Italy Photo Gallery

Galatina and Gallipoli Day Trip Itinerary from Lecce, Puglia, Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Mon, 15 Feb 2027 09:36:00 -0600

Embark on a stress-free excursion starting from Lecce, where we'll explore the captivating towns of Galatina and Gallipoli. These enchanting destinations are conveniently close to each other and easily accessible by a slow but direct train, making it effortless to visit both in just one day.

Galatina

We started our day by taking a short and easy train ride from Lecce to Galatina, a charming town that is conveniently located along the same railway line as Gallipoli. The journey only took us 45 minutes, and as soon as we stepped off the train, we were immediately drawn to the town's mini Lecce-like ambiance.

Galatina welcomed us warmly as we explored its streets, which were adorned with centuries-old buildings that had a rich history. One particular highlight on our itinerary was the magnificent Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria.

Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

The Basilica, built in 1383, impressed us with its exquisite artistry and religious significance. Stepping inside, we were immediately struck by a sense of awe. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes that took us on a fascinating journey through time, depicting scenes from biblical stories and the lives of saints.

The artistry displayed in these frescoes was truly remarkable, showcasing the talent and devotion of the artists who created them so many years ago. We were amazed by the vibrant colors that still retained their brilliance. It felt as though we had entered a living museum, where history came alive before our eyes.

What made our visit even more special was that admission to the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria was based on donations, making it accessible to visitors from all walks of life.

Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Continuing our exploration of Galatina, we stumbled upon another architectural gem - Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, also known as the Mother Church. Its grand façade enticed us to step inside and discover its hidden treasures.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a serene and reverent atmosphere. The ornate decorations adorning the altar and walls showcased Galatina's rich religious heritage. We took our time to admire the intricate details carved into every surface, a testament to the craftsmanship of those who built this magnificent structure.

Try out the Pasticciotto

Make sure to try the pasticciotto in Galatina, where it originated. This shortcrust pastry with a creamy filling is a local specialty which you can also find in most cafes in Salento. We had a delicious one from a bakery near the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria. It's a delightful treat that perfectly complements your visit to the basilica and allows you to experience Galatina's culinary heritage firsthand.

Where to Stay in Galatina?

The old town is pretty relaxed so if you want a quiet base then this is the place for you. I recommend staying in the center.

For mid-range, Casa Vacanza Vico Maroncelli is central and nicely decorated.

For luxury, check out the highly rated Amira 1899 Luxury Suite where you can pamper yourself in a hot tub or relax in a sauna.

Gallipoli

After our delightful time in Galatina, we hopped on a short train ride to reach the coastal town of Gallipoli. As we arrived, the refreshing scent of the sea filled the air, setting the stage for a culinary adventure.

Seafood in Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a seafood lover's paradise, thanks to its location on the Ionian Sea. We couldn't resist trying the local specialties at Trattoria Santa Monaca, a renowned restaurant in the old town. One dish that stood out was the succulent purple prawns cooked in salt. You can also have it simply grilled as it can be too salty. These local delicacies boasted a delicate flavor and vibrant color, offering a memorable taste experience.

To complement our prawns, we savored a flavorful fish soup brimming with mussels, clams, and squid. The broth was skillfully infused with herbs and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that delighted our palates.

Our meal at Santa Monaca, including drinks, came to a total of EUR 62, a reasonable price for the quality and quantity of food served. Portions were so huge that we didn't have space for dessert.

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Basilica Concattedrale di Sant'Agata

Also known as the Gallipoli Cathedral, it holds deep religious importance in this town and is dedicated to their patron saint Saint Agatha. Its history dates back several centuries, and as we wandered through its hallowed halls, we couldn't help but feel a connection to those who had come before us.

Hooded Penitents

While exploring one of the churches by the coast, I was shocked to see a hooded mannequin as I entered one of the churches simply because I wasn't expecting that and didn't do much research prior our visit. This is just a model of the hooded penitents that parade barefoot during Lent and are covered to protect their identity.

We found this at the Church of the Holy Crucifix just along the coastal road. They also have some photos of the penitents during Holy Week.

There are a few more churches that you can explore within the old town but these two are what I found most fascinating.

Left: hooded statue

Right: church interior

Take it Slow at a Café

When in Italy, take it slow. We settled into our seats and ordered comforting cappuccinos – creamy concoctions topped with delicate foam. As we sipped our drinks, we savored both their rich flavor and the relaxed atmosphere surrounding us.

Fontana Greca

The Greek fountain, believed to be built around 3rd century BC, is just located outside the fort of the old town so we visited this as we headed back to the train station.

We were here in the late afternoon and also watched fishermen and locals transact by the shore. There's also a church that you can visit from here.

Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto

Where to Stay in Gallipoli?

Coastal towns in Italy tend to be pricey but you can still find a place on a mid-range budget. Check out Centro Storico Casa Nel Cuoro

If you're feeling luxurious, check out the 4-star Palazzo Presta in the center of the old town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch/4yqARfS5ybU

Conclusion

Our day trip to Galatina and Gallipoli from Lecce proved to be a rewarding journey filled with historical marvels, tantalizing flavors, and the ease of travel. Thanks to the convenient train connections, we seamlessly ventured from one town to another, immersing ourselves in their unique charms.

If you want something more convenient and you do not have your own car, getting a private transfer is the way to go. Check out this full day tour of Galatina and Gallipoli. They provide a comfortable airconditioned car with a private driver from Lecce which really makes a difference especially during the hot peak summer season and saves you the long trip in the slow train. You still have the independence to get around and explore on your own. Combine this with the itinerary we have provided above. Have fun!

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Memories of this summer: the island of Capri

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sun, 24 May 2026 14:10:00 -0500

Just yesterday that I was thinking about what to do this summer and if I can go somewhere now that finally there are fewer restrictions in my country, these photos have emerged that I had stored in the hardisk.

so I wanted to share them with you not only to share the photos I took this summer but also to share the experience I had on this island that I think is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

I still remember that I took a fast hydrofoil from Naples without booking, usually there are two / three in the morning and within 20 minutes I arrived on the island, then to reach the center of Capri I took the funicular otherwise yes you can use a taxi but the cost goes up significantly.

What I recommend from my experience is to go to Capri in the spring or at the end of summer not only for a matter of heat which in any case is never so excessive but for a matter of crowding of people because in the high season the island is very busy and so it becomes really difficult to shoot it in peace.

is what I also recommend is to take a tour around the island, perhaps for the more experienced it is more convenient to rent a boat or take advantage of the many excursions that the island offers.

There is the possibility to visit the famous blue grotto where you can only enter with rowing boats and when there is high season and you can also wait several hours but the beauty is also to go around the square and here too the prices are quite enough. high precisely because Capri tends to attract a medium-high clientele so in restaurants and bars you will certainly find a menu that is not suitable for all budgets.

In the famous square you will also find many shops of famous brands in the world but nearby there is also a beautiful museum called the Caprese center Ignazio Cerius where at a cost of only 3 euros you can visit a beautiful museum where all the finds are kept archaeological sites that have been found on the island over the years.

I hope I have been able to give you as much information as possible for a future visit to the island of Capri.

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Cerca LoginRegistrati Esplora Tutti i Posts Comunità Mio Profilo Mio Portafoglio

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 2 May 2026 14:34:00 -0500

Today I want to talk to you about a place I visited, one of my favorite places in my beloved Tuscany, in the heart of Maremma, one of the areas richest in history and culture in the region, Pitigliano is much loved for its characteristic layered appearance and for its ancient places. There are really cute corners and lots of things to see. Pitigliano is also called the little Jerusalem because it was home to a large Jewish community. Furthermore, it is also called the city of tuff because it is literally built on tuff rocks, it was precisely for this reason that it was important for the construction trade, the tuff rocks are literally the heart of the town that supports the inhabited areas. The Etruscans lived here and in the past built the vie cave, that is, inside the quarries that led to the necropolis. Pitigliano has an ancient and long history closely linked to the Jewish community but also to its quarries. Today there are many caves and ravines and it is one of the most beautiful and particular villages in Italy. Visiting Pitigliano is a pleasure, there are many streets to see, shops for tourists (there is a lot of tourism especially in summer) and many places of interest. There are various churches and also obviously a synagogue, but for me the most beautiful place to see is the town itself and also the tuff, unfortunately we could not enter the caves but a visit to the caves would also have been really interesting, there are also many archaeological sites that can be visited.

Also characteristic of Pitigliano are the alleys that end on the precipice and the various panoramic stops that the road to get there offers to visitors. In the past many noble families followed one another on this place, it was much disputed and coveted and having visited it I understand why, not only is its position excellent for defending itself from possible enemies but also for trade, furthermore in addition to the quarries it also has woods and arable land that made it attractive. If you come to Tuscany I recommend taking a walk in Pitigliano, even better than visiting it for a few days, I myself only had a few hours to see it and unfortunately they are not enough to explore everything this place has to offer. However, it remains a beautiful and particular village!

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San Marco Basilica (Milan, ITALY)

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:18:00 -0500

The Basilica of San Marco (St Marks) in Milan is one of the many churches in Europe that double as concert venues due to their impressive acoustics and declining congregation numbers. So, it was concert duties that found me visiting and working in this wealthy northern area of Italy.

The Basilica dates originally from around the 14th century, however, this front section (facade) dates from much later (late 19th century) and showcases a completely different construction and architectural aesthetic than the original Gothic style.

The church is located just outside of the inner ring of Milan, and so it is a bit a short walk (or public transport ride) from where most of the tourist (and shopping) attractions are located.

The interior is a clearer depiction of the original Gothic style, with high columns and arches. The depth of the church is not really apparent from the outer facade, but the church is incredibly long (as you can see from the photo above). Unfortunately, due to the windows being located quite high up, the lighting in the church is pretty dark (especially in the winter-time which is when I was here!).

The high arched dome roof was home to some impressive painting and decorations. I would find myself in the rehearsal craning my head upwards to see as much detail as possible!

The front of the church between the congregation pews and the altar area was converted this evening into a stage for the orchestra and choir which I was working with.... complete with the lighting and recording equipment that was needed for the performance and broadcast.

Coming closer to the front of the church reveals the ornate altar which is quite common in most Catholic churches. Catholic places of worship tend to be much more ornate than their Protestant cousins, an offshoot of the differing ideals of the Reformation versus the Vatican.

Despite the fact that most Catholic churches tend to be packed with ornate signs of wealth and artifacts, some of them can be quite questionable in taste. One such strange display was this depiction of the baby Jesus (?)... on an ornately decorated weigh scale? It's a bit freaky looking... and definitely historically inaccurate in so many ways!

