Italy Off the Beaten Path

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A small natural pool where blue hot thermal water flows near the town of Bagni San Filippo in Tuscany, Italy. The landscape is shaped by the constant flow of thermal water: limestone rocks takes on curious shapes.

8 Best Thermal Baths and Hot Springs in Tuscany

The and hot springs and thermal baths in Tuscany are a natural resource that locals like me enjoy as much as they can. Perhaps you will discover them by chance, as I did, while wandering through vineyard-draped hills and medieval …

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Valentino Park in Turin, Italy

What to Do in Turin for 3 Days: Local’s Guide

This post on what to do in Turin for 3 days will help you discover the treasures of Piedmont’s capital city, where past and present intertwine in a way that is nothing short of fascinating. Famous for its magnificent Baroque …

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Christmas markets in Italy, Bolzano

Where to Spend Christmas in Italy: Local’s Guide

When we think of Christmas, the first thing that comes to mind is snow, a fireplace, and colorful lights. In every village or town where you will spend Christmas in Italy, you will find, in addition to these things, opportunities …

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Mantua's skyline (Italy) seen from the opposite bank of the Mincio river at dawn, with all the main building of the historic center lit up. Light takes on shades of blue, purple, yellow, and orange

14 Best Things to Do in Mantua, Italy: Local’s Guide

If you want to know the best things to do in Mantua, Italy, this post will prove a comprehensive and practical guide. Mantua is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy. The Renaissance period is when this place …

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A wooden cutboard holding two loafs of Italian ciabatta bread with some slices cut and, a ceramic spoon containing evo oil, and rosemary leaves.

19 Types of Italian Bread with Pictures: Discover Bread in Italy

In this post, I will discuss 19 types of Italian bread with pictures. Bread in Italy, along with pasta, is the nutrition pillar in every region of the country, north to south. Every Italian region, indeed every Italian city, makes …

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A woman standing on the shore of Lake Bracciano Italy wearing a swimming suit in a clear summer day

Can You Swim in Lake Bracciano? A Local Answers

One of the most satisfying things to do in Lake Bracciano is to swim.I have been visiting (and swimming) in this lake since I started high school, a good 25 years ago. I always knew, by word of mouth, that …

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8 Best Cities in Abruzzo Italy to Visit in 2023

In this article, I will take you on a journey through the best cities of Abruzzo. Abruzzo is one of the green hearts of Italy, where majestic Apennine peaks share territory with the soft shores of the Adriatic Sea.  Abruzzo …

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Beach of Marina di San Vito | Abruzzo beaches

What to do on the Trabocchi Coast, home of the most beautiful beaches in Abruzzo

This year we were pleasantly surprised to discover the best beaches in Abruzzo by visiting the Trabocchi Coast.  In our search for blue flag beaches near Rome, we went as far east as the Adriatic coast. There is a definite …

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