Perhaps the best bet in the Hudson Valley for a gourmet breakfast or lunch at rock bottom prices is just a seven minute drive from my house. It’s the Apple Pie Bakery and Café, at the famed Culinary Institute of America.

The bakery, located in Roth Hall on the CIA campus, is run by students in the pastry and bread-making program.  Items on offer are available both for take-out and sit-down service. Freshly baked artisan breads (focaccia is my fav!), decadent gourmet desserts that resemble artwork, flaky pastries, savory scones, croissants that melt in your mouth, coffees,teas and spices are just a few of the options in cases at the front of the café.

My advice is to plan to enjoy a sit down meal.  Order both your meal and to-go goodies at the outset.  This way, you won’t need to wait on the very long line again, after your meal.  Your to-go goodies are packed and delivered to your table as you’re finishing your meal.

Opt for a table overlooking the picturesque courtyard.

Breakfast selections include a raclette, oatmeal, breakfast burrito, yogurt parfait and french toast – all of which are under $5.00.  A side of bacon is a steal at $1.00.  Coffee is dark and delicious.  It’s delivered  to your table in a French press along with an egg-timer, ensuring a perfect cup every time.

Lunch is a mix of soups, salads and sandwiches – typical café fare.  One of my favorites on the menu is a goat cheese tart or quiche served over a bed of arugula.

The menu changes seasonally.  And menus are available on-line.

Walk off your meal by strolling the beautiful grounds, which offer stunning views of the Hudson River.  I’m always amused by the roads and buildings on campus named after herbs and spices – like Chive Place and Nutmeg Lodge. During our holiday visit, we saw clever signs like Seasoned Greetings and Happy Hollandaise.

It’s nice to know they have a sense of humor.  Though I am sure the yearly price of student tuition is hardly anything to joke about.

The Apple Pie Bakery is open Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 6:30pm. Breakfast is served until 10:oo am.  Lunch begins at 11:00am.  Reservations are not accepted.  Check the website for other closing dates/times due to student holidays.

Apple Pie Bakery
1946 Campus Drive (Route 9)
Hyde Park, NY  12538
845.905.4500

We interrupt our normal Travel Photo Friday schedule to bring you something a bit more sinful and delicious today.

Yep, that’s right.  It’s World Nutella Day!

I have always been a fan of Nutella, but it wasn’t until a few years back that a few bloggers got together and decided to dedicate a whole day to the chocolate-hazelnut spread. Sara and Michelle are hosting this event.

I am a big fan of celebratory days like Valentine’s Day, but I also think one should explore and celebrate their love and in this case, love for Nutella- any chance they get.

This is my third year participating and since I, like many others, are short on time, I wanted to showcase something so incredibly easy to make that even time-challanged-baking-haters could enjoy Nutella as well.

In years past, I have made Grilled Nutella Sandwiches and  Nutella Stuffed French Toast.  And while I couldn’t imagine it getting any simpler than that- I think I have managed to up the easiness factor yet again!

This year I bring you:

Bite-sized Amaretti Cookie and Nutella Sandwiches.

You can find mini Italian amaretti cookies at your local Italian deli or perhaps your local market.

Just flip them flat side up, shmere a nice glob of Nutella on one half, top it with the other half and smoosh together until the hazlenut spread starts to ooze out of the side.  Pop ‘em whole – right into your mouth.

The crunchy, almondy sweetness of the cookie marries perfectly with the creamy Nutella.  They are extra enjoyable alongside a cup of steaming hot espresso. Or perhaps with a glass of ice-cold milk – an afternoon snack for the child in you.

But the best part – for today only – eat as many as you like.  There are no calories on World Nutella Day

And if you have the time and are feeling adventurous- try Nutella filled doughnuts from bell’alimento, who is a good friend to this site.

Well, have fun celebrating Nutella!

Happy World Nutella Day 2010!

Champ du Mars

The Eiffel Tower has for so many become a symbol synonymous with Paris.   It only seems fitting on a search for the perfect picnic spot to begin here.  At 60 acres it is one of the largest parks.  Named after the Roman God of war Mars, it was once used as a military training field.  These days it has become a spot frequented by people partaking in somewhat less hostile activities.  Personally, I would rather lie about lazily enjoying the view from my picnic blanket then engage in a military drill.  Of course if this view of the Eiffel Tower is not to your liking there is always a view from the opposite side.

