallow deer, weasels and wild cats. There are numerous birds nesting in the Gargano, around 170 species, including five different types of woodpeckers, diurnal birds of prey, ospreys, the rare lesser duck eagle, as well as ducks, herons, wild geese and flamingos. There are some centuries-old trees, true monuments of nature, such as the 13-metre carob tree in the park of Pugnochiuso, in the municipality of Vieste, or the two 30-metre high Aleppo pines in Vico Gargano, where there is also a 17-metre high holm oak with a 5-metre diameter trunk, near the Capuchin monastery. As for the beech forests of the Foresta Umbra, these were designated a Unesco Natural World Heritage Site in 2017. And then come the flowers: 85 species of wild orchids of all colours and shapes bloom in the clearings and steppe grasslands. The Tremiti Islands The archipelago of the Tremiti Islands, 12 miles off the Gargano coast, is also part of the park and is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Due to the crystal clear waters, the caves and the wealth of underwater life, they are a paradise for diving enthusiasts. There are five small islands, of which only two (San Domino and San Nicola) are inhabited, two others (Capraia and Cretaccio) are little more than rocks, while Pianosa is inaccessible because it is in the Protected Marine Area nature reserve. San Domino, where the accommodation establishments are located, is covered by a dense forest of Aleppo pines that descend to the sea, shading small sandy coves and rocks: the ideal place for those who love to be surrounded by nature alone for a holiday by the sea.

In Sardinia at Baia delle Mimose, between fine sand and a thousand shades of blue Light, fine Caribbean-like sand and small clumps of bushes and wild flowers that conjure up images of beautiful deserts: yet we are not on the other side of the world, but in the incredible Sardinia that holds constant surprises in store for us. Welcome to Baia delle Mimose, a long beach on the border between Gallura and Anglona, amidst jagged cliffs overlooking the sea and the typical colours of the Mediterranean maquis. A holiday for the whole family Mimosa Bay is a corner of paradise that appeals to everyone: adults can indulge in lazing around in the sunshine, and youngsters enjoy long swims and organised games on the beach. The scenery is literally hypnotic, thanks also to the soft dunes covered with junipers and sea rosesagainst the backdrop of crystal-clear water, in a postcard-perfect setting. Not far from these small sandy mountains are a few small villas, a shopping centre with the main services, including a tobacco bar, a beauty centre, a boutique and an excursion point. The most popular destination for sportsmen The wind is constant at Le Mimose and this makes the 3 km long coastline perfect for wind and kite surfing. In addition, for those wishing to travel and explore the surroundings, its location is strategic: in fact, it is only 6 km from the town of Badesi, 70 km from Alghero and 80 km from Olbia. A small scenic paradise Among the many surprises Baia delle Mimose has in store is that it is not particularly crowded. This is how this beach, despite its limited size, remains an oasis of tranquillity even in high season. An advantage for tourists who want to spend their holidays in direct contact with nature and, at the same time, not stray too far from their residential centre. From here, one's gaze can sweep over the Isola Rossa in the distance in all its splendour and the outline of the Castelsardo promontory. A Blue Flag beach For its quality services, as well as the cleanliness of its waters, the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag continuously since 2017. The prestigious title was awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (Fee), after a careful evaluation including, among others, its excellent accessibility, the presence of parking, refreshment facilities and the possibility of hiring bathing equipment. What's more, even four-legged friends can enjoy a well-deserved holiday here. Not far from the mouth of the Coghinas river, there is a small 300 square metre beach with a dog beach, equipped with parasols, bowls and showers. Exploring the surroundings of Badesi The Bay of Mimosas is spectacular, but it is not the only gem in the area. Not to be missed is Li Mindi, with its clear sand and the possibility of catching a glimpse of Corsica and Asinara in the distance on fine days. No less interesting is also Li Junchi, with its golden sand and often windy, so perfect for surfers. Past the mouth of the Coghinas river, another naturalistic treasure awaits: Valledoria, with the seaside hamlet of San Pietro a mare, with its dunes covered in Mediterranean maquis, stretches of vegetation and a seabed perfect for diving and snorkelling.

The island of Asinara: the long history of a magical place The Romans called it the Island of Hercules before it became a land of contention between the Maritime Republics of Pisa and Genoa, then domain of the Savoy, a place of confinement, leper house and prison. The island of Asinara has had a long and troubled history, but almost a century of isolation has made it a still unspoilt natural paradise. Today, a protected marine area to be explored on foot, by bicycle or boat, discovering the wilder and rockier west coast and shallow shores and sandy seabed of the east. Donkey Island According to legend, Hercules grasped the end of Sardinia with his mighty hand, tearing it from the mainland, hence the name, Herculis Insula. Later called Sinuaria for the wealth of gulfs and inlets on its 110 km of coast. Asinara is perhaps a mispronunciation of the Latin or perhaps it refers to the white donkeys that have lived there since time immemorial and still live free on the island. A story that begins in the Neolithic In the Campu Perdu area, in the north of the island is a domus de janas, evidence that these places were inhabited since the Neolithic period. A few wrecks found in the sea remain from Roman times. One is still visible a few metres from the jetty in Cala Reale. Over time, the island had to deal with Arab raids, later skirmishes between Pisa and Genoa for supremacy in the Mediterranean. It was the Ligurian Malaspina who built the Castellaccio here, which dominates the entire gulf from above. The pirate Barbarossa landed nearby to hide between robberies. In 1885, Asinara became a penal colony and the island's inhabitants had to leave. Many of them founded Stintino, then called Cala Savoia. Since then, the island remained inaccessible for over a century. Only since 1998, when the maximum security prison was closed, has it reopened to visitors. Asinara's most beautiful beaches Being a protected reserve, not all beaches on the island are accessible. These can only be admired from afar, Cala Sant'Andrea and Cala d'Arena. Caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs here. Cala Sabina can be reached via ancient mule track. It is 30 minutes from Cala d’Oliva. Near Cala d’Oliva are Cala Murichessa and Cala Giardino. Don't miss Cala di Sgombro at the narrowest point on the island: steep cliff with rough sea on one side, sandy seabed with a calm sea on the other. On foot, by bike, off-road... or swimming! The best way to immerse yourself in the Asinara National Park wilderness is to walk around it. But watch out for the sun: there is hardly any shade. Also bring sufficient water because there are only two cafes on the island. In Cala Reale you can hire electric bikes and cars, sailboats and canoes. Or book an off-road tour accompanied by Geomarine Environmental Guides. This is the only way to visit certain areas of the island like Cala Trabuccato and Punta Scorno. A visit to Asinara cannot be complete without a dip in its crystal-clear waters. Not only for a refreshing swim in the water in shades of blue to green, but also to observe the wonderful seabed populated by countless creatures: a snorkelling paradise. During a boat trip it is easy to spot dolphins, even sea turtles. Not only nature: what else to visit Although nature is the dominant feature, there are many human traces to be discovered around the island. In addition to the Neolithic Campu Perdu domus de janas and the Castellaccio ruins, several watchtowers built in the 16th century can be found along the coast. The Ossuary, built to house the remains of thousands of Austro-Hungarian prisoners during the WWI, dates back to 1936. In Cala Reale, there is the Royal Palace, former summer residence of the Savoy family. In Fornelli, you can visit the old prison.

Tonnara Beach, pearl of the Vendicari Reserve This is a natural oasis, a virgin territory bathed in Mediterranean maquis and overlooking a spectacular stretch of coastline. The Vendicari Reserve, a protected area in eastern Sicily, offers visitors a wealth of splendid views. Paths end in visions of magnificent beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. First of all, let’s visit the Spiaggia della Tonnara. The iridescent reflections of the sea On the reserve's 13 kilometres of coastline, the Spiaggia della Tonnara (Tuna Beach) stands out in the southern part, with its long sandy shoreline and a number of scenic rocks. The seabed is shallow and gently sloping, so you will have to walk a little before you get to the point where you can finally dive in. The water ranges in hues from green to turquoise, from azure to a blue that rivals the sky in its beauty. The richness of the marine flora will also capture your attention, characterised here by vast prairies of Poseidonia, the aquatic plants found both on the beach and in the very first few metres of the seabed. The tradition of tuna fishing Opposite the beach is the islet of Vendicari, along the coast is the Torre Sveva and the remains of the ancient tuna fishery with its artefacts of “fishing archaeology”. This is because Sicily boasts a very ancient tradition of catching and processing tuna, which gave rise to these fascinating buildings. The Tonnara di Vendicari fishery, also known as Bafutu, skims the water and today we can appreciate its recently restored ruins. It is 100 metres in length with a series of columns that once supported the roof, and it has a tall chimney. You will also see the old fishermen's houses here. The Sveva Tower is a defensive structure built in 1400 to protect the warehouses where foodstuffs were stored in what was once a thriving port. The impressive building still has its original windows. Amid beaches and footpaths It is a real pleasure to walk or cycle around the Vendicari Reserve, which covers 1,512 hectares in the province of Syracuse, from the town of Noto to Pachino. You will come across other beaches, such as the magnificent San Lorenzo beach, which is very child-friendly and also close to the Spiaggia della Tonnara, of which it is the natural extension. In addition to the section dominated by fine, light-coloured sand, you will also find small rocky inlets and a gem of a beach, Calamosche, a delightful sandy cove bordered by two rocky promontories that shelter it from the tides and create an enchanting natural swimming pool. Along the path leading to San Lorenzo beach, huts have been set up for birdwatching. You will wander among junipers, tamarisks, mastic trees and glasswort, beautiful orchids, thyme and rosemary bushes. Look up to the sky to spot grey herons and large flocks of herring gulls, while a few foxes, hedgehogs, porcupines and wild rabbits may roam among the vegetation. And even further south... Towards the extreme southern tip of Sicily, the Isola delle Correnti is where the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas meet. Untamed and unspoilt, it is connected to Portopalo by a thin sliver of stone. Then head to Marzamemi, a charming fishing village built around its majestic tuna fishery. The central Regina Margherita square with its two churches and old fishermen's houses all around is delightful. Enjoy a leisurely stroll; the entire village is pedestrianised so no cars are allowed to drive through. Sip a coffee while enjoying a view of the sea, in one of the small cafés overlooking the two natural harbours, La Fossa and La Balata. Settle down at an outdoor table in one of the many restaurants and order prawns from Mazara del Vallo, pasta with cherry tomatoes from Pachino and specialities made from ventresca, botargo and bluefin tuna mosciame, which you can also buy in the large emporium in the historic centre.

Sardinia: a journey to the island of the emerald sea, nuraghi, unspoilt nature and millenary traditions Crystal-clear waters, beaches of soft, white sand, granite rocks framed by wild, fragrant Mediterranean scrub: welcome to Sardinia, an island of a thousand contrasts that will also seduce you with its unique archaeological heritage and its people's innate sense of hospitality.