I prefer the various Baroque artworks that adorned the walls... that sort of "treasure" are pieces of art that really speak to me in a more intimate way than the strange artifacts that are treasured by other people. That said, these pieces would benefit from being displayed in a better way with more direct lighting. The dark lighting of the church made them look quite dull...

The exit to the church is much more impressive looking and tastefully decorated than the Romantic era entrance facade... the difference in styles is a testament to the (unintentially) destructive intentions of the Romantic age, where so many buildings, sites, artworks and instruments were "restored" and "improved" in a way that completely overwrote or destroyed their original aesthetics and design.

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EuroVelo 7 - Peschiera del Garda to Calliano 83 km

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:18:00 -0500

First of all this being my first post this year I wish you all a Happy New Year, good health and peace in the world so you can enjoy life to the fullest and also ride your bike to new destinations using EuroVelo, the world’s largest cycle route network! In this post I'll try to give you some inspiration from my last trip I did in Italy back in the autumn of 2022 following the EuroVelo 7 north of Peschiera del Garda towards the Alps.

Woke up early this morning as I usually like to do when I'm on the road to fully enjoy my limited days of bike touring I have available this year, from dawn till dusk.

And I'm not aloneThe iconic Fiat 500 always in trendThese vanilla/pistachio cream filled croissants were amazing

Calories are not a problem while touring, for sure I'll burn more cycling uphill all day today, so I spoil myself when I have the chance by indulging in a second croissant.

My summer residence in Peschierra del Garda for about 11 EURO/night

While preparing for checking out I noticed my bike was looking a bit sad this morning :) Luckily I came prepared for situations like this which are perfectly normal for a long distance cyclist.

Houston we have a problem!My lucky red patch did the job with styleClean facilities are always nice to see in a campingThey even have a washing machine so no excuse to stink while touring

Eurocamping Pacengo was a nice camping to spend a night in, great location near the lake with a good restaurant facing the little port, clean facilities, decent prices and a friendly receptionist which even borrowed me a cable extension to charge my devices overnight, all added to a very nice overall experience for me here.

Arrivederci Eurocamping!

Left the camping and followed the pedestrian route close to the lake mostly because I was curious to see more of this beautiful lake front, but the official bike route follows the paved roads a bit further away.

The suspended pedestrian walkway passes directly over this nice marina Slowed down to admire some really cool boats on display todayThumbs up for EuroVelo 7 in ItalyPeace in 2024!This beach looks perfect for a swim break don't you think?And for a refreshing drink on a hot day like thisCan't get enough of this view

Spend about an hour on this nice sandy beach by the lake Garda which felt like I was somewhere by the seaside only the water was not salty which is even better, right?

Ok, now I think it's time to continue our route towards those gorgeous mountains I see far away in the distance.

Well-tended vineyardsLunch time

Really nice to ride through all these vineyardsThis canal feeds from Adige River upstream and runs in paralel with itCruising along the beautiful Adige Valley on a weather like this is such a joyExcellent infrastructurePassing through small villages like this along the wayBeautiful valley indeedEntering the autonomous province of Trento

Trentino, is an autonomous province of Italy in the country's far north. Trentino and South Tyrol constitute the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, an autonomous region under the constitution. The province covers an area of more than 6,000 km2 (2,300 sq mi), with a total population of 541,098 in 2019. Trentino is renowned for its mountains, such as the Dolomites, which are part of the Alps.

Agriculture plays an important role in the local economy here and all these vineyards right and left are well known for their quality of grapes. Trento DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata) is an appellation for white and rosésparkling wine made in Trentino, Italy. Trentinos developed this appellation, the second in the world after Champagne, to ensure quality and distinction. Only Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and Pinot Meunier with Pinot blanc are permitted, and they must be grown in a well-defined area within the Province of Trento . I should taste a glass later to confirm.

But tourism remains the main economic activity here and I am a happy contributor

The Gross domestic product (GDP) of the region was 20.5 billion euros in 2018, accounting for 1.2% of Italy's economic output. Don't regret a cent spent in Trentino so far :).

All these grapes need a lot of water to grow and this must be itHydro infrastructure made for irrigation? I think so.Good water, good wineLove this route!Adige natural river bedPassing by RoveretoNo 3925821784 happily transiting RoveretoIt's getting late but I should arrive soon to my destination in Calliano

Today was one of those perfect days for bike tourism considering the weather, scenery and infrastructure that made me fall in love with bike touring on EuroVelo years ago and still recall me back every year to this day.

Pizza and a glass of local wine for dinner. Cheers!

Arrived in Calliano by night time which is a bit too late indeed but I found a really nice place to spend the night, in an agritourism guesthouse owned by a local wine producer, but that's another topic for another day coming up soon in the next post.

Day 2 map: Peschiera del Garda to Calliano 83 km

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Venice Photography Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:55:00 -0500

Back in time: Diplodocus Longus

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 09:17:00 -0500

My huge passion for dinosaurs began 30 years ago, when I collected brochures and built miniatures of these giant animals.

When the film Jurassic Park came out in 1993 I was over the moon, I went to the cinema to watch it and when it was on TV I watched it again. The rebirth of dinosaurs is without any sense, but at the time I was 12 years old and my hope that it would become reality was very high.

Thanks to the information that I found on the explanatory signs next to this representations located momentarily in Aosta city, next to the Augustus Arch that can be seen in some pictures I took thanks to an initiative I had previously mentioned in an article about T-Rex, I was able to find new information about these animals, resulting from some recent scientific discoveries.

About 155 million years ago this gigantic herbivore, the Diplodocus Longus, was grazing among its own kind, who were scared to see him, even if it was not carnivorous and could devour predators, he was equipped with other equally effective qualities.

It was from 20 to 35 meters high and could weigh from 7 to 20 tons. Long and slender neck, endless tail that could move with a speed of 1.5 - 2.5 meters per second that allowed him to use the end like a whip and exceed the speed of sound.

The snaps caused by his tail were two thousand times more intense than a real whip, these were used to intimidate and disorientate the attackers already from great distances.

Despite this immense power in the tail, apparently, he did not use it during fights. The last two meters of the tail weighed only a couple of kilos and the swing of the tail to impact it against an opponent could have damaged it. Its repeated use should have left signs of trauma on the vertebrae and have never been found in the studies carried out so far.

During fights, or to reach the leaves of taller trees for food, for example, he could occasionally stand up on his hind legs and put some weight on the tail. With this technique he was also able to kick and crush his enemies with his front limbs equipped with a huge sharp nail on his thumb.

The major sites of its findings have occurred in some U.S. states such as Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah. Similar forms must have been present in Portugal, Spain and Africa.

The statue you see in the pictures is located in Arco d'Augusto Square in Aosta, which takes its name from the same monument dating back to 25 B.C. and restored for the most part in 1912. The crucifix that you see under the vault is a copy of the one that in 1449 was placed there as a votive offering against the overflowing of the Buthier torrent, which flows next to it, the original one is kept in the Treasure Museum of the Aosta Cathedral.

During the 12th century the arch also housed the residence of a local noble family. In 1318 a fortification was built inside it for crossbowmen. Moreover, in 1716 the attic that once crowned it was replaced by a slate roof, because of the infiltrations that compromised its integrity.

Another giant of the past who came back to be seen after thousands of years in the main City of Aosta Valley, a very fascinating that made me become a child again and awaken my passion for these creatures, in some ways still very mysterious, that had fallen asleep over time!

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EuroVelo 7 - Transiting Treviso

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:16:00 -0500

As you may have noticed by now each year I try to do a bit of bike touring and so last year in 2022 by springtime the EuroVelo calling started to grow in my mind like the wheat on the fields. It's part of my anual wish list and it's a meaningful thing for me. On these bike touring trips is where I recharge and find my balance each year, so in a way it's like a holistic trip for me.

Presently I'm touring on EuroVelo 7 and so far I only cycled north as far as Copenhagen in Scandinavia.

Last year wasn't so great for me financially and Scandinavia is quite expensive so when I had to choose between going north or south on EuroVelo 7, I chose the southern side this time around and headed for Italy.

Traveling internationally doesn't come cheap anymore especially in recent years when prices everywhere increased a lot, so building a budget for it is increasingly challenging. Being a family man, our summer holiday has priority of course and for my bike touring extravaganza I need to find my own resources.

I was very close to cancel my anual bike trip, actually I haven' t booked anything in advance like I always did. Summer passed and by September I was so frustrated that I had to do something. So I made a loan which I am still paying for today but it was well worth in the end you'll see.

Taking off from Otopeni airport in Bucharest, RomaniaLanded in Treviso, Italy

I landed in Treviso in the evening after a 2 hours short flight from Bucharest, so I needed a place to stay for the night. Luckily I found this very nice and modern recently opened Nomad hostel on Booking.com within walking distance from the airport, which was very convenient for me. Later I even went out for a pizza to celebrate my arrival in Italy.

Nomad hostel Ordered a local pizza for my first italian dinner

After a good restful sleep I went down to pick up my complementary breakfast I opted in for when I checked in. Well, it was not what I hopped for, no fresh pastry or fruits only packaged products so it was not worth it, there is a better option to go to the nearby mall 10 min away and have a proper italian espresso and some fresh pastry as I discovered later.

Nice open space with good wifi and plenty of seats and power outletsThere was a venting machine even for wine and beer, no complains here :)My luggage for this trip

So my plan was to catch a bus from the hostel to the central station and board the first train to Verona. Unfortunately things don't always work accordingly to the plan cause that day they had a railway strike and so all the trains were canceled until 5 PM. Luckily I could still buy I ticket on the first available train to Verona that evening after the strike ended but was not direct and had to change in Vicenza and to arrive a bit late in Verona around 8 PM.

Hmm, that's not so bad actually, that was my opportunity to discover Treviso I guess, which I am still very grateful for today.

Central train station in TrevisoWalls of TrevisoSile riverTreviso central shopping street CalmaggioreRain makes me hungry, always :)Today I'll have some pasta for lunch plus a glass of Prosecco

Did you know?: "Treviso is also known for being the original production area of Prosecco wine and radicchio, and is thought to have been the origin of the popular Italian dessert tiramisù."

After this delicious lunch all clouds scattered like magic and the blue sky once again was so inviting me to continue exploring the streets of Treviso.

"Piazza dei Signorri" city square dating from the 13th centuryThe copy of the Tette fountain, built in 1559

While eating I had more time to look around on the map and found this little hidden gem not far from the square I ate earlier but a bit hard to find. It has an interesting history though: "from its construction until 1797, the year of the fall of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, in honor of each new Podestà (supreme magistrate), the fountain flowed red wine from one breast and white wine from the other and all citizens could drink for free for three days." The good old days :)

Charming canals of TrevisoMy touring mates

There is a maze of little man made canals running through the Treviso's historic centre connecting the Sile and Botteniga rivers which together with the ancient narrow cobbled alleys recommend Treviso as a quite romantic destination.