Jardins de Trocadero

This location offers an alternative view of the Eiffel Tower.  It also plays host to English-styled gardens, impressive sculptures, bronze gilded statues, and the Fountains of Varsovie.  This would be enough to persuade even the most finicky to spread their picnic blanket here and yet there is one final draw.  Within the grounds there is a carousel where children can ride atop horses decorated in the color of their choice while trying to catch golden rings with each passing turn.  This is an activity that is certain to bring a smile to both the participant and any onlookers enjoying a picnic lunch.

Buttes Chaumont

For those who want a more encompassing view of the city there is Buttes Chaumont.  It’s adorned with manmade grottos, beautiful stonework, and the sounds of water created by a 32 ft waterfall that cascades into the lake below.  From here you can overlook the city while taking in the best of what nature has to offer.  This is truly a picnic spot fit for the Gods – placed atop a hill is the Sybille Temple modeled after one found in Tivoli, Italy.

Parc Monceau

While Buttes Chaumont might worship the Gods, Parc Monceau was once frequented by the likes of Marcel Proust.  Its picturesque setting was even the subject of a Monet painting.  Within the grounds you can find an Egyptian pyramid, a Dutch windmill and statues dedicated to Maupassant, Amboise Thomas – even Chopin.  It is open until 8:00pm in the winter and 10:00pm in the summer, creating the perfect atmosphere for a truly picturesque picnic under the stars.

Banks of the Seine

This final picnic spot has been the subject of paintings by Manet, Monet, and Van Gogh just to name a few.  There are over thirty-seven bridges to choose from crossing over the Seine like the Pont des Arts, just to name one.  Grab your slice of the quay with a view of your favorite.  If a view of a bridge is not to your liking you can sit on the banks near the Notre Dame cathedral.  The Cathedral serves as a backdrop to the perfect evening all aglow.  Here you can spread your blanket, uncork your bottle of wine, and look out upon the river as a passing boat takes with it the last of a day’s waning rays from a sun setting in Parisian skies.

Written by Molly Photo Credits : Ryanfb / Os Ruplas / Pichenettes / TracyElaine / Bryce Edwards

A few weeks ago we talked about how to avoid luggage problems and also how to prevent it.  But what do you do when you find yourself with the lost, stolen or damaged luggage?  Travelers of yesteryear, before the age of nickle-and-diming every passenger for checking bags, were more likely to forgive the occasional broken strap or zipper.  But in modern-day airline hell, travelers are less much forgiving.  Many even feel paying to check a bag should mean better service.  Crazy, I know. Perhaps in a perfect world- but better treatment of bags is hardly a result.  Don’t think damaged bags are a problem?  Read through the comments on this recent New York Times article.  It’s shocking.

If you happen to be one of the growing population left with lost or damaged luggage or items stolen out of your luggage, I really feel for you.  The odds of recouping are certainly not in your favor.  Though I can’t guarantee a peaceful resolution, I can offer you a few pieces of advice.

1.  First, before you leave the house – make sure you lay everything out on your bed that you will pack and take dated photos.  Snap a few pics of your bag from different angles too.  These may come in handy later if you need to make an itemized list of a bags contents.

2.  Inspect your bags the minute you collect them from the luggage carousel.  Don’t wait until you get home- loss or damage will be much harder to prove.  Open your bag and check the inside as well.  Most airlines have a limit on the amount of time you have to file a claim.  The urge might be to run like hell out of the airport rather than wait in another blessed line-especially if you’ve been delayed for 99 hours, but resist the temptation to run and instead, report it.

3. Have all your documentation handy.  Be ready to give your passport, boarding pass, luggage claim checks and flight number(s) to the claim reps if asked.  And have your bag with you as well.

4.  Before you get your boxing gloves laced up and go all rabid-dog on the airline staff, I want you to remember the old saying  ’You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”  It certainly applies here.  In most cases, you’ll already be heated.  Take a few deep breaths before speaking. Keep in mind that the agent you’re speaking with didn’t physically do anything to you or your bag.  Treat them with respect and you’ll (hopefully) get the same in return.