Budelli pink beach, a wonder in Sardinia Unique in the world for the unlikely colour of its sand, located in the far North of Sardinia, near the Strait of Bonifacio. The pink beach of the Island of Budelli alongside Razzoli, Santa Maria and the nearby Spargi, are the most unspoiled, wild areas of the Archipelago della Maddalena National Park. A hidden gem Situated in Cala di Roto, which is on the south-eastern side of Budelli Island, the beach glows its special rosy hue. To protect it, the park authorities decided to prohibit tourists from docking their boats on the shore. All around there is an archipelago full of islets, coves, inlets and beaches - all accessible - and sea beds to be discovered. Populated by fish and colonies of soft corals gifting their typical red reflections to the crystalline waters. Heritage to be safeguarded The island was owned privately for the last century. The last individual a New Zealand billionaire who bought it at auction in 2013 for almost 3 million euros. The state however snatched it back and it became public property in 2016. It was assigned to the care of the Archipelago della Maddalena National Park who declared the beach Zone A. This high level of protection prohibits tourists from accessing, passing through, resting and bathing in the water of the island. Stepping on the pink beach is therefore, a now forbidden pleasure, navigation is possible up to the border of buoys, which close access to the bay from about 70 metres from the shore. Having recently evicted the very popular 80 something year old caretaker, who shared the wonders of Budelli with the whole world through social media, the Park council decided to install, in collaboration with the WWF, a surveillance camera system that allows constant monitoring of the beach. Alchemy en rose Sheltered from the wind thanks to a jagged rocky headland and a high juniper hedge, the beach owes its particular colour to a fragile yet powerful alchemy from mixing fragments of coral, granite, shells and molluscs in its fine sand. The rare pink hue is particularly influenced by a microorganism that lives inside the shells, decorating the seabed in the Posidonia meadows. When this microorganism dies, its shells get swept to shore pulverized by the currents and atmospheric qualities. In the last century, frequent anchoring and the irregular motion of the sea compromised the Posidonia seagrass beds and modified the sandy composition. Since the rules for safeguarding the beach were put in place, the beach has finally taken back its original coral colour. A myth immortalized by the cinema “There was a little girl who lived on an island”: is how Monica Vitti began her long monologue. Legendary protagonist of Deserto Rosso, the first colour film shot by Michelangelo Antonioni. Vitti’s unforgettable voice evokes a dreamlike enchantment, in the 1964’s film which the director from Ferrara decided to set on the pink beach of Budelli. A step from beauty Even if the authorities have prohibited access to the shoreline, in order to preserve its integrity. From a distance, you can still enjoy its unique panorama, thanks to the many boat services departing from Palau or Maddalena that offer the Archipelago tour. You can indeed limit yourself to admiring its beauty from the sea, at about 70 metres. However the Park Authority have also made wooden pathways surrounding the perimeter of the beach, to give tourists the opportunity of visiting this natural paradise, without trampling or altering it. Once your boat or raft is anchored, from the nearby beaches of Cavaliere and Cala di Roto, which also offer spectacular views, you can set off accompanied by park guides along the pathways that run alongside the area.

Between Stintino and La Pelosa, the Caribbean of Sardinia Better than being in the Caribbean is being in Italy. This is Stintino and La Pelosa in Sardinia, where the sea is a spectacle of nature. The most famous beach of Stintino is located on the north-western tip of Sardinia. La Pelosa has water with colours ranging from azure to turquoise, a dazzling expanse of fine white beach and dunes dotted with Mediterranean scrub. But don't stop there, the surrounding area has even more hidden corners that are just as beautiful and less crowded. La Pelosa means where the sea shimmers and has a thousand shades. They call it sa pelosa here, due to the abundant presence of seaweed in this part of the coastline (pelosa means hairy). If you find this annoying, just know that you won't even remember it as soon as you see this beach’s iridescent sea of a thousand shades. The water’s always calm because it’s protected from the tides and the north-west wind by a natural barrier created by the stacks of Capo Falcone, Piana Island and the rocks of Asinara. The Sardinians call the small gulf overlooked by La Pelosa beach inland sea as opposed to the open sea of the westernmost coast exposed to the wind. The seabed here is very shallow and even small children can have fun in complete safety. To preserve the beach’s beauty in the summer months, access is limited and by reservation only. It’s still best to arrive early to avoid the crowds. La Pelosetta and its islets The smaller Pelosetta is just as beautiful as La Pelosa. It’s just in front of the islet on which Pelosa Tower stands, a ten-metre-high Aragonese construction that can be reached on foot by walking along the seabed populated by hundreds of small fish. Just beyond is Piana Island, with the ruins of another Spanish tower. In the past the island was used for seasonal migration, transporting cattle on boats. Le Saline and other nearby beaches The beaches of Stintino, on the east coast, are equally heavenly and almost always much less crowded. The most beautiful is Le Saline, a beach of white pebbles shimmering in the sun. It got its name (saline means “salt pans”) because of its proximity to the salt pans built by the monks of Santa Maria di Tergu in the 13th century. Tonnare beach is also near here. The former tuna fishery is now a beach resort. Those seeking more tranquillity than the crowded beaches will love Cala Lupo and Punta Negra. The very long Ezzi Mannu beach is also not to be missed. If you like wilder beaches and contact with unspoilt nature, the ideal spot is the beach of Pilo, further south. Pilo pond is just behind the shoreline, where flamingos, herons, roseate gulls and kingfishers can be spotted. The wildest cliffs The coastline facing the Sardinian Sea beyond Capo Falcone is even wilder. Instead of stretches of sand, rocks are interspersed with coves here, some of which can only be reached by boat, such as Biggiu Marinu. Others can also be reached by land via paths on the promontory. Make sure to explore Cala Coscia di Donna and Cala Vapore, which lies in front of the wreck of a sunken steamer only six metres from the shore. A stroll in Stintino Established as a fishing village at the end of the 19th century when the inhabitants of Asinara were evicted to make way for the penal colony, it still features low houses overlooking two small marinas. In the past, life in the village was linked to tuna processing, and there is now a museum in the old tuna fishery that was active until the 1970s that recounts the tradition. In the town's two harbours, wooden gozzi, or fishing boats, with lateen sails are moored, a symbol of Stintino. A regatta is also held here at the end of August. Don't miss a trip to nearby Porto Torres, the largest historical centre in the area. Full of clubs and very busy, it has always been an important commercial port and is ideal if you’re looking for a bit of nightlife, beautiful sea and Sardinian tradition. Make sure not to miss the Aragonese Tower. Try the lobster and potato soup After a day of exploring the beaches, dinner is more than deserved. Featuring fish, of course. Stop at one of Stintino's small restaurants to try octopus in garlic sauce or Stintinese-style lobster and potato soup, spaghetti with urchins and sardines in tomato sauce. Feeling brave? Taste u belu, which is tuna tripe. Leave room for dessert, the typical Stintino dessert is tumbarella.

La Maddalena National Park, with Mediterranean charm With its 180 km of coastline, the La Maddalena National Park in northern Sardinia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean Sea. Those who love the idyllic sea cannot fail to put places such as the Pink Beach on the island of Budelli, Cala Corsara and Cala Granara in Spargi, Cala Napoletana and Del Relitto in Caprera on their list of places to visit. In the park of La Maddalena, nature's own architect has really indulged in shapes and colours here: the pink granite rocks and the blue sea make this slice of paradise on the Bocche di Bonifacio truly irresistible. La Maddalena and Caprera There are 62 islands and islets that make up the Maddalena archipelago park. The largest island is the landing point due to the frequent ferry service from Palau, on the nearby Sardinian coast. The historic centre is a delightful maze of narrow streets sloping down to the sea, always lively both during the day and at night. From the port by bus, one can circle the island and stop at its many beaches: Spalmatore is a deep inlet that is well protected when the mistral wind blows; the beaches of Bassa Trinita and Monti d'Arena preserve sand dunes, and walkways have been built to protect them from being trampled on, allowing even the disabled easy access to the sea. The most beautiful sunsets can be enjoyed from Punta Tegge, opposite the island of Spargi. The island of Caprera, connected by a bridge to La Maddalena, is the true enchantment of the Archipelago Park. The dense pine forest that covers it is owed to Giuseppe Garibaldi, who wanted to spend the last years of his life from 1856 to 1882 in one of the most beautiful places on the island. His home and burial place is definitely worth a visit, not just for historical curiosity, but for the pleasant atmosphere that emanates from a place that was certainly much loved: 4 km from the house in Forte Arbuticci is the Garibaldi memorial, which recounts his adventurous life, to say the least. The rest of the island is a succession of bays and beaches, one more beautiful than the other; in one of which you will find the Centro Velico, one of Italy's best-known sailing schools. The islets of the archipelago The island of Budelli is famous for an inlet that faces south-east, known as the Spiaggia Rosa or Pink Beach, because of the colour of its sand. This colouring is due to the skeletal debris of aquatic animals (Miriapora truncata, Miniacina miniacea) that are concentrated here due to a number of factors: the presence of a Posidonia prairie, the shape of the seabed, because there are low-energy currents, and because it is protected from the westerly winds by a thick juniper hedge. Changing just one of these factors, for example with the wave motion of boats that would intensify the energy of the currents, could alter the delicate balance and set off an irreversible degradation process. This is why the Pink beach is not accessible and can only be seen from a distance from walkways set up by the park. Equally beautiful and fragile is Budelli's white Cavaliere beach in the north-eastern part, a natural swimming pool facing the so-called Porto della Madonna, the stretch of water bordered by Budelli and the islands of Razzoli and Santa Maria, one of the most sought-after spots by yachtsmen. Due to sand erosion, the beach has only been open partially since summer 2020. The beaches of Spargi, the largest and greenest of the smaller islands, are also beautiful. Many protected birds nest here thanks to the presence of fresh water: as far as beaches are concerned, with cala Corsara and cala Granara, we are in the top 10.

Stromboli: a trip to the foot of the volcano for complete relaxation The island of Stromboli is the most northerly island of the Aeolian archipelago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, between Panarea and the Calabrian coast. If you’re planning a holiday to this enchanting destination, you will not miss the imposing volcano Mount Stromboli, one of the most active and perhaps unique volcanoes in the world with its three perpetually erupting craters. Walking on the giant's “skin” The locals have nicknamed the volcano Iddu, Sicilian for “he”, because of its small explosive flashes, repeated at intervals of about 15-20 minutes, and because of its perpetual grumbling and the periodic minor eruptions. Mount Stromboli is a volcano that commands a respectful awe from all who visit: with two-thirds submerged under the surface of the sea, over time humans have built settlements and communities on its back, for millennia we have continued to tread on its sensitive skin, almost teasing it a little. Disconnecting by reconnecting with nature The island is divided into towns, almost all clustered on the north-eastern side, where you will also find the main beaches: Scari, Piscità, San Vincenzo, Ficogrande and the town of Stromboli. On the opposite side, isolated and reachable only by sea, is Ginostra, a picturesque amphitheatre of huts perched on the rock: once a humble fishing village, it is now a unique and rather spartan tourist destination. Before planning a holiday in Stromboli, the first thing to remember is that only residents can drive motorised vehicles and there is no public transport. However, not to worry – it only takes twenty minutes to walk from one end of the town to the other! What’s more, there are several electric taxis that, at modest prices, will take you to your destination along the only kilometre of paved road. Rather than being an inconvenience, the scarcity of vehicles on the road will give you the pleasant feeling of truly being away from it all on holiday. A pitch black night, to count the stars The other thing to note is that there is no public lighting on the island, so we recommend always carrying a torch when you go out at night. The almost total darkness of the night gives an extraordinary brilliance to the canopy of stars twinkling above Stromboli, sure to delight stargazers everywhere and certainly the most romantic visitors. The island also lacks its own source of drinking water, which is transported there by tanker once a week in winter and three times a week in summer. The evening is the best part of the day! At sunset, while visitors in all the seaside resorts enjoy an aperitif, it is the ideal time to experience some of the main excursions. If you are properly equipped, in good health and accompanied by an authorised guide, you can trek up the back of the volcano to the summit, at an altitude of 900 metres, and admire the explosive activity of the craters – from a safe distance! Remember that things can change very quickly at Stromboli: sometimes, due to the conditions of the volcano, groups cannot depart or are forced to stop halfway. Also at dusk, you can head by boat from Scari to Sciara del Fuoco, the steep slope formed by lava, incandescent volcanic slag and lapilli that descends from the crater of Stromboli down into the sea. From the water, you can enjoy spectacular views of this river of fire flowing down the mountain. The black beaches of the Stromboli coastline Summer days should undoubtedly be devoted to enjoying the sea. Much of Stromboli's coastline is marked by high cliffs. The main beaches, almost all with shimmering black sand, are located along the stretch of coast from Ficogrande to La Petrazza. We recommend avoiding light-coloured swimwear. Pleased to meet you, Strombolicchio! A ten-minute walk from the hydrofoil landing takes you to Ficogrande beach, a cove bathed in sand and volcanic rock. Forgia Vecchia, however, wins the award for the most beautiful beach on the island. This rather wild expanse of black pebbles, smoothed by the water and wind, can be reached by land via a path from the nearby beach of Scari, below San Vincenzo, a town overlooking the iconic Strombolicchio. Legend has it that this volcanic sea stack, Iddu's younger brother, is the top of a volcano that was thrown into the sea during an eruption. A few years ago, it was designated a protected nature park: the lighthouse that towers above it, once gas-powered, is now 100% self-sufficient thanks to renewable energy.