Old cobbled streets of TrevisoThe Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle originates from the 6th centuryIce cream break after visiting half of Treviso on foot...a very good oneNice dinner table to enjoy a glass of Prosecco with a dear one

Ended my short Treviso old city tour at the Central Bus Station from where I took a bus to the nearest Decathlon store to buy back some items I lost at the airport security check the day before. I only payed for cabin luggage and I completely forgot about the tent pegs which are sharp objects and got confiscated of course.

Also I had to call the bike renting agency in Verona and tell them I'll not be able to pick up the bike that day due to my late arrival because of the train strike which they understood.

Don't forget to validate your ticket before boardingChanged the train in Vicenza to go to Verona

Got a bit lost in Verona at first, I took the wrong bus to the wrong direction and then I had to get off and ask for directions to some locals which were very kind and called a taxi for me (no Uber in Italy yet) so I could reach the camping before closure at 10 PM. I made it on time though but it was a near miss. The hotel rooms are very expensive in Verona the city of love and I was on tight budget.

Overall this day was surprisingly beautiful and I was very glad I had the chance of seeing Treviso, which due to it’s close proximity to the hugely popular tourist destination of Venice (just 26km away) is unfortunately overlooked by many visiting the region. But now you know!

Until next time,

©Discover EuroVelo

All photos were taken with my iPhone 11 and Sony DSC-HX60V camera.

EuroVelo, the European Cycle Route Network are registered marks of ECF asbl.

I have no affiliation with EuroVelo or other organisations mentioned here, I am just a traveller sharing his bike touring trips, views and opinions.

EuroVelo is a network of 17 long distance cycle routes connecting and uniting the whole European continent totaling over 90,000 km of cycling itineraries.

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Best Things to do in Sassi di Matera: A Complete Guide the Ancient Beauty of Basilicata, Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:12:00 -0500

You've probably come across those dreamy photos of Sassi di Matera online. Believe me, as stunning as those pictures are, nothing beats the real-life experience. Matera, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, is a blend of ancient wonders and modern charm. In this guide, we're going to uncover the top things to do in Sassi (rocks) di Matera from the mesmerizing Sasso Caveoso to the vibrant Sasso Barisano districts.

The things to do in this guide is divided into Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts.

Table of Contents

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A Brief History of Matera

Matera is one of the oldest cities in Europe and Italy's oldest. With evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era, it stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities worldwide, although abandoned for a brief time. The city's most distinctive feature, the Sassi, comprises ancient cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, reflecting the unique architectural heritage of Matera.

During the Roman era, Matera flourished as an agricultural and trade center, benefiting from its strategic location. The region later came under the rule of various powers, including the Byzantine Empire. In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the city witnessed architectural development with the construction of palaces and churches.

However, by the 20th century, Matera faced significant challenges. The Sassi districts experienced severe poverty and neglect due to overcrowding and lack of basic amenities. This led to forced relocations in an effort to improve living conditions for its residents.

In a remarkable turn of events in the 1980s, Matera underwent a cultural revival that transformed its fortunes. Recognizing its historical significance and unique beauty, UNESCO designated Matera as a World Heritage site in 1993. This recognition brought attention to its rich heritage and spurred efforts for restoration and preservation.

Today, visitors can explore this captivating destination that showcases both ancient history and modern cultural treasures. Let's embark on a journey through time as we discover all that Matera has to offer.

How long to stay in Matera?

We recommend at least 2 nights to see the highlights and experience this ancient city. I heard several people doing a day trip from Puglia which may be the only option if you do not have time, but the most magical time to see Matera is during sunrise and at night time. One night would feel too rushed and may not be worth carrying your luggage up and down.

The sassi di Matera alone is huge and involves a lot of walking and climbing. We took it slow and stayed for one week and there is still so much more we didn't discover especially in the Sasso Barisano district as we stayed in Sasso Caveoso. Several people from Facebook groups advised against longer than 7 nights but I can imagine staying here for even a month to sit at cafes and enjoy the views.

How to Get to Matera?

The two best ways to get to Matera is by train or by renting a car.

By Train: One convenient, but slow way to reach Matera is by taking a train from Bari Centrale which costs €5.70 per way. The journey takes approximately two hours but offers scenic views along the way. Once you arrive at Matera Centrale station, you can easily access various parts of the city. Note that Matera province is huge and there are other "Matera" stations, make sure you alight at Matera Centrale.
By Car: If you prefer more flexibility or want to explore other areas around Basilicata, renting a car is a viable option. However, it's important to note that you cannot park inside the Sassi districts. Parking within the historical center is reserved for residents only. You will need to find parking outside and be prepared for some walking up and down stairs.

Compare Rental Prices at Discover Cars

Once you have arrived in Matera, getting around the city is best done on foot. The two main districts of interest, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, are within walking distance of each other. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as exploring the winding streets and climbing stairs are part of the experience.

If you prefer not to walk, there is a red bus called "Linea Sassi" that stops at San Pietro Caves and travels along the main road to Sasso Barisano.

Now that we've covered how to get here and how to navigate Matera let's dive into exploring the enchanting district of Sassi Caveoso!

This guide is divided into two parts which are the 2 districts of Sassi di Matera: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano.

Things to do in Sasso Caveoso

It feels like stepping back in time in Matera's Sasso Caveoso

Sasso Caveoso is the most popular area of Matera, known for its fascinating ancient cave dwellings and rock churches. Here are some of the top things to do in this captivating district:

1. Guided Walking Tour

Embark on a guided walking tour to fully immerse yourself in the history and charm of Sassi Caveoso. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the narrow streets, sharing stories about the ancient caves and their inhabitants. You'll gain insights into Matera's rich cultural heritage while exploring hidden corners and picturesque viewpoints.

There are different walking tours you can join and with different themes:

Guided Day Tour

A highly rated yet good value walking tour of Matera is Renato Favili's guided tour which is only €28 per person and will take you around the sassi for 2 to 3 hours. Here you will join other tourists which makes the price affordable.

If you want all the attention, then you can opt for a private tour for €234.

Guided Night Tour

Matera turns more magical at night with the yellow lights blending well with the caves and rocks' earth tones. A guided night tour to Matera's best spots for sunset and the night lights is one that would make a history tour so romantic. I also recommend a night tour in summer as it could be really hot walking around at day time in Matera in this season.

Join a Romantic Night Tour of Matera

View on Sasso Caveoso

Sasso Caveoso at night

James Bond and Matera History Tour

For James Bond fans, there is a unique walking tour that takes you to the filming locations of No Time to Die. Some sets are quite easy to find such as the motorbike stunt at the Matera cathedral, but a lot of the sets are quite tricky to find and you just don't find these online so it's worth joining one. The tour also combines Matera's history. This store also extends to Sasso Barisano district.

Join James Bond Tour of Matera

Tip: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as this will involve a lot of climbing up and down the ancient city.

2. Casa Noha's Interactive Film about Matera

Entrance fee: €6.50 (check discounts that may apply to you eg. students)

Closed on Wednesdays

Google Map Pin: Casa Noha

If you don't have time for a walking tour or prefer an alternative way to learn about Matera, make sure to check out Casa Noha's interactive film experience. Located in a historic cave house which was generously donated to Matera by its owners, this unique attraction offers an engaging audiovisual presentation that delves into the city's thousand-year-old history. The interactive table screen allows you to further explore interesting facts about Matera at your own pace.

And even if you have already joined the walking tour, this is still worth seeing as the interactive film also brings out the emotions and atmosphere of the times and it's only 25 minutes. There are also interactive maps you can play with while waiting for the next film.

On weekends, they have a 2.5 hours film titled "The Invisible Stones".

Reserve your Casa Noha film ticket

Note: The ticket price is the same as buying it at the museum but you can make a reservation here

3. Visit the Cave Churches

Matera is home to several remarkable rock churches carved into the soft limestone cliffs of Sasso Caveoso. There are several rupestrian churches in Matera and the list below are just some of the most remarkable.

There are several ticket options and buying one costs €4, two churches for €7, three churches for €8 so getting the combined ticket is better value. I recommend you buy the ticket from any of the church museum cashiers so you can check your options. Taking photos or videos inside the churches is not allowed.

Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris

Google Map Pin: Via Madonna dell'Idris

The Church of Saint Mary of Idris is built on top of a rocky hilll and this is one of the most beautiful landmarks you will find in Sasso Caveoso. It's beautiful on the outside with majestic view of the sassi but it's also worth seeing the preserved frescoes inside.

Chiesa di San Lucia alle Malve

Google Map Pin: Rione Malve

Less famous than the churches of Santa Maria di Idris and San Pietro Barisano but one of the most important and worth visiting. This 8th century rupestrian church houses well preserved frescoes from the 13 century including a Madonna.

Chiesa di San Pietro Barisano

Google Map pin: Via S. Pietro Barisano

The church of Saint Peter Barisano is the largest rock church in the city with underground spaces you can explore.

San Pietro Caveoso

Google Map pin: Piazza S. Pietro Caveoso

FREE to enter

Just below the church of Santa Maria di Idris and situated in front of a huge plaza and overlooking the ravines of Murgia Materana making it one of the prettiest landmark of Sassi di Matera. It is also called the Church of Saint Peter and Paul. The church is free to enter and make sure to observe silence as people also visit here to pray.

The church of San Pietro Caveoso on the left; In the middle of this photo is the church Santa Maria di Idris on top of a rock

4. Visit MUSMA or The Museum of Contemporary Sculpture

Google Map pin: Via S. Giacomo

Ticket price: €5

For art enthusiasts, a visit to MUSMA (Museo della Scultura Contemporanea) is a must. Located in a former cave convent, this museum seamlessly blends contemporary sculptures with the ancient dwelling.

As you wander through the cave rooms, you'll encounter thought-provoking artworks. The combination of art and wandering through several huge cave rooms is a unique museum experience.

5. Hike to Murgia Materana for Sunrise

Starting point: Ponte Tibetano

For breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Sassi di Matera, embark on a hike to Murgia Materana at sunrise. This expansive park offers an ideal vantage point to witness the soft morning light illuminating the ancient cityscape. Start your hike from Ponte Tibetano near Sasso Caveoso's main road (via Madonna delle Virtù). As you make your way across the hanging bridge and explore the caves along the trail, be sure to wear closed shoes and remember to leave no trace behind.

Not fond of hiking? You can also join a tour to drive to the viewpoint.

