So, you think you know what Italy has to offer? Perhaps you’re bored of hearing about city breaks to Rome or Milan? Here are 4 relaxing and cultural Italian destinations you perhaps haven’t considered before…
1. Lake Como
The Italian Lakes have always held a special attraction and Lake Como, a firm favourite with British holidaymakers, is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, with magnificent scenery full of contrasts. The soaring snow-capped peaks in the north give way to gentle rolling hills and colourful sub-tropical lakeside gardens and promenades to the south. Imagine the bright blue waters lapping at the elegant shores; surrounded by fine walks, imposing villas and beautiful parks and gardens filled with exotic flowers – giving this area a real Mediterranean flavour.
2. Diano Marina
The beautiful Diano Marina (also known as the Riviera of Flowers), lapped by the warm waters of the sparkling Mediterranean, is a true holiday paradise. The region has been a firm favourite since Edwardian times and is renowned for lots of warm sunshine, picturesque coves and clear blue skies. The wide, sweeping bays have a backdrop of hills, their slopes clad in olive groves and pine, lemon and orange trees. The Riviera of Flowers is everything its name suggests, ablaze with thousands and thousands of exotic blooms in a magnificent coastal setting.
3. Venetian Riviera
With nine miles of golden, sandy beaches and a lively centre with plenty to see and do, Lido di Jesolo is a stylish and very Italian resort and a perfect base from which to explore the highlights of this region of northern Italy. Along the sun-lounger filled sands you will find inviting pavement cafes and tempting ice cream parlours, while along the broad avenues and around the tree lined piazzas there are fashionable shops and fabulous restaurants perfect for savouring great Italian food and the crisp white wines of the region. With its close proximity to Venice, and Lake Garda, Verona and the Dolomites all within very easy reach; Lido di Jesolo has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday.
4. Sorrento and Amalfi coast
Sorrento, set above the Bay of Naples, is a charming, relaxed resort which has long been a favourite of the rich and famous. Fashionable shops line the main street, Corso Italia, whilst countless smaller shops and boutiques are to be found in the maze of streets and alleyways which make up Sorrento’s ‘old town’.
It’s in the old town where you will also find an abundance of pavement cafes where you can relax and enjoy the views, together with a wide choice of restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias.
The Amalfi Coast and its tiny islands is one of the most visually stunning regions in the whole of Europe. Twisting roads cling to the cliffs and pass through some beautiful southern Italian villages. The town of Amalfi itself, which is dominated by its 9th century Cathedral, used to be a maritime republic which rivaled Venice and Genova. Today, in the narrow cobbled streets you will find plenty of pavement cafes, shops and restaurants.
Our Holidays
In case these beautiful destinations weren’t enough to make you want to visit Italy, The Press & Journal Travel & Mistral Holidays are currently offering £100 off Lake Como all-inclusive holidays, and £50 off all Italy holidays – hurry sale must end June 30th! Click here for more information.