Lipari the sweet, the most placid of the Aeolian Islands At 37 square kilometres, Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, a World Heritage Site for anyone who has passed through here and, since 2000, for UNESCO as well. The administrative and economic centre of the entire Sicilian archipelago, it is the least “volcanic” of its 7 islands, as evidenced by the weak hydrothermal and fumarole activity in its western part. Take note, however, it is the one that best harmonises the wild Aeolian charm with the convenience of connections and services. The evening nightlife and the flow authenticity of the quarters The urban area stretches between the bars and restaurants overlooking the beautiful Piazza di Sant'Onofrio, also known as Marina Corta, and Via Francesco Crispi, known as Marina Lunga: in between, from May to October, the local nightlife and movida is focused in the evenings. The rest of the island is well-connected to the centre by a network of paved roads, but if you really want to get into its flow of scents, sounds and sights and savour some of that placid sweetness alluded to by its Greek name, Meligunis, we recommend that you go around Lipari by bike or walk around the island, loitering among the dry stone walls of its districts: Canneto, Acquacalda, Quattropani. Like on a film set As well as beach life, if you are planning to delve into the culture and history of Lipari, the advice is to visit sights and monuments by sunset, when the air is cooler and the streets come alive. A must-see is the Chiostro de normanni, part of the first Benedictine monastery built in Sicily at the behest of King Roger II, so well preserved and evocative that you will feel as if you are on the set of a costume film. Equally scenic is the imposing structure of the castle, a veritable acropolis, which stands on a promontory inhabited since the Neolithic period. The city walls ideally enclose the historic centre: in the fortified citadel, an archaeologist's paradise, every nook and cranny in which you stand tells a page of history: it will be like retracing the long list of dominations that have taken place here, leaving an indelible imprint. To explore further, venture through the fifty rooms of the Regional Archaeological Museum, one of the most prestigious in the Mediterranean. Bartholomew's thumb On the other hand, if you are a fan of relics, make a stop inside the Castle at the Cathedral, dedicated to St Bartholomew, the patron saint of the entire archipelago: the church still houses the saint's “sacred thumb”, the only fragment that mysteriously escaped the 833 abduction of the apostle's body by the Beneventois. Now the finger “rests” in a silver reliquary in the shape of a blessing arm, displayed during festivities in honour of the saint. Belvedere hunting For collectors of views, we recommend feasting your eyes on Lipari's most scenic spots, starting from the Acropolis promontory. Worth a souvenir photo, and perhaps even a romantic selfie between sky and sea, the horizon contemplated from Belvedere Quattrocchi, against the backdrop of the Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda stacks. Instead, the view from the church of Madonna della Catena in the hamlet of Quattropani, a small, white-plastered Doric-style sanctuary overhanging the sea, is reminiscent of the Cyclades. Finally, the so-called “Semaforo”, the geophysical observatory housed inside a disused Royal Navy traffic light, is worth a hike, from which you will feel as if you are touching both the stacks and the island of Vulcano with your finger. In the mood for trekking... or rather scekking On the other hand, if you pursue the wild soul of the island, one of the most interesting trekking trails is the rather demanding one that leads from the kaolin quarries to the San Calogero thermal baths, along the sulphur fumaroles, a geo-mineral park, up to the 19th-century thermal baths converted into a museum, built on one of the oldest known thermal springs: next to its pools, dating from the Hellenistic period, is a funeral monument of Mycenaean origin. But the most typical experience you can have along these paths is that of scekking, or trekking on the back of a donkey, scecco in Sicilian, proposed by the environmental guides of Lipari: an original way of redeveloping the island's former tenants for tourism, now promoted as guides for slow itineraries, divided into appetising stages where local products can be tasted. Beaches: to each his own stone White and sandy or volcanic and rocky: the coasts and beaches of Lipari satisfy the needs of every bather. You just have to decide which stone to lie on. The entire north-eastern coastline is covered with the dazzling white sand from the pumice and obsidian quarries that descend to the sea: from White Beach, reached by a steep flight of majolica steps, to White Beach, the most fashionable and exclusive establishment, which can only be reached by sea. If you prefer empty and secluded shores, head to the beaches at Pietraliscia or Porticello, or to the Secca della Forbice, in the Cappero area, much loved by the locals.

Marsala, the town of wine and salt Marsala is the name of a town, and also a wine. Both are elegant and rich in history. The town is enclosed within the ramparts of the 16th century, when it experienced its own Renaissance that enriched it with palaces, churches and monasteries. Wine is the product that made it world-famous, thanks partly to the vision of an English merchant who adapted it to British tastes. In the beautiful old town you can visit the vestiges of its past, as well as the historic wine cellars that uphold the prestige of its finest product, while on the coast salt is produced in the spectacular salt pans. Amid Baroque and nature Those who approach from Porta Nuova are greeted by a string of beautiful Renaissance and Baroque buildings, such as the Monastery of San Pietro, which houses the Civic Museum, with an archaeological section and an area dedicated to the Risorgimento. Garibaldi and the Thousand landed at Marsala to accomplish the feat of the Unification of Italy. A little further on you come to Piazza della Repubblica, Marsala's gathering place, with the beautiful Palazzo VII Aprile with its clock tower and Baroque cathedral - although the façade was not actually completed until 1956. Next door is the Tapestry Museum, where eight Flemish tapestries, a gift from a Spanish king, are on display. A few steps away is the Convento del Carmine, now the Museum of Contemporary Painting, with works by various Italian artists including Cassinari, Maccari, Marchegiani, Pomodoro, Sassu, Sironi, as well as temporary exhibitions. To immerse yourself in Marsala's more ancient past, visit the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museum, in the building of a former winery on the seafront. Several artefacts are on display, recounting the foundation of the city (then called Lilybaeum) by exiles from the Phoenician colony on the island of Mothia. Don't miss the wreck of a Punic ship that was probably shipwrecked during the battle of the Egadi Islands in the First Punic War; it is located off the Isola Lunga near Punta Scario. There are also Roman mosaics and an extraordinary collection of amphorae documenting trade in antiquity. The museum visit is completed in the Archaeological Park with the Roman Insula, the site of a large Roman villa from the 3rd century AD with baths, cisterns and the remains of an early Christian necropolis. The bustling hub of Marsala is its central Fish Market, which has recently been renovated. By day, it is the place where the catch from the Stagnone and the Strait of Sicily comes in, and by night, it is the centre of nightlife where you can dine and stay up late. The Marsala wine that pleased the English Wine has always been produced in Marsala, since Phoenician times, but it was towards the end of the 18th century that an English merchant, John Woodhouse, sent a few barrels of local wine to England to be tasted by his customers, adding, however, a dose of brandy so that the wine would not spoil during the voyage. This is how the Marsala we know today was born, a liqueur wine much appreciated by the English who imported it in great quantities from then on, making the fortune of local producers: Florio, Rallo, Donnafugata, Pellegrino, whose historic cellars are still located in the centre of Marsala. The Stagnone Reserve and Mozia The Stagnone Reserve is a lagoon to the north of Marsala, two-thousand hectares of shallow and very salty waters with four islands: the Big Island, which acts as a barrier to the lagoon, the island of Santa Maria, a strip of land, the Schola (meaning “school”), because in Roman times it housed a school of rhetoric, where Cicero is said to have taught when he was quaestor of the city of Lilybaetano, and Mothia (Mozia), an island on which a Phoenician city stood from the 8th century BC, which ancient sources describe as rich in beautiful palaces, one of the most important trading bases in the Mediterranean antiquity. Conquered by Dionysius of Syracuse, Mothia was destroyed in 397 B.C. and never rebuilt, so its ruins are “intact”, with no overlays - a true paradise for archaeologists. The survivors in fact founded Lilybaeum, present-day Marsala. The island of Mozia now belongs to the Whitaker Foundation, an English wine producer which bought it and started excavations in the early 20th century, and it is open for visits. The salt pans of Marsala and the windmills On the coast to the north of the city, overlooking the Stagnone, are the Salt Pans of the Marsala Ettore and Infersa Lagoon, one of the most spectacular places on the west coast of Sicily, with stretches of water that take on different colours depending on the season, against which you can see the outlines of windmills surrounded by mounds of white salt. It is a place that is not only very poetic and picturesque, but also of great historical and environmental interest, structured to give visitors the all-round salt experience: here one can take walks along the salt pans, visit mills that are still in operation, enjoy tastings, manually harvest salt with the salt workers and dive into pools that are not in production, but still fed by the hydraulic circuit, where one can float in salt solutions with different concentrations and lie on the salt crust.

Favignana, the paradise island with a turquoise sea Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands, is a cluster of shallow bays with a turquoise sea, listed as a marine protected area. Its flat coastline makes it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, so that you can discover a different beach every day. In what used to be one of the largest tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean, a museum has been opened in the harbour bay to retrace the history of tuna fishing. Beaches for all tastes Favignana's beaches can cater for all tastes and needs: that of Praia, near the harbour, Cala Azzurra, Lido Burrone, the Calamoni, in the south-east, are all mainly sandy. The coast of Punta Lunga, the Preveto and Faraglioni beaches, on the other hand, have sand mixed with pebbles. Cala Rossa, on the north-eastern coast, offers both rocks and sand, while Grotta Perciata, Punta Fanfalo and Cavallo are completely rocky. A Marine Protected Area The sea that laps Favignana is included in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of the Egadi Islands, a marine park that is particularly important not only for its size (54,000 hectares, the largest in Europe), but also for its geographical position: the park is in fact the first point of arrival for algae and oceanic fauna that move with the Atlantic currents, a flow of water that rises to the surface just near the Egadi Islands with its important biological richness. The MPA aims to preserve the fauna, which is particularly rich in protected or vulnerable species, including the monk seal, bluefin tuna, sea turtle, dolphin, sperm whale, sharks, manta rays and various species of fish and molluscs. To enjoy the sea, take a boat with the local fishermen who organise excursions to the caves and fishing-tourism activities: many of them are former tuna fishermen who can tell you how the tuna fishing took place. The stone quarries of Favignana For centuries, calcarenite, improperly called tuff, a very compact, light-coloured building stone, was quarried on Favignana. The quarrying has left deep traces everywhere, particularly in the north-eastern area, of open quarries that, now abandoned, are used by the inhabitants to make vegetable patches and gardens protected from the wind where fruit trees such as figs, almonds and citrus fruits grow. Some quarries near the coast have become convenient descents to the sea or have created extravagantly shaped pools: where they are slowly being re-naturalised, they create striking environments. Go and see Cala Rossa, where quarrymen have left tall tuff columns that resemble those of a cathedral. What to do in Favignana On the island you can take long, easy walks both along the coast to explore the beaches, and in the hilly part towards the Fort of Santa Caterina, an ancient watchtower rebuilt by Roger II the Norman and later used by the Bourbons as a prison. Today it is an extraordinary observation point for the entire archipelago and the western coast of Sicily. Visit the museum built in the former Florio factory, one of the largest ancient tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean, which houses an exhibition with videos and evidence of tuna slaughter, as well as a room with archaeological finds. From the port of Favignana you can set off on an excursion to the island of Levanzo, where the sea is possibly even more transparent and inviting. On this island, of particular interest is the Grotta del Genovese, where a number of paintings and engravings dating back to the Neolithic period can be seen, including the silhouette of a tuna, an animal that has always been important to the communities that have lived on these islands. The cave can be reached on foot, but you must first contact the attendant at the harbour, or by boat. Fishballs, steaks or tartare: tuna is served The main ingredient of Favignana cuisine is tuna, which is fished between May and June and eaten as tartare, tasty fishballs or grilled steaks. There are also specialities such as spaghetti alla bottarga (tuna roe) and tuna carbonara. In the restaurants you will also find pasta with sea urchins, Egadi lobster and plenty of other fish, and there is no shortage of cous-cous, as is the case throughout eastern Sicily. For dessert, try the granitas in various flavours, also accompanied by brioches, cannoli and cassatas that go well with a glass of Marsala.