6. Visit House Cave Museums

Here you will see how people lived in the caves in the past. It's interesting to see the contrast of how simple it was before but a lot of these caves now have turned to luxury boutique hotels. There are several house museums and we only visited Casa Grotta but the other museums should be as good and it's better to visit a house cave museum that is more convenient for you.

7.Visit other Museums

There are so many museums that we couldn't cover but another one worth visiting is the Complesso Rupestre Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci but note that there is no more Dali exhibit when we visited in May 2023. It is another rock church with preserved frescoes and quite bigger than the other main rupestrian churches.

8. Dine in an Ancient Cave

There are several cave restaurants in Sasso Caveoso with beautiful restaurant interiors. It is a tourist area so expect prices to be higher. Some of our favorites are Più Sud for the best pizza and Baccanti restaurant for fine dining.

Left: inside Più Sud

A short IG reel inside Baccanti restaurant, follow my Instagram for more travel inspiration.

What to Eat in Matera?

Matera has some specialties such as the huge Matera bread but you do not need to buy one whole loaf. It is usually served as part of the coperta especially in traditional restaurants or sometimes sprinkled as crumbs in a pasta dish. There are also different kinds of legume soup and meat dishes such as peasant lamb from the province of Matera. You can also buy dried sweet peppers or Peperoni Cruschi which is typical in the Basilicata region.

One traditional restaurant we recommend is Trattoria i due sassi which serves good value and delicious traditional dishes that is also in an excellent location in Sasso Caveoso.

Now that we've explored Sasso Caveoso, let's venture into another captivating district of Matera: Sasso Barisano!

Things to do in Sasso Barisano

View on Sasso Barisano

Sasso Barisano is another fascinating area of Matera that showcases its unique architectural heritage and offers delightful experiences. Here are some highlights:

1. Walking Tour of Sasso Barisano

Discover the hidden gems of Sasso Barisano by embarking on a walking tour led by knowledgeable guides. Explore its maze-like streets lined with ancient dwellings and learn about their historical significance. Most guided tours are focused on the more popular Sasso Caveoso but there is also a lot to discover in Sasso Barisano.

Check out this complete tour which combines the 2 districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano which will take 3.5 hours.

Check availability of this complete tour

Sasso Barisano is just as beautiful as Sasso Caveoso

2. Visit the Cathedral of Matera

The cathedral in Matera is an iconic landmark that represents both religious importance and architectural beauty. Its tower stands tall above the cityscape, offering magnificent panoramic views of Sasso Barisano and beyond.

Beside it lies Hotel Palazzo Gattini, known for its association with James Bond films—a perfect spot for movie enthusiasts seeking a touch of glamour.

3. Enjoy an Aperitivo with a View at Crialoss

Google Map pin: Crialoss Panoramic Cave

Indulge in a delightful Italian tradition by enjoying an aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink accompanied by small bites. Head to Crialoss, a charming bar with outdoor seating that offers panoramic views of Sasso Barisano. Sip on your favorite cocktail or try local wines while savoring the stunning vistas.

The place is popular and for a good reason so make sure to make a reservation especially during peak season.

4. Explore Palombaro Lungo

Ticket price: €3 (check if discount applies to you)

Google mapp pin: Piazza Vittorio

You wouldn't expect that this ancient cistern is located under one of the busiest plaza in Sasso Barisano. Uncover the fascinating underground world of Matera by visiting Palombaro Lungo. This remarkable underground cistern was once used to store water and is now open for visitors to explore. Marvel at its impressive architecture and gain insights into ancient water. The colorful lights make it more fascinating!

Where to Stay in Matera?

Matera offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's preferences and budget. Whether you're seeking luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodations, there's something for everyone in this enchanting city.

Luxury:

Palazzo Gattini - Indulge in a luxurious stay at this elegant hotel located near the cathedral. This is also the hotel where James Bond No Time to Die was filmed.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita - Another unique experience you can try is stay in a luxurious cave hotel. Immerse yourself in the unique experience of staying in restored cave dwellings transformed into luxurious rooms. This boutique hotel offers a blend of modern comfort and historic charm.
Il Belvedere: Stunning views of Matera from their terrace!

Mid-Range:

Hotel San Domenico Al Piano - Located in the heart of Matera's historic center, this stylish hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It also features a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views.
Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae Romanae - Experience the perfect combination of history and relaxation at this charming hotel set within an ancient cave complex. Unwind at their thermal spa after a day of exploration.

Budget:

Sassi Low Cost - as the name suggest, this is one of your few budget options that is within the sassi.
The Rock Hostel - For budget-conscious travelers, The Rock Hostel provides dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities while still allowing you to experience the unique ambiance of Matera's caves.

We prefer booking our accommodation with Booking.com in Italy. We noticed that the ones we see in Airbnb are also posted in Booking.com but with a better price, plus you get additional discounts in Booking.com the more you use it. On the other hand, Airbnb has unreasonable fees both for hosts and guests which doesn't have a cap even if you stay longer and doesn't even reward you for using it.

Final Thoughts

As you can see in our photos, Matera is truly magical. It is one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. We recommend not doing a day trip but staying for at least 2 nights so you can truly enjoy it. There is so much to do and everything our guide cannot be done in one day. There is no point to rush your stay here as the surrounding invite you to just relax, or learn about one of the oldest cities on earth. There are many things to do that aren't in this guide such as the MOOMA Olive Oil Museum, miniature museum and more so there is something for everyone.

I hope you had fun reading our travel guide and are excited for your next trip! But hold on a second! A quick reminder: always make sure you’re safe on your travels with a reliable travel medical insurance like SafetyWing. ️ It’s like having a helpful friend with you on your adventures, ready to help if things go wrong. So, let’s make our trips fun and safe at the same time! Happy and safe travels, everyone!

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Best Things to Do in Locorotondo, Puglia, Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:11:00 -0500

Locorotondo showed up in our searches as one of the prettiest towns in Puglia, Italy. We saw this right away as the train approached this charming borgo nestled atop a hill in the beautiful Itria Valley.

This idyllic town is known for its whitewashed buildings, quaint streets, distinctive trulli houses on the countryside and its unique architectural feature called cummerse roofs, which are pitched roofs that add to the town's character.

Locorotondo may be small enough to be visited on a day trip, but it can also be the perfect base to explore the Itria Valley. We stayed here for five nights as our third base in Puglia. Both Alberobello and Martina France are just a few minutes by train, although we decided to stay in both places for a couple of nights rather than just a day trip.

Here are some of the best things to do in Locorotondo:

Table of Contents

Stay in a Trullo

For an authentic and a countryside experience in Locorotondo, consider staying in a traditional trullo at Micele Holidays Don Antonio Trulli. These iconic cone-shaped houses offer a remarkable accommodation option that allows you to embrace the charm of the region.

We stayed in a 2-bedroom trullo and cummerse so we have a terrace. Since trulli are conical, it's unusual to find a balcony but the cummerse (sliding roof) connected to the trullo created a perfect balcony.

Trulli (trullo singular) are conical shaped roofs that are typical in the Apulia region, while cummerse are pitched or sliding roofs that are uniquely found in Locorotondo.

What sets Micele Holidays Don Antonio Trulli apart is not only their comfortable accommodations but also their luxurious amenities. You can indulge yourself with access to a spa and a heated pool, providing the perfect opportunity for relaxation amidst the tranquil countryside setting. Whether you choose to take a dip in the pool or pamper yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments, this retreat offers an exquisite level of comfort.

The resort is a large complex with three trulli apartments where you have your own front yard tables giving you privacy.

They have a huge parking space but is also close to the train station so you do not even need a car to get to this countryside accommodation. It's also just about 10 minutes walk to the old town.

Check for an Available Trullo and Cummerse apartment here

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Take a look inside the apartment in this video I took, best viewed in YouTube Shorts:

Explore the Historic Old Town

Take leisurely strolls through narrow alleyways lined with ancient stone buildings, allowing yourself to get lost among their labyrinthine paths. Each turn reveals hidden corners waiting to be discovered, offering unexpected surprises at every corner. Locorotondo's historic old town is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, showcasing the unique cummerse roofs or pitched roofs that are characteristic of the town.

To fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of this town, consider visiting some of its notable landmarks. The Church of San Giorgio Martire stands as a testament to Locorotondo's rich heritage with its stunning Baroque architecture. Step inside and marvel at its ornate interiors adorned with frescoes and intricate sculptures.

Another must-visit is Palazzo Morelli, an elegant mansion that showcases the grandeur of 18th-century aristocratic life with elegant balconies that line the alley.

Eat at a Fornello Pronto

Away from the old-town, a must-visit restaurent in Locorotondo is Gianfrate Carni Pregiate. It is a macelleria (butcher shop) that offers a unique concept typical in this part of Puglia known as "fornello pronto" where you can pick a meat from the butcher shop and they prepare it for you. You would know if butcher shops have this if they also have dining tables.

Step into Gianfrate Carne Pregiate and you'll immediately be greeted by the warm couple that's been running this macelleria for decades. We have bought some some deli from them previously so we know that the quality of the meat here is really good.

We picked a slice of dry aged beef, some sausages and bombette filled with chili and cheese. As we waited, the owner gave us some capocollo to try which is a ham typical from the Itria valley.

Pair your meal with a glass of locally produced wine for an even more delightful dining experience. Their primitivo red wine, which is from the region, paired perfectly with the steak.

Gianfrate Carni Pregiate

dining area

bought some capocollo to enjoy at our trullo apartment

Have Wine at Sunset

Experience a truly romantic setting at SíRose - Azienda Agricola di Bufano Vito, where you can savor wine while overlooking the breathtaking Itria Valley. The vineyard is just outside the historic center so you just have to walk to get here.

Nestled within the vineyard, you'll find a picturesque setup adorned with rows of blooming roses, creating an enchanting atmosphere. This charming spot is not only beloved by couples seeking a romantic getaway but is also a popular choice for locals celebrating bachelorette parties.

Whether you choose to indulge in a bottle of wine, a wine tasting experience, or simply enjoy a glass of their exquisite selection, the setting is perfect for creating unforgettable memories. As the sun sets in the horizon, casting a warm glow over the vineyard, the romantic ambiance reaches its peak, making it an ideal time to visit and bask in the beauty of the moment.

If you're interested in history and wine, check out this Locorotondo tour with wine tasting that also includes some typical Apulian food.

Go on a Day Trip to Alberobello & other towns

Alberobello is just a few minutes and one train station away from Locotorondo. We visited Alberobello on a day trip but we decided that we also wanted to stay there for a couple of nights. But if you do not have time, a day trip to Alberobello from Locorotondo is enough.

