You will love Italy because they have discovered what it means to be human. They live in the present and are genuine in their conversation, food, and merriment in their lives. We cannot wait to go back! Here are a few places that you may want to consider in your future travels to the boot shaped country. Article credit: ,
Rome-born writer and photographer Livia Hengel describes herself as a person who has "a penchant for la dolce vita and a severe case of wanderlust." After leaving Italy as a child, this citizen of the world lived in Peru, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey and the United States. Lucky for us, her birthplace drew her back seven years ago.
"As soon as I arrived back in Rome I scoured every blog and guidebook I could find for insider tips on Italy and made long lists of cities, restaurants, museums, hidden corners — everything. Then in my free time I would travel around Italy as often as I could," said Hengel. "There was a sense of rediscovering my roots and wanting to belong somewhere that really spoke to me and motivated me to become an insider in Italy."
Hengel went on to author The Hunt Rome (Gatehouse, 2016), a travel guide full of tips about the city. She also writes for a number of publications about her favorite insider places around the country, as well as her own blog, which is filled with hidden gems from her journeys.
Photo courtesy of Sara WhiteIn a quiet corner of Rome.
What is it about Italy that inspires her?
"More than anything, I love Italy because I feel like it has cracked what it means to be human and what is truly important in life : spending time with your family, gathering around the table to eat nourishing food, slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures," said Hengel. "It’s a country that doesn’t make you feel guilty for making the most of your time on earth."
Here, we got Hengel to reveal some of her secret discoveries around Italy, 10 amazing places where you can indulge in life's greatest luxuries — a glass of wine in a picturesque little piazza, a long Sunday lunch in the countryside or watching the sun set from a rooftop terrace.
Photo courtesy of Livia HengelOverlooking picture-perfect Procida.
Procida
Procida is exactly what an island should be: petite, full of small-town charm and offering picture-perfect views of the sea. The smallest of the Flegrean Islands, located just a short boat ride away from Naples, it flies under the radar of its famous neighbor Capri. But it is well worth a visit for its candy-colored houses, delightful seaside eateries and captivating scenery.
Photo courtesy of Livia HengelA view of Pitigliano in Maremma.
Maremma
Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the most trodden regions in Italy, but its southernmost territory, Maremma, lies largely overlooked by the manicured Val d’Orcia. Maremma is a wild and natural region rife with charm and history. Don’t miss picturesque Pitigliano, known as the "little Jerusalem" for the presence of a large Jewish community. And be sure to take a dip in the natural hot springs at Saturnia.
Photo courtesy of Livia HengelOstuni in Valle d'Itria.
Valle d’Itria
Although Puglia is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, the Valle d’Itria region that encompasses gems like Martina Franca, Cisternino and Ostuni is largely untouched. Martina Franca is a great base for exploring the land of conical trulli houses and lies close to the region’s many delightful whitewashed towns.
Photo courtesy of Livia HengelZambrone on the Costa degli Dei.
Costa degli Dei
Calabria’s “Coast of the Gods” is every bit as breathtaking as you might surmise from its name, boasting spectacular beaches, shimmering coves and quaint little towns. Perched on a cliff with marvelous views of the sea below, Tropea is the unrivaled jewel of the coastline, though its surrounding towns are well worth a visit for some of Italy’s most beautiful secret bays, like the Paradiso del Sub beach at Zambrone.
Photo courtesy of Livia HengelTrapani.
Trapani
Located along Sicily’s less-trodden western coast and strategically located for visiting many gems in the area, Trapani is a lovely port city with a promontory that juts into the sea. The nearby Egadi Islands, including Favignana and Levanzo, are reached from Trapani, and a cable car will take you up to Erice, a hilltop town with stunning views of the coast.
Photo courtesy of Livia HengelBrisighella
Brisighella
Brisighella, nestled in the Apennine Mountains of Emilia-Romagna, is certainly one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Italy. With a 14thcentury castle and old cobbled streets, wandering the town feels like stepping back in time. The vivid greenery of the surrounding countryside adds to its rustic charm.
Umbrian wine country. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Sagrantino Wine Trail
With its lush rolling hills and noteworthy hilltop towns, Umbria combines nature and culture alongside an important agricultural tradition. Enjoy the region’s delicacies — like the full-bodied Sagrantino red wine — alongside a plate of stringozzi with truffles. Check out the culture and countryside views in the delightful hilltop towns of Montefalco, Bevagna and Spello.
The Pantelleria coast. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Pantelleria
This windswept island located just 25 miles from Tunisia is one of the most remote places in Italy. Adventurous visitors are rewarded with a rugged, otherworldly and unspoiled landscape that will make you feel far from the mainland. Pantelleria has rocky coves, rather than beaches, so it’s great for snorkeling and diving. And with few inhabitants, it makes for a truly restful vacation immersed in Italy's wild nature.
A bridge in Treviso. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Treviso
Comprised of ancient canals, Renaissance piazzas and houses with frescoed façades, Treviso is an elegant little medieval city that is spared the tourists of nearby Venice. And with plenty of porticos and a peaceful atmosphere, it's a great escape for a relaxing weekend in Veneto. Treviso is also the capital of prosecco, so don’t miss a chance to taste this delightful bubbly beverage straight from the source.
The walled city of Urbino. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Urbino
The attractive walled city of Urbino is one of the most important cultural capitals of the Renaissance, though it lies overlooked by nearby Florence and Assisi. Urbino — which served as the inspiration for Piero della Francesca’s “The Ideal City” painting — is replete with notable works of art and a longstanding majolica pottery tradition.
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