Dreamlike setting at the southernmost point of Italy Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island) is one of those magical places that help make Italy one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is a rocky islet a few metres off the south-west coast of the island of Lampedusa, the largest of the Pelagie islands, nestled in a singularly spectacular bay famed for its beach, Spiaggia dei Conigli. Rabbit Island covers 4.4 hectares and can be reached on foot or by swimming, depending on the time of day, but remember to book your access to the Spiaggia dei Conigli first. The entire area is home to a rare ecosystem, which is why access is limited in the summer to 730 people per day, between 8:30 am and 7:30 pm. In the evening, you can admire sea turtles, which lay their eggs there, and the majestic herring gull, which nests there at certain times of the year. Those expecting to see rabbits will be disappointed. The origin of the name, which has never really been established, links back to two possible theories. There are those who claim that there really was a rabbit colony in the past, when the islet was connected to the mainland by a small tongue of land. But the most widely supported theory is the corruption of the name Rabit Island, from the Arabic rabit referring to the isthmus connecting the islet to the beach, to Rabbit Island, due to a transcription error from one nautical chart to another.

San Vito Lo Capo: the Sicilian Tropic On the north-western tip of Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo, with its three-kilometres beach of very light-coloured sand, ends where the Monte Monaco massif rises. Here, one of the island's most beautiful, protected areas, the Zingaro Nature Reserve, begins. Nature could not have been more generous to a place that retains important signs of its past where Arab and European cultures met and merged, continuing to do so today. Among ancient sanctuaries, wrecks and the remains of old tuna nets Almost an island within an island, San Vito Lo Capo lies on the green promontory enclosed by the imposing Mount Monaco to the east and Mount Cofano to the west. Visible in the middle of the countryside thanks to the small temple of Santa Crescenza, a place linked to the devotion of St Vitus. The Fortress Sanctuary, which dates back to the 5th century, is located closer to the sea: it is a fortified church that looks more like a bastion because the threat of the Saracens lasted for quite a while. Also worth a visit is the Tonnara del Secco, active until 1969, located along the path leading to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, behind Mount Monaco, 3 km from the centre: on the seabed in front of the tuna fishery, the wreck of the freighter Kent that sank in 1978, called the ship of the Korans because it is said to have carried holy books. On the west coast, towards Macari and Mount Cofano, dotted with numerous towers (Scieri, Mpisu and Isulidda), for swimming in the afternoon, then enjoy the sunset in the sea. There are no sandy beaches, but the descent to the sea between the rocks is quite easy. In the countryside, you can walk a long way towards Castelluzzo, among cultivated fields and olive groves. The Cous Cous Fest One of the most popular events in San Vito lo Capo is the Cous Cous Fest, celebrating the dish of Maghreb origin made from durum wheat semolina, also popular on the Trapani coast. A festival that went from being a culinary event to a moment of cultural integration celebrating the coexistence and diversity of peoples. Held in the last week of September since the late 1990s, it is a challenge for chefs from all over the world to prepare the best couscous. The side dish is a rich calendar of shows, cultural events, concerts alternating with tastings and visits to the area. Don’t miss the Couscuola, the couscous school, a thirty-minute lesson to return home with the rudiments to prepare this tasty dish that brings the two shores of the Mediterranean together. Mount Cofano reserve Unmistakable is the silhouette of Mount Cofano, in the territory of Custonaci, an area protected since 1997 by the nature reserve of the same name. The mountain is a steep-sided dolomite massif that was formed by the uplift of marine limestone deposits during the Triassic period. The ascent to the mountain is quite challenging, as its morphology suggests, but there is a very nice and easy path that goes all around the mountain, overlooking the sea. The Reserve's caves are interesting, with traces of prehistoric settlements, such as the Mangiapane cave in the Scurati locality, an 80-metre-high cavern, at the entrance of which are dwellings that were used until a few decades ago: one of Sicily's most evocative living nativity scenes is set here at Christmas. Also of interest are the 16th-century towers commissioned by the Spanish kings: from the San Giovanni tower you can see the panorama of the Egadi Islands, and the star-shaped one at the Tonnara di Cofano.

An enchanted beach in the heart of Plemmirio A short distance from Syracuse, in the heart of Plemmirio Nature Reserve, lies one of the most beautiful beaches on the Sicilian coastline. Minaret of Punta Castelluccio beach is located at Exit 35 of the Sentiero della Maddalena, which crosses the entire reserve hugging the coast. It’s a small, graceful cove hidden among the cliffs, with golden sand and suitable for families. Disabled access is also provided. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or enjoy the free part of the beach, which is never particularly crowded. The sandy seabed makes it easy to get into the water, but you should swim towards the reefs to discover a true underwater paradise with colourful fish and lush posidonia dancing in the depths. You can also find tunnels that cross the headland underwater and emerge on the other side. To get there, take the Sentiero della Maddalena path towards Capo Murro di Porco and follow the sign Sbocco 35-Punta Castelluccio to arrive at Massoliveri lighthouse. Now relax in the sun, dive into the crystal-clear sea and enjoy the reflection of the water on the white rocks. Stay until sunset, when the place becomes even more magical.

A dive into Sicily, where a sea of art, culture and nature will seduce you and become eternal love A predominantly hilly and mountainous area, but one that wins the hearts of tourists from all over the world with its wonderful sea and rich cities with a charm all their own. Sicily is a picture-postcard island characterised by the indelible marks of the people who have lived there and made it unique, amidst artistic and cultural testimonies of enormous value.

Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily as it once was Scopello is a beautiful coastal village with an ancient history. It stands in front of a handful of stacks that emerge from the water and form a natural amphitheatre of reddish rocks that intensify the blue of the sea. Since at least the 13th century, there has been a tonnara (tuna fishery) concealed in the rock here, which was in operation until the 1980s. Today it is one of the most fascinating places in Sicily, the gateway to a protected area of great naturalistic value, the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The mythical city of Cetaria Like all places of great beauty, Scopello is associated with a myth: the city of Cetaria is said to have sprung up here, so called because of the abundance of fish in its waters (from the Greek word cetos, meaning sea animals such as cetaceans). What is certain is that the place has been inhabited since ancient times, when a population from Asia Minor settled on these shores after the Trojan War; the same people who probably also founded the city of Erice. The Scopello we see today dates back to the 17th century, when the Bourbon kings used the area as a hunting reserve. For centuries dedicated to heavy tuna fishing, in the last 40 years Scopello has now become a paradise for those who love the sea, thanks to its seabed rich in anemones, madrepores and gorgonians where you can dive and swim among amberjacks and tuna, shipwrecks and submerged archaeological finds. The Scopello tuna fishery Nestled between scenic stacks and a rock face, the Tonnara di Scopello is a truly enchanting place. Its construction dates back to the 13th century, when it was just a small, well-concealed building set against the rock. It was expanded in the second half of the 15th century, first by the San Clemente family from Trapani, then by the Society of Jesus, which also built the small church, and finally by the Florio family at the end of the 19th century. Tuna caught along the coast were processed and stored in the complex. Operations ceased with the last slaughter in 1984, and since then the tuna fishery has only been used for marine biology research work. Today, the Tonnara complex is accessible for a fee for visits, including guided tours, which allow visitors to retrace the history of tuna fishing and enjoy the Faraglioni beach. There is a diving centre in the complex, which also offers dinghy excursions along the coast. Scopello's beaches In addition to the Faraglioni beach, there are several beaches and coves on the Scopello coast where you can spend a day by the sea. Guidaloca beach is a large sandy inlet with easy access to the sea, well sheltered from the wind, where the sea is always calm. Here you will find a parking area and a bar, and part of the beach is equipped with deckchairs and parasols. Those who prefer deeper waters where they can snorkel may opt for Cala Bianca, a rocky and wild stretch of coastline, without beach facilities, that can only be reached on foot along a 700-metre path, or by boat from Castellammare. Close to the Zingaro Nature Reserve is Cala Mazzo di Sciacca, with very clear waters rich in sea life, ideal for snorkelling and diving. It can be reached by car and there is only a small bar. The Zingaro Nature Reserve, an environmental victory The Zingaro Nature Reserve stretches along the coast between Scopello and San Vito lo Capo in a series of sheer cliffs interspersed with coves that make it possible to reach the sea. It is one of the rare stretches of Sicilian coastline without a seafront: a road construction site was laid in 1976, but blocked due to protests by environmentalist committees that led to a full-scale march against the work, and in favour of safeguarding the territory, in 1980. The following year, the protected area was established. Today, the Reserve can be explored along three paths, formerly mule tracks, which are about 7 kilometres in total. There is a coastal one, which provides access to charming pebble beaches and the prehistoric Uzzo cave; a mid-coast path to visit Borgo Cusenza, a nucleus of farmers' houses, and the petrified forest; and a high path, which is more challenging and very scenic. Inland, there are three museums (one naturalistic, one dedicated to the sea, one to the peasant civilisation) and an environmental education centre, two equipped areas and some rural buildings in contrada Sughero used for bivouacs, which are only allowed from October to May by making a request to the Reserve management. In the highest part, there are woods of Aleppo pines and holm oaks alternating with Mediterranean maquis that is regaining possession of an area that was cultivated for centuries, and that today, thanks to conservation, is once again a treasure trove of biodiversity.