There is a lot of trulli holiday homes in Alberobello but the trulli in Locorotondo are much better value for money. Our huge countryside trullo is much cheaper than the one where we stayed at in the more popular Alberobello. If you want a more relaxed environment, then staying in a trullo in Locorotondo is for you as Alberobello tends to be very busy and more popular.

Due to its good train connections, you can also easily do a day trip to Martina Franca and other towns depending on how long you're willing to commute.

Shop at the Friday Local Market

This is the same market I wrote about in my other blog posts for the other Puglia towns as they move to different towns in the region throughout the week. These huge local market is in Locorotondo every Friday from 7:30am until 1pm. You can find fresh produce, local products and good quality clothes at affordable prices.

What makes this market special is it's located within the old town of Locorotondo, while the others are usually outside the old town.

Wrapping Up

Locorotondo has undoubtedly captured our hearts with its picturesque streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. The trulli resort of Micele Holiday was the perfect retreat and relaxation we wanted in the middle of our Puglia trip.

Exploring the historic old town, with its whitewashed streets and picturesque alleys, transports you to a bygone era. And for wine lovers, SíRose - Azienda Agricola di Bufano Vito provides a truly romantic experience.

We loved the relaxing and slow paced itinerary we did in Locorotondo. After all, you can truly appreciate the Apulian region of Italy by taking it slow like the locals do.

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Otranto, Italy: Things to Do on a Day Trip in the Coastal Town of Apulia

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 7 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0600

Otranto is a coastal gem on the Adriatic sea in the Apulia region of Italy. It is not only an ideal destination for a day trip but also worth considering for an extended stay.

Getting there by public transport: This day trip can be done even if you do not have a car. Otranto can be easily reached by bus or train from Lecce. We prefer the bus as it is direct. We were here during the shoulder season, so the only direct option was the bus operated by FSE (the train company) which only runs on Sundays as a rail replacement service. On other days, you can take the train but you will have to transfer and it takes more time.

The bus costs EUR 2.90 per person and takes 45 minutes from Lecce. The bus stop is near the train station and you have to buy tickets in advance either at the station or online (the trenitalia app works great).

If you are visiting in high season from mid June, there are direct trains as well as more buses operated by other companies that stop closer to the center. Always verify the schedule on Cotrap or the bus company website - we were warned by the tourist information that Google Maps shows a wrong schedule of buses that only operate in high season.

This blog post is a Do-It-Yourself day trip but if you want a more relaxed day trip that's already planned for you, you can check out this highly rated organized day trip from Lecce which includes private transfer and a tour guide:

Table of Contents

Explore the Old Town

Taking the first bus has its perks as we arrived on an empty historical centre. It was before 9am and most shops have just opened and tour groups have not yet arrived.

Admire the beautiful architecture, quaint shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, and perhaps even stumble upon hidden gems tucked away in unexpected corners.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata

Our first church stop is the incredible Otranto Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata. This stunning cathedral was built in the 11th century and is a true architectural wonder with fascinating Byzantine influences.

Inside, you'll be mesmerized by the mosaic floors with intricate designs and patterns. From admiring the mosaic floor, slowly look up. The cathedral's golden ceiling is adorned with beautiful religious motifs that will also leave you in awe. Search for the bones on the wall. And don't forget to explore the lower floor, where you'll find a crypt with frescoes on the wall.

Have a Sweet Breakfast

There are a number of cafes that line the narrow alleys of Otranto. We went to Borghi D' Otranto because of the outside seating where you can people watch or simply admire the charming street.

We had a freshly baked croissant (EUR 1.50) and a pasticciotto Leccese (EUR 2). We accompanied it with a cappuccino (EUR 2) and a creamy ginseng coffee (EUR 1.80).

Chiesa di San Pietro

Next on our itinerary is a visit to Chiesa di San Pietro, a small Byzantine church with exquisite frescoes. Step inside this charming place of worship and marvel at its artistic treasures.

They also provide some leaflets in different languages so take your time to absorb the historical significance of this hidden gem.

Castello Aragonese

As we continued our exploration, we can't miss the impressive sight of Otranto Castle - Castello Aragonese. While reviews suggest that the interior may not be worth the price, don't miss out on capturing panoramic views of the surrounding area from outside.

Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and imagine its historical significance as a defensive fortress guarding against invasions from centuries past.

Lunch at ICON Restaurant

For an exceptional lunch experience in Otranto, head over to ICON Restaurant. Their tantalizing lunch tasting menu is good value at EUR 28 or opt for the wine pairing option for EUR 38.

Their tasting menu is from the region, seasonal and creative. It was May and we had Polpette di Pulpo (octopus balls), Frisella di Mare (frisa bites with fish), Parmigiana Salentino, and Pasticciotto with creme brulee, apples and strawberry.

A degustation takes time so make sure you're not in a rush. Our lunch was almost 2 hours. Alternatively, their a la carte options looked interesting as well.

Return to Lecce

Our visit was cut short due to the heavy rain. We would have stayed for an aperitivo or maybe hang out at the beach if the weather was better. We decided to head back to the bus station and catch the 3 pm bus back to Lecce.

Or Stay Longer

We were based in Lecce but I can also imagine staying here for more than a day so as to enjoy the sunrise, sunset and avoid the day tripper crowd. This will also give you more time to explore and swim at the beaches nearby.

San Pietro Otranto is one of the good options I have checked that is right in the heart of the old town and rooms that offer a romantic view.

Summary

Start your day early: Catch the first bus from Lecce ensures you have ample time to explore all that Otranto has to offer.
Immerse yourself in history: Don't miss out the Otranto Cathedral and the castle
Take leisurely walks: Explore the charming streets and narrow alleys of Otranto, walk along the beautiful coast, allow yourself time to appreciate its unique ambiance.
Indulge in local flavors: Treat yourself to the delicious pastries and traditional dishes that Otranto has to offer.

So, whether you're planning a day trip or considering an extended stay, Otranto promises to captivate you with its coastal allure and rich history. Let this charming town be a part of your own travel story.

Safe travels and may Otranto's magic continue to inspire you on your journeys!

https://www.youtube.com/watch/sY1t8hVwBz8

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Discovering Apulia: from hidden gem to super tourist place

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 07:58:00 -0600

Hello to all my friends,

Some time ago, I used this blog, which I've now seen has returned, so I wanted to try this site to write something and share some photos as a memory of my old vacations spent in Puglia. I think I've talked about these vacations before; I'm not sure if I'll return this year because I have several issues with my mother who isn't doing well. But if I do return, I'll definitely share more photos with you.

One place that I absolutely loved was Castro Marina, which is essentially a district of Castro and is located along the famous Salento peninsula in Puglia. It's a place that at times reminded me a bit of Spain but also a bit of Morocco where I had been several years ago.

Most likely, a few years ago it was a lesser-known destination, but lately Puglia has become a very important spot not only for Italian tourism but even for international tourism. I have a friend who owns a local business there and he told me that recently there are many Americans and Arabs choosing this region of Italy.

Anyway, coming back to our topic, this place in Puglia is beautiful because it has a series of beaches with rugged rocks and you can also see many natural caves. As you can see, there is also a castle or rather what remains of the castle, which could also be something to visit. Personally, I haven't visited the castle because I'm not particularly drawn to culture and art; I prefer to enjoy the beach and nearby natural visits.

The downside, in my opinion, is the fact that on the beach you don't find the classic sand which is much more comfortable, especially if you want to lie down, but rather all rugged rocks. So, you need to be well-equipped.

Anyway, I definitely recommend this place. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it won't be a budget-friendly destination like it used to be, because with the increase in popularity among tourists, prices have risen quite a bit. However, my friend mentioned that there is a wide range of accommodation options, so you can still find good deals.

I hope you found this post interesting. It was great to write here again, and I must say that this site, which allows you to publish, is very well-organized and offers many useful tools to write a great post.

Goodbye everyone, see you soon!

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EuroVelo 7 - Verona to Peschiera del Garda 45 km

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 07:56:00 -0600

My first day in Verona started early because I was very excited to see where I ended up last night arriving late from the train station by taxi in this camping with an interesting name "Castel San Pietro" located somewhere on the higher grounds of Verona. I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

My italian home in Verona

I was curious to see the city of love waking up, bathed in the morning light and by good chance I was exactly in the best place for doing this from one of the camping terraces.

Buongiorno Verona!

As the name suggests "Camping Castel San Pietro is located in the area of the historic centre of Verona. This natural oasis, enclosed within the ancient city walls of Verona, is a large botanical garden that descends towards the city centre, reachable in 10 minutes on foot or with the cable car that connects the square of Castel San Pietro to the Ponte Pietra- Bridge."

The camping facilities are decent, nothing fancy but correct for the 22 EUR price/adult/pitch/day in 2022 considering the location and season.

Clean facilitiesLovely terrace to enjoy an Italian espressoMy breakfast for about 6 EUR

You can have breakfast on this lovely terrace with enough options to choose from their little grocery store located inside.

Cannot have asked for more And may be a second coffee with a view on the upper terrace? Why not!Love this camping already

Before checking out with my loaded bike which I'll go to pick up later, I decided to go for a light short walk in the historic centre of Verona since it was so close to the camping and still early.

Found the bike rental agency to which I'll return later to pick up my bikePonte Pietra, the entrance to the old townAdige waters a bit muddy this morning from the last night rainEverything is so quiet in the morningOh, that feeling of walking these streets for the first time...Scaliger tombs, gothic funerary monument from the 14th centuryFound Romeo's house at no. 4Piazza Independenza After Romeo, a visit to Juliet at no. 21 on Via Cappello was a mustAnd the famous Juliet's balcony

Actually Casa di Giulietta which is one of Verona's main turistic attractions was a former inn belonging to Cappello family which dates back to the 14th century. The Capulet family’s houses was not actually located here, but rather in the vicinity of the bank of the River Adige.

The famous balcony was later added in the 20th century after being retrieved from other medieval house which was demolished when the municipality had to build a dam to prevent the river from flooding the city. The director of the Verona Civic Museum at the time - Antonio Avena – placed it in the courtyard of the Cappello family’s tower-house, which had just been purchased by the city of Verona to be turned into a museum: thus Juliet’s balcony was born.

It is unknown if Shakespeare ever visited Verona or Italy, but his plays have lured many visitors to Verona and surrounding cities.

Juliette never actually existed but her statue is made from real bronzeIn the morning it's not so crowded, later it will be

Verona, the city of love is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since November 2000 because of its urban structure and architecture. Indeed Verona is a joy to discover on foot with so many well preserved buildings to see and its rich history to learn about.