5.  Don’t take NO for an answer.  Be firm and polite-but persistent.  If the claims representative is unhelpful, ask to speak with the manager.  If he/she doesn’t resolve the problem to your liking, write a letter to the airline.  Be sure tell everyone at each level , how unhappy you are with their policies of forcing people to pay for checked bags and then not offering something in return when there is a problem.  Remind them that you are a good customer.  Explain that they will lose your business.

6.  When all else fails – take to the Internet.  You may remember that last year, a guy whose guitar turned up broken after his United flight, sought his revenge by writing and video taping a song blasting United Airlines.  It was cleverly titled ‘United Breaks Guitars‘.  It has over 7 1/2 million hits (and counting) on YouTube.  After a year of fighting to get resolution, his video shamed the airline into offering him money (which he requested be donated to charity), but not before the damage was done.  One has to wonder what the bad press really cost United in the end.  Personally, I love this idea.  Can’t hold a note to save your life? Look for other outlets.  Many major news networks air programs that help consumers – perhaps they’d be interested in your story.  And believe it or not, there are still good people out there who help advocate for travelers.  As luck would have it, I know a few. Chris Elliott or Travel Rants may have advice for you as well.

7.  Though it may not replace the cost of a $300 piece of luggage, if you paid your checked bag fee on-line with your credit card when booking your tickets, perhaps you could dispute those charges with your credit card company.

8.  And though it should only be considered in extreme cases or cases where you don’t agree with the resolution, you may decide to take the airline to Small Claims Court.  The DOT sets the maximum per-traveler reimbursement on domestic flights, which is currently $3300, so don’t expect a settlement to exceed it. Your claim should be fair and well-documented, which I why I recommend taking pictures earlier.  Save everything. Make notes of along the way.  List dates and times, whom you spoke with and when.  Correspond by email and letters instead of phone if possible, because it creates a paper trail.

Have a lost or stolen luggage horror story to tell or other tips to offer on the subject?  Share in the comments.

Cherrye’s sharing more Travel Tips over at My Bella Vita.

Photo Credit : Flickr

Agriturismo Le Caggiole

© Agriturismo Le Caggiole

Le Caggiole’s estate produces wine, olive oil, honey, and fruit jam, all of which guests can sample during their stay. The fruits they grow include plums, cherries, and peaches. As for other produce, Le Caggiole grows walnuts, saffron, and vegetables.

The property is located near Montepulciano, a historical Tuscan town, and  is only 7 km from Chianciano Terme Spa Wellness Center. At this spa, there is a recent project called Terme Sensoriali, a unique Naturopathy program, the only one in Italy. So anyone interested in natural healing and relaxation should certainly take advantage of Le Caggiole’s close proximity to such a distinct attraction.

Le Caggiole is a bed and breakfast, with four rooms, each with private bathrooms, that range in price from €70 to €100 per night. It also offers an apartment that can sleep two people priced from €90 to €130 a night. The guests are served home cooked Tuscan breakfasts and dinners made by Mamma Ornella – the owner Giacomo Martinelli’s mother. The continental breakfast offers fresh cakes and sweet coffee. For dinner guests can eat handmade pasta, organic meat, game, and lots of fresh cooked vegetables. Dinner prices range from €25 to €35  and include drinks and wine. Mamma Ornella also teaches cooking classes, where guests learn her special Tuscan cooking methods for a separate price. By leading tours of the farm, Giacomo not only gets to know his guests through his mother, but by spending time with them himself.

Le Caggiole is situated about one hour from Florence, 40 minutes from Siena, and 20 minutes from the Medieval village of Cetona. With these exciting destinations nearby and fun things to do on site, Le Caggiole’s guests may never want to leave.

Il Santo

© Il Santo

Il Santo, located in the Chianti Classico hills, is only 1 km from Greve in Chianti, 25 km from Florence and 30 km from Siena. Guests can choose among four restored farmhouses, said to have been built around 1100 A.D. The prices range by number of guests, starting at €65 for two and ending at €100 for four. Each has a private entrance, bathroom, and garden/terrace, satellite television and wireless internet access. Among the vineyard and olive grove is a large swimming pool (swimming pools are pretty popular in the Tuscan countryside).