Marettimo, hiking and the sea in an unspoilt oasis The westernmost of the Egadi Islands, Marettimo is a wild, mountainous island covered in thick scrub, where human impact has been minimal. It has archaeological sites, a Spanish fort, plenty of sea caves, hiking trails and a few beaches that can be reached by land, where the colour of the sea is astonishing. There are no hotels in Marettimo, only rooms in residents' homes where hospitality is strictly island style. History, archaeology and emigration Marettimo welcomes you into a small port with turquoise waters and white houses. The name has nothing to do with the sea or seafaring; rather, the etymology refers to the thyme plant that grows wild here (with “timo” meaning “thyme”). To get to know the island and the locals, it’s worth visiting the Museo del mare, delle attività e tradizioni marinare e dell'emigrazione (Museum of the Sea, Maritime Activities and Traditions and Emigration), run by a local association, located in the centre of the village. In its display cases, amidst the seafaring tools and old photos of migrants with cardboard suitcases, is the historical memory of a community that had to leave the island to go and work in various countries around the world, and which is trying to protect its identity. Above the village, along the path leading up the mountain, you will find a small archaeological site, known as the Roman houses, with the remains of a building from the late Republican period. After defeating the Carthaginians in the First Punic War with the Battle of the Egadi Islands (241 B.C.), Rome made Marettimo a military stronghold and installed a garrison on the island, so it is not surprising to find Roman artefacts on this strip of land, however remote. Next to the Roman houses is a tiny Byzantine chapel dating back to the 11th century. The 400 caves of Marettimo From the harbour, you can board a boat to tour the caves of Marettimo, which are one of the highlights of the island. There are about 400 of them in total, all different in shape, colour, size and characteristics. In the Camel Cave there is a small pebble beach, the Nativity Cave has stalactites and stalagmites, the Bombard Cave is so called because of the hissing sound created inside it during sea storms, etc. Depending on where the wind is blowing, Marettimo always has a sheltered slope where one can enjoy the sea and the air that is scented with thyme. On the hiking trails overlooking the sea Bring your hiking boots if you are going to Marettimo: there are several paths on the island that are well-marked by the forestry service, that allow you to discover the unspoilt nature of the area. There are at least six routes, some very easy, others a little more challenging, which, from the port, allow you to reach the most extreme points of the island. Punta Troia, on the peninsula that can be seen from the port, can be reached in an hour and a half via a path that has stretches overhanging the sea. There, you can visit the Spanish fort, which was later used as a hard prison, and was recently restored and opened for visits. The next day you may wish to go to Cala Bianca, on the western side: on the way back you can pass by Pizzo Falcone, at 686 metres, the highest point on the island. Amidst forests of Aleppo pines, the typical types of Mediterranean scrub and many endemic species, you will see how many birds, even birds of prey, have chosen to make their nests in Marettimo.

Erice, city of the goddess Venus One of Sicily's most enchanting locations, Erice is like an eagle's nest from which you can enjoy magnificent views over vast areas of the island as far as the Egadi archipelago and the Tunisian coast. Perched on a cliff 750 metres above sea level, its curious triangular perimeter preserves not only monuments and mediaeval churches of great worth, but also a contemporary art centre and a prestigious scientific institution. Erice is a jewel of art and culture with a thousand-year history, that deserves to be visited at least once in a lifetime. A treasure chest of artistic and archaeological treasures The origins of Erice are very ancient and can be traced back to the Elymian people; it was founded by the union of the local population with Trojan exiles. Beyond the myth of its foundation, Erice was also known to the Romans due to a sanctuary built on a steep cliff, dedicated to the worship of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess of fertility and love, Venus Ericina, where sacred prostitution was practised. To erase that pagan symbol, a thousand years later, the Norman princes of Altavilla had a manor built, which is still called the Castle of Venus: inside, you can visit an exhibition of archaeological finds from the Archaic to the Norman age. From the castle, through the Balio garden, one enters the elegant mediaeval old town with its carpet-like stone pavement and narrow alleyways, because space within the walls has always been scarce. Here, you must see the church of San Giovanni Battista with its round dome and Norman Gothic portal, the Antonino Cordici museum in the former convent of San Francesco where, among the finds from the Erice necropolis, a head of Aphrodite from the 4th century BC is on display; and the museum of contemporary art La Salerniana in the former convent of San Carlo. Continuing towards Piazza Umberto you will find the Centro per la Cultura Scientifica Majorana (Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture) in the former monastery of San Pietro, which hosts symposia and conferences on various scientific disciplines every year. Towards Porta Trapani is the elegant Piazza Matrice with the 14th-century Cathedral of Erice, with a Gothic pronaos and portal and, inside, majestic naves with pointed arches. The nine Greek marble crosses on the south wall were hung in 1685 and also come from the temple of Venus, whose cult is believed to have been still practised at that time. Beyond the Porta del Carmine along Via dell'Addolorata you come to the so-called Quartiere Spagnolo, which is not a real quarter but a building, that was supposed to house Spanish troops but remained unfinished. Today it is home to permanent exhibitions on Erice and the territory. The view from its terrace will leave you breathless. Trekking on Mount Erice The amenity of the place is such that you will yearn to explore the territory of Mount Erice. To do so, there are the Agro Ericino trails, various trekking routes that start mostly from the arrival of the funicular railway from Trapani to cross the state forest, or to discover the three rock churches scattered around the mountain. Above Erice, there is also a CAI (Club Alpino Italiano - Italian Alpine Club) hut, to explore the area and also go to Mount Cofano and San Vito Lo Capo. Genovesi and martorana fruit: discovering traditional sweets If you have worked up an appetite on your walk, there is no shortage of patisseries in Erice. The town has a strong tradition of sweets whose recipes are said to have been handed down by the nuns of the cloistered monasteries of Erice. The most typical are the genovese, a shortcrust pastry morsel filled with cream that is eaten while still warm; mustazzoli, aromatic biscuits made of hard, crunchy pastry; ripostetti, filled with citron conserve and decorated with pastel-coloured icing; almond morsels, quaresimali and martorana fruit. The most renowned pastry shops are those of Maria Grammatico, which also organise cooking classes, and San Carlo, both in the old city centre. The desserts are well matched with a glass of sweet Marsala from the vineyards grown just below Mount Erice.

A natural bridge between Europe and Africa A meeting point between two continents, the island of Pantelleria lies 110 kilometres off the south-west coast of Sicily. Its geographical position has enabled the development of a rich biodiversity, preserved within the National Park. Pantelleria offers unique scenery, including Lake Mirror of Venus, named after the goddess of beauty. According to legend, Venus used to admire her reflection in the waters of the lake, one of the island’s many hot springs, before meeting the god Bacchus. Another natural spectacle worth visiting is Elephant Arch, a rock whose shape resembles a trunk. Pantelleria is also rich in history. If you are interested in learning about the island’s past, visit the Sesi, megalithic tombs dating back 5,000 years found in the area between Mursia and Cimillia, and the Dammusi, typical constructions made of lava stone with domed roofs. On the other hand, the Acropolis, spreading over the hills of San Marco and Santa Teresa, is a precious testimony to the Punic and Roman periods. To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Pantelleria, sit down at the table and order some sweet baci panteschi (Pantelleria kisses) accompanied with a glass of Passito.

A natural spectacle in the waters of the Tuscan Archipelago A true paradise for tourists in all seasons: on Isola del Giglio, in the Tuscan Archipelago, you will find the perfect balance between nature and history, relaxation and adventure. Despite its compact size, the island has plenty to offer visitors. You’re sure to be tempted by its coves and sheer cliffs, from which you can dive into the crystal-clear waters. Its wild coastline is perfect for adventurous excursions. You can take the path leading to the Capel Rosso lighthouse, which offers breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape and Monte Argentario in the distance. Equally stunning is the promenade that starts at Cannelle beach, passes a promontory and arrives in Caldane. The most beautiful lidos include Arenella, with its rocky seabed perfect for snorkelling. To fully appreciate the natural beauty of Giglio, we recommend hiring a small boat and stopping for a dip at the Cala dell’Allume and Cala del Corvo beaches. But Isola del Giglio offers more than just beaches. Giglio Castello, listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages, is home to several artistic-architectural jewels. Don’t miss the Church of San Pietro and the Rocca Aldobrandesca castle, which offers unique views of the entire island from its walls. Not forgetting Giglio Porto, where you can stroll through the alleyways and admire the Saracen Tower that stands at the heart of this traditional fishing village.

The only volcanic island in the Tuscan Archipelago Between Corsica and Tuscany, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, lies the beautiful island of Capraia, which originated from a volcano and is largely mountainous. Its special position, further from the mainland than the other islands in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, makes it one of Italy’s least populated areas. This makes it a true natural paradise, unspoilt and wild: coves, the remains of ancient towers and paths surrounded by greenery create a magical atmosphere. Particularly beautiful areas include the Cala del Vetriolo, recognisable by its lava flows, where you can visit the cave and venture into underwater excursions, and the Cala della Mortola, near the port. The most famous attraction, however, is the Cala Rossa (Red Cove), which comprises the remains of an ancient volcanic vent, so called because of the intense colour of its rocks. Nearby is the Zenobito Tower, a perfect vantage point from which to admire the sunset dipping into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Elban village steeped in history Not far from the renowned Marciana Marina lies the small village of Marciana, also known as Marciana Alta. This is one of the many sites that make the Island of Elba a destination worth discovering not only for its beaches and sea, but also for its historical and architectural beauty. The town, whose origins date back to 35 BC, is rich in archaeological remains and retains a largely medieval layout, with its gateways and narrow streets. A cable car close to the village takes you in just a few minutes to Monte Capanne, the highest peak on Elba. Don’t skip a visit to the nearby village of Poggio, where time seems to stand still and where you can cool down at Napoleon’s spring. The spring, once known as Fonte Acquaviva, was renamed in memory of the emperor’s long stops here during his exile in Elba to drink the superbly fresh water, the beneficial and healing properties of which are still renowned today.

Capoliveri, perched on the top of a gentle hill on the slopes of Monte Calamita, is one of the seven municipalities on the Island of Elba and one of the reference points for those who choose to spend their holidays on the beautiful island opposite the Gulf of Baratti in Tuscany. The view from the small medieval village is one of the most impressive on the entire island. What also captivates visitors is the atmosphere felt while strolling through the narrow streets and alleyways - discovering small restaurants, fashionable boutiques, artisanal ice cream parlours, cafes and wine bars where you can sip the best Tuscan wines while contemplating the sunset. Those who love the sea will find some of the most beautiful coastlines on the Island of Elba on the slopes of Capoliveri. Like Lacona beach, which is very wide and equipped with all the facilities for a comfortable holiday, or Innamorata beach, known for its sand and small pebbles, ideal starting point for exploring the many coves to be discovered a few steps from the beach. Capoliveri also has much to offer those who want to take a break from the sea. From the Church of San Michele to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve in Lacona, architectural wonders can be discovered amidst scenic paths and easy walks suitable for all types of stamina.

A mining paradise for slow tourism on the Island of Elba In an inlet on the eastern side of the Island of Elba, Rio Marina is a small fishing and mining village dating back to Etruscan times. For centuries this area played a key role in the economy of the island and the whole of Italy, and for some time now, especially during summer, it has become a popular destination among holidaymakers searching for sea, sun and relaxation. Well connected to the mainland throughout the year, Rio Marina is the ideal starting point for exploring the “Shining Coast”, the coastal stretch of the Island of Elba that reaches as far as Cavo. There is also plenty available for visitors wanting to take a break from the sea and discover places of historical and cultural interest. Unmissable attractions include the 16th-century Clock Tower, the small church of San Rocco and the huge Island of Elba Mineral Park, an open-air museum you can explore on foot, by bike or on board a small train, among rocks and minerals of inestimable value. To step back in time, visit the Rio Marina rock necropolis, a natural gallery set in the San Giuseppe cave where the remains of over 80 people have been found dating to the 3rd millennium BC.