Statue of Berto Barbarani in Piazza delle Erbe

Berto Barbarani, the poet of Verona born in 1872 was one of the most significant italian poets of the 20th century.

Piazza delle ErbeWalking on the old streets of Verona is like time travelView over Castel San Pietro

After a short two hours first walk in the old town of Verona, I think it's now time to pick up my rented bike from Itinera Bike & Travel and start this year's adventure on EuroVelo 7.

20 EUR/day for this nice red touring bike, helmet includedYou can rent an e-bike if this is what you prefer these daysLoaded and ready to go!

Now let's go discover the north of Italy together on EuroVelo 7, shall we?

Verona's tallest Medieval tower built in 1172 offering panoramic views

Since it was already in the afternoon by the time I packed everything and left the camping, I thought it's a good idea to grab something to eat on my way out of the city which luckily was through the centre where all the shops and restaurants are.

Can't leave Verona without having a gelato Arena di Verona, a roman amphitheater hosting operasCastelvecchio MuseumFinally on the open road again

From Verona I cycled mostly on secondary roads to Peschiera del Garda where I joined the EuroVelo 7 route.

Feeling like a "italiano" cycling along this beautiful countryside road

Cycling for the first time in Italy along this beautiful countryside road, a song by Toto Cutugno suddenly came to my mind which I used to listen a lot as a kid in my parents car while driving to my grandma for the holidays on the other side of my country. The good old days of the audio tape, limited songs and autoreverse.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S · L'Italiano Lasciate Mi Cantare - Toto Cutugno

Saluti a tutti!

Took this short cool off opportunity to look for a place to rest for tonight and luckily I found couple of campings outside of Peschiera on the shore of lake Garda, which is a very popular holiday destination.

Arrived on the left side of the Mincio riverCrossed the dam to the right side of Mincio to join the main routeBack on EuroVelo 7 again after one year and heading north to PeschieraThe fortress at Peschiera built between the 15th and 17th centuries

The town is encircled by massive Venetian defensive systems that have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 9 July 2017.

Didn't have much time to explore the fortress because it was already late when I arrived and my priority was to arrive at a camping site I found on Maps, but still very lucky to witness an amazing sunset on my way there.

Sunset over lake Garda

There are many campings north of Peschiera and luckily I found a spot for my tent in one of them just before it was getting dark outside. A shower and 30 minutes later I invited myself for dinner on this nice restaurant terrace near the lake. The menu choice was simple: pizza and beer for the cyclist!

I think I could probably cross Italy only running on this fuel :) Day 1 map: Verona to Peschiera del Garda 45 km

Full sunny days like this is what I love about bike touring, what's driving me to find a way to come back on EuroVelo each year, the unique blend of local natural and cultural elements and flavours plus a drop of adventure on top is what I love about cycling on EuroVelo and also my recommendation for you.

Until next time,

©Discover EuroVelo

All photos were taken with my iPhone 11 and Sony DSC-HX60V camera.

EuroVelo, the European Cycle Route Network are registered marks of ECF asbl.

I have no affiliation with EuroVelo or other organisations mentioned here, I am just a traveller sharing his bike touring trips, views and opinions.

EuroVelo is a network of 17 long distance cycle routes connecting and uniting the whole European continent totaling over 90,000 km of cycling itineraries.

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The Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy: Home of the Trulli

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:52:00 -0600

Welcome to Alberobello, a charming town in Apulia, Italy, known for its unique trulli houses. Step into a fairytale-like setting as you wander through the narrow streets lined with these centuries-old limestone dwellings. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey to discover the best attractions and experiences that Alberobello has to offer.

The following is a 3-day chill Itinerary but a lot of tourists do everything on a day trip. I encourage that you stay at least one night to experience the place during the best light at sunrise or sunset without the crowd. Most of the photos in this post were taken before day trippers arrive or when they have gone home because it can really get crowded during the day.

Table of Contents

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Stay in a Trulli Holiday Home

One of the most unique and unforgettable experiences you can have in Alberobello is staying in a trulli holiday home. These traditional Apulian dwellings are made of limestone and feature cone-shaped roofs.

Historically, one of the reasons these were made was to cleverly evade taxes.Trulli were made without mortar so these were easy to dismantle when tax assessors are in the area.

We had the pleasure of staying in the historical trulli zone. Our trulli holiday home by Trulli e Puglia resort is around 300 years old and is located in Rione Monti! It's a huge 2-bedroom home and there are at least 4 trulli or cone roofs above it since traditionally a trulli house is smaller.

As it's situated in one of the most photographed street and our trulli home is also a photogenic spot with the bicycle outside, it does get busy going in and out of the apartment. But we have a private patio within the trulli home and the place itself is quite sound proof.

Left: Entry to the trulli home

Right: Private patio and view

Waking up each morning surrounded by history is truly magical. The best part of staying here is being able to see Alberobello early or late enough that there are no crowds. It is the most magical times to be here.

We stayed for 2 nights here which is enough. If you plan to stay longer and even make Alberobello your base in Puglia, I recommend staying in a Trulli holiday home in Rione Aia Piccola which is less busy. More about this later.

Check out our apartment tour video, best viewed in YouTube Shorts:

Experience staying in a trulli home

Another beautiful option is Romantic Trulli. This was one of our options but they get booked out fast. We always pass by some of their trulli apartments with a romantic outside seating. Another photogenic spot in Alberobello.

Check Availability in Romanti Trulli

Explore Rione Monti - The Trulli Zone

No visit to Alberobello would be complete without exploring Rione Monti, also known as the Trulli Zone. Rione Monti is the oldest and most iconic district in Alberobello.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with narrow streets lined with clusters of trulli houses, restaurants and shops creating a fairytale-like setting that will leave you captivated.

Visit the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua

While exploring Alberobello, make sure to pay a visit to the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua. This charming church is not only a place of worship but also an architectural gem in its own right.

This church stands proudly among its cone-shaped counterparts. Step inside and marvel at its simple yet elegant interior adorned with religious icons and beautiful frescoes. The peaceful atmosphere invites contemplation and reflection.

Stroll Through Rione Aia Piccola

Another delightful area to explore in Alberobello is Rione Aia Piccola. This neighborhood offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the bustling Trulli Zone, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

As you wander through the picturesque streets of Rione Aia Piccola, you'll come across charming trulli houses that are equally captivating but with fewer crowds.

One highlight of this area is the opportunity to find excellent trulli holiday homes tucked away from the tourist hotspots. Imagine staying in one of these beautifully restored dwellings, enjoying privacy and serenity while still being within walking distance of Alberobello's main attractions.

We had difficulty finding it so check it in Google Maps

For longer stay or if you simply want a more quiet area, I recommend staying here. It's just walking distance to the busier Trulli zone and very close to some of the panoramic viewing areas. One holiday home that I would consider staying is the highly rated Trulli Holiday Deluxe & Wellness.

Marvel at the Largest Trullo - Trullo Sovrano

A visit to Alberobello would not be complete without a visit to Trullo Sovrano, which holds the title as the largest trullo in town.

Trullo Sovrano is the only trullo with two floors. It also houses a small museum where you can learn more about the history, a display of what the home looked like back then and construction techniques of trulli.

Discover the Smallest Trullo

In addition to marveling at the largest trullo, make sure to seek out the smallest trullo during your visit to Alberobello.

Located within Rione Monti, this miniature trullo is a souvenir shop. Patiently wait as other tourists check out the shop as not a lot of people can fit in this place.

Shop and Enjoy Panoramic Views

Some of the shops in Alberobello even have terraces that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the town and its iconic trulli rooftops.

While there is no obligation to make a purchase, many shops have donation boxes where you can contribute to help maintain these picturesque viewpoints. It's a small gesture that goes a long way in preserving the beauty of Alberobello for future visitors to enjoy.

View from one of the shops’ rooftop

Miniature Alberobello

Capture Stunning Panoramic Photos

Head up to elevated spots for sweeping views over clusters of trulli against the backdrop of Apulia's rolling hills. The golden hour at sunrise or sunset casts a magical glow upon the landscape, creating perfect lighting conditions for capturing Instagram-worthy shots.

Here are the Google Map Pins for the best viewpoints

Trulli Panoramic View

This is the first viewpoint you will see as you enter Alberobello but it is usually crowded.

Villa Communale Belvedere Parco

This is one of the best place to sit an enjoy the panoramic view. It is less crowded as well. Below were taken on differenttimes of the day

Experience the Thursday Market

This is the fourth time we've seen this bustling market as they move around Apulia region during the week, and we have been to different towns that we made as our base for a few days to a few weeks and we never got tired checking out this weekly market.

This market is located outside the tourist zone but still walking distance. From 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., you will find busy streets lined with stalls or trucks with fresh produce, local products and good quality clothes at affordable prices.

Bought my straw hat from the market

Take a Peaceful Stroll at Night

One of the most romantic things to do is walk around Alberobello at night. Some trulli shine with fairy lights and there's just a few people around this time as most visitors are here for a day trip.

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Discovering Puglia: from hidden gem to super tourist place

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:56:00 -0600

Hello to all my friends,

Goodbye everyone, see you soon!

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My Bitter Experience in "Lecco City, Lake Como" - Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 16:54:00 -0600

I always write about good travel experiences whenever I write about my travel journey or the locations I explored. But sometimes behind the story I skip or just don't like to recall them. I guess it's not just me, many do the same. Traveling without hassle is kinda fairytale because the fun part is you definitely gonna face some problems while you are traveling. I think many of you can relate to that. Even if you plan everything before the journey, sometimes it doesn't go according to the plan and that's the fun part. Today I am going to share an experience with you that not only makes me regret my decision but also I feel angry about it whenever I think about it.

Last summer I mean this summer 2023, when we were on our vacation to Switzerland and Italy trip, one of our destinations was Lake Como, Italy. Yes, the famous Lake Como people talk about social media and post a lot of photos and videos. During our trip, I was so excited about Lake Como after seeing all of those photos and videos; also planned what to do what not to do, where to go; almost everything. However, my biggest mistake was not understanding the detailed location of Lake Como or the details of Lake Como.

So, when the day arrived we drove from Milan to Lake Como by car and decided to spend the entire day at Lake Como. Like I said without any research, I went there thinking it was a city/village located near Lake Como where I would walk and explore. Before ranting about my exploration, I would say Lake Como really is a picturesque and gorgeous lake area located against the foothills of the Alps. Como City is located at the bottom of south east branch of the lake. It's true what you see on social media, beautiful villages like Onno, Bellagio, Lecco, etc located at Lake Como. As I said earlier, I thought it was an entire city or village, but I didn't know that to visit villages, either you need a water boat or you have to visit there by car.