Of course, guests also get a tasting of the estate’s produce. Il Santo’s working winery makes Chianti Classico. Guests can buy it on site or have larger packages shipped home. They also produce cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil.

If they feel like getting some exercise in the Tuscan air, guests can stroll less than one mile out to Greve, where they can find restaurants, a tourist office, a market, bus stop and a laundromat. Bicycles, scooters, and cars are also available to rent in town. Those staying can have the privacy of renting their own farmhouse on Il Santo, and its location is perfect for exploring both Northern and Southern Tuscany.

Agriturismo Savernano

© Agriturismo Savernano

Agriturismo Savernano is a Bed & Breakfast in the hills of Tuscany, at the center of the triangle between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The Panoni family, who purchased the farmhouse and property in 1994 say it is a ‘witness of the wedding between nature and comfort.’ For two people in a double room per night, the prices range from €75 to €120. Children under the age of 3 stay free. There are 8 rooms to choose from in the old renovated farmhouse, each with air conditioning, satellite television, refrigerator, telephone, and safe. Guests also receive covered parking for their cars. Guest can opt for the homemade meal for €17 which includes a first course, main course, salad, fruit, or dessert. Wine straight from the property’s vineyards is offered as the house wine.

Savernano also produces organic extra-virgin olive oil from its olive groves. Among the olive trees in the garden is a large swimming pool. Beyond the vineyards are oak, pine, and cypress trees. On warm nights, guests often see wild animals like foxes, boars, and deer. On the land is also a small, picturesque lake to view, helping guests get in touch with the nature.

Poggio all’Olmo Agriturismo

© Poggio all'Olmo

Poggio all’Olmo is the name of this small cluster of farmhouses that date back to around the end of the Renaissance, 1600 A.D. The houses are surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive trees which offer treats for the eyes as well for the taste buds. Distant from the main roads, the property provides a purely relaxing atmosphere.

There are rooms in the main house and apartments available in the reconstructed hay shed. Depending on the number of people in the party, prices range from €75 to €130. Gas for heating and changes of sheets and towels are not included in the price. Guests are offered the vineyard’s beautiful views and the opportunity to buy the vineyard’s wine and olive oil. There is also a swimming pool for guests to cool off in during the hot summer months.

Located among the hills, this vacation spot encourages walking and other excursions. With historical places like Greve, Florence, Siena and San Gimignano just short drives away from Poggio all’Olmo, guests can become fully immersed in Tuscany’s unique culture.

Antico Borgo di Sugame

© Antico Borgo Sugame

Borgo di Sugame is a vineyard and winery, its land dating back to 1200 B.C.E., where some of Robin’s friends have stayed when venturing to Tuscany. There is a separate cottage and nine fully furnished apartments built into two Tuscan farmhouses to choose from. The prices, depending on the apartment, range from €390 to €1105 weekly. Each holds its own bathroom(s) and even a kitchen, most of which have been newly renovated. Every dwelling has its individual outside space, either a terrace, garden, or patio, and of course stunning views of the beautiful Tuscan property. There is also a community pool to lounge around, and even that has a view. It overlooks distant mountain peaks and the vineyards.

Produced by Lorenzo Miceli and his wife Catrina, as well as only 15 friends and relatives, Borgo di Sugame’s four types of organic wines must be tasted. The farm also produces both chestnut flower and wildflower honey. Their organic olive oil is made from Frantoi, Leccino and Moraiolo olives.   As if this wasn’t enough, there are fresh fruit trees from which you can help yourself to figs, peaches, and other seasonal fruits. But beware, you may have to compete with the wild boars who roam the property.

Podere Val delle Corti

© Val delle Corti

Val delle Corti is a quaint vineyard in Radda in Chianti. It is the perfect place for travelers who want to get to know their vineyard hosts. Val delle Corti only has one separate apartment on the estate for guests, a stone house called il Fienele or hay barn. Because there is only one place to stay Eli Bianchi and her son Roberto make sure the place is just perfect. They furnished il Fienele with a mix of old family antiques and new pieces. There is a kitchen (with a full pantry), living room, two bedrooms and one bathroom. Prices per night range from €90 to €110 or €690 for the entire week. A three night minimum is required.