The natural splendour of the Tuscan archipelago Elba is the third largest island in Italy, after Sicily and Sardinia. Together with Gorgona, Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri, it is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and is one of the most popular destinations for Italians, especially in summer. Its length of 27 kilometres from east to west and 18 kilometres from north to south make the island easy to explore. It offers visitors stunning views and panoramas, with beaches including Capo Bianco and Fetovaia and excursions to locations such as Mount Capanne, the highest point of the entire archipelago. But Elba offers more than just sea and beaches. Famous for boasting significant iron ore deposits, as evidenced by the Rio Marina mining park, the island is dotted with traditional villages such as Marciana, with its cobbled streets and narrow houses, Capoliveri, which retains its medieval four-borough layout, and Porto Azzurro, a fishing village. The island also boasts castles and ancient settlements that will take you back in time, including the Medici Fortresses. History buffs will love the National Museum of the Villa dei Mulini, which served as Napoleon Bonaparte’s residence during his exile on the island. We also recommend visiting the other islands in the Park, perfect examples of pristine nature.

One of the island’s oldest villages With records dating to the 13th century as Comune Rivi, Rio nell’Elba is one of the oldest villages on the island with a mining tradition. Perched on a hill 180 metres above sea level, it has a medieval urban layout, with narrow alleyways, flights of steps and picturesque little squares. You can visit the Mining District Archaeological Museum, housing more than 700 exhibits, as well as the old Public Washhouse, the Valley of the Mills - where 22 mills were once operational, fed by the Canali spring - and the Church of the Souls, to admire a mechanical nativity scene. The 16th-century Hermitage of Santa Caterina is also well worth visiting. Rio Marina is less than three kilometres away. Here, the most picturesque beaches include Ortano, Porticciolo, Cavo, Capo Castello, Fornacelle or Cala del Telegrafo, San Benedetto and Topinetti. Some of them are sandy and spacious, while others are embedded in rock or covered in pebbles. Jupiter Fortress and the Volterraio Castle, the only one ever conquered by Saracen pirates, located at the top of Monte del Volterraio are of particular interest, while Orto Elbano dei Semplici is fantastic for a nature walk.

In the heart of the Gulf of Mola on the island of Elba On the east coast of the island of Elba, bathed by the Canal of Piombino, Porto Azzurro lies in the centre of the Gulf of Mola. Formerly known as Porto Longone, after the prison located inside the Longone Fortress, it is now a delightful tourist resort and a fantastic starting point for exploring the island’s coastline. Strolling through the streets of the historic centre, you can admire the Church of the Madonna del Carmine and the adjacent Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Mary, both dating back to the 18th century, or explore Piazza Matteotti, a meeting place full of shops and restaurants. Standing tall above the village is the Fortress of San Giacomo, also known as the Fortress of Longone, built by Don Garcia de Toledo in 1603. Today, it is a prison and is only partially open to visitors. In the centre of the valley, between Monte Castello and Cima del Monte, is the Iberian Baroque-style Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monserrato. We recommend walking along the Carmignani promenade, a gentle nature trail with splendid views, within a kilometre of the sandy Barbarossa beach. Other beaches include Reale, Rossa, Terranera—a pebble beach with a mineral lake—and Pianotta. The resort is also home to the island’s first dog-friendly beach, in Mola. The seabed is ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts.

The ancient city of Cosimo A strategic town and important naval hub, the municipality of Portoferraio is the largest on the Island of Elba. A small paradise surrounded by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The promenade is home to businesses, bars and restaurants, where tourists and locals can enjoy an aperitif. The city also contains important cultural attractions. Impressive and fascinating are the Medici fortresses, built at the behest of Cosimo I de' Medici for defensive purposes. The Grand Duke of Tuscany was particularly fond of the port, which is why during the Renaissance the city was named Cosmopoli, the city of Cosimo. There are two residences in which Emperor Napoleon settled: Villa dei Mulini, now a house-museum, and Villa San Martino, a residence dedicated to rest and hunting days. For a relaxing time by the sea, make your way to Biodola beach, with its fine sand and azure sea, is the perfect destination for families. Also worth mentioning is the Le Ghiaie beach, a small shoreline of white pebbles. Its waters have been protected since 1971, when the marine reserve was established.

An archipelago rich in natural and human history The Tuscan Archipelago National Park is the largest marine park in Europe, a vast area including seven main islands and a few smaller islets for a total of over 56 thousand hectares of sea and almost 18 thousand hectares of land. Dominating the marine park is the large island of Elba, the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, followed by its smaller “sisters”: Gorgona, Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri, the southernmost of the seven. Don’t miss nearby gems, including Palmaiola, an important nesting place for Corsican seagulls, and Cerboli. The entire area has been a national park since 1980, when the explosion of tourism made it necessary to protect the precious landscapes and endemic species exclusive to this area, from the lush flora thanks to the favourable Mediterranean climate to the fauna that includes mammals and migratory birds that have inhabited this natural paradise for decades.

A little island which is part of the sestiere of San Marco situated in front of St Mark’s Square. Known as the island of cypresses, around the year 982 the Monastery of San Giorgio was founded there, when the Doge Tribuno Memmo donated the entire island to the Benedictine monk, Giovanni Morosini, who drained the marshes to obtain the land on which to build the monastery. The majestic facade of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, designed by Andrea Palladio, bears witness to the cultural importance achieved by the monastery over the centuries. The church houses works by several masters, including Tintoretto, Carpaccio, and Bassano. Today the island is the center of the Cini Foundation, a former Benedictine convent which has become a monumental complex comprised of the Palladian cloister and cenacle, the labyrinth of Borges, and the Cypress Woods, in addition to the library, an art gallery, a musical theater overlooking the lagoon, and a new permanent exhibition space "The glass rooms" which host dedicated exhibitions. There is also a new refreshment area, the San Giorgio Cafè, run by the famous Palermo-born chef Filippo LaMantia.

Giudecca, called Spinalonga by the Venetians for its elongated shape, is an island located south of the historic center of Venice. It is a mostly residential area with a limited tourist population. It enjoys a beautiful view of San Marco and can be reached with just one stop by vaporetto, crossing the Giudecca canal. The most beautiful churches on the island lie along the foundations facing the Giudecca Canal. In fact, the Chiesa del Redentore, the Chiesa delle Zitelle, and the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore, all designed by Andrea Palladio, were built there in the sixteenth century. Every year, Giudecca becomes the protagonist of the celebrations honoring the feast of the Redeemer, the most popular, heartfelt festival for the Venetians. It is famous for the spectacular fireworks that light up the lagoon of Venice every year on July 14. To end the day, it's worth having an aperitif at the Rooftop bar of the Molino Stucky, a wonderful example of industrial archeology, converted into a hotel, where guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of the island and the San Marco bay.

Enchanting beaches and rock-hewn sanctuaries On the border between Calabria and Basilicata, the enchanting seaside town of Praia a Mare is one of the most popular destinations in the province of Cosenza. Where the mountains of the Pollino National Park plunge into the sea, the possibilities for a relaxing holiday immersed in nature are endless. The coastline, about five kilometres long, alternates between free beaches and establishments equipped with all the mod cons. Opposite the coast is Isola di Dino, a small islet with fascinating sea caves that you can reach by canoe or pedalo. The most famous is the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Cave), with intensely coloured water. On its walls, you can see ancient marine fossils. On the 15-metre-high cliffs of the same name, the Fiuzzi Tower has defended the town from raids from the sea since the 16th century. You can walk up the 53 steps to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta, Praia’s most important place of worship, inside three rocky cavities lit by beams of natural light that will leave you speechless.

Ischia: a paradise of dream beaches, nature and spas Remember Suddenly Paradise, Leonardo Pieraccioni's film shot almost exclusively in Ischia? Mind you, the title is by no means coincidental, and as soon as you set foot on this island of otherworldly beauty you’ll understand why. This is well known by the more than six million visitors who visit this island in the Tyrrhenian Sea every year. As the largest in Campania, they are attracted by this vast and morphologically varied territory: Ischia Ponte, a charming historic centre of narrow streets, alleys and old shops, and Ischia Porto, a small fishing village. Located at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, and not far from the islands of Procida and Vivara, Ischia is the largest of the Phlegraean Islands. Fine sand and crystal-clear water If you’re looking for a large, comfortable beach, head for Chiaia in Forio di Ischia. If you’re looking for a dream beach with fine golden sand and crystal-clear green water, you should definitely choose San Montano Bay, a mecca for Instagrammers! The Bay of Sorgeto is also worth a visit, where you can bathe in a real hot thermal water spring that mixes with sea water. You’ll have to go down (and then up) 234 steps to reach it, but we assure you that it’s worth it. Thermal waters for care and pampering Ischia has been famous since Greek and Roman times for the therapeutic properties of its thermal springs. Try the Nitrodi spring, whose water is potable and has certified healing powers to treat gastritis and ulcers, as well as to facilitate urination. Applied to the body, it cures skin impurities and also has a healing effect. This is not the only place to pamper and treat yourself: you can choose from the many thermal parks, from Poseidon to the Gardens of Aphrodite, from Terme di Castiglione to Bagnitiello via the unmissable Casamicciola Terme. Plunge into history If you want to immerse yourself in the island's history, you should definitely visit the Aragonese Castle, built in 474 BC by the Greeks and connected to the island by the striking ancient bridge. The Torrione di Forio is also worth seeing, a strategic point from which sightings were made to anticipate invasions in times of war. Next door is the white, cliff-top Church of Soccorso, also known as Santa Maria della Neve. From this point at sunset, you can witness a very rare phenomenon: the green ray. It is an optical effect due to the refraction of light at sunset. Legend has it that whoever sees it will have good luck for life. If you also have time to pass through Borgo di Sant'Angelo, you’ll be enchanted by its colourful houses and enjoy dining at restaurants with outdoor tables and shopping in the many souvenir shops. Paradise for those who love trekking There are dozens of trails, from the simplest to those for experts to explore the wonders of the island, but three are absolutely unmissable: the Pietra dell'Acqua Trail, which passes by Monte Epomeo; Piano Liguori, which reaches the vantage point of La Scarrupata; and Pizzi Bianchi, along a canyon of white tuff pinnacles.

The island with a mention by Hemingway Isola Superiore, or Isola dei Pescatori, is the most picturesque of the Borromean archipelago. Mentioned by Ernest Hemingway in his novel A Farewell to Arms, this little pearl of Lake Maggiore is characterised by its narrow alleys and houses with long balconies used for drying fish. Pottery shops and inns serving the catch of the day are scattered about its narrow streets. On Isola dei Pescatori, time seems to stand still. The tall bell tower of the Church of San Vittore stands amidst the red-coloured roofs. The building, dating back to the year 1000, was entirely rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries and is rich in frescoes. Behind the church stands the small fishermen's cemetery, with model boats found on the tombstones. Treat yourself to pleasant walks in the shade of the sycamores or, if the season allows, dive into the cool waters of the lake for a refreshing swim. Among the traditional festivities, the one held for Ferragosto is particularly evocative: you can watch the procession of illuminated boats that go around the island paying homage to the statue of the Virgin on the 15th of August.

The island of Capraia, also called Caprara or Capperaia, due to the prominence of caper plants on the island, as well as artemisia, thistles and mastic, is also small and uninhabited, populated by granite rocks. Visitors are not permitted to disembark. However, when venturing out, perhaps by kayak, you can stop a few metres from the banks and take a dip in the clear waters. The seabed hosts a submerged statue of Padre Pio, now Saint Pio.