So our tour guide or group guide drove to a location called "Valmadrera", a commune in the province of Lecco. It's a town basically and our car left us in an area called "Giardini pubblici con giochi", a local park. At first, I was so confused about what was happening, and our entire group was confused as well like me. It was summertime so everyone was sunbathing in the park and some were swimming. So, at first, we all scattered and decided to see the surroundings. We didn't find anything worthy of seeing almost for 3 hours.

Unfortunately, locals don't speak English, they only speak the Italian language so it was very difficult to figure out what we gonna do, and how to explore Lake Como. Well, our tour guide left us and went somewhere else without saying anything to us. All we could do was sit in the park and watch the big Alps mountains in front of us. My internet connection was also so bad that day, what an unlucky day was it. Suddenly I noticed waterboats coming and going, a small docking area. We went there and it was too late already when we figured out that there were so many villages and small towns nearby and a boat was needed to go to those areas. Well, better late than never, we started waiting for the boat. People were asking where we wanted to go, and which village/ town we wanted to see but because I didn't do any research and was feeling exhausted because of the heat, I couldn't say anything. Even at that moment, I didn't know the name of the village called Bellagio and Como where I wanted to go so badly.

The biggest problem of social media is, that it basically writes about Lake Como but never mention clearly the village or town name and how to get there. Well, I didn't know who to blame, our tour guide who just left us somewhere near Lake Como or the social media for misinformation, or, just myself.

After one hour of waiting near the docking area, finally the boat arrived. We finally decided that we would see the lake and its surrounding scenario and would spend leftover time in Lecco City which was nearby. Unfortunately, unplanned trips are always like that and I realized it that day. Until we figured out, it was too late to see places. We had a time limit for the tour guide because he would eventually pick us up from Valmadrera.

My mood was already spoiled and I was very upset so I didn't take photos or anything. I was just looking at the huge Alps mountains and small tiny villages picture from the boat.

We took the wrong boat and we didn't even know that. Like I said nobody there speaks English. Normally from Valmadrera to Lecco city, it takes 20 minutes by boat but we took that boat which takes 60 minutes to reach Lecco because it goes to different villages and then its last stop is Lecco. So another hour was wasted in the lake. When we reached Lecco city, we were already tired and had only 55 minutes to see the city because we had to catch the boat again.

The city was crowded, a lot of tourists were strolling around, taking photos, and having dinner/lunch. We decided to walk a little bit near the lake because one hour is not enough to see a city. Basically, you cannot do anything within one hour if you don't know the city.

Not only me, but our entire group was upset because nobody did the research.

We started to see around, basically wandering around without any plan. Things happened, disaster happened and sometimes unplanned things happened. We didn't find anyone to blame because we should have asked or done some research before coming here.

Lecco city is nice, so much to see but yes, we were already late and had no time to see unique locations.

I know it's not the way I explore the city. At that moment, my mind was full of sadness because I didn't expect to have such a horrible day. I felt like a fool.

Lecco City is one of three sections that form Lake Como. To be honest, the city is really nice to spend time. You can enjoy the harbor area, and beautiful mountains and can go kayaking, and swim in the lake. From far away I saw the Church of Saint Nicolò, you can see it in the photos. Luckily I went to the city center which was not far away from the lakeside area and saw Piazza XX Settembre, in the centre of the town, and the San Martino mountain. source

Piazza XX Settembre (can't pronounce it) is the old town city center surrounded by old buildings and restaurants. From the center part, you can see beautiful Alps mountains and the Church of Saint Nicolò. During summer a lot of tourists spend their time there. Most of the buildings are neo-classical style architecture. One part of this square is linked to the lake (Piazza Cermenati) and the other part is connected to Piazza Garibaldi.

We did go to Piazza Garibaldi later but I figured that out later. source

This is Piazza Garibaldi and from here you can also see a glimpse of the Alps mountain. Many shops, and supermarkets are located here and I liked the cobbled walkways. It's not like a pebbled path, it was smooth and well-finished materials.

I don't know what to say or how to explain the feeling I felt at that moment being in Lecco. Obviously, it was not what I expected or had planned for Lake Como but something is better than nothing. Instead of running all day in the park at Valmadrera, we managed to see something. I have regret and upsetness about the Lake Como trip but still, I consider it as a lesson. Sometimes you have to accept reality and my mistake was, that I couldn't realize that time was running and instead of enjoying and accepting fate, I complained a lot.

My wishlist is not fulfilled so I wanna go back to Lake Como again but this time definitely I will have a proper plan.

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Molinetto della Croda in the province of Treviso Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 16:53:00 -0600

A really beautiful and enchanting place that in a certain way reminds us a little of fairy tales, this water ulino is still fully functional and is located in a lesser known place in the Veneto region.

I am a lucky girl because I live right near Treviso so I am a few kilometers from this mill.

This mill still dates back to 1600 and remained in operation until 1953 only to be unfortunately abandoned, fortunately after a few years, the municipality of Refrontolo bought it, invested money to restore it and today it is possible to visit it and it is fortunately still in operation.

This beautiful frame that you see in the photo has also been installed to be able to take beautiful photos to share on social networks.

This beautiful mill also represents an opportunity in my opinion to be able to explore the Prosecco hills and its numerous villages that populate it and from this place numerous paths depart to travel the old tracks that the miners used to do.

During the opening days it is possible to visit the interior of the Mill where the Antica Macina was rebuilt but above all they have created a museum that tells a little about the history of this mill season by season Admission is paid and costs 3 euro.

I am really happy that this cultural heritage has been recovered and can be visited because I who have visited it several times is always a wonderful experience.

The beauty, however, is not only visiting the ancient mill but also the surrounding landscape which is very naturalistic.

I leave you under the official website of the Mill so that if you have to plan a visit you have all the information you need to do it.

https://www.molinettodellacroda.it/

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Visit to the Soave Castle (Verona) - Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:53:00 -0600

The Soave Castle is located in the province of Verona and is considered one of the most important castles in the whole of Veneto

Although I live nearby it had been several years since I hadn't visited it, I think my last visit was when I was still 15, now I'm almost 40 so it's been enough time.

courtyard

The castle was built in 1379 by the will of cansignorio della Scala, naturally over the years it passed from hand to various families, when unfortunately in 1500 it was set on fire at the end of the Republic of Venice, but then it was bought by an important noble family of the area and let's say that towards at the end of 1800 it was recovered to bring it to its ancient splendor and still be open to visitors today.

You enter from a small entrance that has been created in the walls because the main entrance is almost always closed and it is the one where we find the drawbridge.

You immediately enter the large courtyard but inside there are two, the first where there are also the remains of a small church, and the second which leads to the main building.

staircase leading to the keep tower

In the second courtyard where there is the staircase to climb the walkway that leads to the keep tower that served as a prison, there is the house of the captain who was the one who directed the castle and took care of the defense of the valley.

Unfortunately, for issues related to covid-19, it is no longer possible to enter this house which housed the original furnishings of the time and the ancient armor that have come down to our days.

keep tower

It is right to say a few words about the use of this keep tower which, in addition to serving as a prison, unfortunately, those condemned to death were thrown down from above.

In fact, under the base of the tower many skeletons of people were found, so its function was not only to offer a sighting point of view, but also an instrument of death.

the visit lasts about an hour is a fairly small building so in a short time you can make this visit I also recommend you to visit the Borgo di Soave which is located at the foot of this castle in fact there is a beautiful walk that starts from Borgo and go up to the castle I leave you below the video I made a few months ago.

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Galatina and Gallipoli Day Trip Itinerary from Lecce, Puglia, Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Wed, 7 Jan 2026 07:49:00 -0600

Welcome to Italy, the land of timeless beauty, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine!

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 3 Jan 2026 16:49:00 -0600

Welcome to Italy, the land of timeless beauty, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine! From the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, Italy offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Prepare to be captivated by its stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Italy is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought, and the magnificent Leaning Tower of Pisa. Explore the wonders of art in Florence at the renowned Uffizi Gallery or admire Michelangelo's masterpiece in Vatican City's Sistine Chapel. Keep in mind that popular places such as Venice can get very busy, especially in high season. To avoid the crowds, opt for beautiful, but less-visited regions such as Basilicata or Puglia.

Indulge your taste buds with authentic Italian cuisine. Feast on mouthwatering pasta dishes like spaghetti alle vongole or savor a slice of traditional Neapolitan pizza. Don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of local wine from vineyards that date back centuries.

Immerse yourself in Italian culture as you stroll through charming cobblestone streets lined with quaint cafés and boutique shops. Experience la dolce vita (the sweet life) as you relax at a sidewalk café with an espresso or gelato in hand.

Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, cruising along picturesque coastlines, or simply enjoying an afternoon siesta under the Mediterranean sun, Italy will leave an indelible mark on your heart

Weekend in the countryside of Latina: Terracina and Fossanova

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 18:08:00 -0600

It's been a long time since I wrote on Hive, and I would like to do it, for once, without too many frills, telling you about the last weekend spent in the countryside around Latina, between Terracina and Fossanova.

Together with my partner we went to discover a real gem of Lazio. We visited the Fossanova Abbey, which is famous because Saint Thomas Aquinas spent his last hours there before dying.

The Fossanova Abbey was built in the 19th century and still retains its originality typical of the Benedictine monks who founded and maintained it over the centuries.

The style is very simple and bare, but for this reason it wants to recall the sacredness, without giving too much importance to large decorations and gaudy motifs.

The beauty of this medieval village and its Abbey lies in the Church, in the large spaces and high vaults, so tending to the spiritual, in the tranquility of the cloister and in the beauty of its geometry and simplicity.

We were lucky because we had the opportunity to visit the church that was being prepared for a wedding but, having arrived very early in the morning, we were able to visit both the church and the interior spaces of the Abbey, without visitors and in total tranquility, in the typical silence of the Benedictine monks.

We visited the chapel where the relics of Saint Thomas are kept and we had the opportunity to discover his story thanks to a series of explanatory and illustrative panels of his history and that of the abbey.

From 2022 to 2025, according to the Vatican State, there is the possibility of receiving plenary indulgence; penitent visitors who vacate the threshold of the Chapel of St. Thomas, will have to recite a series of prayers subject to certain principles and rules to be observed in order to have the validity of the indulgence by the Church.

Just outside the abbey, inside the medieval village there are small shops dedicated to visitors; in particular a small bakery that was opening at that moment, intrigued us and we were dragged inside by the smell that emanated.

The lady who ran the bakery had just baked some magnificent chocolate sweets, and we stayed inside to get a little greedy. In the end, we couldn't help but buy lots of sweets and biscuits.