On the property, the Bianchi’s produce a Chianti wine that is only available in Europe. Among the personable hospitality provided at Val delle Corti are the family pets; Hugo, a lab mix and Pepe the cat. The animals are trained not to beg for food or enter the apartment, but become friends with the guests regardless.

Val delle Corti is equidistant from Florence and Siena for guests who want to explore other places while traveling in Italy. However, guests can also visit nearby Radda, where they can have dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in town. The Bianchis also know much about the area and are active in their community, which makes it easy for guests to get suggestions on local must-see activities by asking their hosts.

Written by Stephanie Grossman

Descriptions in many books allow you to form pictures and impressions through your very own imagination.  Books can often make a place jump right off the page and come alive in your mind and heart.

Passion on the Vine, is one of those books.

If you like Italy, wine and Italian culture.  This is one for your bookshelf.

Sergio Esposito, a succesful entrepreneur, passionate Italian wine drinker and Italian expat is the owner and creator of Italian Wine Merchants in New York City.  His goal, which was successfully reached, was to introduce and make accessable, a variety of good quality Italian wines to New York and America, in a time where Italian wine consisted of Chianti in a plump, straw-covered bottles.

Esposito tells of his childhood in Naples and how his family’s hard-times caused them to move to the US to live with a relative in Albany, New York. Forced to eat bland dinners consisting of sub-par ingredients with relatives, he discovers a love and passion for wine at a very young age.  It becomes his special gift.  Later he moves to NYC, works in the famed San Domenico restaurant before becoming a wine consultant, eventually meets Batali and Bastianich. Soon after, Italian Wine Merchants was born.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

A good part of the book describes his frequent wine-buying trips to his beloved Italy.  His first experience with good Italian wine comes after his father gave him the freedom as a young teenager to explore Pisa and surrounding Tuscany for a few days on his own, while the rest of the family travelled to Naples.  Much later in life he took his reluctant parents, along with his wife and two small children, on a countrywide wine-buying and tasting trip extravaganza.

The book showcases vineyards and producers both large and small, in different regions of Italy.   It provides an insightful look into both modern and traditional wine styles.  The conversations, vineyard tours and detailed descriptions of his three-hour-dinners with friends will both entertain you and leave you wanting more.

I enjoyed this memoir, especially the humorous parts.  Esposito’s passion for Italian food and wine, as well as his love of his homeland, shine though.

Hopefully Passion on the Vinewill inspire you to travel to Italy.  Or at the very least, tempt you to experiment with Italian wines not named Chianti.

By now you should know that I am a budget traveler at heart.  And I love helping others save money on travel as well.

And while I think I have my fair share of good ideas, tips and suggestions in this department – I certainly don’t have all the answers.  This Travel Tip Tuesday, I would like to point you to some other helpful information that others have written.  I have rounded up info on everything from making the most of airline frequent flyer programs to suggestions for budget eats in the UK.

Enjoy!

The New York Times has a nice piece entitled 10 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs This Year. Certainly you’ll find something you can do!

Wanna know how to get the most outta those Frequent Flyer programs?  Find out how to get Luxury for Less!

Christine shares her opinion of an e-book that she found to have valuable info about garnering more Frequent Flyer Miles as well.

Andy of Sharing Travel Experiences has a fabulous interview with Brian Peters of No Debt World Travel.  Learn more about the book, but also some free tips that Brian offers in the interview as well.

Travel & Leisure brings us 9 Money-Saving Travel Tips.  And there is a slide show. Bonus!

Who better than Nomadic Matt to give us tips on How to Find a Cheap Flight?

And I know that it’s destination specific, but if  your headed to the UK, Indie Travel Podcast offers up some ways NOT to starve there.

Tim Leffel wrote about 6 Money-Saving Travel Resolutions on his Cheapest Destinations blog.

Crazy about travel?  BootsnAll reminds us to think outside the box with Crazy (and Cheap!) Ways to Take a Trip.