An open-air museum Towers, fortifications, walls, churches and cloisters – San Nicola, rich in monuments and the second largest of the Tremiti Islands after San Domino, is a living testimony to the historical events of the entire archipelago. It is accessible by ferry in an hour and a quarter, departing from Termiti, in the province of Campobasso, or Rodi Garganico, in the province of Foggia. San Nicola is best known for its fortress-abbey, Santa Maria a Mare, also known as “Montecassino in the middle of the sea” in recognition of its grandeur. We recommend visiting to discover its truly fascinating origins and the trials and tribulations of its history. This architectural-religious gem dates back to the 11th century, when Benedictine monks settled here. The church still preserves, almost intact, its original layout, with a rectangular plan, three naves and a double ambulatory. You can also admire the 11th-century floor mosaics on the central nave, the wooden statue representing the Virgin and Child (with dark faces, likely an indication of other Byzantine influences), a 13th-century wooden Cross with a unique shape (also typical of Greek-Byzantine iconography), and the wooden polyptych on the high altar, a true masterpiece of gold-embossed carving. The cloisters of the monastery are also remarkable; in the centre is a traditional well, used to supply the monks’ nearby refectory.

The Queen of the Tremiti Islands San Domino is the largest and most renowned island of the Tremiti archipelago, and the most beautiful from a naturalistic point of view. Covered in Mediterranean scrub, which has earned it the nickname “Garden of Paradise” since ancient times, it is also home to a lush forest of Aleppo Pines. As on all the Tremiti Islands, cars are not allowed on San Domino and nor are motorbikes. The only vehicles are service vehicles and taxis. You can travel on foot or by bike along the many marked paths throughout the island. Sea excursions are an unmissable treat: it is easy to hire a boat or join one of the many organised tours. A must-see site in the Toppa area, opposite the island of San Nicola, is the Achaean Warrior, a bronze statue depicting a guardian armed with a spear and shield, a symbol of protection. Created by Michele Circiello, this artwork was donated by a distinguished visitor: Lucio Dalla, who was inspired to write several songs here. Then there is Belvedere square, bustling with restaurants, hotels and clubs, and Sandro Pertini square, where a contemporary sundial, with its circles, indicates solar noon. San Domino has only one sandy beach, Cala delle Arene, located behind the harbour, easily accessible and well equipped, as well as numerous rocky coves: don’t miss the Zio Cesare point at the southern end. But the best way to experience the island is undoubtedly from the sea: unmissable sites include the Bue Marino, Viole, Rondinelle and Coccodrillo caves, fascinating rock formations such as the Scoglio dell’Elefante cliff, and the beautiful Pagliai sea stacks. There’s something for everyone.

An enchanting oasis off the Gargano Peninsula The Tremiti Islands, also known as the Diomedee Islands, are a small corner of paradise in the province of Foggia. The only Italian archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, it is about 12 miles off the Gargano Peninsula in northern Apulia and comprises five islands: San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio and Pianosa. The Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area is a nature reserve with clean air and wild nature. Here, the sea is clear and clean, with shades that range from light green to blue to turquoise. Featuring bays that alternate with headlands, the archipelago also has low and sandy beaches, high and rocky beaches with cliffs, small inlets and romantic coves. If you enjoy walking among Mediterranean scrub, you can take the numerous equipped trails through the lush forest, a riot of myrtle, rosemary, phillyrea, lentisk and juniper. For visitors who love diving, we highly recommend visiting the Grotta delle Viole (Cave of Violets), near the Pagliai sea stacks. You will quickly realise that it owes its name to the many varieties of fragrant violets that grow on its rocks, as well as the fish and molluscs that swim in its depths and take on a purple hue, thanks to the play of light from the sun’s rays that pierce through the slits. For snorkelling enthusiasts, there are over twenty underwater trails to explore. Remember that no cars, other than those belonging to residents, are allowed on the islands of the Tremiti archipelago.

On the Island of San Pietro there is only one village, only one municipality: Carloforte, a place of sea, legends, contaminations and uniqueness. It has a particular history, this village: founded in 1738 following the concession of the island by King Charles Emmanuel III to a group of families originally from Liguria but living in Tunisia, Carloforte is a Genoese enclave that still preserves the Ligurian language and traditions. Even its main church has a history that is intertwined with legend and with the sea: it is the church of the Novelli Innocenti, built in memory of the shipwreck near its shores of two ships, a shipwreck that caused the death of some of those children who took part in the semi-legendary 'Crusade of the Children' in 1212. Finally, its traditions also have a seafaring soul, as demonstrated by the devotion to Saint Peter, patron saint of fishermen and of the island, to whom every year festivities are dedicated, in which a blessing is asked for the exploits of the sea, between ritual and spirituality.

From prison island to wild pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea Smaller and less famous than some of its “sister” islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, including the renowned Elba, the island of Pianosa still retains a mysterious, almost dreamlike charm, the result of the fusion between its fascinating past and its wild, pristine nature. Inaccessible to the public from the mid-19th century until 1997, when the maximum-security prison was finally closed, today Pianosa is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination. Many visitors are fascinated by its flat terrain, which never exceeds 29 metres above sea level and from which it takes its name (“piano” means “flat” in Italian). You can enjoy a charming stroll through the alleyways of the ghost town, abandoned when the island became the “Alcatraz of Italy”. The Roman villa of Agrippa and the Christian catacombs are also worth visiting. But at the heart of tourism on Pianosa is its nature. The island is a paradise for snorkelling enthusiasts, who can don a wetsuit and mask and explore the crystal-clear waters of Cala Giovanna or Cala dei Turchi. Today, no more than 250 people per day can visit the island. You will need to take your entrance ticket along with your ferry ticket.

The home of glassblowing Along the Marani canal in the Venetian Lagoon lies Murano. It consists of seven islands, divided by canals and connected by bridges: Isola dei Conventi, San Donato, Navagero, San Pietro, San Stefano, Sacca Serenella and Sacca Mattia. Located north-east of Venice and accessible by water from Fondamenta Nove, Murano is world-famous for its artisanal glass production. In 1291, the Serenissima decreed that the city's glassworks be moved here to contain the consequences of the disastrous fires generated by the workshops' furnaces. The Glass Museum in Palazzo Giustinian traces its history. Before the advent of Napoleon, there were 18 parishes, monasteries and convents. Today, only three churches remain active: the Romanesque-style Cathedral of Santi Maria e Donato, the Church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli with its 16th-century bell tower and the Church of San Pietro Martire, which houses many works of art rescued from French plundering by other churches on the island, such as Madonna and Child Enthroned with Angels and Saints by Giovanni Bellini and St Jerome in the Desert by Paolo Veronese. The Palazzo da Mula, a 12th-century building in Venetian-Byzantine style, is well worth a visit. Today, it houses the Town Hall, which organises exhibitions and meetings there.

Lascia incantati per il suo panorama di grande bellezza, Ponza, tra monte e spiagge, calette e fondali che da sempre attirano gli appassionati di immersioni per la loro fauna e flora ricchissime. Il borgo principale dell’isola racconta già a prima vista la sua anima marinara, tra il profumo di salsedine che accarezza l’aria, il suono dolce delle onde e la vicinanza del porto, dove le barche attraccano cercando riposo dalle onde, riposo che chiunque può gustare davanti a un buon bicchiere. Da non perdere è la celebrazione del Patrono, che si festeggia il 20 giugno con una grande festa che si conclude con spettacolari fuochi d’artificio sull’acqua. Infine, da gustare è il prezioso vino locale: solo qui è possibile assaggiarlo, infatti non è esportato, è un privilegio per chi sceglierà di visitare l’isola!

In Sardara, in the oldest part of the town, is the parish church dedicated to Saint Anthony, built in the second half of the 17th century. Inside there is a valuable polychrome wooden altar dating back to the early 1700s.

In the Church of Our Lady of Regnos Altos, one can admire an astonishing cycle of 14th-century frescoes. Although the exact chronology of the chapel is still uncertain, recent studies suggest that the building was built around the 12th century with a series of extensions in the 14th. The cycle of frescoes on three of the four walls was severely damaged by subsequent work on the apse, the date of which is unknown. The dating of the frescoes themselves has been the subject of debate, with some scholars until recently even speculating that they were created in the 15th century. Now, however, they are believed to have been produced in the 14th century by an artist of Tuscan origin.

The building that houses the museum was originally built by the Aragonese and was home to the Mercedari order, among the best known for their slave liberation activities over the centuries. The Sanctuary, on the other hand, became famous thanks to the wooden simulacrum of the Madonna that arrived on the beach overlooking it in 1370, leading to a great cult of the Virgin as the patron saint of sailors. The memorabilia in the collection are, for the most part, votive offerings of people who escaped shipwreck or slavery, some of them gifts from sovereigns and high-ranking families, such as the gold crowns granted by Victor Emmanuel I and Maria Theresa in February 1816. One can admire vestments, monstrances, chalices, precious relics, and an impressive silver anchor offered by Queen Margaret of Savoy. The showcases also hold sabres, decorations, coins, porcelain, sounding boards and bombs.

The Convent of the Capuchins in Palermo is world famous for the presence of a huge cemetery in its cellars. These were excavated in the 16th century and form a large rectangular cemetery. The number of bodies present has never been counted, but is believed to be up to 8,000. The mummies, standing or lying down, dressed in neat clothes, are divided by gender and social class. Most belong to the upper classes, as mummification was an expensive procedure. In the various branches one can recognise prelates, merchants and the bourgeoisie wearing Sunday best, army officers in parade uniforms, young virgin women, missing before they could marry, wearing their wedding dress, family groups standing on high shelves, separated by thin balcony-like railings, and children.

One of the oldest Catholic places of worship in Erice is the church of San Giuliano in honour of the saint who faced martyrdom in 254 AD.

Since 20 August 2005, the church of St Mary of the Angels has been used as the Parish Museum of Sacred Furniture. On display are numerous paintings, mainly dating back to the 15th, 16th and early 17th centuries, depicting sacred scenes. Particularly noteworthy are five small panels, dating back to the end of the 14th century, depicting events in the life of the Virgin, the thaumaturgical efficacy of candles and the celebration of mass, as well as the statue of Our Lady of the Accomandata by Antonello Freri, dated 1510.

The church of St Francis Borgia is located along Via dei Crociferi, a street characterised by its Baroque setting. The sacred building has a double flight of stairs and a linear façade in the Roman academic style, developed on two orders of twin marble columns. Inside, the three naves are extremely wide and bright, while the side altars are made of marble and adorned with altarpieces painted by 18th-century Catanese artists. The dome is also frescoed with motifs inspired by the Society of Jesus by the painter Olivio Sozzi.

The church, in the centre of the village, is a fine example of architecture combining Romanesque and Gothic elements. Built between 1300 and 1325, it has a single nave with a square apse. The façade was carefully designed, with round arches supported by small columns, and a bell gable with a double bell. Above the pointed arch portal, a large perforated circular rose window lends the building an additional note of elegance.

Located in the rural locality of Calameda, on the left bank of the river Temo, a short distance from the town of Bosa, the Church of St Peter is one of the oldest religious buildings in Sardinia. It was also the cathedral of the Bosa diocese for many years.

In Baroque style, the Church of St Martin is located at the Piazza of the same name in the municipality of Erice.

Connected to Piazza San Giovanni Battista is the church of San Giovanni Battista, near the Castelletto Pepoli and the Jewish quarter.

The Erice Medievale e Moderno Museum (M.E.M.S.) offers a complex route to enhance the value of ecclesiastical cultural assets, both movable and immovable, that extends throughout the medieval town of Erice. Currently, the visit programme includes the possibility of seeing eleven different places of interest, providing an integrated itinerary that allows visitors to learn about the peculiar aspects of the city of Erice and to admire the main religious buildings.

This exceptional collection consists of 400 paintings on tin, taken from sardine cans (35x25 cm), ranging from the 19th century to the present day. The works represent the graces obtained following the intervention of Our Lady of Milicia, which the miraculous person then brought to the sanctuary to fulfil the vow. The paintings were created by the Sicilian cart painters.