There was truly something for every taste: cinnamon biscuits, chocolate biscuits in coconut flour chocolates, corn flour and much more.

We took a bit of everything and in particular I was tempted by the biscuits that she had just baked: the chocolate peaches that we brought as a gift to my parents' house.

In addition to having typical and quality products, the shop had a very particular and unique decor because it used old antique furniture to showcase all the products for sale, emphasizing the importance of the local tradition of baked goods and more.

We were very satisfied with this short but intense visit to Fossanova which is a very particular village, unique in its kind, easily reachable from Rome. This short visit of ours was interspersed with our walks along the beach of Terracina, at sunset. A pleasant discovery that I recommend to anyone passing through those parts.
I use pinmapple to give you the location of the place:

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Explore the Mystical and Romantic Venice on a Budget!

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:50:31 -0600

The day trip to beautiful Venice.

Who doesn’t want to visit Venice?

Explore the mystic and romantic town of Venice, Italy on a Budget. We all want that and now I want to show you that its possible for less than 40 euros for 1 day for two persons.

The city that is a must see and one that shows up in the search option on google to visit when in the north of Italy is ofcourse VENICE.

The city of love, gondolas with singing gondeliers, and know for its beautiful buildings , the unique houses in the water of the many canals and the San Marco square.

We went there and it wasn’t the first but it’s always like you are there for the first time. It’s mystical and romantic. The character of this unique place is everywhere!

Today I want to give some travel advice to go into the city of love , quick and easy for a day at a rate of 35 euros with 1 car. ( counted two persons )

From our place to Venice parking near the harbour

From Desenzano del Garda to Venice its 1 hour and 44 minutes by car. There is a train option aswell. Because we came with a car here we choose to go by car. I made sandwiches and took some fresh cold bottles of water with me. Its very hot so a summer outfit is adviced and sunscreen might be an good one aswell. I forgot a little umbrella or a poncho and that was a mistake.

The heavy rain at lunch was the reason I was soaked in Venice. But he I danced in the rain and the pictures were cool. I was so happy to be back again.

Source: thetrainline.com / but you can buy a ticket at any station

We choose to go the route with the toll roads, it’s less busy. For 4 euro it’s also the quickest in this case.

After an hour and 45 minutes the harbour and the huge parking lots are visible from the road. You arrive in Venice over the large entry bridge. The Venice letters on the road are your guide to romance and history today. In the far you see the cruise ships, not near the city but at tender distance and for us a sight for our eyes. We never on the cruises we did with the famous italian shipping company MSC, docked in Venice but we will some day.

the tickets of the great day in Venice

Back to the city trip…. You enter Venice from the large entry bridge and stay on the right to park at TRONCHETTO VENEZIA PARKING. A huge parking lot where you have multiple layers to park and thats where you wanna be. The floors have signs and numbers and its adviced to take a picture when you park so you can easily find the car when you return. The parking has toilets and elevators. You can also buy a drink at the soda machines. Its adviced to not leave any thing of value in the car. The fact that its in sight might attrack the non tourist kind of people that will ruin your day when they break into your car. After you parked your car you walk to the left side ( also the exit when you leave ) and go to the VENEZIA UNICA ~ PEOPLE MOVER. That is the train ( electric ) that will take you to Venice waters and the central bus station in 5 minutes. It has three stops.

The stops are the parking, the cruise terminal and the busstation, the exit into Venice.

the ticket is 1,50 one way and you can sit and enjoy the short ride on the train.

When you exit the train at the third stop end the end of this train line, you go outside and take the stairs into the square top the bridge and enter the city of love for a day. Ofcourse there are plenty of romantic getaways and great hotels, but for us its a day trip.

This is the exit from people mover and the the train from the parking lot to one of the many bridges that will take you into Venice city centre.

You see many tourists with suitcases and bags, always beware of pickpockets. When you go on tik tok you will see that there is a war against the people that are doing this, and you see how refined they work. Its wise to go and see, I learned a lot. Just type in pickpocket Venice and you will see the lady with the whistle, and her “attenzione borsesatrice, pickpockets” or something its hilarious ( sorry my italian is not the best )

All your day has cost untill now is toll ( 4 euros ) parking for up to 24 hours ( total of 25 euros ) and the train ~ the people mover ( 1,50 per ride per person ) so 6 in total for two people.

Its a great trip for 35 euros. ( we drive electric so no gas ) That is if you don’t buy gifts, souvenirs and drink a beer on san Marco square. For the budget people , take your own water, freeze it and take sandwiches. If you go by train its similar in price as you saw at the beginning of the blog. The exit is a little bit further into the city, opposite of the waterbusses. I hope you like the advice for a trip to Venice and enjoy the romance. If you haven’t ever visited Venice, you have to make time and plan this. Its something you have to see, and when you do please tag me, so I can visit your blog and travel with you while reading.

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Wint'ry weather in Tuscany - Small walks

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 18:07:00 -0600

Soft snow envelops everything in this little town close to San Marcello Pistoiese, just a bit off the most famous ski tracks of Abetone. The town seems dormant with all this soft snow, there wasn't many people this saturday and most of the shops and restaurants were closed. Contrary to what I belived here is more of a summer venue for tourist while Abetone have many visitors on both seasons.

We enjoyed the walk around the silent town and played with snowballs, and came back all dirty and wet(it was tollerable as the weather was kinda dry on that day!) to the only bar open in the center of the city.

We got to eat some stuffed frozen pizza and wine in the only place that was open but the waitress was super nice with us and there was quite a small town atmosphere up there that we ended up enjoying the meal even if it wasn't anything fancy. After we walked back down to the cars and drived back to Pistoia.

Wint'ry weather in Tuscany - Small walks

The weather this days is on default grey with some glourius sunny hours I found this two photos that I took around in Capalle the first with the pilons sprouting up from the grasslands and the iron leaf fences of a garden close to the center of Firenze.For no particular reason other then I found they match and tell perfectly how the weather is going these days.

Mushrooms PillarsThe iron leaves

On a side note I want to say that I do really like how travelfeed has evolved in such a short amount of time, grats to the devs. The map feature is really cool and I really like the way the layout is right now. One thing I hope is in the works is an option to draw eventual routes of the travels other then the putting a pin at one position only. I would really like to show on the already cool map the way and paths that have been taken in some journeys!

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Naples is a Scary Place

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 18:03:00 -0600

But it is kinda a special he?

This city is dirty and full of homeless people: a lot of them allegedly emigrated from Africa. I've read that the mafia has a major influence in the town and that here their laws apply. Holes made by bullets in a shop window or in an entrance door are not a rare sight. Just like security or police located close to ATM machines to make sure that your money withdrawal really stays yours. But what I miss the most is that there is no greenery. I haven't seen a single green park where I could go jogging. Every now and then I ask myself: “Where am I wandering?” I’ve surprised myself because I’m not locked in an apartment, all scared and hiding under the blanket. Well, even though nothing happened to me, it's still a horrible feeling. When panic hits me, I just look at Ian. His calmness instantly affects me. We decided to visit a nearby castle, so I could see a nicer side of this city. A view from the top of the castle opened up widely. Silently, I watched this big city and the majestic Mount Vesuvius in the background. He explained to me that Vesuvius is still alive and an eruption considered a threat. That made me think about the connection Naples-Vesuvius and I can say that the city radiates the energy of the volcano. Here, the people live in uncertainty. They don't know if evacuation will happen in their lifetime, or it will be a part of the next generation. It may also never happen. No one knows. Volcano aside, each one of us has an uncertain future: what matters is how you handle the present. What if someone went on a journey and lost everything due to the eruption? How would he accept this fate and the hint of the gods? Would he become angry and devastated or would he realize that he is the lucky one because his life has been spared?

Exploring the streets has become great fun and I’ve got rid of the unjustified fear. What if we somehow influence bad things happening to us just by thinking about them? The best way to comfort my soul when I host my own pity party is a good dessert: it always has been and it always will be. Some things just don't change. There is nothing that a gourmet dessert can't fix. And here, I can choose from a wide variety of sweets. The streets are full of pastry shops: everything looks yummy and it's hard to decide which one to pick. However, what about the famous pizza?

We were wandering in a small street and looking for a good place, where you get that real Italian pizza. In some restaurants, you can see pictures of famous persons, who were eating there. However, our attention was drawn to a pizza place with a long waiting line. Well, if everybody’s waiting just to get some pizza, it must be good! And it really was. There, I ate the best pizza of my life. The crusty and soft dough, and, at the same time, just a few tasty fresh ingredients on the top. Oh, the place was called Gino Sorbillo. Newt time I will tell you more about this yummy pizza.

Buildings are something special in here

The biggest question is, would I return to Naples? Yes, a million times. I know how our imagination is playing with us and probably some Mafia-influenced movies left something on us as well but I wanna see more and taste it more in detail. Next time we will dive deeper into Napoli flavors and try to know more about the people who are nice, I bet.

Lock on a lock with a lock...

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Teatro Manzoni: Pistoia, ITALY

noreply@blogger.com (Fausto Baccino) — Sat, 6 Dec 2025 18:01:00 -0600

Another little memory from the last year in Europe... this time from a trip to Italy, in the very pleasant region of Pistoia. We had a last concert of a tour here, and we had stayed in a pleasant villa just outside of the town... which also led to an early morning plane flight that I had written about quite a long time ago.

Anyway, the Teatro Manzoni, a little theatre which has a concert series. You can find many of these places in these Italian towns... little old theatres that have managed to last through the decades and centuries. Oddly enough, many of them look very similar on the inside!

So, this is the theatre as pictured from the stage... box seats on the top and a general seating on the bottom... unfortunately, unraked, so it makes it a bit difficult for audiences to see well. It is more of a speaking theatre than a music one... the difference in acoustic is quite profound for a musician (or an actor). The speaking theatres usually emphasise a dryer acoustic, and one that maximises for clarity... whilst a music place will have a slightly wetter acoustic that is better for blending.

Obviously, as a musician, I do prefer a place that has a wetter acoustic.. the dry ones are a bit harsh and quite difficult to play in. On the other hand, with the dryer acoustics, you can play around more with the softer end of the dynamic range of instruments.

The stage was a bit cramped for a full orchestra and choir... perhaps a chamber ensemble would work better here?

Anyway, I had mentioned that the audience seats weren't raked... but instead, the stage is slightly sloped to help with sightlines for the audience. This is quite a common trick for spoken word theatres... but it is pretty annoying as a musician... especially if you are sitting down!

Still, it was a nice place to play in... even if the acoustic wasn't the best.... at least the sound shell helped a bit! And often, when you are in less than ideal conditions... well, you just step up and make it work! Well... that is probably the better strategy rather than a righteous crank-out!

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