I’m interested in growing the collection.  If you know of a link to some money-saving travel tips that could benefit readers, please include it in the comments.  I look forward to learning from you.

You know who else likes to save money on travel? Cherrye.  Hop over to see her Travel Tips today.  She is also co-hosting Blogging from the Boot the Best of 2009 for expat in Italy bloggers.

Photo Credit : Flickr

Here I have managed to sum up what I believe to be the top five.

1. To experience art come alive.  Provence itself is a work of art and has been featured in paintings by artists such as Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso.  You can walk the well forged paths of these artists across beautiful countryside.  Cezanne, a native of Provence,   captured both beauty and love for his homeland in paintings such as Montagne Sainte-Victoire.  While visiting St-Remy-de-Provence you can pick out pieces from Van Gogh paintings in an almost impressionist Where’s Waldo.

2. The color purple.  While traveling the countryside it is hard to ignore the deep shades of purple that cover the hills of Northern Provence.  The fields of lavender sway in the wind which carries with it the aroma of countless perfumes and creams.  To experience the lavender in full bloom it is best to travel during June and July, but its beauty can be seen until mid-October.

3. Outdoor markets.  The scent of lavender along with honey, ripe fresh produce (whatever’s in season), and fresh baguette swirls together in the air of Markets in Provence.  Each day brings with it an outdoor market in a different region.  Vendors typically open around eight and end their day at one.  This not only provides you with delicious food, but a perfect setting for people watching and truly immersing yourself in a culture.

4. Hidden treasures. Any trip would not be complete, in my opinion, without a memento representing my time there or just something that captures the character and culture of a place.  Provence provides ample opportunity for finding just such a treasure with its many antique shops and flea markets.  Some particularly well-known are the Marché à la Brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and L’ Isle-sur-la-Sorge in Vaucluse.  Whether your treasure be an 18th century armoire or for those more budget conscious a vintage straw hat, you can find it here along with an authentic piece of provincial pottery.

5. Something original. And finally for those of you who like authenticity, there is the original Arc de Triomphe which was built in AD 26. It certainly does not get much more authentic than that.  This along with a statue of Emperor Augustus and an ancient Roman amphitheater, can be found in Orange at the northern tip of Provence.

This would truly be a trip to awaken the senses!!

Your turn to share.  Why would you want to visit Provence?

Words by Molly Costello – Photo Credits : Forever Wiser / Roblisameehan / Travel Eden / Jean-Louis Zimmermann / Allie Caulfield

Well, maybe not tears.  That might be a tad overdramatic.

But the thing is, I have so many ideas, so many travel tips, so much helpful advice…and so little time.

I know some writers or bloggers can experience problems with writer’s block. Nothing to write about.  The well dries up.  But for me, it’s quite the opposite.

So I felt it was time that I enlisted some help.  I have decided to add two contributors to the My Melange family.

So, I am writing today to introduce Molly and Stephanie, who will be contributing articles on Travel, France and Italy to the site.  And maybe a little somethin’ extra thrown in for good measure every once in a while.

I hope you’ll welcome them with the same friendly spirit and open-arms that you embrace me with every day.  And if I know my readers…I know that you will.

And no worries.  I am not going anywhere.  Promise.  I’ll still be writing, both here and elsewhere.  I’ll still be talking travel tips every Tuesday and posting your photos for Travel Photo Fridays as well as waxing poetic about my beloved Italy and France.  I’ll just be doing it with a little help.

Tune in,  in just a few hours…Molly’s first post will be debuting.

And though many of them possess these same characteristics, each one has its own history, charm, vibe and reasons to visit.  Enjoy this photo essay of some of the best seaside towns in Italy.

Sanremo

Sanremo is one of the westernmost town, so very close to the French border.  It’s home to a casino, palm trees and a luxurious looking Marina!

Genoa

Genoa is one of the largest cities on the Northern Italy Coast.  It’s a large industrial port city and actually was Italy’s first.

Lerici

Lerici is in the province of Liguria.  It’s considered part of the Italian Riviera. And in case you can’t tell from the photo…it’s a port town.

Manarola

Cinque Terre means five towns. It is literally made up of five tiny villages, all connected by ancient paths.  This photo is of Manarola, one of the most recognizable in the Cinque Terre.