The village of Tratalias, a restored medieval urban centre, developed around the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria de Monserrat. The buildings have been adapted to educational and craft workshops typical of the area.The church of Santa Maria di Monserrato, dating back to the 13th century and dedicated to Our Lady of Monserrat, is the centrepiece of the village and has always represented a meeting place for the entire Sulcis region, as well as a precious testimony of the local artistic heritage with great aesthetic qualities.

In the Sanctuary of the Basilica, the 'Annibale Di Francia' Museum was inaugurated in 2000, on the occasion of the Holy Year. Its uniqueness lies in the 1:2 scale reconstruction of the entire 'Avignon Quarter', as St. Hannibal saw it during his first visit to the poor inhabitants, nicknamed 'mignuri'. The museum, built over two years based on plans by Livio Lucà Trombetta, presents the figure and work of the well-known priest from Messina.Welcoming visitors at the beginning of the exhibition route is the pulpit, which was already present in the shrine before its renovation in 1976. The entrance corridor of the museum also houses drawings by architect Antonio Favaloro, who, as an eyewitness, faithfully reproduced the structure and topography of the district. Among the works on display is a 17th century marble statue of the Madonna delle Grazie by Roman sculptor Vincenzo Tedeschi, which was transported to the Church of the Assumption near the Zaèra stream after the 1783 earthquake.

The Oratorio dei Bianchi contains excellent stucco work by Giacomo Serpotta as well as statues of both classical and late Baroque inspiration dating from the 17th-18th centuries.

Sant'Antioco di Bisarcio is one of the largest Romanesque churches on the island. Its scenic location makes it one of the most beautiful structures in the entire Sardinian architectural landscape. Built with blocks of volcanic stone from local quarries, it became the cathedral seat of the Bisarcio diocese until 1503.On the inside, the building shows three periods of construction: an early 11th-century layout is characterised by barely sketched cantons at the base of the masonry on the east side, the second building phase, after the mid-12th century, is characterised by well-shaped, medium-sized cantons, the portico was added at the beginning of the 13th century. The floor plan is three-aisled with an apse to the east. The nave has a wooden roof, while the side aisles are vaulted.

The Church of the Holy Trinity of Saccargia is considered one of the most famous medieval monuments on the island and is located on the rural plain of Saccargia. Its massive bell tower, easily spotted from afar, towers above the surrounding landscape. The importance of this church is amplified by its grandeur and the rare Romanesque frescoes adorning the apse, the only ones surviving in Sardinia.

In the Santuario di Sant'Alfio there is a fascinating Museum of Ex Voto, consisting of collections of various kinds, still little known and the subject of study, whose historical and socio-cultural relevance deserves to be enhanced. Usually, an ex-voto is a gift offered to Our Lady and the Saints as a sign of gratitude for a grace received. It is a custom found in many religious traditions, not only Christian.Votive offerings can take different forms: money, precious or non-precious objects, human body parts reproduced in wax. But, beyond such gifts, one can find ex-votos of different kinds and materials, such as hats, clothes, support instruments (crutches, busts, herniar belts, etc.), hearts, eyes, silver breasts, various weapons, bullet casings and shrapnel, and anything else that has to do with the grace received.Among the tangible offerings, the symbol and act of breaking a vow, votive tablets, of great artistic and anthropological interest, stand out. These are small paintings on different materials depicting the 'miracle scene', i.e. a moment of extreme danger that is believed to have been overcome thanks to divine intervention. That is why these tablets are called 'miracles' in many regions of Italy.

Built in the mid-15th century, the Church of St Victoria is a magnificent building in the Gothic-Aragonese style. It is a monument of great visual impact.

The museum is located in the Chapel of the Retablo of St George in the parish church dedicated to St Mary of the Angels. The Retablo, which measures fourteen panels and was painted by an anonymous artist in the 16th century, forms the backdrop for the works on display. The core of the exhibition consists of a collection of polychrome wooden carvings, among which a representation of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 14th century stands out. Inside the large frame of the Retablo are two previously unseen elements: a statue of the Holy Knight, older than the current version, which stood in the niche of the Retablo, and a female figure who, according to legend, was freed from the dragon.The museum also houses a number of silver and gold objects, some of them very rare, as well as remnants of a Sardinian women's costume from the 17th-18th centuries. A reliquary cross from a 16th-century Sardinian workshop is of particular interest.Among the archive documents is one of the oldest parchments of dedication of a church: it is the act of consecration of Santa Vittoria, located today in the territory of Erula, dated 1120, accompanied by another parchment of rededication, dating back to 1320. The latter includes the name of the oldest known bishop of the ancient diocese of Ampurias: Nicolaus Galuleiu.

Centrally located in the town, next to the Town Hall, one can observe the fascinating features of the church of 'Our Lady of Talia', dating back to the 12th century, formerly known as 'Santa Maria di Ulumetum' during the time when Ulumetum, Olmedo's old name, was the seat of the Giudicato di Torres. What we see today is the result of the restoration in the 1960s, which restored the building to its original condition by removing the many layers of plaster that had accumulated over the centuries. The construction of the church, datable between 1100 and 1125 A.D., was made of limestone, basaltic trachyte and reddish tuff and is attributed to the work of Tuscan-Lombard craftsmen. The interior, measuring 10 metres in length and 6.28 metres in width, has a basilica structure with three naves: one in the centre is wider than the other two, which are smaller, less than a metre wide. A square-shaped sacristy was added later on the left side of the church.

In 1987, the renowned scholar Duccio Belgiorno discovered the rupestrian church of S. Nicolò Inferiore, a cave used as a clearing house, which three years later was acquired by the Centro Studi sulla Contea di Modica. It is considered the oldest church in Modica: it consists of a single room of about 45 square metres with an apse covered with Byzantine-style icons, where Christ Pantocrator dominates in a central position. In addition, excavation work has brought to light earthen tombs that are still largely unexplored. It is undoubtedly an eloquent and well-preserved example of rock architecture of Byzantine origin, which has left important traces not only in the Hyblean area, but throughout Sicily.The rock church of Lower San Nicolò is located in the lower part of the town, near the bed of a stream. Its construction dates back to the time of a district that had developed outside the city walls, close to the communication routes that connected it with the coast. Due to the collapse, its articulation has been damaged, so that the original depth of the reservoir can no longer be established. It is a single-nave church with a wide apsidal semi-circle, a triumphal arch and a height difference surmounted by two steps. The presence of an iconostasis confirms that this is an Eastern cult church, probably belonging to a small nucleus of Greek origin that participated in the process of Christianisation of the settlement. In 1577, due to a shortage of income, the small church was united with the parish of St Peter. The next phase, after the 1693 earthquake, saw the construction of a new masonry church, known as San Nicolella, which today closes the rock excavation.

The Museum of the Basilica of San Sebastiano consists of three parts: the first is the Baroque basilica, which has one of the most stunning 18th-century façades of any church in eastern Sicily and inside which one can admire paintings by Acese painters, as well as sculptures and furniture. The second part includes the treasure rooms, where jewellery, sacred vessels and liturgical artefacts made from silver and gold are displayed. The third section, located in the 18th-century crypt, consists of a collection of sacred vestments embroidered in gold and silk, high-quality wooden statues and works by famous Sicilian artists.

The former Convent of the Poor Clare Nuns complex, dating back to the second half of the 18th century, houses the Archaeological Museum with a wide range of historical artefacts from eras ranging from the Neolithic to the Medieval Age. Among the most valuable collections present is the numismatic one, which represents one of the most extensive collections in Sardinia.

The parish church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Assumption was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Its architecture is in the late Gothic style and is characterised by a quadrangular bell tower, built between 1634 and 1764, and has been awarded Herity certification.

The cathedral is accompanied by the cloister of the former Benedictine monastery, which dates back to the late 12th century and is a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture. It is 47 metres square with a double-arched portico with ogival arches supported by twin columns decorated with alternating arabesque carvings and mosaic motifs. The capitals are decorated with scenes from the Bible. In the south corner is an enclosure bordered by three arches on each side, in which is a fountain whose water flows from a stylised palm-shaped column with standing sculptures, heads and leaves in relief. The jets of water are subtle and come from human and lion mouths. The bases of the cloister columns display a rich variety of motifs, such as stylised leaves, rosettes, lion's paws, heads of beasts, groups of men and animals, frogs and lizards.

The burial area of the Vigna Cassia in Syracuse, accessible upon request to the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, consists of a community cemetery and five privately owned hypogea, dating back to the 3rd, 4th and 5th centuries.The catacomb develops in topographical fashion according to Roman models, and is divided into three regions, S. Maria di Gesù Maggiore, Marcia and two others, which emerged during the 3rd century, while the last one was inaugurated in the 4th century. The plan of the area can substantiate what has been said: the cemetery of S. Maria di Gesù, on the right, was created by enlarging an earlier aqueduct, on the walls of which loculi (rectangular spaces with the longest side visible) were carved out. This inexpensive and quick solution is appropriate for the pre-Constantine era. The high chronology of this part is also confirmed by the Maggiore cemetery, located in the centre of the plan, and dated to around the middle of the 3rd century, based on a coin minted under Galieno and Claudio II the Gothic. The materials found in this area provide evidence of this dating, highlighting a coexistence of pagan and Christian culture, as Santi Luigi Agnello had already noted in the early 1950s. Furthermore, community cemeteries do not exclude the existence of private areas (cubicola), and in the case of the Vigna Cassia, these are represented by small roundabouts obtained from the reuse of decommissioned cisterns of the city's water supply system.A more orderly arrangement characterises the Marcia cemetery, on the left of the plan, which is closely reminiscent of that of the catacomb of San Giovanni. Its origin dates back to the 4th century, following the Peace of the Church, and it was used until the 5th century, as shown by the traditional chronology of the Marcia painting in an arcosolium in the north-western branch of the cemetery. The ideological pluralism that characterises the original nuclei of the catacomb is even more evident in the hypogea of the stalls above the community cemetery, which were intended to serve individual families or groups, and reveal a more marked living arrangement between pagans and Christians, as the inscriptions indicate. Besides this, in 1997, Hypogeum II was restored by PCAS-Siracusa, allowing the clear images of a Christian figurative cycle to be displayed, which represents one of the most valuable documents of Syracuse's underground heritage. Symbolically, the scenes decorating two arcosoli of the hypogeum depict the salvation and resurrection of the soul, with two moments from the Giona trilogy, Daniel in the lion's den, a portrait of the deceased among praying people, the resurrection of Lazarus and peacocks set in the flowery gardens of the paradisiacal habitat.

The San Pancrazio Space is one of the exhibition venues of the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari and is located within the Citadel of Museums. The collection of stone material, coats of arms and artefacts, dating from the 13th century onwards, from which the urban and social evolution of the city can be reconstructed, comes to the museum thanks to donations, random finds, acquisitions from private collections and recoveries during demolition or restoration.The bastion of San Pancrazio was built on the orders of Viceroy Don Joan Dusay between 1501 and 1503 in order to protect the northern gate of Cagliari from possible sieges. The coat of arms engraved on the entrance archway shows the three viceroy triglia.With the development of firearms, however, this defensive system has become obsolete. During the 18th century, various changes were made to the bastion's interior: the Altamira gate that interrupted the passage from the courtyard to the inside of the bastion, its transformation into a military prison and, in 1824, into a hospital for prison inmates. In 1897, the complex was decommissioned and, after being used as a repository for excavation materials by the Superintendency of Archaeology, underwent renovations in the 1990s that allowed it to be used as an exhibition venue.