Portofino

Another hugely popular town on the Italian Riviera is Portofino.  The small fishing village was supposedly discovered by Romans and named for dolphins.  The stunning half-moon shape of the harbor is best viewed from above, as in this photo.

Livorno

Livorno is an ancient tangle of canals and walls.  It’s also known as Leghorn, and there is a breed of chicken named after the city.  Rumor has it that it’s how Foghorn Leghorn got his name.

Monterosso al Mare

Another tiny town included in the Cinque Terre.  I love how the little beach is anchored on either side by the huge rocks.  And check out the walkway just clinging to that cliff face on the right.

Vernazza

This unique town of the Cinque Terre wraps completely around the coast, offering spectacular views. The Doria Castle, which was erected to protect against pirates and the church’s octagonal bell tower are two notable sights.

Camogli

Camogli, which means houses close together in Italian, is a tiny fishing village on the coast.  If this picture is any indication, it looks adorable.

Riomaggiore

The southernmost town in the Cinque Terre group.  It sits on the Gulf of Genoa and is known for its wine and aquariums.

Portovenere

This tiny fishing village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Its name is said to come from a temple to the goddess Venus. I know I’d feel like a goddess if I spent any time there.

Piombino

Piombino is an ancient Etruscan port.  The area attracts snorkelers and divers from all over the world.  There is also a Marine Biology Center and aquarium.

Nettuno

Nettuno, named for the Roman god Neptune, is located in the Lazio region.  It’s a popular spot for sunbathers since it’s a stop on the local train out of Rome.

Gaeta

Gaeta has had a turbulent history, but is currently an important seaport for both fishing and oil.  You can also get tiella here, which is a unique combination of a pizza and calzone. I can imagine eating one on that stretch of golden sand.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a tourist destination in the Campania region, which overlooks the beautiful Bay of Naples.  Other than delicious views and luxury resorts, Sorrento is known for its Limoncello.  How ’bout a chilled sip while drooling over this view?

Positano

Made famous by the scenes shot here in Under the Tuscan Sun, this gem had been frequented by celebs long before that. Located on the Amalfi coast,  Positano was a medieval port and boasts two separate beaches- both equally beautiful.

Atrani

Atrani, located a few minutes drive from Amalfi, is one of the most romantic towns of them all.  The location is stunning,even dramatic, and looking at this photo it’s clear why.   Their abundance of fish is evident in the Sagre del Pesce Azzurro, the celebratory fish festival.

Praiano

Praiano, located between Positano and Amalfi, is home to the famed Grotto Esmerela, or Green Grotto.  Not quite as talked about as the famous Blue Grotto on Capri, but with views like this, how could it not be beautiful?

Cetara

Once used by pirates as a naval base and later destroyed by Turkish pirates in the 16th century, this tiny gem is known for its anchovy and tuna production.  Oh, and it looks dreamy at dusk, wouldn’t you agree?

Tropea

Tropea is situated on a reef in the toe of the boot, the Calabria region.  From the photo, we can tell it’s a favorite spot of beach-goers.  The people seem ant-like in relation to the giant sandstone cliffs.

Amalfi

Located at the mouth of a ravine called Monte Cerrato, Amalfi is certainly one of the most well-known towns.  An entire section of Italy’s southern coast is named after it.  Amalfi is home to a Duomo, campanile (bell tower) and hosts an ancient regatta once every four years.

Which stunning locale are you heading to first?  Include any favorites that I missed in the comments.

Note : Though many of these little villages are set in more specific areas of Italy’s coastline, such as the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas, I have grouped these bodies of water all together as part of the larger Mediterranean Sea for the pupose of this piece.

Photo Credits : Mike Flemming / Perrimoon / Alex Scarcella / Rob Inh00d / Extravigator / Conormac / LeeMcarthur / Tylerc083 / RoSSella Rebonato / [MP] / Nick’s Pics /  Raffaelesergi1977 / Sunshinecity / Michaelwm25 / S J Pickney / Robin Locker / Allerina & Glen MacLarty / MHJohnston / Ale Bovini / Simo0082 / Paul and Jill